Here’s the ultimate 3-day Bilbao itinerary to help you enjoy the city and its nearby gems, based on my personal experience.

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An Ultimate 3 days in Bilbao Itinerary

What is unique about Bilbao?

I have a curious story about Bilbao, quite similar to my experience with Seville. For some reason, neither city impressed me much on my first visit, though both did on the second. With Seville, the fact that I didn’t fall under the city’s charm right away had a lot to do with visiting in August as a typical tourist, enduring 45°C (113 °F) heat. However, with Bilbao, I still don’t have a clear explanation.

I first visited the city in 2011 and couldn’t understand the hype about it – yes, the Guggenheim Museum’s structure was impressive, and the Basque architecture looked unique, but I couldn’t see why anyone would choose Bilbao when San Sebastian was nearby. Yet, this year I returned to Bilbao as part of a longer Basque Country itinerary, and I was smitten. Either I’ve changed, or Bilbao has.

Best place to stay in Bilbao

Bilbao offers a wide range of accommodations from luxury hotels to budget-friendly stays. The trendiest hotels in the city are Carlton, Ilunion San Mamés, and Meliá Bilbao. The popular mid-range picks are Hotel Gran Bilbao, Sercotel Ayala, Hotel Artetxe, and Pensión Plaza Nueva. A great budget-friendly option is Inside Bilbao Apartments.

An ultimate 3-day Itinerary for Bilbao and its surroundings

Bilbao is the perfect starting point for an unforgettable 3-day itinerary. While you can easily spend two full days exploring the city, I haven’t regretted for a second venturing out on day trips. The landmarks surrounding Bilbao are simply too unique to miss.

Day 1: The City of Bilbao

Bilbao is a perfect starting point not only for exploring the region but also for road trips across Northern Spain. The city’s highlights include the Guggenheim, local museums and art centers, pintxos in the Old Town, and the Jazz Center Bilbao. You can check out my detailed 1-day Bilbao itinerary in this post.

Day 2: Gaztelugatxe and Bermeo

The best thing to do on your second day in Bilbao is to explore the stunning Basque coast, including the famous Gaztelugatxe and the picturesque village of Bermeo.

Vising Gaztelugatxe

Gaztelugatxe is known as one of the most stunning landscapes in all of Spain, and its popularity skyrocketed after it was featured as Dragonstone in Game of Thrones. This isolated islet is connected to the mainland by a long stone bridge, offering a breathtaking location with dramatic cliffs and views of the Atlantic Ocean that seem straight out of a storybook. Gaztelugatxe is home to a small hermitage dedicated to St. John the Baptist. The hike to the top of the islet involves climbing around 230 steps, so it’s important to wear comfortable shoes, especially since the path can get slippery when it rains. However, the panoramic views make the effort well worth it.

To reach Gaztelugatxe, you’ll need to travel by car. It’s about a 40-minute drive (35 km) from Bilbao, and there are parking areas near the entrance. From there, it’s a 30-minute walk to the hermitage. Alternatively, you can book an organized tour from Bilbao.

• San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, walk along the Basque coast (check availability)
• San Juan de Gaztelugatxe and Txakoli Wine Day Trip (check availability)

The fishing village of Bermeo

The fishing village of Bermeo is considered one of the most charming places along the coast of Northern Spain. It’s known for its colorful houses and rich maritime history. You can stroll around the harbor and visit the Puerto Viejo (Old Port) area and the Museo del Mar (Maritime Museum) to learn more about the town’s fishing heritage, including its role in the Basque whaling industry.

Another must-do is enjoying fresh seafood at one of the local restaurants. Try traditional merluza a la vasca (Basque-style hake) or indulge in a seafood platter with grilled squid, anchovies, and shrimp. Some of the best restaurants in Bermeo are Almiketxu and Toki-Alai.

Day 3: Guernica and Lekeitio

A day in Guernica

On your final day, I recommend visiting Guernica, one of the most important places in Basque history. I must admit that this small town completely exceeded my initial expectations, and the visit helped me gain a deeper understanding of Basque culture and history. While Guernica is internationally famous due to Picasso’s iconic painting, which depicts the horrors of the Spanish Civil War, it’s also known for being heavily bombed by Spanish dictator Francisco Franco in 1937. This attack, known as the Bombing of Guernica, was one of the first aerial bombings of a civilian target in modern warfare, causing widespread destruction and civilian casualties. The attack became a symbol of the horrors of war, especially the targeting of innocent civilians.

