Bilbao: Evening Pintxos Food Tour & Basque Wine Walk

Summary

Bilbao pintxos crawl with local drinks stories and laughter

You’ll hop between buzzing bars in Bilbao’s historic center, tasting eight different pintxos paired with Basque wines and ciders. Guided by a local who shares stories and tips, you’ll pick up food etiquette and sample both traditional and creative bites. Expect laughter, new flavors, and a real sense of what makes Bilbao tick after dark.

What’s the experience like?

I almost missed the first bar because I was too busy staring at a window full of pastries—rookie mistake. Our guide, Ane, waved me in with a grin and a “Don’t worry, we’ll get to dessert later.” Right away, the place was humming: locals tossing napkins on the floor (apparently that’s how you know it’s good), glasses clinking, someone behind me shouting something in Euskara. I tried to order my first pintxo but totally mangled the name—Ane just laughed and said, “You’re officially initiated now.”

We wandered through three neighborhoods in Bilbao, dodging drizzle one minute and golden streetlights the next. At each stop, Ane explained why this bar did anchovies best or how Txakoli wine should be poured from up high—she even let us try. I spilled some on the counter (sorry again), but nobody cared. The pintxos weren’t what I expected; some were classic like cod with peppers, others were wild—like smoky morcilla with apple. There was this one with goat cheese and honey that surprised me. Still thinking about it.

Between bites, Ane told stories about Basque history—how people here still fight to keep their language alive, or why cider gets poured with such drama. She pointed out tiny details I’d have missed: old men playing cards in the corner, the smell of grilled octopus wafting from somewhere nearby. We learned the unspoken rules for ordering at crowded bars (don’t wait for a menu, just elbow in). By our last stop—vermouth in hand—I felt less like a tourist and more like someone who belonged for an evening.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Culinary walking tour of Bilbao

• Meet local passionate guide
• Walk through lively city streets
• Explore Old Town and bars
• Taste top Basque pintxos
• Pair food with local drinks
• Stroll past charming neighborhoods
• Enjoy riverside Nervión views
• Learn Basque history and culture
• Discover insider pintxos tips

Top questions

How many pintxos are included on this Bilbao food tour?

The tour includes at least eight different pintxos per person.

Are drinks included on the Bilbao food & wine tour?

Yes, local drinks such as wine, vermouths, cider or non-alcoholic options are included.

Is this Bilbao pintxos tour suitable for vegans?

No, this tour is not suitable for vegans.

What neighborhoods does the food tour visit?

The route covers three of Bilbao’s most historic neighborhoods including the Old Town.

Is hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup is provided; you meet your guide at a central location in Bilbao.

What language is the tour run in?

The experience runs in English only.

How big are the groups on this food & wine walk?

The group size is small—maximum 10 people per tour.

Can people under 14 join this Bilbao evening food tour?

No, only guests aged 14 or older can participate.

What’s included

Your evening includes guided walks through three historic neighborhoods of Bilbao with a small group (max 10), tasting at least eight high-quality pintxos paired with local wines or other drinks like vermouth or cider—all led by an English-speaking local guide before you head off full (and maybe a little tipsy) into the night.