3 days in Bilbao with a coastal afternoon
Use three days to connect Bilbao's river with its mouth at the coast. Start with the museum district, give the old town a separate morning, then take the metro to Portugalete and Getxo. The final day follows a clear route across the transporter bridge, avoiding a return journey through central Bilbao between the two banks.
At a glance
Day 1: Art and the western riverfront
- Morning
- Visit the Guggenheim with a morning ticket, allowing time for the building as well as the exhibitions. After leaving, walk along the water beneath the museum terraces to see how the structure meets the river.
- Afternoon
- Continue downstream through Abandoibarra toward the Euskalduna conference center. Turn inland through Doña Casilda park, then return toward Plaza Moyúa through the Ensanche streets for a different view of the city.
- Evening
- Stay around Abando and Indautxu for dinner rather than crossing to the old town immediately. The streets around Calle García Rivero make a useful starting point for comparing neighborhood pintxo counters.
- Dinner
- Try Bar El Globo for dinner built around several pintxos, choosing a mixture of hot preparations and lighter fish options.
Day 2: The old town and Begoña
- Morning
- Start at Ribera market, then explore the Siete Calles from the San Antón end. Follow the lanes toward Santiago cathedral before stopping in Plaza Nueva, where the arcades offer shelter during a shower.
- Afternoon
- From Plaza Unamuno, climb the Calzadas de Mallona toward Basílica de Begoña if you are comfortable with steps. Allow a relaxed return rather than scheduling another major attraction immediately afterwards, and check access before entering the basilica.
- Evening
- Walk down to the Arenal and cross the river for a look along the Bilbao La Vieja waterfront. Return to Casco Viejo for dinner, keeping the evening within a compact area after the hillside walk.
- Dinner
- Eat at Víctor Montes or nearby pintxo counters, ordering a selection of small savory bites and checking the day's cooked dishes.
Day 3: Portugalete, the bridge and Getxo
- Morning
- Take the metro to Portugalete and walk downhill to the Vizcaya Bridge. Look at the gondola crossing before deciding whether to add the upper walkway, checking current access and weather restrictions.
- Afternoon
- Cross to Las Arenas and follow the waterfront toward Ereaga beach. If you want a longer walk, continue toward the old fishing harbor at Algorta, allowing extra time for its slopes and steps.
- Evening
- Return from a convenient Getxo metro station rather than retracing the whole coastal walk. Keep the evening in central Bilbao relaxed, with a short meal near your accommodation after the outward excursion.
- Dinner
- Choose a seafood restaurant in Getxo for an early dinner, asking for grilled fish and seasonal vegetables before returning to Bilbao.
Tips for 3 days in Bilbao
- Use separate metro lines for the two banks: Portugalete is on line 2, while Getxo stations are on line 1.
- Wear shoes with grip for the Begoña steps and the sloping streets around Algorta's old harbor.
- Put the coastal day on the clearest forecast and move the museum visit if your ticket conditions allow.
3 days in Bilbao with a coastal afternoon
Is three days enough to include Getxo?
Yes. A full third day lets you see the bridge and walk along the coast without compressing the main Bilbao sights into one day.
Should I visit both art museums?
You can, but this plan prioritizes the coast and old town. Replace the western river walk with the Fine Arts Museum after checking current exhibitions and access.
Is the walk to Begoña difficult?
The route from Plaza Unamuno involves a sustained stair climb. If steps are unsuitable, ask locally about an accessible alternative before setting out.
Do I need a car for the coastal day?
No. Metro services reach both banks, and the bridge connects Portugalete with Las Arenas. Walking distances increase if you continue all the way to Algorta.