Walking tours in Bilbao cut straight to the heart of this fascinating Basque city. The most worthwhile options include the Old Town food tours, where you’ll sample pintxos (Basque tapas) at authentic family-run bars, and the architectural walks connecting the medieval quarter to the ultramodern Guggenheim area.
I’m especially fond of the morning market tours that begin at La Ribera – Europe’s largest covered market – and end with a cooking demonstration of classic bacalao al pil-pil (salt cod in garlic sauce). For culture buffs, the evening art walks offer intimate access to both classic and contemporary galleries, with the bonus of smaller crowds.
Our tested and recommended tours give you the best bang for your euro while supporting local guides who know their stuff. Let’s explore the top walking tours in Bilbao.
Key Points
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Bilbao offers a diverse range of walking tours, including culinary, historical, art and culture, and nature-focused experiences led by knowledgeable local guides.
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Pintxos tours are a popular option, providing immersive tastings of traditional and modern Basque pintxos, paired with wine or craft beer.
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Bilbao’s walking tours cater to various interests and budgets, with options ranging from 90-minute Instagrammable tours to in-depth 4-hour gastronomic experiences.
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Many walking tour providers offer flexible booking, small group sizes, and multilingual guides, ensuring an inclusive and personalized experience.
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Booking walking tours in advance can be beneficial, especially during peak tourist seasons, to secure spots and take advantage of free cancellation policies.
Pintxos Tasting in Bilbao Small Group or Private Walking Tour
The Pintxos Tasting in Bilbao Small Group or Private Walking Tour offers travelers a delightful opportunity to enjoy the vibrant culinary scene of this Basque city.
Over the course of approximately three hours, a maximum of 12 travelers will be guided through La Ribera Market, the Old Town, and the Ensanche district, sampling several gourmet pintxos and wines at four classic bars.
Priced from $79.71 per person, the tour is highly recommended, with a 100% traveler approval rating.
Travelers praise the knowledgeable and friendly local guides, who provide cultural insights and hidden gem locations.
Whether exploring the tour as a small group or privately, this experience promises a fun, engaging, and informative introduction to the flavors of Bilbao.
Read our full review: Pintxos Tasting in Bilbao Small Group or Private Walking Tour Review
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Bilbao: Small-Group Guided Walking Tour
Discover Bilbao’s rich history and vibrant urban landscape on the Bilbao: Small-Group Guided Walking Tour.
This 2-hour tour, limited to 8 participants, explores the city’s Old Town and downtown areas. You’ll visit landmarks like the Arriaga Theater, Plaza Nueva, and the Nervión riverbanks while learning about Bilbao’s evolution from its historic roots to modern times.
Led by local guides, the tour offers personalized experiences and insights. It’s accessible for wheelchair users, and you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
With overwhelmingly positive reviews, this small-group walking tour provides an immersive way to discover the beauty and history of Bilbao.
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Bilbao Walking Small Group Tour
This small-group walking tour offers an immersive exploration of Bilbao’s historical landmarks and modern urban landscape.
With a maximum of 15 travelers, the 2-hour Bilbao Walking Small Group Tour takes participants through the city’s key sites, including the Ribera Market, Plaza Nueva, Santiago Cathedral, Guggenheim, and Zubizuri Bridge.
Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour provides insights into Bilbao’s culture and history.
Positive reviews highlight the informative and engaging nature of the experience, often recommending it as an early activity to better understand the city.
The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, with morning and afternoon options available.
Priced from $37.70 per person, it’s an excellent way to discover Bilbao’s highlights.
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Bilbao: Street Art Walking Tour With Local Craft Beer
Explore Bilbao’s vibrant street art scene on this immersive 3-hour walking tour.
Led by a local guide, you’ll discover impressive graffiti and art interventions throughout the city. Along the way, enjoy a craft beer and a snack as you connect with fellow art enthusiasts.
The tour starts at the local partner’s store in central Bilbao, costing $45.41 per person. With a 4.8/5 overall rating and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this tour offers excellent value for money.
Whether you’re a solo traveler, couple, or family, this street art experience promises an unforgettable way to explore Bilbao’s alternative creative side.
