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The 12 Best Food Tours in Bilbao
Bilbao isn’t just famous for its Guggenheim Museum or striking architecture — it’s also a paradise for food lovers. The city’s Basque cuisine offers a rich array of pintxos, seafood, and local wines that can overwhelm first-timers. Luckily, there are plenty of guided tours that help you navigate this culinary scene—whether you want a casual bar hop or a gourmet tasting experience. Our favorites include The Award-Winning Bilbao Food Tour & Wine Pairing for its friendly guide and insider tips, and The Authentic Bilbao Pintxos, Food & History Tour with a Local which combines food with a dash of local storytelling.
What makes Bilbao especially appealing for food tours? It’s because the city blends traditional pintxos bars dating back centuries with innovative eateries pushing Basque cuisine’s boundaries. Plus, its lively food markets and Harbor-front gastronomy make it easy to keep tasting and exploring long after your tour ends. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned foodie, Bilbao’s mix of old and new, casual and upscale, will satisfy all your cravings.
Types of Tours Included in This List
Our list covers a variety of food tour styles to suit different tastes and travel styles. You’ll find walks through historic old towns, gourmet tastings with wine pairings, small-group local experiences, and street food adventures. For example, Gourmet Pintxos & Premium Wines offers a high-end experience, while Bilbao: Best Street Food Tour with a Local Guide focuses on quick bites and lively markets. Each tour is designed to give you a taste of Basque culture, culinary traditions, and local secret spots, ensuring you discover Bilbao’s food scene in a way that suits your style.
Below, you’ll find detailed descriptions of each top-rated tour, revealing what makes them unique and who they’re best suited for.
1. The Award-Winning Bilbao Food Tour & Wine Pairing by Basque Local
Starting with this tour, you get a guided walk through Bilbao’s oldest neighborhoods, sampling pintxos paired with wines, beers, or cider. The guide will teach you how to order like a local, with insider tips that you can apply long after the tour ends. The highlight is the chance to taste award-winning pintxos in both modern and historic bars, some dating back to the 1300s. With 815 reviews and a perfect 5-star rating, it’s one of the most popular options.
The three-hour tour is very hands-on — you’ll sample one or two bites at each stop while learning about Bilbao’s culinary traditions and nightlife. Guests rave about Olaia, the passionate guide, and the tour’s ability to cater to dietary restrictions like vegetarian and gluten-free options. It’s especially well-suited for those wanting a comprehensive introduction to Basque tapas culture.
Bottom Line: Great for first-time visitors wanting to learn how to confidently order pintxos and explore Bilbao’s vibrant bar scene.
2. Bilbao: Basque Food Tour and Wine Tasting with Guide
For around three hours, this tour takes you on an authentic journey through Bilbao’s cultural and gastronomic highlights. It features tasting a variety of pintxos, with distinct flavors and presentations that showcase Basque culinary creativity. The guide, Kaya, is known for her bubbly personality and deep knowledge of local traditions, making this a lively and educational experience.
What sets this tour apart is the focus on pairing local wines with each dish, enhancing flavors and giving you a true sense of Basque wine culture. Visitors frequently comment on the generous portions and the opportunity to meet fellow food lovers. It’s a relaxed and well-organized experience, perfect for those who want a taste of both food and cultural storytelling.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who want an engaging, full-flavored introduction to Bilbao’s culinary heritage combined with local wines.
3. The Authentic Bilbao Pintxos, Food & History Tour with a Local
This small-group tour, capped at 10 people, takes you through Bilbao’s hidden tapas bars and local favorites. The focus is on discovering spots loved by locals rather than tourist traps. The guide, Maria, ensures you sample the very best pintxos and learns about Basque traditions along the way.
The tour is three hours and offers a personalized experience with a mix of food, drinks, and cultural stories. Guests particularly love the variety of bites and the chance to head off the tourist trail. The inclusion of local drinks like txakoli makes this a well-rounded exploration of Bilbao’s food scene.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those wanting a relaxed, intimate introduction to Bilbao’s authentic pintxos culture in a small-group setting.
4. The High End Food Tour of Bilbao with a Local
If you’re after a gourmet experience, this three-hour walking tour will indulge your taste buds with the finest seafood, miniature cuisine, and wine pairings. Led by a chef, you’ll explore hidden spots and traditional taverns, sampling top-quality pintxos and learning their stories.
This tour is capped at 10 people, ensuring a more personalized experience. You’ll try local ciders, alabriños, txakolis, and riojas, with detailed explanations of each drink’s origins. Reviewers praise the depth of knowledge and careful pairing of food and drink.
Best suited for: Foodies who appreciate upscale, expertly curated tastings and want to learn about Basque gastronomy’s roots.
Bottom Line: A top choice for those wanting a luxurious, in-depth culinary experience.
5. Bilbao’s #1 Food & Wine Experience
This guided walking tour emphasizes local flavors with a focus on history and culture. Over three hours, you’ll enjoy eight pintxos and four drinks, all paired by expert guides. It’s a small-group experience, ensuring plenty of interaction and personalized insights.
The tour is highlighted by its balance of culinary tastings and cultural commentary, perfect for travelers interested in learning about Bilbao’s social life and gastronomy. The reviews mention the friendly, knowledgeable guides and the generous portions.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers seeking a well-rounded, culturally immersive food and drink experience.
