A Weekend in Bilbao: Art, Pintxos and the Old Town

Destination: Bilbao, SpainCreated by: Moo_The_TrotterLast updated: 4th October 2026
Bilbao suits a weekend built around modern art and pintxos, with the Guggenheim as the big draw. This two-day route pairs the riverfront and old town with a hilltop view, plus extra ideas for a longer stay.
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Day 1 — Old Town and Riverside

Casco Viejo

Neighbourhood, Core Attraction
Begin among the old town’s seven streets, keeping the morning on foot. The cathedral, riverside and Plaza Nueva are all close enough to explore without transport.
Image of Plaza Nueva

Plaza Nueva

Public Plaza
Make the arcaded square your lunch stop for pintxos: choose a few small bites from the bars rather than settling into a long sit-down meal. Come back in the evening if you want a livelier atmosphere.
Image of Arriaga Plaza

Arriaga Plaza

Public Plaza
Walk out to the river beside the Arriaga Theatre for a view back towards the old town. Continue along the bank before returning to the cathedral streets.
Image of St. James' Cathedral

St. James' Cathedral

Place of Worship, History Landmark
The Gothic cathedral sits in the heart of Casco Viejo. Its facade and surrounding lanes make a useful short stop; go inside if church architecture interests you.
Day 2 — Guggenheim and Ensanche
Image of Guggenheim Museum Bilbao

Guggenheim Museum Bilbao

Museum, Art Museum
Make the museum the main visit of the second day, then walk around the exterior sculptures and riverside terraces. The galleries normally open Tuesday to Sunday, so keep this day off Monday.
Image of La Salve Bridge

La Salve Bridge

Bridge, History Landmark
Walk beneath La Salve’s red arch for another view of the Guggenheim and the river. This is a short stop along the waterfront, not a separate attraction visit.
Image of Zubizuri

Zubizuri

Attraction, Core Attraction
Follow the north bank east from the Guggenheim to the white footbridge. Plaza del Funicular, the starting point for the ride to Artxanda, is a short walk inland.

Mirador de Artxanda

Viewpoint, Core Attraction
Ride the funicular from Plaza del Funicular to the ridge above Bilbao. The short journey leads to a broad view of the river, city rooftops and surrounding hills.
Image of Azkuna Zentroa

Azkuna Zentroa

Arts Centre, Performance Culture
Return from Artxanda and cross into Ensanche for this former wine warehouse turned cultural centre. Look at the varied columns in the central hall, then stay nearby for dinner.
Optional extras
Image of Vizcaya Transporter Bridge

Vizcaya Transporter Bridge

Attraction, Core Attraction
Take the metro towards Portugalete or Getxo for the transporter bridge over the estuary. Pair it with the riverside and old streets for a half-day outing beyond central Bilbao.
Image of Gernika Peace Museum

Gernika Peace Museum

Museum
Choose Gernika for a day trip focused on the town’s bombing and Basque history. The Peace Museum is the main visit; add the assembly house and town centre rather than combining it with another excursion.
Image of Bilbao Fine Arts Museum

Bilbao Fine Arts Museum

Museum, Art Museum
Choose this for more painting and sculpture, in place of part of the second afternoon. It pairs naturally with a walk through nearby Doña Casilda park.