16 Incredible Day Tours from Bilbao To Plan in 2024

Are you spending a few days in Northern Spain’s largest city? You may be planning a trip to Bilbao, and you are wondering if there are any interesting day tours from Bilbao that you can do and explore a bit more while in northern Spain.

I spent 6 days in Bilbao, and I got to explore the city well and even go on a few day trips that helped me discover the beauty of the Basque Country even further. 

don’t have time to read the whole post?

San Sebastián and Getaria Tour from Bilbao

⭐️ Professional guide

⭐️ Air-conditioned van

⭐️ Tapas lunch and drinks

From the scenic and panoramic views of La Concha beach in San Sebastián to enchanting palaces and sea walks in Santander and other beautiful towns with a vibrant and beautiful French and Spanish cultural blend – the options are endless!

Ready to see what some of the best tours from Bilbao are? Vamonos! 

#1 Pick

San Sebastián and Getaria Tour from Bilbao

⭐️ Professional guide

⭐️ Air-conditioned van

⭐️ Tapas lunch and drinks

#2 pick

San Juan de Gaztelugatxe with Winery Visit and Lunch

⭐️ Private transportation

⭐️ Alcoholic drinks and water

⭐️ Entrance tickets to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe

⭐️ Lunch

#3 pick

From Bilbao: Biarritz and San Sebastián Full-Day Tour

⭐️ English speaking guide

⭐️ Comfortable transportation


16 Incredible Day Tours from Bilbao To Plan

1. Game of Thrones Experience: Basque Country Coast Private Tour

⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 8 hours | 🏛️ Check Tour Date Availability

Coastal cliffs, crashing blue waves, and the hermitage of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe
Crashing waves and scenic views at the hermitage of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, just under 1 hour from Bilbao.

Game of Thrones fanatics, you won’t want to miss out on this amazing guided tour created for fans of the famous show, where you’ll visit some of the places where scenes from the show were filmed.

Get a behind-the-scenes look at 4 stops throughout the day trip, starting at the Getaria Fishing Port. 

You’ll then move to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, where you’ll learn about the impressive backdrop to a few scenes shot at this stunning spot in the Basque Country. Then, Mundaka Beach is where you’ll go next to see the impressive nature nestled in the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve. 

“A good pair of shoes is recommended, a little time and a little fresh water to actually do. At the top, for the superstitious, don’t forget to ring the bell three times in a row and make a wish.”

read more reviews here

Puerto Viejo Bermeo in the province of Cantabria is brimming with a rich fishing and marine heritage, plus views of the stunning sea and sights like “The Wave” sculpture and more. Lastly, you’ll stop at Zumaia to see the impressive sea, the San Telmo hermitage atop the cliffs, and more!

ℹ️ BOOK Game of Thrones Experience: Basque Country Coast Private Tour

2. Cantabria Full Day Tour Discovering its Charming Villages

⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 8-9 hours | 🏛️ Check Tour Date Availability

Charming red and brown Spanish roofs of towns in the Cantabria region of Spain.
The Cantabria region is known for its prehistoric caves, paleolithic history, and gorgeous towns.

Explore the Basque Country’s neighboring province –  Cantabria, known for its extremely verdant hills and mountains, gorgeous beaches, and historic charm to enjoy. 

On this day tour, you’ll get to explore Santillana del Mar, a town known for a few architectural and cultural gems like the Indiano house of Comillas and the Castro Urdiales – both impressive pieces of architectural work by the one and only Antonio Gaudí. 

“My best friend and I had the pleasure of meeting Irene and David who were just wonderful tour guides. We had the most traditional Spanish food and wine where they took us to restaurants/bars that specialise in a particular food whether it was sardines, calamares etc. Irene has an incredible knowledge of wine and the food!”

read more reviews here

Relish the town’s timbered houses, winding cobblestone streets, and delicious gastronomy. For lunch, you’ll start off with a serving of sardines, a local specialty, and then enjoy a serving of the traditional stew called Cocido Montañes, which is a stew made with garbanzos, chorizo, leafy greens, onion, and bacon. 

You’ll finish off this delicious day trip with traditional ice cream and sightseeing along the town’s magical streets. 

