Bilbao has become one of Spain’s most dynamic cities, blending cutting-edge architecture like the Guggenheim with historic charm in its old town. What makes Bilbao especially appealing for full-day tours is its manageable size—easy to explore in a day—yet packed with enough to keep you busy, inspired, and well-fed. Whether you’re interested in private guided walks, exploring nearby charming villages, or diving into the local culinary scene, Bilbao offers options that fit your pace and curiosity. Personally, I love the Private Guided Full-Day Walking Tour in Bilbao because it combines personalized attention with the chance to discover both well-known sights and hidden corners of the city.
One of the best aspects of these tours is they cater to different interests and budgets—some focus on art and architecture, others on regional food or scenic trips outside the city. For example, the Cantabria Full Day Tour Discovering its Charming Villages takes you into the lush countryside to see Santillana del Mar and Comillas, offering a taste of Northern Spain beyond Bilbao’s urban landscape. And for those short on time but eager for a rich experience, the Full-day private Bilbao tour with Guggenheim and pintxo lunch provides a perfect balance of art, culture, and food.
Below, you’ll find a detailed look at each of the top full-day tours in Bilbao to help you decide which one best suits your interests and schedule.
1. Private Guided Full-Day Walking Tour in Bilbao
This personalized city exploration is a perfect choice if you want to avoid large groups and tailor your experience. Your guide will pick you up from your hotel, making transportation hassle-free, and then lead you through Bilbao’s most iconic spots—plus some secret corners most travelers miss. The tour lasts around 8 to 9 hours, giving plenty of time to soak up the atmosphere at your own pace.
Highlights include a walk through Casco Viejo, where you’ll explore the Seven Streets, palaces, churches, and bustling markets. Visitors consistently rave about the guide, Jose, who brings the city’s stories alive—”Jose was an outstanding guide,” writes one reviewer. The tour also visits the Basilica de Begoña, a pilgrimage site filled with history, and the Azkuna Zentroa, a striking conversion of an old wine warehouse into a modern cultural hub.
What makes this tour stand out is its flexibility. You can customize stops based on your interests—whether that’s art, history, or food. Plus, your guide’s local perspective adds depth you won’t get from a guidebook. The bottom line: If you want a deep, relaxed dive into Bilbao with personal attention, this is hard to beat.
2. Cantabria Full Day Tour Discovering its Charming Villages
For travelers eager to see more than just Bilbao, this full-day trip into Cantabria offers a scenic escape. Starting early, the tour takes you by private transportation to some of Northern Spain’s most picturesque villages. Highlights include Santillana del Mar, famous for its medieval streets and the Altamira caves, and Comillas, with its Indiano houses and architectural marvels.
You’ll also visit Castro Urdiales, known as the “San Sebastian of Cantabria” for its beautiful beaches and Gothic church. The trip includes a taste of cocido montanes, the regional bean stew, which is served with drinks to satisfy your appetite after a day of sightseeing. This tour is ideal for history and scenery lovers, with about 10 hours on the road, but with plenty of memorable moments along the way.
What sets this tour apart is its combination of cultural sights and stunning landscapes, making it a superb choice for those who want to see a different side of Spain without straying too far from Bilbao. It’s best suited for travelers comfortable with a long day and looking for a balance of sightseeing and relaxation.
3. Full-day private Bilbao tour (Guggenheim museum & full pintxo lunch included)
This 5-hour private tour maximizes your time in Bilbao by focusing on its highlights—perfect if your schedule is tight. It includes a guided visit to the world-famous Guggenheim Museum, where you’ll see works by Warhol, Kiefer, and Chillida. The guide will explain the architecture—designed by Frank Gehry—and the art collection, giving you a richer understanding than wandering solo.
After the museum, you’ll head to Mercado de La Ribera, Europe’s largest covered market. Here, you’ll get a taste of local ingredients and the chance to observe Basque shopping habits. The tour wraps up with a typical pintxo lunch, sampling three different small plates along with a local drink—a fun, flavorful way to experience Bilbao’s culinary culture.
Rated highly for its personalized service and cultural depth, this tour is suited for travelers who want a curated experience that covers art, food, and local life. It offers good value because it includes museum tickets and lunch, making it a practical and enriching way to see Bilbao in a shorter timeframe.
4. San Sebastian Full-Day Tour with Cider House Lunch
Just a little over 7 hours, this semi-private tour (max 7 people) takes you to the stunning coastal city of San Sebastian, famous for its La Concha Beach and elegant Old Town. Your first stop is a walk through San Sebastian’s historic streets, where your guide shares stories about kings, spies, and local secrets. The highlight is a visit to the Comb of the Wind, a set of sculptures on the cliffs, perfect for photos.
After exploring, you’ll drive to Astigarraga, home to the traditional Basque cider houses. Here, you’ll enjoy a lunch of Basque cider and local fare, a true taste of regional gastronomy that sailors and farmers have enjoyed for generations. The experience offers insight into local customs, with the lush scenery of the Basque coast as a backdrop.
This tour is ideal for those interested in gastronomy, coastal scenery, and authentic cultural experiences. The intimate group size and authentic cider house meal make it stand out. It’s a full-rounded taste of Basque culture, suited for travelers who want a mix of city, coast, and culinary tradition.
5. Bilbao and Castro Urdiales: A full-day excursion from Santander
For those based in Santander or looking for a day trip that combines city and seaside charm, this full-day excursion hits all the marks. Starting with a 75-minute bus ride, you’ll visit Bilbao’s historic center and see the Guggenheim Museum (optional), and then take a boat ride along the Nervión River (also optional). Later, the trip continues to Castro Urdiales, with its Gothic Church of Our Lady of the Assumption and seaside vistas.
This tour offers a balanced mix of cultural highlights, scenic views, and leisure. The itinerary is flexible, with free time to explore Bilbao on your own, and options to add a boat ride or museum visit. It’s best suited for travelers with a full day to spare and an interest in combining urban and coastal experiences.
How to Choose the Right Full-Day Tour in Bilbao
When selecting a tour, consider your main interests and physical comfort. If you love art and architecture, the Guggenheim + Pintxo private tour offers deep insights and culture. Want a taste of regional scenery and villages? The Cantabria Village Tour delivers mountain views and charming towns. For those short on time but craving variety, the private city walk is flexible and personal. And if you’re combining Bilbao with San Sebastian, the coastal tour adds a splash of seaside elegance.
Think about your budget, too. The private city walk is a more affordable way to explore deeply, while the full-day trips tend to be pricier but include meals and transportation. Booking early is advisable, especially in high season, to ensure availability.
Final Thoughts
Bilbao’s full-day tours provide a wonderful way to see beyond the surface and dive into the city’s culture, art, and surroundings. The Private Guided Full-Day Walking Tour is perfect if you want an intimate, tailored experience. Meanwhile, the Cantabria Village Tour offers scenic countryside and quaint towns for lovers of rural Spain.
For a quick but rich taste of Bilbao, the Guggenheim and Pintxo experience hits the sweet spot, especially for art and food fans. And if seaside scenery appeals, the San Sebastian day trip promises stunning views, coastal charm, and delicious cider.
No matter your preference, these tours open up opportunities to enjoy Bilbao in depth. Booking ahead ensures you don’t miss out on these memorable experiences, so plan early and choose the one that best suits your travel style.
