The best city tours in Bilbao come in several smart options – each offering unique perspectives of this fascinating Basque city.
I especially love the City Highlights Bike Tour, a breezy 2-hour ride that keeps things personal and lets you cover lots of ground efficiently. For those who prefer independence, there’s a clever smartphone-guided exploration game through Braga’s historic core (though frankly, I find the traditional tours more rewarding).
The standout choice is the private Bizkaia Bilbao Route – it’s pricier but worth every euro for its 5-star service and insider knowledge.
Combining the Guggenheim Museum with a city overview, the Half-Day Private Tour hits all the right notes, giving you both art and architecture in one well-crafted package.
Let’s look at the specific tours that showcase the best of Bilbao.
Key Points
- The Bilbao-City Highlights Bike Tour offers a personalized 2-hour guided bike tour showcasing Bilbao’s top attractions for $34.69 per person.
- The Braga: City Exploration Game and Tour provides a cost-effective self-guided tour through historic Braga, Portugal, with an average duration of 2 hours.
- The Bizkaia. Bilbao Route. Tour of Bilbao is a private 5-star rated tour that includes private transportation, insurance, and a knowledgeable guide for up to 4 travelers.
- The Bilbao: City Highlights Guided Bike Tour is a 2-hour eco-friendly bike tour exploring Bilbao’s landmarks, priced from $36.66 per person and rated 4.9/5 based on 142 reviews.
- The Bilbao Half-Day City and Guggenheim Museum Private Tour is a 6-hour private tour that includes guided exploration of historic Casco Viejo and the Guggenheim Museum, priced at $785.56 for up to 4 participants.
BILBAO-City Highlights Bike Tour
The BILBAO-City Highlights Bike Tour offers travelers an exciting way to explore the vibrant city of Bilbao. Provided by the tour company BILKE, this 2-hour guided bike tour showcases the city’s top attractions and provides insights into its rich history.
With a maximum group size of 10 travelers, the tour ensures a personalized and safe cycling experience, guided by knowledgeable local experts.
At just $34.69 per person, the tour includes the use of a bicycle, an optional helmet, and gratuities. The meeting point is conveniently located near the iconic Guggenheim Museum, and the tour returns to the same spot at the end.
While not wheelchair accessible and not recommended for those with back issues, the tour is easily accessible via public transportation.
Reviewers rave about the knowledgeable and personable guides, who enhance the experience with local tips and recommendations.
Travelers consistently praise the tour’s informative and enjoyable nature, as well as the safe cycling conditions and adherence to traffic laws.
Read our full review: BILBAO-City Highlights Bike Tour Review
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Braga: City Exploration Game and Tour
Braga: City Exploration Game and Tour takes travelers on an engaging journey through the historic city of Braga, Portugal. This activity, which is a new addition to the lineup of Bilbao tours, offers a unique way to discover Braga’s rich heritage and vibrant culture.
Participants will embark on a self-guided tour, utilizing their smartphones to navigate the city and solve various challenges along the way. The tour promises an immersive experience, allowing visitors to uncover hidden gems, learn about Braga’s history, and interact with the local environment in a fun and interactive manner.
With an average duration of 2 hours, this tour provides an efficient and enjoyable way to explore Braga’s highlights, making it an ideal option for travelers short on time. The tour is priced at $56.56 per person, providing a cost-effective way to discover the city.
This new activity complements Bilbao’s existing tour offerings, catering to a wide range of traveler preferences and interests.
Read our full review: Braga: City Exploration Game and Tour Review
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Bizkaia. Bilbao Route. Tour of Bilbao, a Modern City to Discover.
Bilbao, a modern metropolis, serves as the centerpiece of the Bizkaia. Explore this vibrant city on the Bizkaia. Bilbao Route, a 5-star tour rated by travelers.
The tour provides private transportation, compulsory insurance, a knowledgeable guide, and covers the cost of lunch and snacks, as well as any necessary entrance fees.
The tour accommodates up to 4 travelers, with pickup available at your accommodation in Bizkaia. It starts promptly at 9:00 am, ensuring you make the most of your day.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s stroller-friendly, and service animals are welcome. Most travelers can easily participate, with the tour located near public transportation.
Booking is straightforward, with confirmation received upon reservation. You can even cancel up to 24 hours before the experience for free.
Priced at €6,829.24 per person, the private tour ensures your group has the guide’s undivided attention as you discover the wonders of Bilbao.
Read our full review: Bizkaia. Bilbao Route. Tour of Bilbao, a Modern City to Discover. Review
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Bilbao: City Highlights Guided Bike Tour
Bilbao’s City Highlights Guided Bike Tour offers travelers a unique opportunity to explore the vibrant city on two wheels. This 2-hour tour, priced from $36.66 per person, allows visitors to discover Bilbao’s iconic landmarks and hidden gems in an eco-friendly manner.
Guided by knowledgeable local experts, the tour includes stops at the renowned Guggenheim Museum, the Euskalduna Palace, and other cultural highlights.
Throughout the journey, you will learn about Bilbao’s rich history, architecture, and industry, gaining invaluable cultural insights. The tour caters to various language preferences, with options in English, Dutch, Spanish, and Basque.
Flexibility is also provided, with the choice of joining a small group or booking a private tour. With a 4.9/5 overall rating based on 142 reviews, the City Highlights Guided Bike Tour is a highly recommended way to experience the best of Bilbao, especially for those with limited time in the city.
Read our full review: Bilbao: City Highlights Guided Bike Tour Review
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Bilbao Half-Day City and Guggenheim Museum Private Tour
The Bilbao Half-Day City and Guggenheim Museum Private Tour offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of the city’s highlights. Priced at $785.56 per group of up to 4 participants, this 6-hour tour includes 4 hours of guided exploration.
Conducted in English, Spanish, or Italian, the tour features a private local guide who can tailor the experience to the group’s interests. Guests will be picked up from their chosen location and taken to explore Bilbao’s historic Casco Viejo (Old Quarter), including the 14th-century Catedral de Santiago and Plaza Nueva.
The highlight will be a visit to the iconic Guggenheim Museum, known for its striking titanium and glass structure designed by Frank Gehry. The tour also includes discovering local pintxo bars serving Basque-style tapas, as well as visiting the City Hall and Teatro Arriaga.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later, this private tour provides a flexible and personalized way to experience the best of Bilbao.
Read our full review: Bilbao Half-Day City and Guggenheim Museum Private Tour Review
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Recap
Bilbao offers a variety of engaging city tours catering to diverse interests. From bike tours showcasing the city’s modern architecture to private guided excursions exploring its cultural highlights, visitors can enjoy Bilbao’s rich history and dynamic present. Whether seeking an in-depth experience or a snapshot of the city’s top attractions, these tour options provide an excellent way to discover the vibrant Basque capital.