ℹ️BOOK Cantabria Full Day Tour Discovering its Charming Villages

3. Semi-Private La Rioja Tour of 3 Premium Wineries From Bilbao

⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 8-9 hours | 🏛️ Check Tour Date Availability

Vineyards and an old church in La Rioja, Spain
La Rioja, Spain, is known as one of the best wine regions in the country, making it one of the must-visit regions for wine lovers to visit in Spain.

Wine lovers fall in love with one of Spain’s most notable wine regions, La Rioja, on a complete and rich wine tasting at 3 of the best wineries near Bilbao. 

Start the day by visiting the unique medieval cellars of the Haro Winery, settling in the beautiful Ebro Valley in La Rioja, and tasting some of the wines the region is known for. 

Next, you’ll head to a family-run winery in Samaniego, where you’ll get another tasting while enjoying some bites of chorizo and select cheese and bread with olive oil. 

“Great day of wine tasting in the beautiful Rioja region. Zach was a super guide and took care of everything! If you want to skip the group tours and spend some quality time tasting the Rioja’s best, this is your tour!” – Rebecca

read more reviews here

You’ll have 2 hours to enjoy the charming and historic town of Laguardia, where you’ll enjoy a lush pintxos lunch with more wine and a guided walk through town. You can take photos and learn more about the city’s main sites. 

Lastly, prepare your camera for all the photo ops at the unique Bodegas Marques de Riscal Winery. This stunning building was designed by Frank Gehry (Canadian-American architect), who famously designed the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao and other amazing structures worldwide. 

ℹ️ BOOK Semi-Private La Rioja Tour of 3 Premium Wineries From Bilbao

4. Architectural Rioja Small Group Wine Tour with Lunch from Bilbao

⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 8 hours | 🏛️ Check Tour Date Availability

Medieval architecture of a church and buildings in La Rioja, Spain
La Rioja is a hot spot for wine lovers but also for architecture! With a mix of medieval and avant-garde architecture, it’s a site to see for yourself!

Architecture and wine pair perfectly on this day-long excursion to 2 of La Rioja’s most pristine examples of world-class architecture – at the Marques de Riscal and Ysios wineries. 

Kick off the day’s activities at the Marques de Riscal winery, where you’ll relish the details of the Frank Ghery-designed building and then enjoy 3 special wines produced in-house. 

You’ll stop by the second winery, Ysios, another spectacular winery designed by the famous Santiago Calatrava, who famously designed the “controversial” Zubizuri Bridge in Bilbao. 

“Really great tour. We were picked up by Sara who was friendly and knowledgeable about the history of the area and wine! Beautiful scenery on the way to the wineries. The tours were very interesting and the tastings were great – very generous glasses of wine!! Both the wineries are beautiful (I preferred Ysios – amazing building). The tour round Lagaurdia was interesting and we had an enjoyable lunch there.”  – Elizabeth

read more reviews here

Then, you’ll enjoy lunch in the lovely town of Laguardia, a town with architecture from the Middle Ages and unique structures inspired by nature to admire. 

Known as one of the most picturesque towns in La Rioja, you’ll get to enjoy a scenic walk after lunch and see the walled city and special sites. 

ℹ️BOOK the Architectural Rioja Small Group Wine Tour with Lunch from Bilbao

5. San Sebastián and Getaria tour from Bilbao

⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 8 hours | 🏛️ Check Tour Date Availability

La Concha beach in San Sebastian and the old port of Getaria with red and green boats.
San Sebastián’s famous La Concha beach, boardwalk on the left, and Getaria’s quaint fishing port on the right.

Make your way to explore the Basque food capital – San Sebastián- as instructed by your local guide on some of the city’s history, main food spots, traditional bites, and more throughout the stunning Old Town. 

Then, make your way to enjoy some Pintxos for lunch while in San Sebastián, a complete must in the heart of this coastal city. 

“Pascual was an excellent guide, with a lot of knowledge, and was very entertaining. He showed us beautiful places, and we had delicious Pintxos at traditional places. It was amazing.” – Ester

read more reviews here

After a tour and lunch in San Sebastián, you’ll make your way to the quaint fishing town of Getaria and enjoy a knowledgeable tour. 

