Bilbao: Old Quarter Walking Guided Tour

Bilbao’s Old Quarter is a treasure trove of history and culture, and exploring it with a guided walking tour is the best way to discover its hidden gems. The 2-hour tour takes visitors through the city’s iconic landmarks, offering a glimpse into its vibrant social and culinary heritage. With skip-the-line access, a traditional bar crawl, and a complimentary tapa and drink, this tour immerses you in the heart of Bilbao’s old town. Whether you’re a history buff or a foodie, this guided experience promises to leave you with a deeper appreciation for the city’s rich past and lively present.

Key Points

• Guided walking tour of Bilbao’s historic Old Quarter, exploring over 500 years of the city’s rich heritage and visiting iconic landmarks.

• Skip-the-line access to avoid long queues and immerse in local culture through a traditional ‘txikiteo’ or ‘poteo’ (bar crawl).

• Discover the Cathedral of Santiago, Plaza Nueva, Church of St. Anton, and Mercado de la Ribera, learning about Bilbao’s role as a bridge between northern Europe and the Hispanic kingdoms.

• Enjoy a complimentary ‘pintxo-pote’ (tapa and drink) and experience the vibrant social life and culinary traditions of Bilbao.

• Flexible booking options with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, ensuring a hassle-free planning experience.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

This guided walking tour of Bilbao’s Old Quarter provides a 2-hour exploration of the city’s rich history, with skip-the-line access through a separate entrance.

Guests will uncover over 500 years of heritage as they stroll through the charming streets, visiting landmarks like the Cathedral of Santiago, Plaza Nueva, Church of St. Anton, and the bustling Mercado de la Ribera.

Along the way, the knowledgeable guide will share insights into Bilbao’s founding and its role as a bridge between northern Europe and the Hispanic kingdoms.

The tour also includes a traditional ‘txikiteo’ or ‘poteo’ (bar crawl), where participants can sample local pintxos and drinks at iconic establishments.

Guided Walking Tour

Typically, the guided walking tour of Bilbao’s Old Quarter commences at Arriaga Plaza, where the tour guide can be identified by their green backpack with a white clover. The 2-hour tour provides skip-the-line access, allowing participants to explore over 500 years of history. Visitors will explore iconic landmarks such as the Cathedral of Santiago, Plaza Nueva, Church of St. Anton, and the Mercado de la Ribera. Plus, they’ll learn about the town’s founding and its role as a bridge between northern Europe and the Hispanic kingdoms. The tour also includes a traditional ‘txikiteo’ or ‘poteo’ (bar crawl) to sample local pintxos (tapas) and drinks.

Tour Duration	Highlights	Inclusions
2 hours	Explore over 500 years of history, visit Cathedral of Santiago, Plaza Nueva, Church of St. Anton, and Mercado de la Ribera	Entry to Palace of Liberties, Yhon Palace, and a traditional market, Pintxo-pote (tapa and drink)

Tour Highlights

What can visitors expect to see and learn on the guided walking tour of Bilbao’s Old Quarter?

The tour highlights include exploring over 500 years of the city’s history, visiting iconic landmarks such as the Cathedral of Santiago, Plaza Nueva, Church of St. Anton, and the Mercado de la Ribera.

Plus, you will learn about Bilbao’s founding and its role as a bridge between northern Europe and the Hispanic kingdoms.

The tour also offers a chance to experience a traditional ‘txikiteo’ or ‘poteo’ (bar crawl) to iconic bars, allowing visitors to enjoy the local culture and culinary traditions.

Historic Sights and Landmarks

The guided walking tour of Bilbao’s Old Quarter takes visitors on a journey through over 500 years of the city’s history, with stops at iconic landmarks that showcase the town’s rich heritage. A highlight of the tour is the Cathedral of Santiago, a Gothic masterpiece that dates back to the 14th century. Nearby, Plaza Nueva is a picturesque square surrounded by charming buildings, while the Church of St. Anton and the Mercado de la Ribera, a traditional market, offer a glimpse into Bilbao’s past. As the guide shares the stories behind these historic sights, visitors gain a deeper appreciation for the town’s role as a bridge between northern Europe and the Hispanic kingdoms.