The Guernica Peace Museum provides an in-depth look at the historical significance of the town, and I found the visit extremely educational. It’s essential to understand the complicated relationship many Basque people still have with the official Spanish government. Many historians claim that Franco chose to target Guernica deliberately, and once you visit, you can clearly understand why. This small town has always been a symbol of Basque autonomy and has deep symbolic meaning to the locals. It has historically been home to the Basque Parliament and the Tree of Guernica, a symbol of Basque liberties and their traditional self-government. By targeting Guernica, Franco sought to strike not only a military target but also a symbol of Basque nationalism and resistance to his regime.

I also found the visit to the Guernica Assembly House, where the Tree of Guernica is located, extremely unique. While the current tree is a descendant of the original, which was believed to have been planted in the 14th century, the site remains a symbol of Basque independence and democratic values. Another must-see is the impressive Guernica Air Raid Shelters. At the local tourist office, you can book a guided tour to visit inside. The tour usually starts around 10:30 AM, and prior booking is required.

To get to Guernica from Bilbao, you can either take a bus or drive. I visited Guernica by car and parked near the Pueblos de Europa park, which is known for its famous sculptures by Eduardo Chillida and Henry Moore. The bus is another popular option, with regular services departing from the Bilbao Termibus station. The journey takes about 40 minutes.

Guernica is a very walkable town, so you can easily stroll around to visit all the local sights. I was pleasantly surprised to discover many traditional tavernas serving pintxos, so you can enjoy a delicious local meal during your day trip. Some of the best places to eat in Guernica are 1000kolorau and Taberna Auzokoa.

The village of Lekeitio

While I was initially unsure whether to visit Lekeitio, its convenient location on the same road that takes one from Bilbao to Guernica – just a bit farther – made it a perfect spot to combine with a day trip to Guernica. Lekeitio is also well known in the region as one of the most picturesque seaside towns on the Basque coast, famous for its stunning beaches, medieval architecture, and vibrant fishing port.

It’s a great place to spend a relaxed afternoon. During my last visit in May, it was extremely quiet, making it perfect for a peaceful coastal walk. You can visit the Iglesia de Santa María, with its Gothic-style architecture, or enjoy a leisurely stroll along the promenade. Lekeitio is also an ideal spot to enjoy a beautiful sunset.

Local Tips for this 3-day Bilbao Itinerary

While for this 3-day Bilbao itinerary I suggest spending one day in the city and dedicating two days to exploring nearby gems, you can also do it the other way around and spend two days in the city with a one-day trip. When booking a day trips from Bilbao, you’ll notice that many companies combine visits to Gaztelugatxe and Guernica, which, in my opinion, is too rushed, as both places deserve to be explored at a slower pace.

Also, while renting a car in Bilbao offers the flexibility to see things at your own pace, keep in mind the additional cost of road tolls, which are common in Northern Spain. Also, while you can visit San Sebastian on a day trip from Bilbao, if you have time – I recommend dedicating another weekend to San Sebastian.

Best Day Tours from Bilbao

• San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, walk along the Basque coast (check availability)
• San Juan de Gaztelugatxe and Txakoli Wine Day Trip (check availability)
• Biarritz, Saint Jean de Luz, San Sebastian Tour (check availability)
• Gaztelugatxe, Bermeo and Gernika Day Trip (check availability)
• Rioja Architecture and Wine Tour (check availability)

Is Bilbao worth visiting?

I highly recommend visiting Bilbao to any traveler in Northern Spain, which is saying a lot considering I didn’t enjoy the city during my first visit almost 10 years ago. However, this year, I realized how cool Bilbao actually is. The architecture is absolutely unique, blending traditional Basque heritage with modern, high-tech buildings in a way that’s surprisingly appealing, even to the most discerning eye. Beyond the Guggenheim, Bilbao offers several interesting museums, like the Fine Arts Museum and Azkuna Zentroa (which were free and open to the public). Driving in the city was easy, and parking in the center was budget-friendly – something rare in Spanish cities these days.

There are plenty of unique cafés and pintxo bars in Bilbao that rival even the famous ones in San Sebastian. The accommodation I booked offered excellent value for money. On top of that, after visiting the Jazz Centre Bilbao, known for its unique performances combining jazz with local and Latin influences, I felt like Bilbao is becoming the artsy hub of northern Spain. So, as you can see, finding drawbacks during my last visit was not easy!

In the video below, I share my honest comparison between Bilbao and San Sebastián, highlighting the must-do experiences to fill out your itinerary – from the iconic Guggenheim to the best pintxos bars, day trips like Gaztelugatxe, and a practical budget parking tip that will save you money during your stay.

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