Immerse yourself in the verdant green beauty of Spain’s northern region, and learn about the rich seafood traditions as you uncover quaint fishing villages. Enjoy learning the historical and cultural gems that make this region one of Spain’s most interesting to explore. 

ℹ️ BOOK San Sebastián and Getaria tour from Bilbao 

6. San Juan de Gaztelugatxe with Winery Visit and Lunch (From Bilbao)

⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 6-7 hours | 🏛️ Check Tour Date Availability

The cliffs, blue sea, and stone bridge views from the San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, Basque Country, Spain.
Views from the top of the hermitage of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe in northern Spain.

See for yourself one of the most picturesque sites in Northern Spain, plus indulge in a rich and traditional lunch with drinks when you book this tour to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe. 

Famously appearing on the hit show Games of Thrones, a day trip to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe will open your eyes to the stunning beauty of mountains, crashing waves, and green rolling hills all around. 

“This was a wonderful way to spend 3/4’s of a day if you are in Bilbao and want to get out of the city. Our guide Sara did a wonderful job making the whole excursion fun and engaging from beginning to end.” – Deanne

read more reviews here

Make sure to bring your most comfortable shoes and other comfortable clothes as you climb all 241 steps (if you wish) to the top of the hermitage, where you’ll enjoy unbeatable views of the Bay of Biscay. 

Next, you’ll stop by the enchanting town of Bermeo for a pintxos lunch and drinks, where you’ll get to try the local txakoli wine or wait to try it at the locally run winery you’ll stop by next, located on the pristine Biosphere Reserve of Biscay. 

At the wine tasting, you’ll pair your txakoli wine with local seafood, from sardines to anchovies and other delicacies from Northern Spain. 

ℹ️ BOOK San Juan de Gaztelugatxe with Winery Visit and Lunch (From Bilbao)

7. La Rioja Boutique Wine Tour – 2 Wineries & Picnic Lunch (From Bilbao)

⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 8 hours | 🏛️ Check Tour Date Availability

Rolling vineyard hills and a medieval church on top of a hill in La Rioja, Spain.
Wine tasting in La Rioja with views of the nearby mountains and rolling vineyards.

Combine the best views of the Basque Country with world-class wine and pintxos, and you’ve got yourself the best plan to explore the best of the Basque Country on this day tour. 

Start the day’s adventures with the first stop at the wine town of Haro, home to several amazing wineries where you’ll stop by to sample some of the traditional wines with a professional sommelier to give you insight on wine production and specific notes. 

“The families at the local wineries were very personable and fun. Sara was a wonderful guide. We really enjoyed meeting the family and the fantastic home cooked picnic. The experience far exceeded our expectations.” – Diane

read more reviews here

Next up, you’ll visit San Vicente de la Sonsierra and its best wineries, from traditional to more modern wines. For lunch, you’ll stop by Laguardia, where you’ll enjoy a traditional Basque dish in the open air, surrounded by the traditional mountains with views of the valley and vineyard. 

ℹ️BOOK La Rioja Boutique Wine Tour – 2 Wineries & Picnic Lunch (From Bilbao)

8. Hike Gaztelugatxe, Fishing Port Bermeo & Pintxo Lunch from Bilbao

⭐️ Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 4-5 hours | 🏛️ Check Tour Date Availability

the old port of Bermeo, Spain and the coastal hike at San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, Spain.
Views of the historic port of Bermeo and its rich maritime and fishing history are on the left, and the rocky cliffs at San Juan de Gaztelugatxe are on the right.

Take a relaxing and memorable trip to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe and Port Bermeo to enjoy a lush picnic lunch while exploring some of the Basque Country’s iconic sites.

Enjoy 2 hours hiking and enjoying the sites of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, known for its beautiful views of the bay and the hermitage that is at the end of a 241-step stone bridge. 

“Janice was our travel guide and could not have been better. Outstanding English, a wealth of historical knowledge and very nice. One of the best tours we have taken and highly recommend the tour.” – Janice

read more reviews here

Next, you’ll head to Bermeo, located in the scenic and lush Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve, where you’ll explore the port city, plus enjoy a delicious pintxos lunch by the old fishing port, followed by a nice walk. 

