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What to do in Bilbao for 3 days
Three days in Bilbao give you plenty of time to explore, or at least enough, if you plan your itinerary right. The key is to spread out your visits in a balanced way, so you can hit all the highlights without rushing. That way, you’ll have time to really enjoy each spot, wander through the streets, grab a drink, and even leave a little room for spontaneity.
On day one, we’ll dive into Bilbao’s modern and cultural side, with the Guggenheim Museum as the star of the show. Day two takes us into the city’s historic heart, full of charm, narrow streets, and local flavor. And on the third day, we’ll head just outside the city to soak in some incredible landscapes.
Here’s a quick breakdown of this 3-day Bilbao itinerary to help you make the most of your trip:
- Day 1: Guggenheim Museum, Doña Casilda Iturrizar Park, Centro-Abando.
- Day 2: Iralabarri neighborhood, Old Town (Casco Viejo), Paseo del Arenal.
- Day 3: Artxanda Viewpoint, Vizcaya Bridge, Sopelana Beach.
🎟️ If you want to get a deeper feel for Bilbao, this free walking tour is a great option. It’s a fun and budget-friendly way to learn fascinating facts about the city’s history and culture. It’s actually one of the best free tours you can take in Bilbao!
Day 1 of 3 days in Bilbao
Your first day in Bilbao will take you through the city’s more modern side, the one that really came to life after its major urban transformation. The star of the day is, of course, the iconic Guggenheim Museum, but you’ll also make your way to one of the city’s most beautiful parks and a neighborhood that blends local life with a touch of urban elegance.
Get ready for a day full of art, architecture, green spaces, and all-around great vibes.
Day 1 highlights:
- Guggenheim Museum Bilbao.
- Doña Casilda Iturrizar Park.
- Centro–Abando
Guggenheim Museum Bilbao
The Guggenheim is so much more than just a museum, it’s a symbol of Bilbao’s transformation. Once an industrial city, Bilbao has reinvented itself as one of northern Spain’s most vibrant cultural and tourist destinations, and the Guggenheim played a huge role in that rebirth.
From the moment you see it, the building itself will grab your attention. Its curved, metallic, and asymmetrical shapes seem to shift depending on the light, and catching its reflection in the river is a truly unforgettable sight.
Inside, the museum is just as impressive. It houses an outstanding collection of contemporary art, featuring works by artists like Richard Serra, Jenny Holzer, Yves Klein, and many more. There’s a mix of permanent installations and rotating exhibitions that keep things fresh and current.
Don’t skip the walk around the outside; you’ll find iconic sculptures like Puppy, the La Salve Bridge, and the towering spider Maman. And if you’re in the mood for a drink or a bite after your visit, there are plenty of inviting terraces nearby to relax and soak it all in.
🛏️ If you’re still looking for a place to stay during your trip to Bilbao, I highly recommend this 4-star hotel where we stayed. The room was spacious with a large window, the location was great, and they served a buffet breakfast every morning. You’ll find more recommendations below.
Doña Casilda Iturrizar Park
The next stop on this 3-day Bilbao itinerary is the city center’s green oasis: Doña Casilda Park. It’s a romantic-style park with shady paths, ponds, fountains, and landscaped gardens; the perfect spot to take a break and relax for a bit. This is one of the oldest and most beloved parks in Bilbao.
It was created in the early 20th century on land donated by Doña Casilda de Iturrizar, a well-known and much-loved local figure remembered for her generosity. That’s where the park gets its name.
Right next to the park is the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum, so if you’re in the mood to add a bit more culture to your day, it’s just steps away. As you stroll through the park, you’ll also come across decorative features like the cybernetic fountain and the charming music pavilion.
Centro-Abando
Next, we head to one of Bilbao’s most elegant and lively neighborhoods: Abando. This area is the city’s bustling heart and one of the best spots to get a feel for how Bilbao has evolved over the past few decades.
Here, you’ll find grand historic buildings, charming boutiques, cozy bookstores, inviting cafés, lively bars, art galleries, offices, and all kinds of shops. It’s also a perfect spot to just wander around without any plans, soaking up the local vibe and watching the city’s everyday rhythm.
