Things to Do in Bilbao in One Day: The Perfect Itinerary

Bilbao is a vibrant, modern city that remains deeply rooted in its history. It has successfully reinvented itself and is now one of the most fascinating destinations in northern Spain. With just one day, you can explore its highlights and get a real sense of its unique personality. This itinerary includes the best things to do in Bilbao in one day — a mix of history, art, riverside walks, green spaces, and of course, incredible Basque cuisine.

We usually visit two or three times a year. The girls love going shopping, while Manuel and I enjoy trying out the many restaurants the city has to offer — and of course, all gluten-free.

Also read: Things to see in Bilbao: a complete guide

Morning in Bilbao: Discovering the City’s History and Traditions

Start the Day with Breakfast at Naked and Sated Bilbao

Start your day with a healthy and delicious breakfast at Naked and Sated Bilbao — a modern and popular spot known for its natural dishes, gluten-free options, and creative recipes. Enjoy fruit bowls, inventive toasts, fluffy pancakes, and specialty coffee, all served in a bright and welcoming atmosphere.

For us, it was a real hidden gem. We stumbled upon it by chance during one of our getaways to Bilbao, and it won us over instantly. We loved both the food and the warm, friendly service. Plus, being able to enjoy gluten-free dishes and treat ourselves to a guilt-free dessert (since we don’t usually eat sugar) felt like an absolute luxury.

Choosing Naked and Sated to kick off your “things to do in Bilbao in one day” itinerary is definitely the perfect way to fuel up and start your day on a high note — knowing that a full day of plans and surprises awaits.

Strolling Along the River and Crossing the Iconic Zubizuri Bridge

After breakfast, start your walk along the riverside — one of the most pleasant and photogenic strolls in Bilbao. Walking by the water lets you take in the striking contrast between cutting-edge architecture and the industrial remnants that still echo the city’s past.

As you continue, you’ll reach the Zubizuri Bridge, known for its sleek, white, lightweight structure. Crossing it feels like a symbolic step from modern Bilbao into its more traditional side. From the bridge, you’ll get beautiful views of the river and some of the city’s most iconic buildings.

This walk is the perfect way to start connecting with the essence of Bilbao — soaking in that unique mix of calm and vibrant energy that defines the city.

Wandering Through the Old Town and Bilbao’s Historic “Seven Streets”

After crossing the Zubizuri, head into the Old Town — the historic and authentic heart of Bilbao. Known as the “Seven Streets,” this charming neighborhood is a maze of cobbled alleys, flower-covered balconies, and small shops that preserve the true spirit of the city.

Manuel and I love strolling through this area. Its narrow streets and the constant buzz of people give it a unique and lively charm. In summer, it’s especially pleasant — the shade and cool corners make wandering around even more enjoyable.

Wandering through these streets is the best way to soak up the local atmosphere. One must-stop spot is Plaza Nueva — always lively and perfect for a second coffee or some delicious pintxos. We especially love taking a break here to enjoy the vibe. Manuela loves running and playing in the middle of the square — it’s one of her favorite moments.

Another spot you shouldn’t miss is Plaza Miguel de Unamuno, where you’ll find the metro entrance and the elevators that take you up to the Basilica of Begoña (it costs just €0.45). We’ve walked up the stairs a couple of times… but fair warning: you’ll be breathless by the time you reach the top!

Just a short walk away, you’ll find the Gothic-style Santiago Cathedral and the Church of San Antón — two must-see landmarks for anyone wanting to connect with Bilbao’s medieval roots and dive deeper into the city’s rich history.

If you want to discover all these corners in detail and not miss any fun facts, we highly recommend joining a guided tour of Bilbao. It’s the perfect way to be surprised by the stories and anecdotes only a local guide can share. If you prefer, you can also opt for a guided tour focused specifically on the Old Town.

Afternoon in Bilbao: Local Flavors, Art, and a Touch of Elegance

Enjoy Lunch with a View at Larruzz Bilbao

After a full morning exploring the Old Town and strolling along the river, it’s time to recharge. We recommend having lunch at Larruzz Bilbao — a warm and welcoming restaurant known for its rice dishes and gluten-free options.

Although their signature dish is rice, you’ll also find fish, meat, and other delicious options on the menu. For us, it was an absolute win: enjoying a good rice dish with views of the river and no worries about cross-contamination felt like a true luxury.

t also has an outdoor terrace if you feel like enjoying your meal al fresco.