 ℹ️BOOK Hike Gaztelugatxe, Fishing Port Bermeo & Pintxo Lunch from Bilbao

9. Baque Country Full Day Tour with Lunch from Bilbao

⭐️ Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 9 hours | 🏛️ Check Tour Date Availability

A coastal road by the bay of Biscay, and a white house with a red roof and rolling green hills.
Gorgeous sea drives around northern Spain, crossing a great part of the Basque Country.

Stack up a few cities into one day trip to explore some of the most important cities (and landmarks) in Northern Spain with this all-encompassing Basque Country day tour!

Begin the day heading to the city with one of the most charming Old Towns, Vitoria-Gasteiz, and immerse yourself in a guided tour of the city’s historic and modern main sites. 

While in Vitoria, you’ll visit the impressive Salinas de Arena, which is the salt valley known as one of the oldest salt producers in the world! 

“Sonja was a great guide. Very informative and took her time narrating in both English and Spanish—we never got the feeling she was just hitting the highlights for the few English speakers in the group. Lunch at the old convent was amazing, and we liked touring the salt flats and Vitoria. Highly recommended for an overall Basque experience in a short amount of time.” – Jody

read more reviews here

Then you’ll head towards the town of Orduña, known for its captivating medieval architecture and the largest Old Town of its kind in the Basque Country. Explore the Plaza de los Fueros and Foru Plaza, and enjoy the Baroque architecture of the Church of San Juan, amongst other sites. 

You’ll have lunch later on at a local tavern in the town of Balmaseda, where you’ll enjoy more traditional northern Spain dishes, and then make it to one of the region’s most impressive sites – the Vizcaya Bridge. 

Known as the oldest hanging transportation bridge in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s estimated that approximately 6 million people use it annually to cross the estuary. 

ℹ️BOOK Basque Country Full Day Tour with Lunch from Bilbao

10. Enjoy the Coast of Biscay

⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 8-10 hours | 🏛️ Check Tour Date Availability

The bay of Biscay, and the rocky cliffs and rock formations in the Basque Country.
Views of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe from the Coast of Biscay in northern Spain.

Pack up your best walking shoes for an adventurous day trip from Bilbao to explore the best of the Basque coast. 

You’ll begin the day’s activities by stopping by the remarkable San Juan de Gaztelugatxe site, where Game of Thrones was filmed, and today, a historic hermitage still sits at the top, providing extraordinary views of the bay. 

Next, you’ll wander through the streets of Bermeo, a traditional Medieval port town packed with history and culture that your guide will share with you. 

“Jose Luis is the kindest and most earnest guide anyone could ask for. The tour was thorough, well-planned and took in all the places significant to the Basque people. We felt we were with a friend we can trust – careful driving, delicious lunch recommendation and photos taken throughout the tour. This trip is one for the books!” – Cristina

read more reviews here

Mundaka is the next stop, which is located on the grounds of the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve, recognized for its hydrographic basin and salt marsh with cliffs and capes that garnish the scenic views. Keep an eye out for the vibrant surfing culture here! 

Then you’ll end up at Gernika-Lumo, the famous town whose history inspired one of Picasso’s most recognizable paintings, Guernica. You’ll also stop by the Casa de Juntas while learning more about the local traditions and legends of the town. 

ℹ️ BOOK Enjoy the Coast of Biscay

11. From Bilbao: Loyola, Getaria, Zarauz and San Sebastián Tour

⭐️ Rating: 4.8 stars out of 5 | ⏳ Tour Length: 8 hours | 🏛️ Check Tour Date Availability

The sanctuary of Loyola in Loyola, Spain and the port of Zarauz, Spain at sunset.
One of the important sites in the Jesuit faith is at the Sanctuary of Loyola in Loyola, Spain, on the left, and a romantic walk down the port of Zarauz on the right, in northern Spain.

On this jam-packed yet exciting day trip from Bilbao, enjoy discovering the seaside city of Gipuzkoa, a unique town in the Basque Region, along with more coastal towns and cities, including San Sebastián.

Visit the historic Sanctuary of Loyola, where Íñigo de Loyola (Saint Ignatius) was born, said to be the founder of the Jesuit belief. Explore the holy grounds settled in the picture-perfect Urola Valley, surrounded by medieval architecture and nature. 

Then make it to Getaria and Zarautz, known for their coastal charm, regional dishes and drinks, and gorgeous beaches, including the longest beach in the Basque Country. 