Historic Landmark	Significance
Cathedral of Santiago	14th century Gothic masterpiece
Plaza Nueva	Picturesque square with charming buildings
Church of St. Anton	Historic religious site
Mercado de la Ribera	Traditional market showcasing local culture

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Cultural Experiences

Apart from the historic landmarks, the Bilbao Old Quarter walking tour also offers visitors a chance to enjoy the local culture.

Travelers can experience a traditional ‘txikiteo’ or ‘poteo’, which is a bar crawl that takes them to iconic watering holes and allows them to sample local pintxos (Basque-style tapas) paired with drinks. This cultural experience provides a glimpse into the vibrant social life of Bilbao’s residents.

Guests will visit the Mercado de la Ribera, a bustling traditional market, and enjoy a pintxo-pote, a tapa and drink, as part of the tour.

Through these unique activities, visitors can authentically engage with Bilbao’s rich culinary and social traditions.

Inclusions and Amenities

Along With the cultural experiences on the Bilbao Old Quarter walking tour, the tour also includes several key amenities and inclusions that enhance the overall experience for visitors. These include skip-the-line access through a separate entrance, a traditional ‘txikiteo’ or ‘poteo’ (bar crawl) to iconic local bars, and a complimentary pintxo-pote (tapa and drink). Plus, the tour provides entry to the Palace of Liberties, Yhon Palace, and a traditional market, allowing participants to enjoy the local culture. The tour’s flexibility is also noteworthy, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later.

Inclusions	Details
Entry Access	Palace of Liberties, Yhon Palace, traditional market
Food & Drink	Pintxo-pote (tapa and drink)
Experiences	Traditional ‘txikiteo’ or ‘poteo’ (bar crawl)
Convenience	Skip-the-line entry, flexible booking
Duration	2-hour guided walking tour

Meeting Point and Directions

Visitors will meet their guide at Arriaga Plaza, situated at 48005 Bilbao. The guide will be easily recognizable, wearing a green backpack with a white clover.

From this central meeting point, the guided walking tour of Bilbao’s historic Old Quarter will commence. The guide will lead participants through the charming cobblestone streets, providing insights into the town’s rich history and cultural heritage.

Attendees can look forward to convenient skip-the-line access through a separate entrance, ensuring a seamless start to the 2-hour excursion. With clear directions and a conspicuous meeting point, guests can feel confident in finding the starting location and beginning their immersive exploration of Bilbao’s captivating Old Quarter.

Flexible Booking Options

The tour offers flexible booking options, allowing visitors to reserve their spot now and pay later.

Cancellations are free up to 24 hours in advance, providing guests with the convenience and peace of mind to plan their Bilbao exploration.

This flexibility is particularly useful for travelers who may be uncertain about their schedules or want to book their tour closer to their travel dates.

The free cancellation policy ensures that guests can adjust their plans without incurring any penalties, making the Bilbao Old Quarter Walking Guided Tour an attractive option for those seeking a hassle-free way to discover the city’s historic charm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Suitable for Children?

The tour may not be suitable for young children, as it covers over 500 years of history and includes a traditional bar crawl experience. However, older children may find the historical and cultural aspects engaging.

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions for the Pintxo-Pote?

The tour accommodates various dietary restrictions for the pintxo-pote. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available upon request. Guests should notify the tour operator of any dietary needs when booking to ensure their preferences are met.

Can I Bring My Pet on the Tour?

Pets are generally not permitted on walking tours due to liability concerns and the potential disruption to the group experience. However, service animals assisting guests with disabilities are typically allowed with prior arrangement.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

Yes, the tour duration can be extended. According to the knowledge provided, the standard tour is 2 hours, but the booking is flexible, allowing customers to reserve additional time if desired.

What Is the Group Size for the Walking Tour?

The group size for the walking tour is not specified in the provided knowledge. Tour group sizes can vary, so it’s best to check with the tour operator for the exact group size details before booking.

Recap

The Bilbao’s Old Quarter Walking Guided Tour offers an immersive experience, showcasing the city’s rich history and vibrant culture.

With skip-the-line access, a traditional bar crawl, and a complimentary pintxo-pote, visitors can fully enjoy Bilbao’s heritage.

The tour’s flexible booking options and free cancellation make it a hassle-free way to explore the iconic landmarks and vibrant social scene of the Old Quarter.

You can check if your dates are available here: