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Solo Travellers Guide To 3 Days In Bilbao

TLDR: You’ve got 72 hours and some experiences to be had. This 3 days in Bilbao itinerary for solo travellers, covers this cultural heartland in Basque Country.

Highlight

• Stroll through the Historic Casco Viejo: Discover Bilbao’s old town, a maze of charming streets filled with unique shops and traditional taverns.
• Guggenheim Museum Adventure: Immerse yourself in contemporary art at the iconic Guggenheim Museum, renowned for its stunning architecture and impressive collections.
• Relax at Playa de Ereaga: Unwind on the sands of Playa de Ereaga, a beautiful beach close to the city, perfect for a leisurely afternoon.
• Hike to Artxanda Viewpoint: Take a scenic hike (or funicular ride) to Artxanda for panoramic views of Bilbao.
• Taste Authentic Basque Cuisine in Plaza Nueva: Indulge in pintxos (small snacks) at the bustling Plaza Nueva, renowned for its culinary delights.
• Explore the Ría de Bilbao: Walk or cycle along the Nervión river, enjoying the blend of Bilbao’s industrial heritage and modern developments.
• Visit the Mercado de la Ribera: Experience the local culture at Europe’s largest indoor market, offering fresh produce and gourmet Basque specialties.
• Discover Bilbao’s Industrial Past at the Maritime Museum: Learn about Bilbao’s maritime and industrial history set by the river.

About Bilbao

Bilbao, in Northern Spain’s Basque Country, is a city transformed from an industrial port to a cultural hotspot. It features an oceanic climate with mild, rainy winters and warm, humid summers. The average temperature ranges from 8.3 °C in February to 19.5 °C in August. For solo travellers, Bilbao offers diverse accommodations and a blend of historical heritage and modern architecture. Its culinary scene is a highlight, providing a rich experience for visitors.

Is 3 days enough to see Bilbao?

Three days in Bilbao is sufficient to experience its main attractions and get a feel for the city’s unique culture. Bilbao’s compact size (41.50 km²) and well-organized urban layout make it convenient for travelers to explore significant sites like the Guggenheim Museum, Casco Viejo, and the Ría de Bilbao. The city’s efficient public transport system further facilitates quick and easy travel across different areas. This manageable size and structure of Bilbao allow for a comprehensive visit, covering both cultural highlights and leisure activities within a three-day itinerary.

Where to Sleep in Bilbao?

For solo travellers there are several hostel options that cater to different needs and preferences, but all can be booked with our Hostelworld app and give you the chance to meet other travellers like yourself.

1. Quartier Bilbao Hostel: Located in the Casco Viejo, the historic heart of the city, Quartier Bilbao Hostel is ideal for solo travellers. It offers a mix of female-only dorms, mixed dorms, and private rooms. Guests appreciate the hostel for its clean facilities, social atmosphere, and proximity to major attractions like the Guggenheim Museum and Azkuna Zentroa cultural center. Prices start around $23 for a dorm bed​​​​.
2. Bilbao Akelarre Hostel: This hostel is a few minutes walk from the Guggenheim Museum, San Mames Stadium, and the river. It’s perfect for tourists interested in football and art. The hostel provides amenities like free breakfast, Wi-Fi, and bicycle rentals. Prices for a single room start at about $42​​.
3. Bilbao Metropolitan Hostel: An adult-only hostel located 23 minutes from the Guggenheim Museum. It offers viscoelastic mattresses, free towels, Wi-Fi, and a communal kitchen. Dorm beds start at $20​​.
4. Residencia Universitaria San Mamés: Available to all guests during the summer, it’s near Plaza Garellano and San Mamés metro station, making it convenient for accessing the city’s attractions. It offers a range of amenities including a terrace, fitness center, and laundry facilities. Rooms come with a desk, private bathroom, and some have kitchens​​.
5. Optimi Rooms: A unique capsule-style hostel that combines futuristic design with comfort. It’s located in the Indautxu district, close to Moyua Square, and offers amenities like streaming services, tea/coffee makers, and electronic locks on each capsule. It’s an excellent option for those seeking privacy​​.
6. Poshtel Bilbao Premium Hostel: This luxury hostel is just 50 meters from the Guggenheim Museum. It blends the fun of a hostel with hotel-style amenities, including a bar, restaurant, laundry facilities, and a sauna. Rooms are well-equipped with private bathrooms, hair dryers, lockers, and USB connectors​​.

Each of these options offers something unique, whether it’s a social atmosphere, privacy, cultural proximity, or luxury amenities, making them perfect when taking a trip to Bilbao.

Getting Around

Getting around Bilbao is quite convenient due to its efficient public transportation system. The city offers a variety of options, including buses, trams, and the metro, making it easy for solo travellers to navigate and explore.

1. Buses: Bilbao’s city bus service, Bilbobus, covers all districts in the city. Each line has its own timetable, usually starting between 6 am and 7 am, with the last service departing between 10 pm and 11 pm. Buses typically run every 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the line. A single trip costs 1.35€, but if you have a Barik Card, the price drops to 0.66€ per trip. This card can be used on various public transport services in the city.
2. Metro: Bilbao’s metro system, designed by architect Sir Norman Foster, is a modern and popular means of transportation. It consists of three lines that link the city center with surrounding neighborhoods and towns. The metro operates from 6:00 am to 11:00 pm from Monday to Thursday, and from 6:00 am to 2:00 am on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, offering 24-hour operation on Saturday nights.
3. Trams: The tram service in Bilbao connects key areas of the city and is known for its punctuality and sustainability. It offers a pleasant journey through various parts of the city, including the medieval streets of the Old Quarter.
4. Car Rentals and Parking: While driving in Bilbao’s city center can be challenging due to many one-way streets and pedestrian-only areas in the old town, it can be a great option for travelling between cities in the Basque Country. Parking downtown typically costs around 13 to 18 € per day, and there are several large parking areas in Bilbao’s downtown.

For travellers planning to stay mostly in the city, using public transport and taxis is recommended over renting a car, as it is more cost-effective and convenient for navigating the city. However, if you do decide to rent a car, it’s advisable to look up a parking garage in advance or book a hotel with parking facilities.

72 Hours In Bilbao

We have tried to put together something for every solo traveller visiting Bilbao, from when to party, and where to eat. Let’s check out Day 1.