Discover Bilbao on a backpacker budget: Guggenheim, pintxos and Old Town.
Bilbao is a gem for food-loving backpackers. With pintxos from €1.50, discounted Guggenheim entry, and a lively Old Town, you can enjoy this Basque city without spending much.
Itinerary
Guggenheim and Ensanche
- Guggenheim Museum (€10 reduced rate)
- Walk through Ensanche and Gran Vía
- Calatrava's Zubizuri Bridge
- Pintxos bar crawl through Old Town
San Juan de Gaztelugatxe
- Day trip to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe
- 241 steps to the hermitage
- Bermeo: fishing village
- Pintxos dinner in Plaza Nueva
Old Town and Txakoli
- La Ribera Market
- Walk through the Seven Streets
- Artxanda Funicular (panoramic views)
- Farewell txakoli and pintxos
Practical Tips
Pintxos
Pintxos cost €1.50-3. The rule: one pintxo and a zurito (small beer) per bar, then move on. Best areas are Old Town and Ledesma.
Guggenheim
Reduced entry is €10 for under-26s. Wednesday afternoons often have special events.
Gaztelugatxe
Arrive early to avoid queues. It's free but you need to book a time slot on the official website.
Approximate Budget
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to eat in Bilbao?
A pintxo with zurito costs €2.50-4. With €15-20/day you eat very well doing a pintxos crawl.
How do I get to Gaztelugatxe?
By bus from Bilbao to Bakio (€3, 45 min), then 20 min walk to the entrance. Book a time slot online.
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