Bucket list trip:
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.
Editor note – Dana has not included specific recommendations of where to stay each day unless it’s necessary. Instead, see the ‘Where to stay’ section in our Bilbao destination guide.
Start with the titanium marvel – Frank Gehry’s fabulous Bilbao Guggenheim, then lunch in the museum, either at Michelin-starred Nerua or a more affordable bistro.
In the evening, stroll through the Casco Viejo – the lively historic centre of Bilbao – joining in a txikiteo (tapas crawl) with the locals.
Bilbao, Basque Country, Spain
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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.
Adult price: £22
Best for ages 18+
Let your senses be deliciously assaulted in the Ribera Market, one of the largest markets in Europe, before visiting the Basque Museum.
Have an elegant lunch at Etxanobe, before heading over to the Fine Arts Museum. Relax in the adjacent Casilda Iturrizar park, then dine in the traditional La Vina del Ensanche, one of the city’s most popular restaurants.
Bilbao, Basque Country, Spain
One of the biggest covered markets in the world, this Basque food market is a lush, colourful extravaganza of wonderfully fresh produce.
Best for ages 13+
Bilbao, Basque Country, Spain
The Euskal Museoa is a Basque ethnographic museum celebrating the culture and history of one of Europe’s oldest peoples. It offers a comprehensive journey through Basque history, culture, and traditions, through archaeological artefacts, traditional costumes, Basque language and literature displays, and interactive installations. Closed on Tuesdays.
Adult price: £5
Best for ages 18+
Bilbao, Basque Country, Spain
Bilbao’s fine arts museum boasts a superb collection of masterpieces, from El Greco and Zurburan to Gaugin and Francis Bacon, plus excellent contemporary art exhibitions.
Best for ages 18+
Spend a day dedicated to the sea, starting with the Bilbao Maritime Museum.
Lunch at nearby Restaurante Aizian, then take the metro north to Bidezabal, and follow La Galea Walk over the sea cliffs passing by beautiful Gorrondatxe beach.
In the evening, choose one of 400 gins at the Abadia del Gin Tonic, before a seafood feast at Mugarra.
Bilbao, Basque Country, Spain
Located in the city’s historic port area, this interesting museum explains the region’s rich maritime heritage, and Bilbao’s seafaring and shipbuilding past. Housed in the iconic Euskalduna Palace, it features a diverse collection of exhibits, historical artefacts, ship models, and interactive displays.
Adult price: £5
Best for ages 13+
Head south to the Rioja wine region, with a guided tour from Bilbao or San Sebastian, or linger by hiring a car.
The Vivanco Wine Museum outside Briones, an hour from Bilbao, is an excellent place to start – and have a delicious lunch.
In the afternoon, head to Haro to visit CVNE, one of Spain’s largest wineries, then dine at Haro’s superb Nublo restaurant before checking in at Los Agustinos.
La Rioja, Spain
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World-class wine region offering a heady mix of great bodegas, gorgeous scenery and avant-garde architecture.
Best for ages 18+
Briones, La Rioja, Spain
A well-equipped, new museum created by the winemaking Vivanco family, that explains the history of winemaking in the Rioja region. For an extra few Euros, you can get a guided tour with wine tasting. There’s also a superb restaurant devoted to Riojan cuisine. Closed Monday & Tuesday.
Adult price: £13
Best for ages 18+
Haro, La Rioja, Spain
One of the biggest wineries in Spain, CVNE offers a range of tours including lunches, cellar tours and children’s workshops.
Best for ages 18+
Haro, La Rioja, Spain
|Official star rating:
A medieval monastery in Haro, converted into an evocative hotel and restaurant; perfect for oenophiles nosing around La Rioja.
Average £130
Extra beds
Pool
2+ bedrooms
Beach
Kids menu
Fitness center
Kids club
In the morning, head east to Araba to tour Bodegas Jilaba and Santiago Calatrava’s Bodegas Ysios.
Make the short drive to Elciego and Frank Gehry’s fantastical Hotel Marques de Riscal. Have lunch at their 1860 Tradicion restaurant.
In the afternoon, enjoy a vinotherapie spa session before a feast at their Michelin-starred restaurant.
La Rioja, Spain
|World-class wine region offering a heady mix of great bodegas, gorgeous scenery and avant-garde architecture.
Best for ages 18+
Araba, La Rioja, Spain
This very friendly and welcoming vineyard has beautiful views to go with its informative guided tour and tastings.
Best for ages 18+
Araba, La Rioja, Spain
In a gorgeous mountain setting, taste superb wines in this bodega with a mountain-inspired design, by Spanish-Swiss architect Santiago Calatrava.
Best for ages 18+
Eltziego, Basque Country, Spain
|Official star rating:
Frank Gehry’s ultimate wine lover’s hotel by a famous Rioja bodega, with a wine bar, wine therapy spa and restaurants.
Average £380
Extra beds
Pool
2+ bedrooms
Beach
Kids menu
Fitness center
Kids club
