Virgin Voyages' guide to Bilbao, Spain
Indulge in the delectable food scene at Plaza Nueva, wander the seven remarkable streets of Bilbao’s old town, peruse the eclectic shops of the Mercado La Ribera and visit the iconic Guggenheim Museum Bilbao in this northern Spanish city.
Bask in that Basque Culture
With so many exciting travel destinations located in and around Spain, for some reason, its Northern Basque Country has remained a hidden treasure boasting generally cool temperatures, unique architecture, and a culture all of its own. There, you’ll experience a Spain unlike its popular sister cities located in the South — one where you can immerse yourself in the eclectic Basque culture.
With so much to see and do, and a climate that’s perfect for an adventure, Bilbao will soon become your favorite Spanish city.
Shore Excursions
Beauty everywhere in Bilbao
Quintessential cocktails, local favorites & 360-degree views
Explore Gernika & Berroja Winery
Take a tour of Gernika, with visits to the House of Parliament for Vizcaya and the Park de los Pueblos de Europa, famous for its sculptures by Henry Moore and Eduardo Chillida. Then, head to Txakoli Cellar and learn all about wine country. Taste the local dry white wine and cheese, staples of Basque Country, before returning to the pier.
Bilbao and Pintxos
The day begins with a panoramic drive to the Guggenheim Museum — a contemporary art museum and one of Bilbao's most recognizable symbols — with a photo stop right outside. Then, head to the Old Quarter, one of the most colorful parts of the city, where you'll take a walking tour of the shops, taverns, historical churches, and the Arriaga Theatre. Cap off the experience by tasting some traditional pintxos (tapas) before heading back to the ship.
Panoramic Drive Through Bilbao
Spend the day driving through all of Bilbao's most stunning and historic sights. Start at the Artxanda viewpoint for a sweeping view of the city before heading into town and seeing the city up close. You'll also make a photo stop at the Guggenheim Museum, one of the city's most famous and architecturally impressive sites.
More Shore Things for your wishlist...
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Bring a sweater for brisk Bilbao
Temperatures here average in the 50s in the winter & 60/70s in the summer.
Shore Excursions
Bilbao Old Town & Puente de Vizcaya
Explore the 19th-century villas of Getxo, the Puente de Vizcaya bridge, and the charming Old Town of Bilbao.
DISCOVER MORE SHORE THINGSAs the gateway to the enchanting Basque Country, Bilbao — Spain’s tenth-largest city — offers an adventure that’s equal parts vibrant and serene. With cooler temperatures than many other Spanish destinations, Bilbao is a refreshing retreat. Whether you're gazing at avant-garde masterpieces like those in the Guggenheim Museum, trying the local Txakoli wine, or enjoying a leisurely pintxo crawl, every moment in Bilbao invites discovery, and every corner whispers a new story. Embrace the city's rhythm as you explore its dynamic blend of the old and new, and let its charm unfold before your eyes, creating memories you’ll cherish long after your journey ends. Bilbao is bound to become that place you tell all your friends they just have to see to believe. So, ready to bask in the Basque beauty?
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