The main artery running through Abando is Gran Vía Don Diego López de Haro, Bilbao’s most iconic boulevard. It connects two key squares: Plaza Circular and Plaza Moyúa. Along the avenue, you’ll see stunning modernist façades and a carefully preserved, vibrant atmosphere.
In Plaza Moyúa, right in the middle of the neighborhood, take a moment to admire the central fountain and the beautifully landscaped flower beds, surrounded by notable buildings like the Hotel Carlton, where some of Bilbao’s most famous figures once stayed.
By the time you reach this part of the day, if you’re ready for dinner, you’re in the perfect spot. Abando is packed with pintxos bars, wine shops, and restaurants serving both traditional and modern Basque cuisine; an ideal way to wrap up the first day of our Bilbao itinerary!
Day 2 of 3 days in Bilbao
After a first day exploring Bilbao’s modern and artistic side, today we’re diving into the city’s more authentic, traditional heart.
We’ll start in one of the city’s most charming and lesser-known neighborhoods, then make our way into the historic Old Town, and finish the day by the river in one of the liveliest spots to enjoy an evening stroll. Get ready to fall even more in love with Bilbao.
Day 2 highlights:
- Iralabarri neighborhood.
- Old Town (Casco Viejo).
- Paseo del Arenal.
Iralabarri neighborhood
We’ll start day two with a visit that often gets overlooked in most guides but is truly special. Personally, I think it’s a hidden gem.
Iralabarri is a residential neighborhood built in the early 1900s as a workers’ colony. Its architecture is striking because it feels like a little English village: rows of cozy houses, pitched roofs, colorful façades, and gardens. It has a vibe that’s completely different from the rest of Bilbao.
The neighborhood was developed by Tomás de Echeverría, a Bilbao businessman who was inspired by British residential models of the time to create decent homes for the workers at his factory. One of the prettiest streets is Zuberoa, which is a great place to start your visit.
And of course, be sure to respect the neighbors while you’re there.
Bilbao Old Town (Casco Viejo)
From Irala, you can easily walk down to the heart of Bilbao: the Casco Viejo, or Old Town.
Here, you’ll wander through the “Seven Streets”. This is the name given to the original medieval streets that formed the old town: Somera, Artekale, Tendería, Belostikale, Carnicería Vieja, Barrenkale, and Barrenkale Barrena. The historic layout is still intact, so it’s easy to get lost in its charm and enjoy the experience without a map.
To get there from Iralabarri, I recommend a stroll across the San Antón Bridge, right next to which stands the Church of San Antón.
One must-see spot in this area is Plaza Nueva, one of the liveliest squares in the historic center. If you visit during aperitivo time, you’ll find it buzzing with people enjoying drinks in the sun and trying pintxos from the bars lining the arcades.
Another highlight you won’t want to miss is the Gothic-style Santiago Cathedral, dating back to medieval times. And if you love markets, stop by Mercado de la Ribera, a riverside building that’s one of the largest covered markets in Europe. Inside, you’ll find food stalls and a seating area with great views; perfect for taking a break!
Paseo del Arenal
We’ll wrap up the day with a stroll along one of Bilbao’s most beautiful and open spaces: the Paseo del Arenal. It goes along the river and is very close to the Old Town. Lined with trees and benches, it’s a lovely spot that connects the city’s historic area with its modern part.
Before you start your walk, make sure to stop by the Arriaga Theater, one of Bilbao’s most stunning buildings with its neobaroque façade. You’ll also pass by the iconic Zubizuri Bridge nearby.
If you’re in the mood to end the day on a relaxed note, cross the Arenal Bridge and grab a seat at one of the outdoor terraces. Or, if the weather’s nice, consider taking a boat ride along the river; it’s a beautiful way to see Bilbao from a whole new angle.
Day 3 of 3 days in Bilbao
For your third and final day in Bilbao, I suggest a more laid-back plan focused on soaking up the city’s beautiful landscapes and nature.