Exploring the Iconic Guggenheim Museum

With renewed energy, it’s time to explore the Guggenheim Museum, the city’s most iconic landmark. This stunning titanium building, with its curved and futuristic shapes, is a true masterpiece — both inside and out.

Outside, you’ll find two of Bilbao’s most recognizable symbols: the famous giant spider and the cheerful floral puppy — both striking sculptures in their own right. If you decide to go inside, take your time to explore the contemporary art collection and enjoy the temporary exhibitions as well.

For many travelers, this visit is the highlight of their time in Bilbao — an experience that leaves no one indifferent.

If you’re interested, you can book this guided tour of the museum to gain deeper insight with the help of an expert guide.

From Plaza Moyúa to Bilbao’s Elegant Gran Vía

To wrap up the afternoon, there’s nothing better than soaking in Bilbao’s most elegant and cosmopolitan side. From the Guggenheim, you can walk to Plaza Moyúa, one of the city’s main landmarks, surrounded by grand buildings and beautifully manicured gardens.

From there, continue along the Gran Vía de Don Diego López de Haro, Bilbao’s main shopping avenue. Along this elegant boulevard, you’ll find exclusive shops, boutiques, big-name brands, and a vibrant atmosphere that perfectly reflects the modern side of Bilbao.

The girls and I love strolling through this area. With so many shops around, it’s easy to give in to temptation and treat yourself to a little something.

Walking through this area lets you experience a different side of the city — more urban, sophisticated, and full of life. If you feel like it, stop at a terrace café for a coffee, a soft drink, or simply to watch the world go by while enjoying the last moments of the afternoon.

If you’re in the mood for a gluten-free cookie, we recommend stopping by Kuki Cookie Bakery. All their cookies are 100% gluten-free.

Extra Time? Unwind at Doña Casilda Park

If you still have some energy left (and feel like exploring a bit more), a great way to end the afternoon is by heading to Doña Casilda Park. Known locally as the “duck park”, it’s one of Bilbao’s most beautiful and classic green spaces.

Here, you can stroll among fountains, ponds, and tree-lined paths, take a seat to rest, or simply unwind with an ice cream. It’s the perfect spot to catch your breath before heading to dinner and wrapping up your day in Bilbao.

Best Places to Stay in Bilbao

If you decide to spend the night in the city to enjoy it at a slower pace (or simply because after a full day you’re not in the mood to drive), Bilbao offers plenty of accommodation options for all tastes and budgets.

Our personal recommendation is the Hotel Silken Indautxu — a comfortable, modern hotel with an excellent location right in the city center. We love it because you can walk almost everywhere, the rooms are spacious, and the atmosphere is peaceful and relaxing — just what you need after a day full of adventures.

In addition, the staff is always incredibly welcoming, and the facilities are well maintained and thoughtfully designed — something we truly value when traveling as a family.

If you’re looking for a well-located, comfortable hotel with great value for money, Hotel Silken Indautxu is definitely a safe bet to complete your Bilbao in one day experience — or even more, if you decide to extend your stay.

Where to Park in Bilbao

If you’re arriving in Bilbao by car, it’s important to know where to park so you can get around comfortably throughout the day. While the city is easy to explore on foot or by public transport, finding a good parking spot will save you a lot of hassle.

We usually park at Parking Indautxu Telpark by Empark, and we’ve always had a great experience. It’s very well located, close to the city center and the main points of interest, making it a super convenient starting point for your things to do in Bilbao in one day itinerary — no time wasted.

Plus, if you use the Telpark app, it’s very affordable and super convenient — no need to grab a ticket at the entrance or search for a payment machine when you leave. You simply drive in, park, and when you’re done exploring, just head to the exit — the payment is processed automatically through the app.

For us, it’s the easiest and fastest way to enjoy Bilbao hassle-free right from the start.

This one-day itinerary in Bilbao perfectly captures the essence of the city — its medieval and maritime roots, its stunning architectural transformation, its passion for art, and of course, its irresistible cuisine.

Even if one day seems short, we can assure you that you’ll head home with a full picture of the city and the feeling that you’ve truly experienced that authentic, welcoming, and special Bilbao spirit.

Get ready to explore Bilbao step by step, let yourself be surprised around every corner, and enjoy a day you’ll remember forever!

If you’ve already been to Bilbao or decide to follow this itinerary, tell us about your experience in the comments — we’d love to hear from you and share thoughts! And if you enjoyed this guide, feel free to share it with friends or save it for your next getaway.

MAP OF BILBAO IN ONE DAY