Read our full review: Bilbao: Street Art Walking Tour With Local Craft Beer Review
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Private 4-Hour Walking Tour of Bilbao With Local Guide
For those short on time or first-time visitors to Bilbao, this private 4-hour walking tour offers an excellent introduction to the city’s top highlights.
Explore Bilbao’s Old Town and Ensanche neighborhood, visit the bustling La Ribera Market, and admire landmarks like the Guggenheim Museum, San Mames Stadium, and Bilbao Cathedral.
Led by a knowledgeable local guide, the tour can be customized to your interests, ensuring personalized attention.
Stroll through atmospheric streets and discover local bars and restaurants.
The tour starts and ends at the Guggenheim Museum, with optional hotel pickup available.
With a 91% recommendation rate from 11 travelers, this is an ideal way to make the most of your time in Bilbao.
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Bilbao: Express Walk With a Local in 60 Minutes
Offering an efficient introduction to Bilbao’s highlights, the “Bilbao: Express Walk With a Local in 60 Minutes” tour provides an ideal option for time-conscious visitors.
This 1-1.5 hour activity, limited to 8 participants, allows travelers to discover the city from a local’s perspective. Covering key landmarks like the Guggenheim Museum and Teatro Arriaga, the tour also offers insights into the local lifestyle and culture.
Participants receive personalized recommendations for bars, cafes, and restaurants. While entry tickets aren’t included, the tour’s flexibility adapts to the group’s interests and walking pace.
With an overall rating of 3.7/5, reviews highlight the enjoyable experience of sampling local delicacies, though some note concerns about the guide’s historical and architectural knowledge.
Read our full review: Bilbao: Express Walk With a Local in 60 Minutes Review
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Walking Tour of Bilbao With Pintxo and Drink
This 2-hour walking excursion through Bilbao’s historic heart introduces participants to the city’s renowned pintxo culture.
Starting at Plaza Circular, the tour winds through iconic landmarks like Estación de la Concordia and Arenal Bridge, while an expert guide shares insights into Basque history and architecture.
Highlights include sampling traditional pintxos at the lively Mercado de la Ribera and concluding with a pintxo and drink at La Olla in Plaza Nueva.
Priced from $30.62 per person, the tour is accessible to wheelchair users and offers free cancellation.
With English and Spanish options, this immersive experience is a great way to discover Bilbao’s vibrant local flavors and rich cultural heritage.
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Bilbao: Old Quarter Walking Guided Tour
The “Bilbao: Old Quarter Walking Guided Tour” takes visitors on a captivating 2-hour journey through over 500 years of history in the city’s charming Old Town.
Priced at $82.36 per person, the tour is available in English, French, and Spanish, and is wheelchair accessible.
Guests will explore key landmarks like the Cathedral of Santiago, Plaza Nueva, and Mercado de la Ribera, as well as enjoy a traditional “txikiteo” or “poteo” (bar crawl) and a pintxo-pote (tapa and drink).
With an overall rating of 3.9/5 based on 45 reviews, the tour is praised for its knowledgeable and enthusiastic guides, providing a small group experience.
Read our full review: Bilbao: Old Quarter Walking Guided Tour Review
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Bilbao: Insta-Perfect Walk With a Local
Escape the ordinary and embark on a 90-minute visual discovery of Bilbao with a knowledgeable local guide.
This intimate small-group tour, limited to 8 participants, showcases the city’s most Instagrammable spots, including the iconic Guggenheim Museum and the charming Casco Viejo.
Capture picturesque views and everyday life while gaining cultural insights and hearing captivating anecdotes about Bilbao’s heritage.
Receive local recommendations for trendy eateries and unique experiences.
The tour is available in English, Basque, and Spanish, and you can reserve your spot without immediate payment, with the flexibility to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Comfortable shoes, a charged smartphone, and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended for this immersive experience.
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Bilbao: Historical and Architectural Walking Tour
Discover the rich historical and architectural heritage of Bilbao on this comprehensive 2-hour walking tour. Priced from $84.48 per person, this small-group experience is led by a professional guide and includes skip-the-line access to key landmarks.
Explore the city’s founding, the 19th-century Ensanche district, and the business center in Circular Square. Visit the train station, gardens, banks, and Alhóndiga, concluding with a traditional pintxos tasting.
