Bilbao in 1 Day for Friends - Plaza Moyúa & Gran Vía architecture
In Collaboration with EXPLORA-NORTE. Updated on February 3, 2026.
A 3-hour private walking tour through Bilbao’s modern Ensanche and the medieval Casco Viejo, finishing the route with an authentic pintxos crawl. Fast-paced, social and photo-ready — ideal for friends who want architecture, markets and local bites.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with EXPLORA-NORTE, inspired by the tour Bilbao Classic & Modern. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Plaza Moyúa & Gran Vía architecture
- Azkuna Zentroa (Alhóndiga) contemporary cultural hub
- Medieval Casco Viejo: Cathedral, Ribera Market & Plaza Nueva
- Pintxos tasting session in Plaza Nueva (pintxo-pot included)
Itinerary
Day 1
Afternoon to early evening private walking tour combining modern Bilbao (Ensanche/Abando) and the historic Old Town with a pintxos finish — social pace, plenty of photo stops.
Meeting point — Plaza Arriaga (briefing & meetup)
Meet your guide in front of Teatro Arriaga for a quick orientation, safety notes and the day’s plan. Guides carry a green backpack with a white clover logo.
Tips from local experts:
- Look for the guide’s green backpack with a white clover — they’ll also text you their phone number before the tour.
- Use the plaza toilets in the nearby cafés before we start if needed — we’ll have limited sit-down time during the tour.
- Great first group selfie spot: frame the Arriaga façade with the river in the background for a classic Bilbao shot.
Plaza Moyúa — Ensanche gateway
Short transfer to Plaza Moyúa, the elegant round square marking Bilbao’s 19th-century expansion; quick stop for architecture and group photos.
Tips from local experts:
- Best photo angle is from the south side looking north along Gran Vía to capture the gardens and statues.
- If you want a snack later, there’s a small kiosk nearby that sells bottled water — handy for the group.
- This stop is stroller- & wheelchair-friendly; paths are flat and paved (suitable for our mixed group).
Azkuna Zentroa (Alhóndiga) — Modern cultural hub
Explore the striking interior column gallery and mixed-use cultural spaces in this repurposed wine warehouse (quick exterior + interior glimpse).
Tips from local experts:
- Look up — the refurbished interior columns by Philippe Starck are great for quirky group photos.
- If anyone wants a restroom break or a quick coffee, the cultural centre has accessible facilities — plan a 5–10 min stop if needed.
- The building frequently hosts pop-up exhibitions; ask the guide for a quick recommendation if you want to return after the tour.
Palace of the Provincial Council of Bizkaia (Diputación) & Gran Vía sights
Short walk along Gran Vía to admire ornate 19th–20th-century façades and the Palace of the Diputación — a photo-rich stretch showcasing Bilbao’s rebuilding.
Tips from local experts:
- Your guide will point out local architectural details and the best angles for photos of the Palace façade.
- If you like design, note the small plaques on buildings showing original architects — a fun team quiz idea.
- Gran Vía has good benches for a quick rest; this is a convenient place to regroup and rehydrate.
Abando — Neighborhood stroll
Walk through Abando to feel Bilbao’s business heart: a lively blend of shops, sculptures and local life. Perfect for relaxed people-watching.
Tips from local experts:
- Keep your camera ready: the area mixes modern sculptures with classic façades — great candid shots for the group.
- If anyone needs an ATM or quick essentials, there are shops along this stretch; tell your guide and they’ll point one out.
- Short walking distances and mostly level surfaces make this section easy for groups — good for keeping the pace lively.
Teatro Arriaga — Ornate riverside theatre (exterior)
Return to the Arriaga area for a close look at the theatre’s neo-baroque façade and its riverside setting — historic meeting point for Bilbao’s cultural life.
Tips from local experts:
- The theatre is a classic spot for fun group portraits — try framing the statue outside in your photo.
- If you’re curious about performances, ask the guide for the evenings’ program — small theatres nearby often have last-minute tickets.
- This area has a few sheltered cafés — perfect if the group needs a short sit-down or cover from light rain.
Mercado de la Ribera — Premier riverside market
Visit Europe’s largest covered market by stall count: a sensory stop to sample local products, admire stalls and learn Basque gastronomy highlights.
Tips from local experts:
- Try to spot Basque specialties like Idiazabal cheese and smoked txistorra — great souvenir ideas for foodie friends.
- The market is lively: if your group wants to buy small bites, split orders so everyone samples different pintxos and shares.
- Accessibility note: the market has level access and wide aisles along the main corridor; good for groups with mixed mobility.
Catedral de Santiago — Gothic cathedral of Bilbao
Quick interior/exterior visit to the Gothic cathedral that anchors Casco Viejo — history, architecture and a calm moment amid the bustle.
Tips from local experts:
- If you want interior photos, be discreet — it’s still a place of worship; ask the guide for the best brief vantage point.
- The cathedral has a small accessible entrance and seating areas for anyone who needs a short rest.
- Look for carved stone details above the portals — they’re great conversation starters while you wait for others.
Plaza Nueva — Classic Old Town square
Explore the arcaded Plaza Nueva — a local favorite for drinks and socializing; your guide will point out pintxo bar options and traditions.
Tips from local experts:
- This plaza is an excellent pre-pintxos meetup spot — benches and arcades offer quick shelter if the weather shifts.
- Arcades have many small bars; plan to split up and order different pintxos to share among the group.
- Good spot for souvenir shopping: small stores around the square sell local ceramics and Basque items.
Pintxos session — Txepetxa (anchovy-focused pintxos) — group tasting
End the tour with a social pintxos session at a famous Plaza Nueva bar. Your pintxo-pot is included — taste several small bites while the guide explains local tapas etiquette.
Tips from local experts:
- Sharing is key: order several pintxos for the table and pass plates around — great for trying many flavors.
- Cash is often preferred at small bars, but many accept cards; carry small change to speed service during busy times.
- Ask the bartender for their signature anchovy pintxo (Txepetxa is famous for it) and pair with a local txakoli or caña for a true Bilbao experience.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 4 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Friends |
| Transfers | - |
| Restaurants | 1 |
| Total Activities | 10 |
| Total Places | 10 |
| Activities Types | Neighborhood, Attraction, Culture, Meal |