Things to Do in Bilbao
The Essential Tour of Bilbao!
You have a perfect opportunity to enjoy the most complete tour of the historic center of Bilbao.
We have the best team of professional local guides at your service.
Discover the heritage, culture and history of Bilbao with rigor and entertainment, without rushing, seasoned with anecdotes and curiosities.
Enjoy!
Brief description and itinerary:
From its medieval old town (Las Siete Calles) to the alternative Bilbao La Vieja we will explore the origins of this merchant town from the beginning of the 14th century, strolling through its first streets, buildings, squares and markets. You will discover the importance of the estuary, the activity mining and industrial, the historical events. The history of Great characters awaits us in an essential visit to get to know the town of Bilbao.
Meeting point: Plaza Arriaga
- Arriaga Theatre
- El Arenal Church of San Nicolás and origin of the BBV
- New and Old Square
- The Basque language and Euskaltzaindia
- The Cathedral of Santiago
- UNESCO Way of St. James
- Great Bilbao players: Unamuno, Aresti, Pichichi...
- The Seven Streets, Traditions and Gastronomy
- San Antón Bridge and Church
- Old Bilbao
- Marzana Pier
- Local shops and art
- La Ribera Market
And much more....
End point: Plaza Arriaga or nearby.
What does this tour include?
- Professional guides: Tours with expert local guides. Experienced historians, architects and guides from the most important museums will show you the city with passion.
- Local tips: Our knowledge is at your disposal. We are here to help you enrich your trip with good recommendations.
Don't hesitate to ask us!
“Ongi etorri!” means Welcome! Join our free tour and immerse yourself with us in the culture and traditions of the city, visiting the most iconic monuments of the old town of BILBAO, because here we are villains!
We will begin the free tour of Bilbao in front of one of the most notable buildings in the town: the Arriaga Theater , did you know that it is dedicated to said Bilbao composer, called the 'Spanish Mozart'?
We will walk through the Arenal Gardens , the gateway to the Old Town of Bilbao, a lively urban park full of surprises such as the Music Kiosk , a meeting place for Bilbao residents. From this point, we will look out over the Nervión estuary, the backbone of the city.
Shall we continue? The church of San Nicolás, the Yohn Palace and the Plaza Nueva await us, a famous location for its pintxos bars. The history is important but even more so are the anecdotes and curiosities that gave life to its streets and countrymen, some as illustrious as Miguel de Unamuno or Amadeo de Saboya. Do you know that he starred in one of the most unforgettable “bilbainadas”?
We know that gastronomy interests you, that's why we have prepared something for you and during your visit we will recommend traditional and modern places where you can have the best pintxos and other typical dishes.
We will walk through Bilbao of the “ seven streets ” that houses centuries-old businesses, vestiges of the port's past, fragments of the old wall and emblems such as the Cathedral of Santiago , an obligatory stop on the northern route of the Camino. Although in Bilbao we have two cathedrals... Do you know which one is the other?
An obligatory stop on our tourist tour is the Ribera Market , a fantastic space where you can continue discovering Bilbao's gastronomy.
We will let ourselves be carried away by the channel of the estuary, so linked to the history of the town and which will give us the opportunity to end the visit talking about curiosities and many recommendations to continue enjoying the essentials of Bilbao.
Come discover this and much more.
We will wait for you!
In 2018 Bilbao was declared “Best European City” – do you want to know why?
We will meet in front of the modernist façade of the Estación de la Concordia , to begin this free tour of the essentials of Bilbao. Are you ready to discover the most emblematic corners of the Biscayan capital? Let's go!
We will cross Abando Station , with a mandatory stop at its spectacular and colorful window, to head towards the commercial and financial center of the city: El Ensanche. This area is also known as the “Golden Mile”, as it is where the most exclusive shops, luxury homes, financial headquarters and business offices are located.
Don Diego López de Haro, founder of the town, will appear on our tour to explain how its industrial past, linked to iron, blossomed into a unique model of an avant-garde city, without losing sight of the Basque charisma.
As we stroll along the Gran Via that bears his name, we will discover wonderful buildings such as the Provincial Council , the Campos Elíseos Theatre or the Alhóndiga (Azkuna Centre), the epicentre of Bilbao's cultural life. Almost without realising it, we find ourselves in the heart of the Ensanche, the Plaza Moyúa , where we will appreciate the exterior architecture of the Chávarri Palace and the Carlton Hotel .
But this is not the end of it, there are still a few more essentials for you to discover. A good example is the Museum of Fine Arts , which, located next to a large garden, houses one of the most important and complete art collections in the country.
We will follow the art trail that traces its itinerary until we find the famous Guggenheim Museum , one of the most famous works of the famous Canadian architect Frank Gehry. Here you will meet Puppy , the guard dog that tirelessly guards the doors of the museum.
After two and a half hours - which fly by - we will approach the Puente de la Salve to enjoy a fascinating panoramic view of this contemporary city.
