Bilbao tours

Things to do in Bilbao

Bilbao is a place that merges the old with the new. You've got the Guggenheim's modern lines and then the Casco Viejo with its cobblestones and history. Walk through this Basque city and you’ll find pintxos bars that lure you in with their sizzling offerings. Street musicians add a soundtrack to your stroll. With a local guide, you’ll get to see the layers of Bilbao. Discover tucked-away art and find the perfect spot to watch the sun set over the Nervión River. Whether it's a walk through the Old Quarter or a culinary exploration, a private tour here means you’ll bypass the mundane and get straight to the heart of Bilbao. If you’re looking for more inspiration, take a look at our curated list of things to do in Bilbao. Explore Bilbao your way At ToursByLocals, we believe that how you explore is just as important as where you go. That’s why every Bilbao tour is private, flexible, and built around you: Move at your own pace, skip the crowds, make connections and follow your curiosity. Find local guides offering private tours in Bilbao for every interest, including: History tours: Navigate the Siete Calles of the Casco Viejo to Santiago Cathedral, then trace industrial heritage along the river past old cranes and the Euskalduna shipyard area. Ride the Artxanda funicular for context on how the city grew around steel and shipbuilding. Food and Drink tours: Join a pintxos tour around Plaza Nueva and ribera bars, learning how to order and pair bites with txakoli or cider. If you’re curious about winemaking, add a visit to a nearby Bizkaiko Txakolina winery in Bakio or the Urdaibai hills. Museums tours: Dive into contemporary art at the Guggenheim Bilbao, then see Spanish masters at the Museo de Bellas Artes de Bilbao. Round things out at the Basque Museum in the Old Town or Itsasmuseum for maritime stories that tie it all together. Bilbao’s centre is easy to walk, and the metro, tram, and funiculars make getting around simple. For coastal villages, the estuary, or winery visits outside town, ask your guide about tours with private transportation or book a chauffeured option. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all itinerary, you can tailor your private tour to match your interests, pace and personality with a local who knows Bilbao inside and out. Walking tours & neighbourhoods Consider a private walking tour to discover Bilbao, and as you plan, explore some of its vibrant neighborhoods with your local guide. There's no better insight than having a local at your side. - Casco Viejo: Dive into the heart of Bilbao's old town, where cobblestone streets are lined with bustling shops and traditional pintxos bars. Perfect for families and cultural tourists eager to soak up history, this area offers a lively atmosphere with a touch of the city's past. - Abandoibarra: A riverside neighborhood that caters to those seeking modern art and architecture. Here, you can find the iconic Guggenheim Museum and enjoy leisurely walks along the river. Ideal for multi-generational groups looking for both relaxation and cultural enrichment. - Deusto: Known for its youthful vibe, thanks to the nearby university, this area is great for those wanting to connect with the local scene. It's filled with trendy cafes and offers a peek into the daily life of Bilbao's residents. Day trip ideas from Bilbao Use Bilbao day trips to trade city streets for coast, vineyards, and small towns, keeping your tour flexible so you follow what you feel like that day, from art and history to food and sea air. San Sebastián (Donostia): a quick run for pintxos hopping, La Concha’s crescent beach, and Old Town lanes, a fit for food lovers who want variety in a compact area and a clean mix of seaside and city energy. Gaztelugatxe and Bermeo: a rugged islet linked by stone steps and a Basque fishing port nearby, drawing you if coastal views, tidal pools, and harbour life sound good, with time for grilled fish at the end. Gernika and Urdaibai: town squares tied to Basque identity and a wide estuary with birdlife, ideal for history fans who also like light nature stops, easy walking, and local snacks in between sights. Rioja Alavesa (Laguardia): medieval lanes above wine cellars and vineyard views in every direction, perfect for tasting without long drives, cellar visits that explain the region, and photos that don’t need filters. Getaria and Zumaia: a txakoli wine slope above a stone-built port and cliffs shaped by layered rock, good for seafood lunches, a quick winery stop, and a coastal walk that fits into a single, simple loop. A private tour with a local guide is the best way to really get to know a place. Skip the crowds, follow your interests, and see a side of Bilbao most travellers miss.