Jump directly to the content
48 HOURS IN BILBAO

Head to northern Spain for a hip city break complete with world-class art, tasty bites and beautiful beaches, Basque style

WRITER Helen Ochyra headed to beautiful Bilbao for a short city break, all planned to suit a 48-hour trip.

See how you can immerse yourself in world-class art, tasty bites and lazy days on the beach in this hip Spanish city.

 Helen Ochyra headed to the hip Spanish city of Bilbao for a much-needed city break
7
Helen Ochyra headed to the hip Spanish city of Bilbao for a much-needed city break

Basque in it

 In the city, everyone dines on pintxos - beautiful and colourful traditional Spanish snacks related to tapas
7
In the city, everyone dines on pintxos - beautiful and colourful traditional Spanish snacks related to tapas

THE Basque Country’s biggest city famously dines on pintxos – small but perfectly formed dishes selected from the bar top.

You’ll find them in almost every bar in the Old Town and dishes cost from £1.80.

Head to Plaza Nueva for some of the most delicious at Gure Toki ().

Or trendy Ahoan makes a mean ham croquette (Facebook @ahoanbilbao), while Sorginzulo is known for its cracking calamari ().

Culture Vulture

 A Bilbao must-see is the Guggenheim, famed as much for its iconic architecture as for the cutting-edge contemporary art inside
7
A Bilbao must-see is the Guggenheim, famed as much for its iconic architecture as for the cutting-edge contemporary art insideCredit: Getty

FROM the Old Town, take a stroll across the Nervión River at the Zubizuri bridge, a spectacular piece of modern architecture.

It has become symbolic of the reinvigorated city, which has morphed from a gritty post-industrial hub to a cultural powerhouse.

Nearby you’ll see a line-up of sculptures and art installations including the city’s beloved Puppy, a massive dog made of flowers by American artist Jeff Koons.

The dog stands over the Guggenheim Museum, famed as much for its iconic titanium architecture as for the cutting-edge contemporary art inside. Entry costs from £10 ().

Seas the day

 The city lies inland but it's only a short trip to the nearest beach, and if you fancy venturing further north you'll find the very pretty Playa de Arrigunaga
7
The city lies inland but it's only a short trip to the nearest beach, and if you fancy venturing further north you'll find the very pretty Playa de ArrigunagaCredit: Getty

BILBAO lies a few miles inland, but it’s an easy journey out to the coast and several gorgeous beaches.

Hop on the Metro (Line 1) to reach Getxo and Playa de Ereaga, a large sweep of fine golden sand known for its buzzing beach football tournaments.

To the north you’ll find the prettier – and often much quieter – Playa de Arrigunaga.

Fancy something wilder? Stay on the train a little longer and then hop off at Larrabasterra for Barinatxe beach, a dramatic stretch of ocean that’s ideal for surfers.

Drink Up

 The hipster district has many hotspots like microbreweries and superb cafes, but it also has great sights to see
7
The hipster district has many hotspots like microbreweries and superb cafes, but it also has great sights to seeCredit: Getty

BILBAO'S hipster district lies just across the river from the Old Town in Bilbao La Vieja, commonly know as “Bilbi”.

This is the place to be as night falls. Hit Bihotz cafe and microbrewery for craft beers and superb coffees, then Bar Marzana 16 for a glass of the local txakoli white wine on the riverside terrace, before swinging by quirky Peso Neto for potent cocktails and a young, vibrant crowd that keeps the party going well past midnight ().

You’ll pay around £1.80 for a small beer or glass of local wine – bargain!

Shop around

 Bilbao has great independent boutiques and stores lining almost every street
7
Bilbao has great independent boutiques and stores lining almost every streetCredit: Instagram

YOU won’t be able to resist a spot of shopping in Bilbao, with independent boutiques and stores lining pretty much every street.

Don’t skip a visit to Sombreros Gorostiaga in the Old Town, a hat shop that has been open since 1857 and specialises in custom-made “txapelas”, a typically Basque type of beret, and classic hats.

For handmade jewellery, head to chic Ganboa and pick out a stylish ring, pieces start from £50 ().

Foodies should head to La Ribera, Europe’s largest covered food market, which is the perfect place to buy delicious local cheeses and cured meats ().

BTW

As well as Spanish, a common language in Bilbao is Basque, which bears no resemblance to Spanish.


Snooze with a view

 If you fancy treating yourself, book in at modern five-star hotel The Gran Hotel Domine Bilbao
7
If you fancy treating yourself, book in at modern five-star hotel The Gran Hotel Domine Bilbao

THE Gran Hotel Domine Bilbao is a centrally located five-star hotel with cracking views of the Guggenheim from its rooftop breakfast terrace and many of the rooms.

The style is cool and modern, with warm colours and marble bathrooms, while the Beltz restaurant is worth staying in for, serving Basque dishes with a twist, such as the hake with squid, £22.

Double rooms cost from £102 ().

  • Return flights from London to Bilbao with British Airways cost from £111 ().

GOT a story? RING The Sun on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or EMAIL exclusive@the-sun.co.uk


LOGO_machibet_200x200

Machibet

star star star star star 4.9/

6,000.000+downloads/Free/Bengali/Version2.3.4

777 BDT IPL 2025 Sports First Deposit Bonus

  • 5,000 BDT Daily Reload Bonus
  • Boost Your First Deposit with a 300 BDT Bonus
  • 100% First Deposit Refund Bonus up to 5,000BDT
bKash bank OK Wallet upay
PLAY NOW
Free Bonus
Download For
android