Bilbao: A Romantic Long Weekend Getaway

Fall in love all over again in beautiful Bilbao, Spain.

22 April 2023

Bilbao is an ideal romantic getaway, with its vibrant culture, breathtaking landscapes, and friendly locals. Couples can explore the famous Guggenheim Museum, take a stroll along the riverside, and enjoy the mouth-watering Basque cuisine. Visitors will find themselves immersed in the richness of Spanish history, while indulging in the tranquility of a romantic holiday.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Romance in Old Town

  • Stay at the luxurious Gran Hotel Domine Bilbao with stunning views of the Guggenheim Museum
  • Visit the Gothic-style Santiago Cathedral and climb it for a beautiful overlook of the city
  • Explore the charming streets of the Casco Viejo, Old Town
  • Indulge in traditional pintxos (small plates) and wine at Bar Txakoli or Cafe Iruña
  • Savor cocktails at the sky-high Abando Hotel's rooftop terrace, The Top
Day 2

Artistic Journey

  • Admire the world-famous Guggenheim Museum's impressive architectural design by Frank Gehry
  • Take in contemporary art exhibitions by Basque and international artists at the Guggenheim
  • Visit the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum for a collection of works by Goya, El Greco, and Picasso
  • Stroll along the riverfront and enjoy the colorful La Salve Bridge
  • Have a delicious chocolatada, hot chocolate, and churros at Cafe La Granja
Day 3

Coastal Getaway

  • Drive along the gorgeous Basque coastline and stop at the sleepy village of Bakio
  • Take a stroll on the beach and have lunch at the renowned Asador Etxebarri
  • Visit San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, a tiny islet with a hilltop chapel and iconic stone bridge
  • Go surfing or stand-up paddleboarding at Sopelana Beach
  • Dine on classic Basque seafood dishes at the Michelin-starred Mina Restaurant
Day 4

Side Trip to La Rioja

  • Experience Spain's famous wine region, La Rioja, with wine tasting tours
  • Visit the picturesque town of Haro and tour some of the region's oldest wineries like Bodegas López de Heredia Viña Tondonia
  • Relax in the charming medieval spa village of Elciego with the Frank Gehry-designed Hotel Marqués de Riscal
  • Sample delicious pintxos and traditional Riojan dishes like suckling pig at La Taberna del Echaurren
  • End the day with a bottle of local Rioja wine on your hotel balcony, reminiscing about your romantic getaway.

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Bilbao by plane is to fly to Bilbao Airport, which is located approximately 12 kilometers north of the city center. Many major airlines offer direct flights to Bilbao from cities across Europe and beyond.

Car

Traveling by car is a convenient way to explore the Basque Country, including Bilbao. Visitors can rent a car from major cities such as San Sebastian or explore the area on a self-guided road trip.

Train

While there are no direct train services to Bilbao from other parts of Europe, travelers can take a high-speed train to nearby cities such as San Sebastian or Vitoria-Gasteiz and then transfer to a local train or bus bound for Bilbao.

Boat

While there are no direct boat services to Bilbao, travelers can take a ferry from the UK or France to Santander or other port cities in northern Spain and then travel to Bilbao by train or bus.

Bus

Buses are a popular and affordable way to travel to Bilbao from other cities in Spain and beyond. Major bus companies such as ALSA and Eurolines offer services to Bilbao from cities such as Madrid, Barcelona, and Paris.

Destination

Bilbao

This city in the north is like the Peter Pan of the Basque region; it never seems to age! With its ever-evolving landscape, Bilbao is surely a sight to behold.

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Number of days

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

More travel plans

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Bilbao Bash: A 4-Day Budget Adventure

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2-Day Bilbao: Culture, Cuisine, and Charm!

Bilbao is a city in northern Spain that offers a mix of modern architecture and traditional culture. Visitors can explore the iconic Guggenheim Museum, sample local cuisine including pintxos, and stroll through the historic Old Town. The city also serves as a gateway to the beautiful Basque Country, with its stunning natural landscapes and charming coastal towns.