Bilbao is a city that seems to have reinvented itself in recent decades. Far behind was that gray, industrial-looking city that barely attracted attention. Today, “Bilbo” is a city that perfectly combines modern architecture – with the Guggenheim as its main standard – with its more traditional roots and a gastronomy that is famous, not only in Spain, but throughout the world. Traveling to Bilbao for a weekend or a few days is a wonderful idea for those looking for a city break that has a bit of everything. One of the easiest ways to get to know the city, both superficially and in a somewhat deeper way, is by doing some of the best free tours of Bilbao.
Of course, remember that even if they are free tours, it is the norm to leave a tip to the guide, which is usually around 5-15 euros per person, but it will always depend on the degree of satisfaction you have had with the tour.
Without further ado, let’s discover the best of the capital of Vizcaya with the best free tours of Bilbao.
1. Free tour of the historic center of Bilbao
The best way to start scratching the surface of Bilbao is to walk around its historic center, from its charismatic Casco Viejo to the Ensanche area.
On this tour you will get to know the details of the beautiful Arriaga Theater, the church of San Nicolás and the popular Plaza Nueva, which is full of life in the evening, when its many little bars are filled with people eager to try the spectacular pintxos and Bilbao wines.
Afterwards, it will be time to learn about the history of the 316 steps of the Begoña stairs, the Miguel de Unamuno square and you will walk through the mythical 7 streets of the Old Town of Bilbao, full of life and depositaries of the original history of the city. .
The cathedral of Santiago, the Mercado de la Ribera – where you can enjoy, with all your senses, the wonderful raw material from which Basque gastronomy is nourished – and the beautiful Estación de la Concordia are other stops on this essential free tour of Bilbao.
2. Free tour of the mysteries and legends of Bilbao
As usually happens in Spanish cities that have a long history, the Biscayan capital also has a good number of legends, mysteries and spooky stories.
In an original, nocturnal and treacherous tour, you will go through the center of Bilbao to learn about witch stories in the Portal de Zamudio; miraculous virgins in the Parroquia de los Santos Juanes; and turbulent events in the Plaza de la Encarnación. But this is just an appetizer… If you want to know in-depth stories that will make your hair stand on end, sign up for this free tour of Bilbao and tell us about it.
Where to sleep in Bilbao
If you are looking for a place to sleep in Bilbao, I recommend my favorite accommodation: the Hotel Vincci Consulado de Bilbao. This magnificent 4-star hotel is located next to the waters of the Bilbao estuary, offering wonderful views of the Guggenheim from its terrace bar. Comfortable rooms, friendly staff and perfect location at a good price
3. Free tour of modern Bilbao
If you want to know – and understand – in depth the changes that the city has undergone in recent decades, this is, without a doubt, the best free tour of Bilbao for you.
Ibaigane Palace.
You will visit the area that leads from the Ensanche to Abandoibarra, placing special emphasis on the award-winning and world-renowned samples of urban planning in Bilbao. The characteristics, stories and anecdotes of sculptors of the stature of Chillida and Oteiza will be told, and of the different buildings and monuments of places, among others, such as the City Hall, Ibaigane Palace, Euskalduna Palace, Iberdrola Tower, Gran VÃa La Alhóndiga, Parque Doña Casilda, the Museum of Fine Arts and, of course, the Guggenheim Museum.
4. Free tour of alternative Bilbao
Plaza Arriaga.
As we mentioned at the beginning of the article, Bilbao left its eminently industrial past behind to become an important cultural centre. On this tour, an expert guide in Bilbao’s creative scene will meet you at Plaza Arriaga to take you around the alternative neighborhood of San Francisco, where you can admire its urban graffiti and visit such curious places as Bilborock, an old church that has changed its masses for rock concerts on stage, or the Casa Cuna de Urazurrutia, a modernist nursery that has more than a hundred years of history. BilbaoArte is also located here, an artistic production center to develop the qualities of local people.
At the Marzana Pier you can enjoy a great nightlife. Without a doubt, it is one of the most original and best free tours of Bilbao.
5. Free Bilbao tour for the curious
As its name suggests, this free tour of Bilbao has the mission of showing you the curious aspects of a city that is much more subtle than it may appear at first sight.
Casco Viejo.
The tour covers the Casco Viejo and its surroundings, but with a very different look from that of conventional excursions made in the same area. It will serve to put an end to myths anchored in the collective memory, traveling in time and space – without moving from the spot – to the Paris of the Belle Epoque, to the golden age of Hollywood and to the roaring 20s. Thus, the guide will stop at certain points of the 7 streets to tell you about great transoceanic voyages, the birth of great nations… In he will even read you fragments of universal literature… And all with Bilbao as the common thread.
Surely your curiosity has already piqued, right?