“This excursion was a great way to see San Sebastián and other beautiful and interesting places of interest. Stephan, our guide, was excellent, professional, organized, and knowledgeable about all the places we visited. It was a relaxed excursion on a minibus, with free time during our visits, which we greatly appreciated. We had such a great time and learned a lot with Stephan!”

read more reviews here

In Getaria, you’ll learn about some of the famous people from the town, including the world’s first man to travel around the world by water and the famous designer Cristobal Balenciaga, creator of the Balenciaga Fashion House. 

San Sebastián is next, with its rich food scene, traditions, and romantic Old Town, where you’ll have lunch. Igeldo, the last town, will be a place where you’ll want to have your camera ready for photos of the bay, mountains, and a historic military tower. 

ℹ️ BOOK From Bilbao: Gaztelugatxe, Gernika, and Mundaka Group Tour

12. From Bilbao: Biarritz and San Sebastián Full-Day Tour

⭐️ Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 9.5 hours | 🏛️ Check Tour Date Availability

The port of Biarritz at sunset with boats and hisoric homes, and the constitution square in san sebastian, spain.
Sunset at the ritzy and beautiful Biarritz, France, in the French Basque Country on the left, and the charming Constitutional Plaza in San Sebastián on the right in the Spanish Basque Country.

Did you know that the majority of the Basque Region is actually French? On this packed day trip from Bilbao, you’ll get to enjoy the rich French side of the Basque Region with visits to some of its most famous towns and cities. 

Start at the cultural city of Biarritz for a guided tour, and explore the town’s history as one of the favorite vacation spots of European royals and celebrities while gazing out at the Biscay coast at the vibrant surfing culture. 

“We really enjoyed this tour. As you visit three places, there is little time to enjoy it calmly, but even so, we feel that the division of time between each of them is well achieved. Stefan, the guide was very friendly, approachable and told us a lot of fun facts about each place :)”

read more reviews here

Next, enjoy a guided walking tour of Saint-Jean-De-Luz, where you’ll learn about the interesting cultural and even political mix and clashes between Spain and France at different points in history while enjoying the impressive views of the coast and Spanish/French architecture. 

Then, you’ll head to San Sebastián for a trip through its equally fascinating past and vibrant culture before making it to its neighboring town, Igeldo, for quick photo ops. 

ℹ️ BOOK From Bilbao: Biarritz and San Sebastián Full-Day Tour

13. Gaztelugatxe, Bermeo and Gernika Guided Tour

⭐️ Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 6 hours | 🏛️ Check Tour Date Availability

Tree of Gernika in Gernika, Spain, and the port of Bermeo with boats and red roof buildings.
The Tree of Gernika, one of the symbols of the Basque Country, is on the left, and the scenic port of Bermeo is on the right.

Want to explore some of the Basque Country’s most impressive small towns in less time? Check out this fun Bilbao day trip that explores Gaztelugatxe, Bermeo, and Gernika in more detail. 

Be taken on a private transfer to the first stop of the day – San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, a scenic spot in Northern Spain with impressive nature views, and even used during the filming of Game of Thrones. 

“Very fun and interesting guided tour at the same time. Pascu knows how to tell stories and answers happily all different questions that one could come up with. I enjoyed every part of the trip 😊 Very nice group as well! Time flew! Nice selection of places and on top an introduction to various aspects of Basque culture and language. Would definitely recommend!” – Martina

read more reviews here

Then, you’ll make it to Bermeo, a vibrant surfing paradise in the Basque Country with an impressive natural history recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lastly, you’ll get to enter the historic and old European parliament and stroll the gorgeous gardens. 

You’ll also see for yourself one of the symbols of the Basque Country with a visit to the Board House, which sits on a tree.

ℹ️ BOOK Gaztelugatxe, Bermeo and Gernika Guided Tour

14. Getxo and Bizkaia Bridge From Bilbao

⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 4 hours | 🏛️ Check Tour Date Availability

The port of Getxo, and the Bridge of Bikaia in the Basque Country.
Getxo, on the left, is known for its farmers and shepherds and fishing traditions, and on the right is the famous Bizkaia Bridge, one of the oldest hanging bridges in the world.

