Spending a weekend in Bilbao, Spain

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Spending a weekend in Bilbao, Spain: How to get there

Flying into Bilbao is simple and easy as it is a relatively small airport. We took a nonstop flight from Seville and after landing, we hopped on a bus for a short ride to the city. You can buy a ticket in baggage for the bus either to downtown Bilbao or to San Sebastian if you are heading that way.

Spending a weekend in Bilbao, Spain: Where to Stay

There are numerous options for place to stay in Bilbao, all depending on your budget and location preference. It is best to be close to the city center (either the center itself, or Old Town). The city is walkable and you can get pretty much everywhere on foot – so being close is key. We were a little further out than I would have liked but everything was within a twenty minute walk.

Hotel Carlton – Iconic, old luxury, with a great central location. Book here.

Hotel Tayko Bilbao – Along the river and set in Old Town, there is where I wold consider staying next time Book here.

NYX Hotel Bilbao by Leonardo Hotels is another wonderfully located hotel if you want to be close to Old Town. If you’re a family you can stay in the suite with a balcony. Book Here.

If you prefer an apartment there are numerous options on Booking.com like this listing that would be perfect for a group or family.

Spending a weekend in Bilbao, Spain: Where to grab coffee

Baristas Club

Set in old town, is Baristas Club, a wonderful coffee shop that makes everything themselves, takes pride in their impeccable coffee (no sugar or added syrup needed). With a menu that changes with the seasons, I could sit at the tables outside of the narrow quaint streets all day.

Nokora Specialty Coffee

The perfect place for high quality coffee on the go. No tables inside, but they are knowledgable about their craft and can help you order the perfect cup. I was pleasantly surprised by the speciality coffee in Bilbao, and Nokora is a great part of the scene.

Check out my post on where to have coffee in Bilbao, Spain here.

Spending a weekend in Bilbao, Spain: Where to Eat

Trade in Pinxtos for tapas in Northern Spain (thir version of tapas) and indulge in the incredible food the region has to offer. Having littles with us, we didn’t indulge on places we maybe normally would, but a reminder that Spain is extremely kid friendly! Here are some places that we tried and ones I had saved.

Cokooncafé

Cocoon Cafe – A favorite breakfast from the trip – incredible ingredients, a delicious special and really great coffee. Perhaps the highlight of any breakfast I ate on this trip. I would head there early for a seat (we had to wait a little bit), but oh so worth it. Their menu consists of various toasts, porridge and the pancake special I still think about.

Bølge Café

On our way to see the Guggenheim Museum, we stopped at Bølge Café for coffee and breakfast. Their menu provided many filling options such as numerous toasts, eggs, yogurt bowl and of course baked goods. The design needs to be mentioned and their seating – a wonderful space in contrast to smaller coffee shops.

El Globo Taverno

A place that seems to get quite busy but worth it if you grab a spot at the bar for some Pinxtos, or a seat at a table for their full menu. With kids we avoided the standing room only for a seat at the table and their food is worth the wait!

Zortziko jatetxea

A place I have saved for a fine dining experience and pre-fixed menu with a wine tasting. Eat in their main, check out their wine cellar or partcipate in a cooking class.

Gure Toki

Take a seat outside at Gure Toki or any restaurant in Plaza Nueva. Although a main plaza, there was a wondeerful local feel as I drank my vino tinto fro Bilbao. Kids playing soccer, families out and about – it felt like the heart of Old Town and the perfect place for a meal.

Irrintzi

Pinxtos and cocktails.

Spending a weekend in Bilbao, Spain: What to Do

Erriberako merkatua

Part of the market was closed when we visited but the top floor had restaurants and you can eat outside with views of the river for the most ideal setting. This was also a perfect start to our exploring in Old Town.

Explore Old Town

I have seen a quite a few old towns in Spain but there was something about the one in Bilbao that I loved. On a return trip I would love to spend more time there. Peruse plant shops, vintage stores, enjoy coffee and take in the beautiful architecture.

Teatro Arriaga

Beautiful Pefroming Arts Theater on the edge of Old Town.

Guggenheim Museum Bilbao

Perhaps the main and best thing to do in Bilbao! The modern art museum has interesting and exciting exhibits, and even the building and outside sculptures are worth the visit alone. If you are traveling with kids, their ticket is free, but they need to be holding your hand or we had ours in a stroller. There is a fantastic playground right next to the museum to get their energy out after!

Funicular de Artxanda

Take a hillside train from the city to a beautiful lookout of the city, go for a walk or even have lunch nearby before heading back. We had a rental car and drove to the top, not realizing you can catch the Funicular in the city, so head here to take it up!