6. The Original Bilbao Food Tour with Wine Pairings
For around three hours, this tour demonstrates the Basque love for pintxos with visits to five unique bars. The guide, Olaia, shares stories and tips on how to order and what makes each bar special. The tour combines traditional pintxos and modern Basque cuisine, paired with local wines.
Guests praise the tour for its seamless flow, friendly guide, and authentic flavor experience. It’s a fantastic way to get your first taste of Bilbao’s culinary customs while exploring the city’s historic streets.
Best for: Those who want an informative, local-authentic experience that introduces both history and gastronomy.
Bottom Line: Strong value for a well-organized, comprehensive bar-hopping experience with wine.
7. Bilbao Food Tour: Pintxos, Drinks, and Tapas with a Local
This 3.5-hour tour takes you through Bilbao’s Old Town, sampling some of the region’s best pintxos and regional tapas. Led by a passionate local, the tour includes stops at top specialty shops, eateries, and bars. You’ll sample regional delights like Rioja-style potatoes and foie gras, all paired with local drinks.
The guide’s storytelling adds depth to the experience, making it both educational and delicious. Reviewers appreciate the well-paced tour, the variety of food choices, and the local insights shared.
Ideal for: Food travelers who love a comprehensive city walk with tastings and local stories.
Bottom Line: A delicious and cultural introduction to Bilbao’s gastronomic traditions.
8. Pintxo and Tapas tour with local Food Expert
This 3-hour tour combines visual sights of Bilbao with tasty stops at five bars. Led by a local expert, you’ll try anchovies, squid, foie gras, octopus, and bacalao, all paired with the recommended drinks like cider, txakoli, or Tempranillo.
Guests love the stories about Bilbao’s culture and history along with the variety of regional foods sampled at each stop. The tour also makes a quick stop at the Guggenheim Museum for a cultural touch.
Best suited for: Travelers eager to combine culinary exploration with cultural sights.
Bottom Line: Excellent for food and architecture lovers wanting a diverse experience.
9. Bilbao Food Tour with Pintxos & Drinks with a Local
This smaller, more intimate tour offers a 3-hour walk through Bilbao’s streets, sampling gourmet pintxos and enjoying local wines and beers. The guide, Gonzalo, gives practical advice on food culture and best local spots.
Guests appreciate the well-chosen venues and the chance to try different types of pintxos, from traditional to modern. It’s perfect for travelers who want a relaxed, informative experience with authentic flavors.
Bottom Line: Great for those seeking a personalized, insider look at Bilbao’s food scene.
10. Gourmet Pintxos & Premium Wines small groups Food Tour
If you’re a repeat visitor or a true foodie, this upscale tour visits four restaurants with private spaces and exquisite local wines. Led by a knowledgeable host, you’ll sample high-end pintxos and delicious wine pairings that highlight Bilbao’s culinary ingenuity.
The tour emphasizes quality over quantity, focusing on storytelling behind each dish and drink. Reviewers mention how it’s a curated experience that’s ideal for lovers of gourmet food and fine wine.
Best for: Seasoned travelers and food connoisseurs looking for a luxurious tasting.
Bottom Line: A perfect choice for culinary aficionados wanting an exclusive taste of Bilbao.
11. Bilbao : Best Street Food Tour With A Local Guide
This 3-hour tour offers a fast-paced walk across Bilbao’s street food scenes, guided by a local who knows the best hidden stalls and spots. You’ll enjoy a mix of street snacks, traditional dishes, and market tastings at iconic locations like Plaza Moyúa and Ribera Market.
The tour is praised for its fascinating stories and diverse tastings, from local delicacies to popular street eats. It’s best suited for travelers who want a quick, energetic dive into Bilbao’s street-food culture.
Ideal for: Foodies who love street food, markets, and lively city walks.
Bottom Line: A dynamic, flavorful way to experience Bilbao’s street food scene.
12. Bilbao: Pintxos & Basque Flavours Food Tour with Tastings
This tour emphasizes authentic Basque flavors, focusing on pintxos and local drinks to give you a true taste of Bilbao. The detailed descriptions of regional dishes and drinks make this ideal for those who want to go beyond the tourist spots and understand Basque culinary customs.
It offers a focused, in-depth exploration of Bilbao’s pintxos culture, crafted by guides who know the best local spots. Though reviews are not listed, the emphasis on local experiences makes it a strong choice for culinary purists.
Bottom Line: A solid pick for anyone wanting an authentic, immersive pintxos experience.
How to Choose the Right Food Tour in Bilbao
When selecting a food tour, consider your budget, interests, and travel style. If you want a comprehensive introduction with wine, The Award-Winning Bilbao Food Tour & Wine Pairing is excellent. For a more upscale, gourmet experience, look at Gourmet Pintxos & Premium Wines. If you prefer street food and lively markets, Best Street Food Tour is perfect.
Timing is also key. Many tours run in the late morning or early evening, so plan accordingly. Book early during peak seasons (spring and summer) to secure your spot, especially for small-group options.
Final Thoughts
Bilbao offers a wide range of culinary adventures — from casual pintxo walks to exclusive tasting menus. For first-timers, a guided bar-hopping tour like The Original Bilbao Food Tour with Wine Pairings provides a well-rounded start. Foodies seeking luxury will appreciate the Gourmet Pintxos & Premium Wines experience, while those pressed for time might enjoy the Street Food Tour for a quick energizer.
No matter your choice, early booking is recommended, especially during busy months. With so many tasty options, you’re sure to leave Bilbao with a full belly and a list of favorite spots to revisit.