You’ll start with a visit to a viewpoint that offers stunning views of Bilbao, then head to one of Spain’s most impressive bridges, and finish the day breathing in the fresh Cantabrian sea air at a gorgeous beach.
If you’re up for it, you can even extend the day with a trip to one of the most magical spots along the Basque coast; a perfect way to wrap up your adventure!
Day 3 highlights:
- Artxanda Viewpoint.
- Vizcaya Bridge.
- Sopelana Beach.
Artxanda Viewpoint
We’ll start our last day by heading up to the Artxanda Viewpoint, where you get amazing views over Bilbao. The easiest and most scenic way to get there is by taking the Artxanda funicular, which departs from Plaza del Funicular, just across the Zubizuri Bridge.
Once you’re up top, you’ll find the iconic Bilbao letters and the best panoramic view of the city. It’s the perfect spot to take in the unique blend that makes Bilbao (and the Basque Country) so special. Plus, there are plenty of benches, sculptures, and trails to enjoy a peaceful walk and soak it all in.
Vizcaya Bridge
From downtown Bilbao, you can take public transportation to Portugalete, home to one of the most fascinating and impressive structures in the area: the Vizcaya Bridge.
Not only has it been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2006, but it’s also the oldest working transporter bridge in the world.
Opened in 1893, it still carries people and cars between Portugalete and Getxo using a hanging gondola that glides back and forth, suspended by steel cables.
Crossing it is quite the experience. You can ride in the gondola or take the stairs or elevator up to the walkway above, about 45 meters high. From there, the views of the river mouth, shipyards, and the surrounding industrial landscape are absolutely breathtaking.
Sopelana Beach
After exploring all the urban sights Bilbao has to offer, I invite you to take a trip to one of the most beautiful spots near Bilbao: Sopelana.
Sopelana Beach is one of the most stunning and popular beaches along the Biscay coast. It’s easy to get there by metro from Bilbao or by car if you have one.
The beach has a wild, natural vibe, with cliffs and waves that surfers love. If the weather’s nice, it’s a perfect place to spend the afternoon, whether you’re walking along the shore, soaking up the ocean views, or just relaxing on the sand.
There are a few charming beach bars nearby, so you can even put together a spontaneous picnic while you watch the sunset. Plus, several trails start from the beach, winding along the cliffs and offering spectacular views, ideal for a scenic hike.
💡 If you want to make the most of your 3 days in Bilbao, I’d suggest a trip to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, one of the Basque Country’s most iconic spots. This little chapel on a rocky island has become quite popular lately, but its history and breathtaking setting have been captivating visitors for centuries. You can fo there on your own or join a guided tour that also takes you to Guernica and Bermeo.
Where to stay in Bilbao
Bilbao isn’t a very large city in terms of size, but it offers plenty of accommodation options. Getting from one neighborhood to another is pretty easy, whether you’re walking or using public transportation. That said, picking the right area to stay in Bilbao is still important.
In my opinion, the best spots to stay are right in the city center, either in Abando or the Old Town (Casco Viejo). If you’re looking for a quieter, more local vibe, neighborhoods like Indautxu or Deusto are great choices. It all depends on the kind of trip you’re planning.
Here are some of our top hotel picks in Bilbao:
- Hesperia Bilbao. We stayed at this 4-star hotel across the river and really liked it. The location is great, and the room was fantastic.
- Hotel Bilbao Plaza. A well-located 2-star option with single and double rooms. They offer breakfast, plus there’s a bar and a terrace.
- Hotel Tayko Bilbao. A beautiful 4-star hotel right in the Old Town, with single rooms, doubles, and suites. It also features a bar, restaurant, gym, and breakfast service.
Map: 3-day Bilbao itinerary
Here’s a map with all the spots mentioned in this itinerary. It’ll help you get a clear picture of each day’s route, plan your trips around the city, and keep everything handy during your visit.
We hope this guide on what to do in Bilbao for 3 days has been really helpful for planning your trip.
If you have less time to spend in Bilbao, be sure to check out this one-day itinerary and this other plan for exploring the city in two days.