Hello, I'm Alejandro and I invite you to get to know my city, Bilbao. I will accompany you through the city and explain to you how this city has become what it is.
I want to convey what this city represents for the people of Bilbao , through the elements that have shaped it: industry and its transformative capacity, commerce with the opening of new horizons and our estuary that has facilitated this evolution from a modest town in origin. , to what it is today, an ambitious city that does not forget its origins.
From the city center and through its most charismatic neighborhoods, you will learn the history of this wonderful city.
We will visit:
- Perspective of Bilbao between two shores.
- Walk along the estuary through its docks
- Bilbao La Vieja, the origin of Bilbao.
- Seven Streets.
- Church and bridge of San Antón, image of the town.
- Cathedral Church of Santiago.
- New Square.
Ongi etorri!
Bilbao is a small, yet diverse city — cozy and full of life. It’s much more than just the Guggenheim Museum and the famous pintxos. There’s never a dull moment here, as the city avoids monotony in its architecture, culture and politics. This tour is perfect if you want to learn not just about the city’s history and its transformation during the Industrial Revolution, but also about its modern-day life.
Expect useful tips on where to find the best, most affordable, and tastiest spots in town, along with a few essential phrases in Spanish and Basque to help you communicate.
All we ask of you is good energy and an open mind, ready to discover this amazing city.
- Charter of Don Diego López de Haro:
We will begin our journey by exploring the Magna Carta of Don Diego López de Haro, a fundamental document in the history of Bilbao that granted important privileges to the city in the year 1300. - Origins of Bilbao:
Discover when Bilbao was born and immerse yourself in its first years of existence as we explore the vestiges of its medieval past. - Historical Figures:
Learn about the historical figures who left their mark on the city, from the lords of Vizcaya to other political and cultural leaders who have contributed to the development of Bilbao. - The Oldest House:
Visit the oldest house in Bilbao and discover its fascinating history, dating back to medieval times, as we explore its architecture and hidden secrets. - Bilbao Cathedral:
Admire the majesty of the Santiago Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic art that has witnessed important events throughout the history of Bilbao. - Birth and Growth of the Old Town:
We will conclude our tour by exploring the birth and growth of Bilbao's old town, known as "the Seven Streets", where history and everyday life intertwine in a charming labyrinth of narrow streets and picturesque squares.
- Charter of Don Diego López de Haro:
Bilbao was born in 1300, in a small valley of just 3 medieval streets. Since then and for the next six centuries, the whole city developed maritime activity arounder the river, and now is called The Seven Streets. It's a small, dark, medieval town but also the biggest port in Northern Spain. Until the middle of the 19th century, here is where the history of Bilbao is created.
Together we'll visit:
- The Arriaga Theatre
- The Plaza Nueva
- The Unamuno Square
- The Seven Streets
- The Cathedral and its square
- The Torre Building
- The spot of Begona and the Txiciteros Box
- The street and the fountain of Perro
- The Biddebarieta Library
- And we'll finish our tour inside the Rivera Market.
All my groups of guests are strictly limited to 9-10 person for a more personal and private tour .
For that reason, please be punctual at the time and the place of our meeting, because of the limited bookings of every tour.
The Essential Tour to discover the great change in Bilbao!
With us, discover the heritage, culture and history of Bilbao with rigor and entertainment, without rushing, seasoned with anecdotes and curiosities.
Enjoy!
Note: Both the historical tour and the modern tour offered by Basque Free tours Bilbao complement each other, you can enjoy them in the order you prefer.
Brief description and itinerary:
From the expansion to the new architecture in Abandoibarra, we will learn about the transformation that has revolutionized Bilbao.
A world-renowned and award-winning urban planning driven by architectural effects and monumental works. A grand tour of the most emblematic and important buildings accompanied by historic moments and anecdotes from Bilbao.
Meeting point: Plaza Arriaga
- City hall
- Volantin Field
- Basque sculptors: Oteiza, Chillida ...
- Isozaki and Zubizuri Towers
- Ibaigane Palace
- Athletic Club
- The Gran Via and the great families
- Plaza Moyua and "Fosteritos"
- Guggenheim Museums Bilbao
- Iberdrola Tower
- Universities
- Dona Casilda Park
- Museum of Fine Arts
And much more....
What this tour includes:
- Professional guides: Tours with expert local guides. Experienced historians, architects and guides from the most important museums will show you the city with passion.
- Local tips: Our knowledge is at your disposal. We are here to help you enrich your trip with good recommendations.
Don't hesitate to ask us!
Important information:
-The modern tour lasts approximately 2 hours. It usually ends near Plaza Moyua. Ask the guide before departure, as it may end nearby depending on the weather or guide.
-The tours always go out, rain or shine. We are in Bilbao 😊
-We recommend appropriate walking shoes, an umbrella if rain is forecast, and a reusable bottle to enjoy the water from our many fountains during the tour.
-BFT reserves the right to cancel the tour if the minimum of 4 participants is not reached.
We are convinced that we offer the best tour to enjoy Bilbao!
