Secrets of Bilbao Bike Ride, Bilbao
Discover Bilbao by cycling along its bike lanes and pedestrian zones spanning the Old Town and modernized area.
Overview
Explore beautiful, historic, and modern Bilbao by bike, one of the best cities in Spain for cycling. Biking gives the advantage of seeing more in less time, meaning you can zip through the city's historic Old Town and enjoy its modern neighborhoods. Along the way, you'll make quite a few stops to take in the city's must-sees, like the Cathedral of Bilbao, the river promenade, and the Guggenheim Museum.
Highlights
- Cycle the narrow streets of Bilbao's Old Town (Casco Viejo)
- Enjoy the contemporary architecture and street art along the Nervión River
- View the exterior of Frank Gehry's dramatic Guggenheim Museum
- Learn the history of Bilbao, the capital of the Basque Country
Know before you go
Duration
3 hours
3 hours
Recommended for
All ages
All ages
Group
Small group, 12 people or less
Small group, 12 people or less
What you'll do
Enjoy Bilbao in a unique way: on two wheels. You'll meet your guide on Calle de Villarias, right between Bilbao's two central districts, the modern downtown area and the historic Casco Viejo (Old Town). Get situated with your cycling equipment and start with a brief introduction of the activity, then start pedaling through the city, using designated bike lanes and pedestrianized streets to avoid traffic.
To start, you'll cycle along the Nervión River via the city's riverfront promenade, learning firsthand how Bilbao's modern expansion happened in the late 20th century. You'll pass sites including the Spider by Louise Bourgeois, Puppy by Jeff Koons, Arati Isozaki Towers, Zubizuri (White Bridge) designed by Calatrava, and La Salve Bridge. Of course, you can't miss admiring the unique exterior of the Guggenheim Museum, designed by the legendary architect Frank Gehry.
Keep going and visit other sites, including the statue of the Tiger of Deusto, the San Mames area with its Athletic Club football stadium, and the Euskalduna Palace, built on the site of old shipyards.
As you circle back to your starting point, you'll pedal through Doña Casilda Park and make your way to Plaza Nueva in the Old Town. You'll make several stops to discover how the city started in its historic core and to admire buildings from the 13th century. One of the main stopping points will be the city's beautiful cathedral, built in the 14th century and featuring a beautiful Gothic-revival facade. Other Old Town sites include the Neo-Baroque Teatro Arriaga, the old city walls by the San Antón Bridge, and more.
By the end of your cycle, you'll better understand what made Bilbao grow and why it's now home to unique, ultra-modern, and sometimes quirky architecture and sculptures. You'll also get a sense of how all these buildings culminate into a beautiful city that has truly mastered mixing old and new, historical and contemporary.
To start, you'll cycle along the Nervión River via the city's riverfront promenade, learning firsthand how Bilbao's modern expansion happened in the late 20th century. You'll pass sites including the Spider by Louise Bourgeois, Puppy by Jeff Koons, Arati Isozaki Towers, Zubizuri (White Bridge) designed by Calatrava, and La Salve Bridge. Of course, you can't miss admiring the unique exterior of the Guggenheim Museum, designed by the legendary architect Frank Gehry.
Keep going and visit other sites, including the statue of the Tiger of Deusto, the San Mames area with its Athletic Club football stadium, and the Euskalduna Palace, built on the site of old shipyards.
As you circle back to your starting point, you'll pedal through Doña Casilda Park and make your way to Plaza Nueva in the Old Town. You'll make several stops to discover how the city started in its historic core and to admire buildings from the 13th century. One of the main stopping points will be the city's beautiful cathedral, built in the 14th century and featuring a beautiful Gothic-revival facade. Other Old Town sites include the Neo-Baroque Teatro Arriaga, the old city walls by the San Antón Bridge, and more.
By the end of your cycle, you'll better understand what made Bilbao grow and why it's now home to unique, ultra-modern, and sometimes quirky architecture and sculptures. You'll also get a sense of how all these buildings culminate into a beautiful city that has truly mastered mixing old and new, historical and contemporary.
Start times
-
Daily10:30 am
What's included
- Bike rental
- Helmet
- Local friendly guide
- Locks
- Kids seats (on request)
- Bottle of water
See alternatives
Private Guggenheim Museum, History & Gastronomy Experience
Private
·
5 hours
Enjoy a private stroll in Bilbao by combining its history and world-famous gastronomy. A passionate local guide will lead you around the city, through Bilbao's colorful Old Town, into its modern neighborhoods, along the river, and to the Guggenheim Museum. Along the way, learn about its history while stopping to try traditional pintxos, Northern Spain's version of tapas.
Private Guggenheim Museum, History & Gastronomy Experience
Private
·
5 hours
Enjoy a private stroll in Bilbao by combining its history and world-famous gastronomy. A passionate local guide will lead you around the city, through Bilbao's colorful Old Town, into its modern neighborhoods, along the river, and to the Guggenheim Museum. Along the way, learn about its history while stopping to try traditional pintxos, Northern Spain's version of tapas.
Basque Cooking Experience
Small group
·
3.5 hours
Get a taste of the Basque Country with this hands-on cooking class in Bilbao. A skilled chef will teach you how to create regional dishes, from Tolosa bean stew to baked piquillo peppers, resulting in a delicious three-course meal. Afterward, feast on your creations in the private dining room, accompanied by a charcuterie board and wine. The experience includes an open bar featuring various local wines such as Riojas, txakolis, and albariños, as well as an apron and recipes to take home.
Guggenheim Visit with a Private Guide
Private
·
2 hours
Discover the wonders of the Museo Guggenheim in Bilbao on this insightful tour led by a local expert. Start at the main entrance, then delve into the museum's most famous works like "Maman" by Louise Bourgeois and "The Matter of Time" by Richard Serra. As you browse the museum, your private guide will also point out hidden gems and share engaging stories while tailoring the visit to your interests.
Discover Basque Coast Nature & History
Small group
·
4.5 hours
There's so much history beyond the city of Bilbao, and you can explore it with the help of an excursion down the Basque Coast, starting with the islet of Gaztelugatxe. You'll also visit Mundaka and Gernika to round out the area's important historical and ecological sites. All showcase the appeal of Northern Spain: how history and natural beauty intertwine. Discover the region's rural past while soaking in some of the most majestic views of the sea and mountains.
Pintxos & Wine Tasting
Small group
·
2.5 hours
Discover why Bilbao has such a foodie reputation and indulge in the city's finest pintxos. With the help of a local guide leading the way, you'll walk through the city's historic Old Town and modern neighborhoods, stopping to taste pintxos, Northern Spain's version of tapas. Learn about the importance of Bilbao's history, culture, and gastronomy and how they're all seamlessly intertwined.