Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Bilbao?
Should you spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Bilbao?
Not sure how much time you'll need in Bilbao, Spain? Most people spend two to three days in Bilbao during their visit. After all, the friendly city will let you tour the famous sights and museums, enjoy the evening activities, go shopping, and learn about the history of the town.
Bilbao offers a mix of old and new. From the famous Guggenheim Museum to the historic old town, there is a lot to see and do here. The city's culinary scene is also among the best in the country, with many Michelin-starred restaurants found in town.
Do you have one or two days to visit Bilbao? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.
Is one day enough time in Bilbao?
One day is usually not enough time to experience the friendly city of Bilbao, so you may find yourself somewhat rushed. You don't want to miss the chance to tour the famous sights and museums, enjoy the evening activities, go shopping, and learn about the history of the town. So, you'll likely want more than one day, as many tourists set aside two to three days for their visit. However, if your schedule is tight, we have a handful of recommendations to make the most of your journey.
How to spend a day in Bilbao
Don't miss the Guggenheim Museum during your trip to Bilbao, as it's one of this destination's most well-known attractions. You should make sure to set aside enough time to see it.
The nightlife scene is very popular here. After dark, head out to one of the many venues around town. There's a great late night scene that centers around eating and drinking. There are lively nightclubs, a good live music scene, and no shortage of people heading out on the town.
The public transit in Bilbao is fast and efficient. Over the course of a few days, you should be able to explore the city quite easily and affordably. The metro system has three lines. There is also a tram and bus system.
Is a weekend (two to three days) enough time in Bilbao?
To do everything that Bilbao has to offer, you'll need more than a weekend, but two or three days does allow you a bit more time to explore. You'll have a chance to experience at least some of the highlights. In addition to the great museums and landmarks and fun nightlife, visitors can enjoy the charming old town, big city activities, and local culture. By staying a night or two, you'll be able to take advantage of the most interesting activities found here, and we have some suggestions below.
Bilbao, Spain
How to spend 2 days in Bilbao
Having a weekend (two to three days) in Bilbao will provide you with more time to take in the best activities in the city.
A number of fantastic museums and famous landmarks are found in Bilbao, so spend at least one full day exploring those that look the most appealing to you. A favorite museum in town is the popular Guggenheim Museum. From its iconic building to the unique exhibits, this is a must-see stop during your visit. Other highlights around town include the Museo de Bellas Artes de Bilbao, the Museo Vasco, as well as the city's unique bridges.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Guggenheim Bilbao Museum Private Tour ($134)
- The magic of the Guggenheim museum - 2 hours with VIP tickets ($77)
- Bilbao: A Self-Guided Tour from Old Town to the Guggenheim Museum ($20)
More Info
If you're looking for more information about Bilbao, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
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