Bilbao: Walking Tour Old Town, Ensanche & Guggenheim Icons

Summary

Walk Bilbao’s seven streets, markets and modern icons in a few hours

You’ll wander through Bilbao’s lively Old Town with a small group and local guide, tasting market flavors and hearing stories you’d miss alone. See grand boulevards in Ensanche and finish by the Guggenheim’s shimmering curves—all in just a few hours on foot. If you want to feel both old stone under your feet and that buzz of modern Basque life, this is for you.

What’s the experience like?

I almost missed the start because I got distracted by a bakery near the Arriaga Theatre—those buttery smells just pull you in. Our guide, Ane, was already chatting with two older women from Madrid when I finally caught up, croissant in hand. She didn’t mind; actually, she grinned and said something about “Bilbao time” being flexible. That set the tone for the whole walking tour—nothing rushed or stiff.

The Old Town felt alive even on a weekday morning. We ducked into Plaza Nueva where locals were already staking out tables for pintxos later (I made a mental note). Ane pointed out tiny details on San Antón Church that I’d have walked past—she mentioned how floods used to reach halfway up the stone. At La Ribera Market, someone handed me a slice of Idiazabal cheese before I could say no. It was nutty and smoky and honestly better than anything I’ve found back home. The air inside smelled like fresh fish and fruit stands and coffee all mixed together—kind of chaotic but good.

We crossed into the Ensanche area and suddenly it was wide boulevards and those grand 19th-century buildings. Ane told us about the industrial boom, but what stuck with me was how she waved at some guy biking past (“That’s my cousin’s friend’s son,” she laughed). The Nervión river looked greyish-blue under cloud cover—typical Basque weather, apparently—and we stopped for a minute just watching people hurry over Zubizuri Bridge. I tried to pronounce it right; failed spectacularly.

The last bit took us toward the Guggenheim Museum. Even if you’ve seen photos, seeing it up close is something else—the way it catches light is weirdly hypnotic. We didn’t go inside (not included), but standing outside with our little group felt right somehow—like we’d earned this view after winding through centuries of Bilbao history on foot. I still think about that first bite of cheese at La Ribera whenever someone mentions Bilbao—you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Bilbao Old Town and Downtown

• Walk through Old Town
• Visit Arenal and Plaza Nueva
• See San Antón Church
• Explore La Ribera Market
• Arrive downtown Bilbao
• Walk past railway station and Gran Via
• Stroll along Nervión river banks
• View City Hall

Top questions

How long does the Bilbao walking tour last?

The tour covers key areas of Bilbao in just a few hours, making it easy to fit into your day.

Is this walking tour suitable for children or seniors?

Yes, it’s suitable for all fitness levels and accessible for strollers or wheelchairs.

What are some highlights visited on this Bilbao walking tour?

You’ll see the Old Town (Seven Streets), Plaza Nueva, San Antón Church, La Ribera Market, Ensanche district, Zubizuri Bridge, and Guggenheim Museum (outside).

Does the tour include entry to the Guggenheim Museum?

No, entry to the Guggenheim Museum is not included; you’ll visit from outside.

Is lunch or food included during the Bilbao walking tour?

No meals are included but there are stops at markets where you can try local foods if you wish.

Is hotel pickup included in this Bilbao city center walking tour?

No hotel pickup is provided; tours start at a central meeting point near Arriaga Theatre.

How many people are in each group?

This is a small group tour for a more personal experience.

Will there be a local guide leading the walk?

Yes, your walk is led by a professional local guide who shares stories along the way.

What’s included

Your day includes a guided small group walk led by an expert local guide through Bilbao’s Old Town (Casco Viejo), Ensanche district, riverbanks and up to contemporary landmarks like Zubizuri Bridge and outside Guggenheim Museum—all easily accessible on foot and suitable for everyone regardless of mobility needs.