Bilbao & Rioja 5-day Itinerary
Spain
Where to go and what to see in Bilbao & the Rioja Wine Region – a 5-day itinerary from destination expert and travel writer Dana Facaros.
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Overview >Bucket list experience:
Ribera Market
Last updated: 10 November, 2022
Foodies will love this hangout in Bilbao’s old town: one of the biggest covered markets in the world, it’s a lush, colourful extravaganza of wonderfully fresh produce.
Enormous, hanging hams, gawping fish slung on crushed ice, pungent shellfish, piles of glossy fruit – and even some sit-in wine bars, where you can order a glass and a plate of pintxos (Basque-style tapas).
Built in 1929, the design still has lots of gorgeous Art Deco touches, modernised by escalators, hip tiling and communal wooden benches to eat at.
Even if you haven’t got a kitchen, come down to get an education in Basque cuisine – or assemble some tasty local treats for a picnic in the sun.
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Destination Guide >Recommended itineraries by our writers that include this experience
Bilbao 3-day Itinerary
Spain
Where to go and what to see in Bilbao to get the most from your trip – a 3-day itinerary from destination expert and travel writer Dana Facaros.
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Overview >Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 13+
When: All year around
Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Hotel Carlton
Bilbao, Basque Country, Spain[1.1 miles]
This elegant, central grand dame from the 1920s is full of character – and almost next door to the Guggenheim.
Official star rating:
Gran Hotel Domine Bilbao
Bilbao, Basque Country, Spain[1.5 miles]
Chic, arty, five-star hotel in Bilbao – right on the doorstep of the city’s Guggenheim Museum.
Official star rating:
Hotel Miro
Bilbao, Basque Country, Spain[1.6 miles]
This smart little design hotel has a warm welcome, contemporary art and dazzling views of the Guggenheim Bilbao.
Official star rating:
Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Basque Country
Basque Country, Spain
Fascinating ancient traditions, world-famous gourmet treats, Spain’s finest wine region and a gorgeous golden coastline.
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Bilbao
Basque Country, Spain
Renowned for its Guggenheim Museum and edgy arts scene, this northern Spanish city has delicious Basque food and nearby golden beaches.
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Overview >Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
Guggenheim Museum Bilbao
Bilbao, Basque Country, Spain[1.6 miles]
A world-famous art gallery housing some of the world’s most important contemporary art exhibitions. In Frank Gehry’s striking swirl of a building.
Best for ages: 18+ | £22
Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..
Experience
Basque Museum of Bilbao
Bilbao, Basque Country, Spain[0.4 miles]
A Basque ethnographic museum in the old part of Bilbao dedicated to the culture and history of one of Europe’s oldest peoples. Closed on Tuesdays.
Best for ages: 18+ | £5
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Experience
Bilbao Museum of Fine Arts
Bilbao, Basque Country, Spain[1.6 miles]
Bilbao’s fine arts museum boasts a superb collection of masterpieces, from El Greco and Zurburan to Gaugin and Francis Bacon.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
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Experience
Bilbao Maritime Museum
Bilbao, Basque Country, Spain[2.1 miles]
This recently-added museum hosts special exhibitions dedicated to Bilbao’s seafaring and shipbuilding past.
Best for ages: 13+ | £5
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Bilbao’s beaches [Hiking & tandem skydiving]
Bilbao, Basque Country, Spain[15.9 miles]
North of Bilbao, the Atlantic coast is lined with cliffs, stunning lookouts and beautiful beaches, perfect for an afternoon walk, swimming, surfing or even paragliding – all in easy reach of the city metro.
Best for ages: 6+ | Free
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