The perfect day in Bilbao
While we think Bilbao is a destination that deserves its own dedicated trip, we’ve put together a roundup of some of our favorite addresses in town for those who only have a day to spend in a city of great contrasts. What makes Bilbao so special is its duality – city and mountain, old and new, modern and classic - all coexisting in unique harmony, and even more rare, largely untouched by swarms of tourists.
By EMT
While you can easily spend up to a week visiting the city and its surrounding towns, here are the spots we highly recommend adding to your itinerary when passing through Bilbao next to help you get a feel for the personality of this ever-changing port city.
Taskas is no more than 100m from the Bilbao airport, and almost easy to miss because it sits tucked into the back of a gas station just outside of the airport terminals. Yes, really. Do not let the location fool you. Taskas serves up incredible seafood of the highest quality, and the txuleta, steak, is worth trying, too. The service is a ten, and each day the menu reflects the best products of the region and season, from percebes and besugo to just caught gamba roja. There are plenty of customers who are extremely loyal to this roadside restaurant, and after visiting you, too, will be eager to start - or end - your trip at this in the know gem.
Come here for the excellent baguettes, breads and croissants and more, many of which are made using masa madre by owner Anna. Anna is a superstar at her craft and her shop offers what we think is the very best artisanal panaderia in Euskadi. You’d be hardpressed to find a Bilbaíno/a who doesn’t agree.
Bilbao’s specialty coffee scene has been rising in recent years (Cokoon Café, Arvo, Gürekoffee) and still, we’re thrilled that newcomer Nokora arrived to town in late 2023. The owners have years of experience in the world of coffee and it shows. The quality of the specialty coffee is excellent. While there aren’t tables to sit at, a to-go order at Nokora is a must whenever we’re in town.
Bárbara’s eye for vintage pieces and art is exquisite. Bárbara herself is just as lovely as the treasures she expertly displays in her warmly decorated shop. This is a great stop for those who appreciate an aesthetic feast and are looking to travel back home with something special.
One of our favorite little bars for a smooth vermú. Unpretentious and filled with mostly locals. Some come to this bar for one thing and one thing only - a Marianito. It’s a blend of vermouth, ginger, angostura and Campari and we agree it’s an obligatory order when in Bilbao.
A contemporary art gallery just outside the city center, featuring a handful of unique artists per year. While the larger museums in town (Guggenheim, Bellas Artes) receive a lot of deserved attention, we’re happy to see thoughtfully curated galleries like SC in Bilbao sharing the work of global urban artists you may not have otherwise learned about. Check out who is currently on exhibit here.
A bookstore with a bold personality and a perspective. One of the few that is still independent in Bilbao.
The ride up Mount Artxanda is a stunning reminder of what makes Bilbao as a city so special – there is green quite everywhere you look. The funicular runs every 15 minutes and ensures a spectacular, sweeping view of Bilbao you can only get from this vantage point.
AND if you want to visit Bilbao on a day from San Sebastian come along for the ride with Ikusnahi 😊