With an overall rating of 4.2/5, reviewers praise the knowledgeable and friendly guides, though some note the value for money could be improved.
Wheelchair-accessible, the tour is available in English, Spanish, and French.
Read our full review: Bilbao: Historical and Architectural Walking Tour Review
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Bilbao: Classic & Modern Guided Walking Tour With Pintxos
Bilbao’s classic and modern charm is best explored on this guided walking tour, which takes visitors through the city’s rich history and architectural evolution.
Over three hours, the small-group experience showcases medieval streets, Gothic cathedrals, and 19th-21st century developments.
Highlights include the outer walls, Plaza Nueva, and San Antón Church. The tour culminates in the social dining experience of enjoying a traditional pintxo (small snack) and drink.
Priced from $89.75 per person, the tour is wheelchair accessible and available in English, French, and Spanish.
While most customers praise the knowledgeable guide, some have reported no-shows and communication issues regarding cancellations.
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Bilbao: Boat and Walking Guided Tour With Pintxos
Though Bilbao’s classic charm is well-known, this guided boat and walking tour offers a unique perspective on the city’s history and architecture.
Lasting 4 hours and priced from $126.71 per person, the tour includes a boat ride along the Bilbao River, showcasing landmarks like the Guggenheim Museum.
The walking portion explores Casco Viejo and various bridges, culminating in a pintxo (tapa) and drink.
With a 4/5 overall rating, the tour earns praise for its knowledgeable guides, transportation, and service.
Booking options include French, Spanish, or English-guided versions, with a reserve-now-pay-later option available.
Customers recommend more snacks or drinks during the tour, though the experience remains a compelling way to discover Bilbao’s blend of old and new.
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Bilbao: Gastronomic and Cultural Walking Tour With Tastings
This Bilbao gastronomic and cultural walking tour offers a unique opportunity to take in the city’s rich culinary and historical heritage.
The 3-hour guided experience includes 4 gastronomic tastings and 4 drink options, providing an in-depth look at local cuisine. Visitors will explore Bilbao’s charming Old Town, stopping at family restaurants to sample traditional Basque dishes like pintxos and bacalao al pil-pil.
The tour is tailored to private or small groups, with French, Spanish, and English language options available. While the overall rating is 3.7/5, the service and organization have earned higher marks.
With free cancellation and flexible booking, this tour is worth considering for those seeking a deeper dive into Bilbao’s gastronomy and culture.
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Bilbao : Private Custom Walking Tour With a Local Guide
Travelers seeking a personalized exploration of Bilbao’s highlights can embark on a private custom walking tour with a local guide.
This tour offers duration options ranging from 2 to 8 hours, with prices starting from $47.52 per person. Guests can expect to discover iconic sights and hidden gems, while gaining insights into the local culture and receiving valuable advice on other activities in the city.
The tour includes hotel pickup, walking with public transport, and assistance with booking tickets.
With a 5/5 overall rating based on traveler reviews, this private tour ensures a tailored and immersive experience in Bilbao.
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Bilbao: Private Night Walking Tour
Bilbao’s night skyline takes on a mesmerizing glow during the Private Night Walking Tour.
This 2-hour excursion whisks travelers up the iconic Cable Car to Mount Artxanda, where they’ll enjoy panoramic night vistas of the city.
The tour continues with a guided stroll through the charming Old Quarter, showcasing the striking architecture of the Guggenheim Museum.
Along the way, the local guide shares insights into Bilbao’s rich history and vibrant culture.
With English and Spanish options, the tour is wheelchair accessible and features free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Based on a 5-star review, this private night experience offers an enchanting way to discover Bilbao after dark.
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Bilbao: Private Custom Walking Tour With a Local
Discover Bilbao at your own pace with a private custom walking tour.
This 2-8 hour experience allows you to explore the city’s main landmarks and hidden gems with a local guide. From the iconic Guggenheim Museum to the lively Mercado de la Ribera Market, you’ll get insights into Bilbao’s culture, shopping, and renowned pintxos cuisine.
The tour is fully customizable based on your interests and can be booked in English, French, or Spanish.
Wheelchair accessibility and optional hotel pickup further enhance the experience.
With a 4.3/5 rating from past travelers, this private tour offers a personalized and enriching way to discover Bilbao.
