Bilbao is a vibrant city that has managed to perfectly combine tradition and avant-garde. If you want to get to know it in depth without spending a lot, the best option is to sign up for one of the best free tours in Bilbao . With an expert guide you will travel through its impressive transformation, from its industrial past to its renovated architecture, while discovering the history, culture and gastronomy of the Biscayan capital.
You can start the day admiring the contemporary art of the Guggenheim Museum, continue walking along the estuary and end the day in the Old Town, getting lost among the Seven Streets and tasting the best pintxos. Sounds good? Well, wait until you discover the routes that will take you to discover every corner of the city. Here are what we think are the best free tours in Bilbao:
Classic free tour
If you want to get to know the historic centre of Bilbao and visit places like the Arriaga Theatre, the lively Plaza Nueva, the Begoña stairs, the seven streets and the Ribera Market (among other things), this 2-hour tour is perfect for you! The essential tour for every first trip to Bilbao.
→ Book your place on the free tour of the essentials of Bilbao
Free tour of modern Bilbao
Little remains of the industrial and scruffy Bilbao of a time… today the capital of Bizkaia is a great example of avant-garde and with this tour you will be able to experience this revolution first-hand. And don't think that the only protagonist is the incredible Guggenheim Museum , other places like the Alhondiga, the Isozaki and Zubizuri Towers or the Euskalduna Palace have managed to change the urban planning of the city forever. Come on, if you like architecture and want to know more about this Basque city… take the tour!
→ Book your place on the free tour of the most modern Bilbao
Free tour of mysteries and legends
Are you one of those who love to know the secrets of the cities you visit? Then this tour will blow your mind! A local guide will tell you, over the course of 2 hours, a lot of curious facts and mysteries of Bilbao . Turbulent events, legends and the occasional miracle.
→ Book your place on the free tour of the mysteries of Bilbao
Alternative free tour
This tour is great whether you've visited Bilbao a hundred times or if it's your first time but you want to discover its more alternative side , the one that's far from the typical tourist route ... although passing through some of the must-see places in Bilbao. It starts in the San Francisco neighborhood and continues by visiting Bilborock, an old church that succumbed to the call of music ;), the Muelle de Marzana and BilbaoArte. The truth is that it's a very complete and super interesting tour.
→ Temporarily unavailable
Free tours are NOT free tours, but they work with tips. But how much to tip? This depends on you, it is usually between €10 and €15 per person , depending on the guide, how much work they do, the time, the tour… It is a totally personal decision and you should not feel obliged to give more than you think they deserve.
Other essential (paid) tours in Bilbao
If you have time and fancy discovering some interesting places in the surrounding area, check out these tours, although they are paid:
- Guided tour of the Guggenheim Museum
- Boat trip around Bilbao
- Excursion to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe ( TOP! )
- Excursion to San Sebastian and Getaria
- Basque Coast Tour
We promise to expand this post with new free tours, but for now, enjoy these! By the way, here we tell you a lot of things to see and do in Bilbao , and here we leave you a route of the best pintxos .
Remember that it is essential to book free tours in Bilbao in advance, especially during high season, weekends and special dates. And you already know that these types of tours work with the voluntary payment system : you decide how much to pay depending on the experience.
As we said, we hope that this post with the best free tours in Bilbao helps you decide on your favourite (or you can do them all!). And when you get back, tell us how it went.
