Bilbao – touristy things to do please

Hi

Looking for things to do other than the obvious, 3 days staying close to Guggenheim

There will be no bikes 🙁 but recommendations for good places to eat, bars, sightseeing, anything we shouldn’t miss?

Many thanks

Plum

Shame you’ve just missed Aste Nagusia, the week long party…

I’m there quite a lot, and just tend to potter around the old part then take the wee an to the park while mum goes shopping. Coffee in Cafe Iruña etc.

Consider taking the Metro to Las Arenas and walk on the coast to Getxo,or the clifftop walk from Getxo to Sopelana is amazing. A 1h bus trip to San Sebastian (Alsa line is cheapest from the bus station iirc) would be worth doing.

If you like your beer, you could try Penguin Bar. Recently opened & run by friends of mine

https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g187454-d10481091-Reviews-Penguin_Bar-Bilbao_Province_of_Vizcaya_Basque_Country.html#REVIEWS

They also run Bihotz:

https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g187454-d7372200-Reviews-Bihotz_Cafe-Bilbao_Province_of_Vizcaya_Basque_Country.html

Good people

Thanks Pedro Pete, bookmarked those for next time. Also, singularbar.com worth a visit for craft beer.

Yep Aste Nagusia is great – been there twice when that is on…

Obviously the Gugg is great – but depends on what exhibitions they have on at the time. The museo de bellas artes too. I think the real soul of the city is the other side of the river though, the Casco Viejo. With kids the maritime museum is good.
Pintxos is the way to do lunch – some good places around the Plaza Nueva.

I really like the place.

Metro to Las Arenas, have a look at the Puente Colgante (hanging bridge), cross over to Portugaltete. If they dont have a fiesta on when you are there you must be the unluckiest person in the world, non-stop during the summer.
Go up the Funicular to the top of Artxada, great views and some nice places to eat.

As Bob said, the coast is great. Bilbao isnt all that touristy really. Close by places worth visiting – Gernika (for the Basque parliament). San Sebastian, cos it’s nice. Bakio, nice coastal town, not far from San Juan Gaztelegatxe, you could combine with trip to Bermeo. Some walking/cunning bus timetabling needed here though.

Thank you so much

San Sebastian

Kraftwerk are playing there soon

Vuelta stage finishes there today