Add a bit of excitement to your Bilbao itinerary on a half-day trip to the town of Getxo and the impressive Bizkaia Bridge. 

Sitting on the Ibaizabal River in Portugalete, your guide will share impressive facts with you, and you’ll gain insight into why this is a major site and important structure still in function in the Basque Country after its construction in 1893. 

“Victoria’s excellent professionalism made us enjoy such an amazing experience and journey to experience Getxo and Portulaguete.” – Marcelo

read more reviews here

After exploring the world’s oldest hanging bridge, you’ll head to Getxo, where you’ll enjoy exploring Las Arenas and Algorta’s Old Town, brimming with picturesque sights of white houses on the hills, the port, and other gems in this fishing village. 

ℹ️ BOOK Getxo and Bizkaia Bridge From Bilbao

15. From Bilbao: Gaztelugatxe, Gernika, and Mundaka Group Tour

⭐️ Rating: 4.8 stars out of 5 | ⏳ Tour Length: 6 hours | 🏛️ Check Tour Date Availability

Basque flag waving in the air in the town of Gernika, and the blue waters at the beaches of Mundaka.
The charming houses and nature around Gernika on the left, and the natural beauty of Mundaka on the right.

Explore some of the Basque Country’s coastal towns on this memorable trip with 3 stops, each offering a window into the cultural wealth, deep tradition, and history of the Basque Region. 

Start with a rejuvenating hike up to the heritage of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, a must-stop on your Basque itinerary, with incredible views of the sea and nature. 

“Excellent. Aduro is such a professional, funny, welcoming, and nice guide. I loved the anecdotes, the punctuality, the professionalism.”

read more reviews here

Then, you’ll make it to the beautiful town of Mundaka, where you’ll get to enjoy a guided walking tour of the town and see some of the main sites while learning the history. Lunch will be held in a restaurant in Mundaka. 

Lastly, make it to the town of Gernika, where a bomb tragedy during the Spanish Civil War happened there, which inspired Picasso’s famous Guernica painting. You’ll learn more about the connection between the painting and the town as your local guide takes you around to see the rest of the cultural gems in the town.

ℹ️BOOK From Bilbao: Gaztelugatxe, Gernika, and Mundaka Group Tour

16. Day Trip San Juan de Gaztelugatxe and San Sebastián from Bilbao

⭐️ Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 10 hours | 🏛️ Check Tour Date Availability

The stone bridge hike to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, and the hisotric center of san sebastian, Spain.
The 241 steps on the stone bridge to the hermitage of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe in northern Spain and the buzzing historic town of San Sebastián on the right.

Spend some quality time exploring 2 major cities and their sites on a day trip to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe and San Sebastián from Bilbao.

The tour kicks things off by exploring the wonder and cultural sites in San Sebastián, renowned for its incredible food scene and beautiful coast and beach, La Concha. Your guide will take you around San Sebastián’s most emblematic landmarks while sharing insight into the city’s history. 

“Highly memorable trip to San Juan and San Sebastián. The guide was great giving a lot of insights into Basque culture during the bus trips. The church was closed off due to repairs but we got close at the viewing point and got great photos. There are nice walking paths around for some scenic views. After the church we went to San Sebastián and that was an amazing excursion. The city is packed with history, food, sights, and great walking paths. Highly recommended and asier / Javier was a great guide.” – Yazeed

read more reviews here

Next, you’ll visit San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, a beautiful hermitage at the end of a 241-step stone bridge worth every step for its clear views of the bay and surrounding jagged cliffs. 

ℹ️BOOK Day Trip San Juan de Gaztelugatxe and San Sebastián from Bilbao


The Best 16 Day Tours from Bilbao To Plan Q&A

Can you do a day trip from Bilbao to San Sebastián?

Yes! There are more than a few day tours from Bilbao to San Sebastián to explore, whether you want to explore San Sebastián and a few other cities or you want to see San Sebastián and maybe 1 other city/site. 

There are also day trips from Bilbao with public transportation to cities like San Sebastián, in case you want to go there for the day. The bus is the fastest way. 

However, if it’s your first time in Bilbao, and you want a little more guidance on your trip, a day trip may be a better option. 

How many days in Bilbao is enough?

If you’re tight on time, anywhere between 2-3 days is a good amount of time to explore Bilbao. This depends on what you want to see and how you want to spend your days in Bilbao. 

