Bilbao Spain | BEST Things To Do in Bilbao es|Top 15 MUST-See Places + Hidden GEMS 2025 Travel Guide
Planning your trip to Bilbao Spain? Our 2025 travel guide covers the 15 best things to do in Bilbao Spain, from its historic Casco Viejo to stunning modern architecture and breathtaking coastal day trips. This guide has all the top attractions in the Basque Country, including the spectacular San Juan de Gaztelugatxe (a Game of Thrones location), the elegant city of San Sebastián, and the unique Flysch Route. Find all the essential tips and must-see sights for your ultimate Spanish Basque Country adventure.
00:20 – Wander Through the Casco Viejo (Old Town)
🚶♀️ Wander the medieval “Seven Streets” of the Casco Viejo (Old Town), a labyrinth of charming shops and bustling pintxos bars.
🔗 Here: https://www.getyourguide.com/s/?q=Bilbao%20Old%20Town&partner_id=HF75GAQ
01:15 – Climb the Steps at San Juan de Gaztelugatxe
🏰 Visit the spectacular island of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, a Game of Thrones location, connected to the mainland by a magnificent stone bridge.
🔗 Here: https://www.getyourguide.com/s/?q=San%20Juan%20de%20Gaztelugatxe&partner_id=HF75GAQ
02:10 – Cross the Border to the French Basque Coast
🇫🇷 Take a day trip to the French Basque Coast to see the glamorous surf town of Biarritz and the picturesque fishing port of Saint-Jean-de-Luz.
🔗 Here: https://www.getyourguide.com/s/?q=French%20Basque%20Coast%20from%20Bilbao&partner_id=HF75GAQ
03:23 – Explore the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve
🌳 Visit this stunning UNESCO-protected estuary, a paradise for nature lovers
🔗 Here: https://www.getyourguide.com/s/?q=Urdaibai%20Biosphere%20Reserve&partner_id=HF75GAQ
04:21 – Walk Across the Zubizuri Bridge
🌉 Walk across the Zubizuri (“White Bridge”), an icon of modern Bilbao designed by Santiago Calatrava to resemble a sailboat.
🔗 Here: https://www.getyourguide.com/s/?q=Bilbao&partner_id=HF75GAQ
05:16 – Take a Day Trip to San Sebastián
✨ Day trip to the elegant coastal city of San Sebastián, famous for its beautiful Playa de la Concha beach and world-renowned pintxos bars.
🔗 Here: https://www.getyourguide.com/s/?q=San%20Sebastian%20from%20Bilbao&partner_id=HF75GAQ
06:06 – Visit the Salt Valley of Añana
🧂 For a unique landscape, visit the Valle Salado de Añana, where thousands of salt pans on wooden terraces cascade down a valley.
🔗 Here: https://www.getyourguide.com/s/?q=Salt%20Valley%20of%20Anana&partner_id=HF75GAQ
07:00 – Walk the Flysch Route in Zumaia
🌊 At the beach in Zumaia, discover a unique geological phenomenon known as ‘flysch’, where incredible layers of rock strata jut out from the sand.
🔗 Here: https://www.getyourguide.com/s/?q=Flysch%20Route%20Zumaia&partner_id=HF75GAQ
07:53 – Explore the Coastal Town of Lekeitio
⚓ Visit the authentic fishing town of Lekeitio and walk across a causeway at low tide to visit San Nicolás Island.
🔗 Here: https://www.getyourguide.com/s/?q=Lekeitio&partner_id=HF75GAQ
08:41 – Visit Getxo and the Vizcaya Bridge
🚡 Take the metro to Getxo to see the Vizcaya Bridge, the world’s oldest transporter bridge and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
🔗 Here: https://www.getyourguide.com/s/?q=Vizcaya%20Bridge&partner_id=HF75GAQ
09:34 – Enjoy the Beaches Near Bilbao
🏖️ Take a short metro ride to the coast. Visit the family-friendly bay of Plentzia or the more rugged beaches of Sopelana, a hotspot for surfing.
🔗 Here: https://www.getyourguide.com/s/?q=beaches%20near%20Bilbao&partner_id=HF75GAQ
10:25 – Discover the Coast of Castro Urdiales
⛪ Take a day trip to Castro Urdiales to see its magnificent Gothic church and medieval castle standing dramatically on a rocky headland.
🔗 Here: https://www.getyourguide.com/s/?q=Castro%20Urdiales&partner_id=HF75GAQ
11:18 – Visit the Surfing Town of Zarautz
🏄 Visit Zarautz, famous for having the longest beach in the region (2.5km), known as “The Queen of Beaches” and a top surfing destination.
🔗 Here: https://www.getyourguide.com/s/?q=Zarautz&partner_id=HF75GAQ
12:12 – Take a Day Trip to the Rioja Wine Region
🍷 A day trip to La Rioja, Spain’s most famous wine region, offers a landscape of rolling hills and endless vineyards.
🔗 Here: https://www.getyourguide.com/s/?q=Rioja%20from%20Bilbao&partner_id=HF75GAQ
13:05 – Discover the Clifftop Village of Elantxobe
🏘️ Visit the dramatic fishing village of Elantxobe
🔗 Here: https://www.getyourguide.com/s/?q=Elantxobe&partner_id=HF75GAQ
❓ Quick FAQs
What is there to do in Bilbao’s Old Town? Wander the “Seven Streets” and enjoy the many pintxos bars.
How difficult is the walk at San Juan de Gaztelugatxe? Moderately difficult, with over 240 stone steps to climb.
What is San Sebastián famous for? Its beautiful Playa de la Concha beach and incredible pintxos bars.
What is the flysch route? A stretch of coast near Zumaia with incredible exposed rock strata visible at low tide.
How does the Vizcaya Bridge work? A hanging gondola carries cars and people across the river.
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