5 Days in North Spain: Bilbao Exploration Itinerary

Begin your day with a visit to Bilbao Fine Arts Museum (Museo de Bellas Artes de Bilbao), which boasts an impressive collection of artworks spanning from medieval times to contemporary pieces. After immersing yourself in art, enjoy breakfast at Botxo Café, located nearby and offering delightful pastries and coffee.

Spend your afternoon exploring Casco Viejo, Bilbao's charming old town filled with narrow streets, traditional shops, and historic buildings. Don't miss out on visiting Bilbao's Santiago Cathedral, an architectural marvel located within Casco Viejo. For lunch, stop by Café Bar Bilbao for some authentic Basque flavors in a cozy setting. In the afternoon, embark on the tour titled From Bilbao: Gaztelugatxe, Bermeo and Gernika Day Trip. This tour will take you on an adventure outside of Bilbao to explore stunning coastal landscapes and historical sites.

Return to Bilbao in time for dinner at Sagardi Euskal Taberna, where you can savor traditional Basque dishes made from fresh local ingredients. Afterward, unwind with a drink at Café Bar Las Torres, known for its relaxed atmosphere and excellent cocktails.

Kick off your third day with a visit to the fascinating Itsasmuseum Bilbao, where you can learn about Bilbao's maritime history through interactive exhibits. Following this cultural immersion, grab breakfast at Panadería Bertiz, famous for its freshly baked goods.

Next up is a visit to the tranquil oasis of green that is Doña Casilda Iturrizar Park. Take a leisurely walk through this beautiful park featuring fountains, sculptures, and plenty of shaded areas perfect for relaxation. For lunch head over to  El Txoko Berria which offers delectable Basque cuisine in comfortable surroundings . Post-lunch join  Bilbao Like a Local: Customized Guided Tour , where you'll be shown hidden gems around town by knowledgeable locals .

Conclude your day by visiting  Azkuna Zentroa ,a cultural center housed within an old wine warehouse offering diverse activities ranging from art exhibitions , cinema screenings , fitness classes etc . Have dinner at  Zortziko ,a fine dining establishment serving exquisite gourmet meals . Finally end off night enjoying drinks at   Kafe Antzokia ,a lively venue hosting live music performances regularly .

Start your fourth day with a visit to Basque Museum (Museo Vasco de Bilbao). This museum offers a deep dive into the rich cultural heritage of the Basque Country, featuring artifacts and exhibits that span centuries. After soaking in the history, enjoy breakfast at Café Bar Bilbao, known for its traditional Basque pastries and coffee.

In the afternoon, head to San Vicente Martír de Abando Church (Parroquia de San Vicente Martir de Abando), a beautiful Gothic-style church that offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling city. For lunch, dine at Restaurante Yandiola, which is located in the iconic Azkuna Zentroa building and offers modern Basque cuisine. After lunch, embark on the tour titled From Bilbao: Vizcaya Bridge, Gaztelugatxe, Bermeo & Gernika. This tour will take you to some of the most picturesque spots around Bilbao, including the famous Vizcaya Bridge and the stunning coastal area of Gaztelugatxe.

Return to Bilbao for an evening visit to Euskalduna Palace (Palacio Euskalduna), an architectural marvel that often hosts concerts and performances. Even if there's no event scheduled, the building itself is worth exploring. For dinner, head to Nerua Guggenheim Bilbao, a Michelin-starred restaurant offering innovative dishes inspired by local ingredients. End your day with a drink at Café Bar Las Torres, known for its relaxed atmosphere and excellent cocktails.

Begin your final day with a visit to Bizkaia Museum of Archaeology, where you can explore fascinating archaeological finds from the region. Afterward, enjoy breakfast at Panadería Bertiz, famous for its freshly baked goods.

Spend your afternoon exploring more of Bilbao's unique attractions by visiting Church of the Sacred Heart (Iglesia del Sagrado Corazón). This beautiful church is an excellent example of neo-Gothic architecture. For lunch, dine at El Globo, renowned for its pintxos and vibrant atmosphere. In the afternoon, join the tour titled Bilbao: Pintxos and Wine Tasting Tour with Local Guide. This tour will allow you to sample some of Bilbao's best pintxos paired with local wines while learning about Basque culinary traditions.

Conclude your trip with an evening visit to Zubizuri Bridge, also known as Calatrava Bridge. This modern architectural masterpiece offers stunning views of the cityscape as it lights up at night. For your farewell dinner in Bilbao, choose  Restaurante Mina ,a Michelin-starred restaurant offering innovative Basque dishes . Finally end off night enjoying drinks at   Kafe Antzokia ,a lively venue hosting live music performances regularly .