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Private Walking Tour of Bilbao 4 Hours
Explore the historic charm of Bilbao’s Old Town on this private 4-hour walking tour.
Led by a local expert, you’ll discover the city’s iconic Guggenheim Museum, stroll through the vibrant Ensanche area, and savor renowned Basque cuisine.
The tour begins in the ancient streets of the Old Town, showcasing the city’s rich architecture and cultural heritage.
You’ll then transition to the 19th-century buildings of the Ensanche, witnessing Bilbao’s transformation.
The Guggenheim Museum, a focal point, offers insights into its design and impact on the city.
The tour concludes at the riverside, reflecting Bilbao’s industrial past and vibrant revitalization.
With flexible booking options and a private group experience, this tour provides an immersive exploration of Bilbao.
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Bilbao Private Guided Walking Tour
What better way to experience the cultural richness of Bilbao than through a private guided walking tour? This 1.5-hour tour offers an in-depth exploration of the city’s industrial history and contemporary art.
Visitors can marvel at the iconic Guggenheim Museum and its renowned artworks, as well as striking sculptures like the Puppy Statue and Mamen. The tour also includes visits to historical sites like the Church of San Vicente de Abando and the Arriaga Theater.
Along the way, guests will dive into Basque heritage and modernization, strolling through the Casco Viejo (Old Town) and encountering the Egyptian-styled Fountain of the Dogs.
With the opportunity for customization, this private tour promises an immersive and personalized Bilbao experience.
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Bilbao & Guggenheim Private Walking Tour From Hotel/Center
Enjoy the captivating blend of history, art, and modernity that defines Bilbao with this 4-hour private walking tour.
Starting at $275.60 per person, you’ll explore the city’s historic Old Town, admire the iconic Guggenheim Museum, and discover key landmarks with an expert guide.
This private tour offers hotel pickup, entrance to the Guggenheim, and a customized experience to suit your interests.
Stroll through lush parks, bustling marketplaces, and ancient plazas as you learn about Bilbao’s rich culture and heritage.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option, this tour is both flexible and convenient.
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Bilbao Pintxos Private Walking Tour From Hotel/Center
Travelers exploring Bilbao’s vibrant culinary scene can embark on a 3-hour Pintxos Private Walking Tour, starting from $303.05 per person.
This private tour allows visitors to taste traditional and modern pintxos, exploring the city’s rich gastronomic culture. The tour includes visits to 3 unique pintxos bars, where participants can enjoy 3 drinks and a tasting of 5-6 pintxos.
A local guide provides insights into Bilbao’s history and culture throughout the experience.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later, this tour offers a convenient and immersive way to savor Bilbao’s culinary delights.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Average Group Size for the Walking Tours?
The average group size for walking tours in Bilbao tends to be small, typically ranging from 6 to 12 participants. This allows for a more intimate and personalized experience as the guide can easily engage with each member of the group.
Are There Any Age Restrictions or Requirements for the Tours?
Most walking tours in Bilbao don’t have age restrictions, though some may not be suitable for young children. Participants should be able to walk for extended periods. Tour operators can provide specific details on age requirements and recommendations.
Can the Tours Be Customized to Suit Specific Interests?
Many walking tour companies allow customization to suit guests’ interests. They’ll often adapt the itinerary, pace, and focus to accommodate specific requests, ensuring an engaging and personalized experience for participants of all ages.
Are There Any Discounts or Special Offers Available for the Tours?
Many walking tour companies in Bilbao offer discounts and special offers. Visitors can often find discounted rates for groups, seniors, students, and children. Some operators may also have periodic sales or promotional packages available.
Do the Guides Provide Recommendations for Dining or Other Activities?
The guides often provide recommendations for dining and other activities in the area, enhancing the walking tour experience. Many offer suggestions on local restaurants, museums, or cultural attractions to explore before or after the tour.
The Sum Up
Bilbao offers a variety of engaging walking tours. Visitors can explore the city’s rich culture, vibrant street art, and renowned pintxos bars. Whether seeking a small-group or private experience, there are options to suit different interests and budgets. These tours provide an excellent way to discover Bilbao’s highlights, take in the local atmosphere, and make the most of one’s time in this captivating city.