Bilbao Walking Tour: Explore Top Sights & Hidden Gems

Highlights

Inclusions

Itinerary

1. A magnificent neobaroque theatre inspired by the Paris Opera, the Arriaga Theatre is a true architectural gem of Bilbao. Inaugurated in 1890, it stands out with its grand façade and ornate interior, making it one of the city's most iconic landmarks.

   20 min

2. The Church of San Nicolás de Bari, designed by Ignacio Ibero, is located in a prime area of Bilbao, close to Areatza Park and the Arriaga Theatre. Built between 1743 and 1756, this historical church is a symbol of Bilbao’s early development along the Nervión River.

   10 min

3. The impressive BBVA building, formerly the Banco de Bilbao, was designed by French architect Eugène Lavalle in the mid-19th century. With its Beaux-Arts style, this grand structure on Plaza de San Nicolás is a testament to the city’s evolving financial history.

   10 min

4. Bidebarrieta Library, named after the "new road" built in 1483, is a beautiful cultural hub located in a historic building. It offers visitors a quiet space to explore literature and engage in cultural events, reflecting Bilbao's rich heritage.

   10 min

5. Situated in Bilbao’s Old Town, Plaza Nueva is a stunning Neoclassical square with 18 arches on two sides. Built in the 19th century, it represents the enlightened spirit of the time and remains a lively spot for locals and visitors alike.

   10 min

6. Bilbao’s Old Town, or Zazpikaleak, is a charming maze of seven streets full of history. Each street, named after the old trades that once defined the area, offers a unique glimpse into the city’s past, from Somera to Barrenkale.

   10 min

7. The Solokoetxe elevator provides a convenient link between Bilbao’s Old Town and the hillside neighborhood of Solokoetxe. This modern lift offers stunning views and an easy way to reach higher ground.

   10 min

8. Solokoetxe is a peaceful neighborhood perched above the Old Town, blending quiet streets with heavy traffic due to its strategic location. Its architecture and vibrant atmosphere make it an intriguing part of the city.

   10 min

9. Built in the mid-15th century, the Church of San Antón combines Gothic elements with various architectural styles. It is the oldest church in Bilbao, with archaeological finds showing it predates the city's founding in 1300.

   10 min

10. Located by the Bilbao estuary, Mercado de la Ribera is a spacious and light-filled market known for its eclectic design. With no internal columns and large Art Deco features, it creates a bright, welcoming atmosphere for visitors to explore its diverse offerings.

    10 min

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.

Reviews

Ratings come from 2 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.

Know before you go

How it compares in Bilbao

• Its from-price is 75% below the median of the 330 experiences we list in Bilbao.
• It is shorter than most of them.
• By number of reviews it ranks 143 of 330.
• The operator lists free cancellation on it.

About Bilbao

Bilbao is a Basque city on the Nervión River, a former industrial port reborn around a titanium-clad art museum and an old quarter of pintxo bars.

Bilbao grew rich on iron ore and shipbuilding, and its industrial riverside has been turned to culture. The Guggenheim Museum, designed by Frank Gehry and covered in titanium, curves beside the river, with a giant flower-covered dog and a spider sculpture outside. The Fine Arts Museum, in a park nearby, and the Zubizuri footbridge by Santiago Calatrava are other stops.

Top-ranked sights in Bilbao: Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, Casco Viejo, Bilbao's Santiago Cathedral.

See all 330 experiences in Bilbao