Yes, you are reading right, we bring you the perfect route to know Bilbao in one day, tips, recommendations and the most interesting places to see in the city. The truth is that we would not like to leave any key point along the way, but we must recognize that, despite not being a very big city, it is very complicated to see everything in one day (we will try to make a second version to complete the visit in a weekend). But synthesizing a little we have tried to make the best possible route to know the city thoroughly.
Before starting to walk the streets, it is important to get strength, and as everyone knows, breakfast is the most important meal of the day. And we are no one to contradict the opinion of professionals, we make it easy with the breakfast buffet LATROUPE La Granja to start the day with the best foot.
Must-stops in your 24 hours in Bilbao
CONCORDIA STATION
Bilbao is an incredible city, and the best way to discover all its nooks and crannies is on foot, although for the laziest there is always the option to take the bus, streetcar or even the subway. But to begin our journey, we will head to the Concordia Station, located a few meters from our hostel. Commonly known as the Santander Station, this railroad station that used to link Santander with Bilbao breaks with the industrial aesthetics of the city with its striking shapes and intense colors.
ARRIAGA THEATER
From there and crossing the Arenal Bridge, we arrive at our stop number two where we can visit the famous Arriaga Theater. We definitely recommend you to take a look at their show program, they always have the most entertaining performances.
LA RIBERA MARKET
Moving away from this area and strolling along the banks of the Bilbao Estuary, we will arrive at the Mercado de la Ribera, a place that not only impresses with its architectural beauty, but also gives meaning to the delicious Basque gastronomy, as we can find the best quality products from the best orchards and local seas.
PLAZA NUEVA
As we are sure that after seeing so much food we have become a little hungry, we head to the fourth destination, but not before visiting the beautiful Cathedral of Bilbao and passing through the picturesque streets of the Old Town, to finally reach the Plaza Nueva. Among the arches of this beautiful square we find the best atmosphere and we will make a small stop in any of its bars to have an aperitif, with a good pintxo and its corresponding drink.
EL GLOBO
We take a rest, but we don't take a break because we continue with our excursion. Having worked up a bit of an appetite, this time we head to our favorite pintxo bar for lunch, El Globo. To get there, we cross the City Hall Bridge (on our way there, we pass by Areatzako Pasealekua where every Sunday morning they set up the beautiful Flower Market, which is definitely worth seeing) and cross the Gran Vía of the city. An extensive avenue where we can find the most popular stores where we will surely make some more or less necessary purchases. Once in the restaurant, we will make a recommendation that we could rather call gift: the pintxo de txangurro... SPECTACULAR.
AZKUNA ZENTROA ALHONDIGA
Now yes, we let you take a short break, but after lunch it is time for the most cultural part of the visit, and we start with the Azkuna Zentroa Alhóndiga. This building that in another life was a wine warehouse, today is a cultural center full of art, innovation and culture, that will surely catch your attention.
MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS OF BILBAO
As it could not be otherwise, museums are a must in this section. First, the Museum of Fine Arts of Bilbao in which we can enjoy works of a wide chronology, ranging from the thirteenth century to the present day. On the other hand, before arriving at the star of the crown, we must make a stop at the adorable Puppy to take a convenient souvenir photo.
GUGGENHEIM MUSEUM
And now, the majestic and world-renowned, our beloved Guggenheim Museum where you can enjoy the best contemporary art and the most groundbreaking and extravagant works of renowned artists.
IRUÑA BAR
On the way to dinner and back to the hostel we can admire the bridges of La Salve and Zubizuri. A few steps from the final destination, we must stop for dinner and the Bar Iruña is the perfect choice after a long day of sightseeing. Here you can not leave without trying its famous pintxo moruno or cod a la koskera.
LATROUPE LA GRANJA
Last but not least, we finish where we started, in the best place in town, Latroupe. And is that to combat fatigue and end the day as it deserves, you have to take the opportunity to take a drink or two (what you ask the body) in our bar and of course participate in any of the daily events we have prepared, among the highlights are our karaoke or the most fun musical bingo.
We know that you will be exhausted, but it will be worth it, and besides, resting in our rooms is the perfect medicine to recharge your batteries and come back the next day.