Bilbao: Pintxos Food & Wine Bar Tour with Basque Locals

Summary

Taste pintxos in bilbao bars with basque foodies sharing their city’s flavors

You’ll wander through Bilbao’s lively old town with a Basque foodie who knows every pintxos bar worth visiting. Taste classic bites and five different local wines (plus cider), hear stories about the Basque language and history, and enjoy plenty of laughs along the way. It feels more like hanging out with friends than following a tour group.

What’s the experience like?

It started with a smile from Ane, our guide — she waved us into this little bar I’d never have noticed on my own. The counter was crowded with tiny plates of pintxos, and everyone seemed to know her. She greeted the bartender in Euskara (I tried to say “eskerrik asko” later but probably butchered it). The smell of grilled peppers and something vinegary hit me first. I felt a bit awkward at first, not knowing how to order or where to stand, but Ane just nudged a plate toward me and said, “Try this one — it’s the classic.”

I didn’t expect the tour to feel so… local? There wasn’t any script. We just wandered from one spot to another around Bilbao, sometimes taking back streets where you could hear music spilling out of open windows above us. At one bar, an older man explained why the Basque language is so different — he pointed at a mural and told us about his childhood during Franco’s time. I still think about that story when I see graffiti now. The wine pairings were generous (five in total), and I liked that they included cider too — sharp and fizzy. At some point I lost track of which pintxo was which; there was one with anchovy and pepper that surprised me.

We asked if we could try more vegetarian options for my friend, and Ane just shrugged like it was no big deal — suddenly there were plates piled high with mushrooms and cheese. It felt easygoing, not rushed at all. By the last stop, people were leaning on each other’s shoulders telling jokes (I only caught half of them). If you’re worried about allergies or needing a break from walking, they really do adapt everything for you — we saw another group take a shorter route.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Bilbao and taste local pintxos

• Walk around Bilbao city
• Visit various local bars
• Try many pintxos and 5 wines
• Learn Basque language history
• Discover Basque people culture
• Compare Spain and Basque country
• Visit off-the-beaten-track restaurants
• Experience Bilbao like a local

Top questions

Is this Bilbao pintxos tour suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, vegetarian options are available and the route is adapted for dietary needs.

How many wines are included in the Bilbao food & wine tour?

The tour includes five red or white wine pairings plus local drinks like cider.

Does the tour include enough food for a meal?

Yes, you’ll have enough pintxos throughout the evening for a full meal.

Are allergies or dietary restrictions accommodated?

Allergies and dietary restrictions are included—just let your guide know in advance.

Is this Bilbao pintxos tour wheelchair accessible?

The tour is wheelchair accessible throughout all areas and surfaces.

Will we visit touristy places or more local bars?

You’ll mostly visit bars off the tourist track where locals go.

How long does the food & wine tour last?

The exact timing varies since routes are flexible based on group preferences.

Is pickup included in this Bilbao food tour?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; you meet your guide in central Bilbao.

What’s included

Your evening includes all bottled water, five red or white wine pairings plus local drinks like cider or cocktails, enough pintxos to fill you up completely, and an English-speaking Basque guide who adapts everything — even routes or menus — for your group’s needs.