Bilbao’s drinking tours offer a perfect blend of Basque culture and social fun. The best option for night owls is Pub Crawl Bilbao, which visits four authentic bars with a knowledgeable local guide who explains pintxo culture and proper drinking etiquette. I love how the Street Art Walking Tour combines modern urban art with stops at craft beer spots – it’s the perfect daytime option. For foodies, the small-group cooking classes deserve special mention, mixing hands-on pintxo making with unlimited drinks in a casual setting.
Let’s explore the top drinking tours that showcase the best of Bilbao’s celebrated food and drink scene.
Good To Know
- The Pub Crawl Bilbao offers an intimate guided tour through the top bars and pubs in Bilbao, featuring alcoholic beverages, free bar entry, and entertainment.
- The Street Art Walking Tour in Bilbao provides a 3-hour exploration of the city’s impressive graffiti and artistic interventions, accompanied by craft beer and a snack.
- The Basque Cooking Class Experience allows participants to learn how to prepare traditional Basque dishes, such as Bacalao and Marmitako stew, in a small-group setting with an open bar.
- The Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class offers a 2.5-hour culinary immersion, where participants create four pintxos, a charcuterie board, and dessert under the guidance of an English-speaking chef.
- While the Pub Crawl Bilbao is not wheelchair accessible, the Street Art Tour and cooking classes may not be suitable for those with mobility impairments, highlighting the importance of considering accessibility when choosing the best drinking tours in Bilbao.
Pub Crawl Bilbao
The Pub Crawl Bilbao is a popular activity that takes guests on a guided tour through some of the city’s best bars and pubs. With a maximum of 25 participants, this tour offers an intimate and personalized experience.
The tour starts at 8:00 PM at Cafe La Granja, Latroupe Hostel, and returns to the same meeting point at the end of the night. Included in the tour are alcoholic beverages, free entry to every bar, photos throughout the night, and games and entertainment provided by English-speaking guides.
The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but service animals are allowed, and it’s located near public transportation. It’s not recommended for pregnant travelers, and the minimum age is 18.
With an impressive 4.9 average rating based on 9 reviews, the Pub Crawl Bilbao is a must-try for anyone looking to experience the vibrant nightlife of this Spanish city.
Participants can expect a fun, lively, and unforgettable evening filled with drinks, games, and new friends.
Read our full review: Pub Crawl Bilbao Review
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Bilbao: Street Art Walking Tour With Local Craft Beer
For those seeking a more immersive cultural experience beyond the bars of Bilbao, the Bilbao: Street Art Walking Tour with Local Craft Beer offers a captivating alternative.
This 3-hour tour allows participants to discover the city’s vibrant street and alternative art scene, admiring impressive graffiti and artistic interventions along the way. Led by a local guide, the tour provides insights into Bilbao’s dynamic creative landscape.
The experience includes a craft beer and a snack, allowing art enthusiasts to enjoy the local beverages while engaging with the tour.
With a starting price of $44.85 per person and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this tour offers excellent value for money, as evidenced by its 4.8/5 overall rating based on 17 reviews.
However, it isn’t suitable for those with mobility impairments.
Read our full review: Bilbao: Street Art Walking Tour With Local Craft Beer Review
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Small-Group Immersive Basque Cooking Class in Bilbao With Open Bar
Enjoy the vibrant culinary culture of Bilbao with this small-group Basque cooking class.
With a 100% recommendation from travelers, this class is the perfect way to learn about traditional Basque dishes and techniques. Under the guidance of an expert instructor, you’ll prepare a delectable menu featuring Bacalao with tomato sauce, the classic Marmitako stew, and a sweet Basque toast for dessert.
The class takes place in a cozy, intimate setting near the iconic Guggenheim Museum, within walking distance of downtown hotels.
You’ll learn alongside a maximum of 12 fellow foodies, ensuring plenty of hands-on experience and personalized attention. All food and drinks are included, so you can savor the fruits of your labor with an open bar.
With a prestigious Badge of Excellence and glowing reviews praising the knowledgeable host and unparalleled experience, this Basque cooking class is a must-try for any culinary traveler in Bilbao.
Don’t miss the opportunity to learn about the region’s rich gastronomic heritage.
Read our full review: Small-Group Immersive Basque Cooking Class in Bilbao With Open Bar Review
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Bilbao: Basque Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class With Open Bar
Bilbao’s Basque Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class with Open Bar offers an intimate culinary experience where participants can learn to prepare traditional and modern pintxos, the iconic small-plate dishes of the Basque region.
Priced at $111.07 per person, this 2.5-hour class allows visitors to discover the significance of local, seasonal ingredients as they cook alongside an English-speaking chef.
During the class, attendees will enjoy an open bar while mixing, stirring, chopping, and plating four different pintxos, a charcuterie board, and a dessert.
The well-equipped kitchen and beautiful atmosphere of the cooking school create an engaging environment for participants eager to recreate these dishes at home.
With an overall rating of 5/5 based on 12 reviews, this hands-on cooking class provides excellent value and an immersive introduction to the Basque culinary tradition.
Read our full review: Bilbao: Basque Pintxos and Tapas Cooking Class With Open Bar Review
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Transportation Options to Get to the Tour Locations?
Visitors can take public transportation like buses and metro to reach the tour locations. Taxis and rideshare services are also available for a more direct and convenient option. Walking between some sites may be possible depending on their proximity.
Are There Any Discounts or Package Deals Available for the Tours?
Many tour providers offer discounts or package deals to make the experience more affordable. Customers can often find bundled tours, group rates, and early booking specials that provide savings. It’s worth checking with individual companies to see what deals are available.
Can Dietary Restrictions Be Accommodated During the Cooking Classes?
Many cooking classes in Bilbao accommodate dietary restrictions. Chefs are happy to work with participants who have specific needs or preferences, whether they’re vegetarian, vegan, or have food allergies. Just let the class organizers know in advance.
What Is the Refund Policy in Case of Cancellation or Rescheduling?
The refund policy typically allows for full refunds if you cancel at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled cooking class. Rescheduling is often possible, subject to availability. Be sure to review the specific policy when booking your class.
Are There Any Age Restrictions or Minimum Group Sizes for the Tours?
The tours typically have minimum age requirements, often 18 or 21 years old. Group sizes may also have minimums, usually around 2-4 people. It’s best to check the specific tour details for any age or group size restrictions.
The Sum Up
Bilbao offers a range of drinking tours to suit different interests. Visitors can experience a Pub Crawl, explore the city’s street art while sampling craft beer, or enjoy Basque cuisine and culture with cooking classes and an open bar. Whether you’re a beer enthusiast or a foodie, Bilbao has a drinking tour that’ll quench your thirst and delight your senses.