Bilbao is a city that rewards exploration, whether you prefer wandering its lively streets, soaking in art and architecture, or venturing beyond the city limits. Its compact size makes it an ideal place for full-day tours, offering a mix of cultural highlights, scenic views, and authentic Basque experiences. Among our favorites are a personalized private walking tour that uncovers hidden corners, and a visit to the Guggenheim Museum, which is a must-see for art lovers. For those with a taste for culinary adventures, the pintxo lunch options and Cider House visits provide a taste of local life. If you want to combine city sights with charming coastal villages, the day trip to Castro Urdiales is a perfect choice.
For a well-rounded day, we’ve curated this list of the best full-day tours in Bilbao—each offering different ways to experience this dynamic city and its surroundings. Whether you’re after an intimate private experience, culture, or scenic exploration, you’ll find something that fits your style.
Quick Overview
We’ve included a variety of full-day tours designed to suit different interests and budgets. Options include private walking tours of Bilbao’s essential sights, excursions to nearby Charming Villages in Cantabria, a comprehensive private tour featuring the Guggenheim Museum plus pintxos, and even a combined Bilbao and Castro Urdiales trip from Santander. Each offers a unique taste of the region and its culture, with some featuring expert guides, local cuisine, or scenic drives. Explore the options below to find your perfect day in Bilbao.
1. Private Guided Full-Day Walking Tour in Bilbao
At number one, this private guided walking tour offers a highly personalized way to explore Bilbao. For around $98, you’ll get a full day (about 8 to 9 hours) with a local guide who will customize the itinerary to your interests. The tour starts with hotel pickup in Biscay, removing the hassle of navigating on your own. Your guide will lead you through the Casco Viejo, the Old Town famous for its Seven Streets, historic palaces, churches, and lively market. The private format means you can spend more time in places that excite you and skip others that don’t.
Other highlights include a visit to the Basilica de Begoña, a spiritual icon and site of pilgrimages, and a walk through the Azkuna Zentroa—an architectural marvel that transforms an old wine warehouse into a vibrant cultural center. The tour also covers Federico Moyua Plaza, the heart of Bilbao, and offers plenty of flexibility for photo stops, local recommendations, or just soaking in the atmosphere at your pace.
Reviewers consistently praise the guide’s local knowledge and attentiveness. One reviewer notes, “Jose was an outstanding guide. He showed us all the great sites plus was helpful with mobility challenges.” This tour is ideal for travelers who want a flexible, in-depth introduction to Bilbao without the constraints of a large group.
Bottom Line: If you prefer a tailored experience with a knowledgeable guide who can adapt to your interests, this private walking tour is hard to beat.
2. Cantabria Full Day Tour Discovering its Charming Villages
Next on our list, this full-day trip from Bilbao offers a chance to explore the green landscapes and picturesque villages of Cantabria. For approximately $344, you’ll spend about 10 hours traveling in a private vehicle with a guide who will take you to Santillana del Mar, Comillas, and Castro Urdiales—the region’s most captivating spots.
The tour is perfect for those interested in local architecture and coastal scenery. Santillana del Mar enchants visitors with its cobbled streets and medieval charm. Comillas features the Indiano houses, showcasing a unique blend of local and colonial styles, while Castro Urdiales is known as the “San Sebastián of Cantabria” for its stunning coastline and impressive Gothic church.
A highlight is the included local bean stew (cocido montanes), served with drinks, giving you a taste of regional cuisine. The full itinerary provides plenty of time to walk through villages and absorb the relaxed pace of rural Spain.
Reviewers highlight how this tour offers a comprehensive look at Cantabria’s villages while avoiding the hassle of planning transportation themselves. It’s best suited for travelers eager to combine cultural sights with scenic drives and culinary experiences.
Bottom Line: For those who want to see Charming villages and coastlines with a hassle-free, guided experience, this tour offers excellent value.
