What to do in Bilbao in 2 days: the essential guide to falling in love with the city

Is it possible to discover Bilbao in 48 hours? Sometimes a weekend is all it takes to understand why this city leaves such a lasting impression. Bilbao is lived along the riverbanks, savoured at bars overflowing with pintxos, and understood by walking between contemporary architecture and streets steeped in centuries of history. If you have a couple of days, the itinerary we propose will allow you to connect with its essence and enjoy every moment without unnecessary rush. And, of course, we recommend a strategically located hotel that will turn your stay into an unforgettable experience.

Day 1: The river, art and the Bilbao that looks to the future

The first day is ideal for exploring Bilbao at its most iconic, the side of the city that opens up to the world through the river and has turned architecture and culture into its greatest calling card.

Guggenheim Museum and its surroundings

The route begins next to the Guggenheim Museum. Frank Gehry’s titanium-clad building marked a turning point in the city’s recent history. Even if art is not your thing and you decide not to go inside, a walk around the exterior is well worth it: Puppy, Jeff Koons’ floral sculpture, and Maman, Louise Bourgeois’ imposing spider, are already part of Bilbao’s collective imagination.



Walking along this stretch of the river helps you understand how Bilbao has managed to transform its industrial past into an open, modern and vibrant space.

From the river to the historic heart

Following the course of the Nervión, the walk leads you towards the historic centre. The route is pleasant and gradually reveals some of the city’s most interesting contrasts. Classical buildings, characterful bridges and a changing atmosphere appear little by little, all without breaking the harmony.

The Arriaga Theatre, inspired by the Paris Opera, marks the entrance to an area where tradition once again takes centre stage. Just a few steps away, the Concordia Station will surprise you with its modernist aesthetic, lesser known but highly photogenic.

Arriaga Theatre. Image taken from its official website https://www.teatroarriaga.eus/

Casco Viejo and Ribera Market

From the Concordia Station, the walk continues to the heart of the Casco Viejo, where the famous “Seven Streets” invite you to wander aimlessly among lively squares and bars where gastronomy is enjoyed on a small scale.

The Santiago Cathedral, Plaza Nueva and the church and bridge of San Antón are all part of a route best enjoyed without watching the clock. Very close by, the Ribera Market offers a perfect blend of tradition and modern life, with stalls selling local produce and spaces where you can enjoy pintxos while looking out over the river.

Plaza Nueva.

Sunset by the water

As the day begins to fade, crossing over to Muelle Martzana is a great way to end the day. The riverside terraces and the light reflected on the water create one of those magical moments that define a journey.

Dinner at Kondutxo Restaurant

From Muelle Martzana, continue your walk upriver, following the banks of the Nervión. This pleasant 25-minute stroll allows you to keep enjoying the city’s atmosphere as evening falls. Walking beside the water, with Bilbao slowing its pace, is the perfect prelude to rounding off the day with a memorable dining experience. At the end of the route awaits the Kondutxo Restaurant, at the Vincci Consulado de Bilbao 4*, where local cuisine is interpreted with a contemporary and approachable approach, ideal for closing the day with all the flavour of the north.

Day 2: Viewpoints, parks and everyday Bilbao

For the second day, we have combined elevated viewpoints, green spaces and neighbourhoods that show you the city’s daily life.

Bilbao from Artxanda

Heading up to the Artxanda viewpoint allows you to take in the city as a whole. The funicular quickly connects you to this elevated spot, from where you can admire the river, the bridges and the mix of architectural styles that define Bilbao. It is the perfect place to start the day.

Bridges and urban strolls

Back in the city centre, cross the Zubizuri Bridge to add a contemporary touch to your visit, as Calatrava’s footbridge tends to spark divided opinions.

From here, you can continue your walk through the Ensanche district, with its wide streets and elegant buildings. The Gran Vía, Plaza Moyúa and the Provincial Council Palace reveal Bilbao’s more stately side, ideal for wandering without a fixed plan and stopping whenever something catches your eye.

Provincial Council Palace of Bilbao.

Azkuna Zentroa and Doña Casilda

The former wine warehouse transformed into Azkuna Zentroa is a great example of how the city reuses its heritage. Its interior surprises visitors with its design and the cultural activity it hosts.

Very close by, the Doña Casilda Park offers a welcome green break. We recommend taking a stroll among its ponds and pathways.

Final hours between culture and gastronomy

If time allows, the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum is a highly recommended visit to complete the cultural experience. And as a farewell, there is nothing better than returning to the Casco Viejo or another lively area of the city centre to enjoy some final pintxos and a glass of txakoli.

Stay at Vincci Consulado de Bilbao 4* to experience the city to the fullest

Choosing the right accommodation can make all the difference. Located opposite the river and just a few minutes from the Guggenheim, our Vincci Consulado de Bilbao 4* is an ideal base for exploring the city on foot.

Its contemporary design engages in dialogue with the surroundings, while its rooms and communal areas are designed for relaxing after a full day of sightseeing. From here, Bilbao’s cultural, gastronomic and urban highlights are always within easy reach.

Practical tips for a perfect getaway

Bilbao can easily be explored on foot, although public transport makes longer journeys more convenient. Spring and early autumn are particularly pleasant times to visit, although the city retains its appeal all year round. Book tickets and accommodation in advance.

Two days are enough to fall in love with Bilbao. Its contrasts, its way of looking to the future without forgetting its roots, and that very special way of enjoying life around a table make you want to return. And when a trip calls for accommodation that lives up to the destination, Vincci Hoteles always enhances the experience with spaces designed for rest, locations that connect you with the city, and that attention to detail that turns a getaway into a lasting memory.

"Come. Be surprised. Discover more than 40 four- and five-star hotels where every experience is unique. Open your eyes. Look around. Enjoy the most privileged locations. See. Touch. Feel a design and style that can be appreciated in every detail. Rest. Relax. Let yourself be looked after by a service where you are at the centre. Dream. Smile. Live. You are in a Vincci"

TRAVEL.LIVE.VINCCI