There is just too much to see between the Guggenheim Museum, the historic Old Town, and the abundance of amazing day trips to explore the Basque Country even deeper. 

If you want to see the city highlights without making a day trip, it may be possible to see Bilbao in one day, but you’ll definitely be leaving with that feeling of wanting to stay to explore more. 

Which is better Bilbao or San Sebastián?

It depends majorly on what you’re looking for to determine which city is “better” to visit. I visited both and truly loved Bilbao and San Sebastián for different reasons. 

Bilbao was such an exciting city break, with many cultural and art activities to participate in, amazing food, and a young and artsy vibe in the air. 

San Sebastián felt more like a laid-back coastal city, with a charming boardwalk, a gorgeous historic center with plenty of incredible restaurants, plus a few Michelin-star restaurants.

It was calm but not boring. Thanks to its beach and views of the mountains and coves in the distance, it was beautiful. San Sebastián has a lot to offer, which is why it’s no surprise that it’s one of the top day trips from Bilbao. 

Why visit Bilbao?

As someone who has visited 10+ cities in Spain, I left with such an amazing impression of Bilbao after spending 6 days there for a few reasons. 

First of all, it was a city with a culture that felt so tangible. From the language (Euskera/Basque) that I read and heard from the locals to the traditional music in the streets, the distinct wood-structured homes along with cutting-edge and modern architecture, and the various stories behind the region’s most traditional foods. 

The city keeps evolving, but it holds on to its roots in a respectful and honoring way while welcoming visitors to enjoy a slice of it. 

That was one of my biggest takeaways from my trip to Bilbao. 

Plus, you could do an amazing amount of Bilbao day tours. 

What to do in Bilbao for 3 days?

I’ve been to Bilbao for 6 days, and I think that I got to experience the city very well. In my opinion, you must explore the Old Town, enjoy the art and culture scene at the world-renowned museums, and eat your way through the city’s best pintxos! 

This is just the cusp of what to do in Bilbao for 3 days, but to get started, make sure to read my full 3 days in Bilbao itinerary!

Is Bilbao worth visiting?

Yes! Bilbao is such a wonderful city brimming with culture, history, tradition, nature, and arts, and I feel like it’s only getting better with time. 

Known as the Basque Country’s largest city, and with tons of other impressive and best day trips from Bilbao to further enrich your experience, I’d say a trip to Bilbao is absolutely worth it!

Is Bilbao expensive to visit?

Unlike other Spanish cities, including the capital, Madrid, known to be the most expensive city in the country, Bilbao wasn’t too expensive and can definitely be enjoyed on a budget. 

A coffee and pastry breakfast was around 5 – 8 euros, and a single pintxo was around 5-8 euros at the Riberia Market, but there are places where you could buy for less. 

Depending on when you visit, too, you can minimize costs when it comes to lodging or travel to Bilbao even further. With so many free cultural festivals and activities to enjoy, you’re sure to enjoy all that Bilbao has to offer on any budget. 

What are some good places to visit near Bilbao, Spain?

Bilbao’s attractions, near and far, include everything from culture, art, nature, food, architecture, and more – there’s just so much to see around Bilbao!

Is San Sebastián worth a day trip?

Absolutely! If you have more than one day in Bilbao, visiting San Sebastián is a must, especially with so many day trips from Bilbao to San Sebastián available; visiting this coastal city is very easy. 


The Wrap-Up: The Best 19 Day Tours from Bilbao To Plan 

I hope this list of the best day tours from Bilbao helped you plan your trip to Bilbao, whether you’re there for a few days, a week long, or more!

San Sebastián and Getaria Tour from Bilbao

Still wondering which is the best day tour from Bilbao? Enjoy the San Sebastián and Getaria Tour from Bilbao and relish the rich food scene in San Sebastián, plus explore the charming fishing town of Getaria.

What I love about these day tours is that many of them pack on various sites and visits within one day tours from Bilbao, so no matter how much time you have, any of these tours will give you a great intro to the Basque Country’s beauty and culture. 

As a recap, here are the best 16 day tours from Bilbao:

Which tour do you think you’ll do? Let me know in the comments!

To more travel moments like these,

travel blog

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.