3. Full-day private Bilbao tour (Guggenheim museum & full pintxo lunch included)
For around $289, this private tour offers a well-rounded 5-hour introduction to Bilbao, perfect for travelers with limited time but a desire to see the highlights. The tour is flexible and customizable, but it’s anchored by visits to the Guggenheim Museum, one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Led by authorized guides, you’ll get a deeper understanding of the museum’s architecture and the impressive collection of works by artists like Andy Warhol and Eduardo Chillida.
Next, your guide will take you to the Mercado de La Ribera, Europe’s largest covered market, where you’ll learn about Basque cuisine and ingredients. The tour culminates with a full pintxo lunch, sampling three different local tapas accompanied by a drink—an authentic taste of Bilbao’s culinary scene.
Reviews praise the guide’s ability to share insider knowledge and make the visit engaging. One says, “Ana explained all the details of the city and answered all our questions,” making it ideal for travelers wanting an immersive city experience with food included.
Bottom Line: This tour packs cultural and culinary highlights into a manageable half-day, perfect for those wanting a taste of Bilbao’s art and food scene.
4. San Sebastian Full-Day Tour with Cider House Lunch
This semi-private tour, limited to seven people, combines a scenic drive with cultural exploration. For about $249, you’ll spend roughly 7 hours exploring San Sebastian, starting with a walking tour of its Old Town, the elegant La Concha Beach, and the famous Comb of the Wind sculpture. The tour captures the city’s elegance and lively atmosphere.
After exploring San Sebastian, you’ll head to Astigarraga, home to traditional Basque cider houses. Here, you’ll enjoy a typical cider house lunch, which is more than just food—it’s an authentic experience of Basque social life. The cider houses are known for their centuries-old traditions, and this stop offers a glimpse into how locals have long enjoyed their food and drink.
Reviewers mention the tour’s intimate size and the guide’s engaging storytelling. It’s ideal for those passionate about gastronomy and coastal scenery.
Bottom Line: If you want an immersive day combining city sights with a hearty lunch in a cider house, this is a fantastic choice.
5. Bilbao and Castro Urdiales Full-day excursion from Santander
Lastly, this 10-hour excursion from Santander provides a comprehensive day exploring Bilbao’s urban core and the picturesque coastal town of Castro Urdiales. The tour includes a visit to Bilbao’s historic center, the Guggenheim Museum (optional), and a boat trip on the Nervión River (also optional).
The day continues with a visit to Castro Urdiales, famed for its Gothic Church of Our Lady of the Assumption and seaside ambiance. There’s plenty of free time to stroll and enjoy local cafes, making this trip flexible and suitable for travelers who want to balance guided sightseeing with leisurely exploration.
While the exact starting times vary, this tour offers a broad overview of the region’s culture, architecture, and landscapes.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers who want a full, varied day combining urban and coastal sights, with flexibility to explore on their own.
How to Choose the Best Full-Day Tour in Bilbao
Deciding between these options depends on your interests, budget, and travel style. If you crave a highly personalized experience, the Private Guided Full-Day Walking Tour gives you flexibility and local insight. For a scenic escape into the charming villages of Cantabria, the Charming Villages tour is ideal. Want a culture-rich visit with art and cuisine? The Guggenheim and Pintxo tour offers a perfect short but rich experience.
If you love gastronomy and coastal scenery, the San Sebastian Cider House trip blends both beautifully. And for those staying in Santander or seeking a regional overview, the Bilbao and Castro Urdiales excursion provides a broad perspective.
When booking, consider your fitness level, as walking is involved in most tours. Also, check the season—some tours may be more enjoyable in good weather. Booking early is advisable, especially for small-group or private options.
Final Thoughts
Bilbao offers a diverse array of full-day tours, perfect for different tastes and budgets. For an intimate, flexible introduction to Bilbao’s culture and history, the private walking tour hits the mark. For scenic lovers, the trip to Cantabria’s charming villages is hard to beat. And if you want a cultural and culinary snapshot, the Guggenheim Museum and pintxo experience is unbeatable.
Whatever your choice, these tours make it easier to see the best of Bilbao and its surroundings without the stress of planning it all yourself. Book early, and enjoy discovering this lively, fascinating part of Spain.