Free Walking Tour of Bilbao

Explore the intriguing tales and hidden gems of Bilbao's historic center with this complimentary walking tour, designed to showcase the city's most renowned locales.

Description

Your journey begins at the Arriaga Theatre, named in honor of a prominent local composer often referred to as the 'Spanish Mozart'. Just a short walk away, you will encounter the San Nicolás Church and the renowned Plaza Nueva, where a celebrated artist in the bilbainadas genre made his mark. Are you familiar with this unique Basque music style?

The next highlight will be the Mallona stairs: 316 steps – but there's no need to worry about climbing them – which carry an interesting backstory. These stairs begin in the Plaza de Miguel de Unamuno, named after the illustrious writer from Bilbao, who famously stood up for the Basque identity during a confrontation with Falangists in 1936.

As you progress through the old town, the historic Zazpikaleak or Seven Streets, dating back to the 1400s, will be a key stop on your guided exploration of Botxo, a term of endearment for the mountain-encircled city of Bilbao.

Continuing your journey, you'll uncover the rich history surrounding other iconic landmarks of Biscay, including the Santiago Cathedral. Following this, you'll wander down to the banks of the Nervión River to explore the famous Mercado de la Ribera, the largest covered market across Europe.

After approximately 2 to 2.5 hours of discovery, the tour will conclude.

Groups

Participants in groups exceeding six individuals will not be permitted on this Bilbao Free Walking Tour. In such cases, consider arranging a private tour of Bilbao.

Free tour of modern Bilbao

In addition to this free historic tour, you can also immerse yourself in the cutting-edge aspects of the city with our Free Walking Tour of Modern Bilbao.

Itinerary Changes

Be aware that the sequence of site visits may shift depending on the date of your tour, but each location will be included. Additionally, please note that from August 18 to 24, 2025, the itinerary may be adjusted due to Bilbao's Semana Grande festival celebrations.