Bilbao Tour + Artxanda Funicular

Exploring the vibrant city of Bilbao just got easier with the Bilbao Tour + Artxanda Funicular. This two-hour cultural adventure takes travelers on a captivating journey, offering breathtaking views from the Artxanda Funicular and introducing them to the city’s iconic landmarks. Led by a certified expert, the tour promises an immersive experience that culminates at the Mercado de la Ribera, where visitors can indulge in local delicacies and shop for unique souvenirs. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this tour provides an opportunity to uncover the hidden gems of Bilbao and discover why it’s becoming a must-visit destination.

Good To Know

• The Bilbao Tour includes a scenic 3.5-minute ride on the Artxanda Funicular, offering panoramic views of the city’s architecture, including the iconic Guggenheim Museum.
• The tour explores key Bilbao landmarks such as the New San Mames Stadium, Iberdrola Tower, and the charming Casco Viejo neighborhood.
• Travelers can enjoy personalized attention from a certified guide, with a maximum group size of 12 for an intimate cultural experience.
• The tour concludes at the Mercado de la Ribera, where visitors can sample local Basque specialties and browse unique souvenirs.
• The tour is not wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps, so prospective travelers should consider these accessibility details.

Tour Overview

The tour provides a small group cultural exploration of Bilbao, Spain, lasting approximately two hours.

It features a scenic ride on the Artxanda Funicular, which takes visitors 200 meters high in just 3.5 minutes.

During the tour, guests will see the New San Mames Stadium, the Iberdrola Tower, the iconic Guggenheim Museum, and the historic Casco Viejo neighborhood.

With a maximum group size of 12 travelers, the tour offers an intimate and personalized experience led by a certified guide.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start of the tour.

Meeting and End Points

The tour meets at Estacion Bilbao, Funikularreko Plaza, S/N, 48007 Bilbo, Bizkaia, Spain. Travelers should arrive 10 minutes early to ensure a punctual departure. The tour concludes at Mercado de la Ribera, Erribera Kalea, s/n, Ibaiondo, 48005 Bilbo, Bizkaia, Spain, where participants can explore local food and shopping.

Meeting Point	End Point
Estacion Bilbao, Funikularreko Plaza, S/N, 48007 Bilbo, Bizkaia, Spain	Mercado de la Ribera, Erribera Kalea, s/n, Ibaiondo, 48005 Bilbo, Bizkaia, Spain
Arrive 10 minutes early	Local food and shopping
Tour starts here	Tour ends here
Convenient location	Convenient location

Tour Inclusions

A certified tour guide is included on the Bilbao Tour. The tour has a maximum group size of 12 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience.

The admission ticket for the Artxanda Funicular ride, which offers a scenic 3.5-minute journey to a viewpoint 200 meters high, is also included in the tour package.

Travelers can appreciate the flexibility of the tour, as free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience starts.

However, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps.

Accessibility and Participation

According to the information provided, the Bilbao Tour isn’t wheelchair accessible. Infants must sit on laps during the tour.

However, most travelers can participate in the experience. The tour is operated by Bilbaoguia, a reputable tour company. The small group size, with a maximum of 12 travelers, ensures a more personalized and enjoyable experience.

Travelers should be aware of these accessibility and participation details to ensure the tour meets their needs and expectations. The tour seems well-suited for most travelers, though those with mobility challenges or traveling with infants may need to consider the limitations outlined.

Reviews and Ratings

Travelers have left a mix of feedback on the Bilbao Tour, with an overall rating of 4.5 stars from 25 total reviews. The majority of reviews (20) were five-star, praising the engaging guides and enjoyable experiences. However, there were also two four-star, one three-star, and two one-star reviews.

Rating	Number of Reviews
5 stars	20
4 stars	2
3 stars	1
1 star	2

The positive reviews suggest the tour provides a worthwhile cultural experience, while the negative reviews indicate room for improvement in certain areas. Prospective travelers should consider the mix of feedback when deciding if the Bilbao Tour aligns with their interests and expectations.

Scenic Ride on Artxanda Funicular

The tour includes a scenic 3.5-minute ride on the Artxanda Funicular, which takes visitors 200 meters high for panoramic views of Bilbao.

This unique mode of transportation provides:

• An elevated vantage point to admire the city’s architectural wonders, including the iconic Guggenheim Museum.
• A chance to see the bustling streets and historic Casco Viejo (Old Town) from above.
• A relaxing break from walking, allowing travelers to rest and take in the surroundings.

The funicular ride is an integral part of the Bilbao tour, offering a memorable experience and a different perspective of this vibrant Basque city.

Key Sights of Bilbao

The tour covers several key sights that showcase Bilbao’s rich history and modern development.

Guests will visit the New San Mames Stadium, home of the local football club Athletic Bilbao.

Next, they’ll see the iconic Iberdrola Tower, one of the tallest buildings in Spain.

The tour then takes them to the world-famous Guggenheim Museum, a stunning architectural masterpiece.

Finally, they’ll explore the charming Casco Viejo, or Old Town, with its narrow streets, historic buildings, and lively plazas.

The diverse array of landmarks offers a well-rounded introduction to Bilbao’s vibrant culture and dynamic cityscape.

Local Food and Shopping at Mercado De La Ribera

At the end of the tour, guests arrive at the Mercado de la Ribera, a bustling marketplace along the Nervion River. This historic food hall offers an array of local delicacies and traditional Basque specialties. Visitors can browse the stalls, sample pintxos (Basque tapas), and enjoy the lively atmosphere.

• The market’s diverse selection includes fresh seafood, artisanal cheeses, cured meats, and seasonal produce, providing a true taste of Bilbao’s culinary heritage.

• Beyond the food, the Mercado de la Ribera also features shops selling local crafts, pottery, and textiles, making it an ideal spot for picking up unique souvenirs.

• Exploring the market allows travelers to engage with the city’s vibrant culture and engage directly with local vendors and producers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Exclusively in English?

The tour guide’s language is not specified in the provided information. Therefore, it’s unclear if the tour is exclusively in English. Travelers should inquire about the tour’s language offerings when booking to ensure their preferred language is available.

Can We Take Photos During the Tour?

Yes, travelers are welcome to take photos during the tour. The cultural guide encourages capturing the scenic views and iconic landmarks along the way to document the memorable Bilbao experience.

Are There Any Restroom Breaks During the Tour?

The tour doesn’t mention any scheduled restroom breaks. However, the guide may accommodate requests for quick stops along the way. Travelers should plan accordingly and use facilities before the tour starts or at the end point.

Is the Tour Guide Able to Provide Recommendations for Local Cuisine?

The tour guide is able to provide recommendations for local cuisine. According to the overview, the tour ends at the Mercado de la Ribera, which is noted for its local food and shopping opportunities. The guide can likely suggest nearby eateries to experience Bilbao’s culinary offerings.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

There’s no mention of an option to extend the tour duration. The tour is approximately 2 hours long, and the description doesn’t indicate flexibility to lengthen the experience. The tour has a fixed schedule and itinerary.

The Sum Up

The Bilbao Tour + Artxanda Funicular offers a comprehensive cultural experience, showcasing the city’s iconic landmarks and providing stunning views from the Artxanda Funicular. Travelers can explore the vibrant Mercado de la Ribera, indulging in local delicacies and shopping for unique souvenirs. With a certified guide and convenient meeting and end points, this tour is an excellent way to discover the best of Bilbao.