Bilbao private tour ans shore excursion

DISCOVER BILBAO

The story of Bilbao can be encapsulated in three words: iron, steel, and titanium. Each stage of its transformation is reflected in the streets of the city, and we’re about to discover it.

From the narrow alleys of the Old Quarter to the wide avenues of modern Bilbao, from the clean, welcoming riverbank to the fashionable buildings designed by world-renowned arch,itects — Bilbao never fails to surprise.

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Bilbao, the modern city of art and innovation

Private Tour of Bilbao: Discover Its Secrets

Walking tours are the best way to feel the rhythm of Bilbao. On this 3-hour experience, we’ll explore the city on foot, uncovering its most fascinating, photogenic, unusual, and tastiest corners.

I’ll share with you why locals believe there’s no greater fortune than being a Bilbaíno, how Bilbao came to host creations by some of the world’s most celebrated architects, and what everyday life looks like in this vibrant city today.

Of course, we won’t miss the iconic Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, a bold titanium masterpiece that transformed the city into a global destination. I’ll tell you the fascinating story of its construction, including the myths, facts, and the famous Guggenheim Effect that marketers still discuss today.

But Bilbao is much more than just a museum. It’s like three cities in one: the medieval heart, the industrial legacy, and the modern cultural capital.

During this private Bilbao tour, we’ll visit:

The Bilbao Cathedral
La Salve Bridge
San Mamés Stadium – home of Athletic Club Bilbao
Zubizuri Bridge – designed by Santiago Calatrava
The Museum of Fine Arts
Local street art and surprising modern spaces

Along the way, I’ll introduce you to Basque culture, daily life, and the delicious world of local food and wine.

This is a friendly, flexible walking tour in English, perfect for curious travelers and first-time visitors. It’s your day, your pace, your stops, your questions.

Duration: aprox. 3h to 3h30min

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This tour is ideal for cruise passengers! My Bilbao Shore Experience includes round-trip transfer from the port to Bilbao’s city center, so you don’t have to worry about a thing.

My tourists say

Michael R.

12. November, 2024.

Emma goes at your pace - my wife wasn't up for the tour so it was just my daughter and I and we were willing to keep a fast pace. Of course, the highlight of a walking tour is the Guggenheim and we got to view it from different visual perspectives while Emma told us all the intrigue relating to Bilbao being selected by the Guggenheim Foundation, its design and its construction. She mentioned the existing exhibitions and we went the next day. We would have overlooked the Fine Arts Museum without her recommendation. Other architecture is related to the ups and downs of Bilbao's economy and family wealth that went into grand homes as well as the municipal center that was once a wine warehouse - all interesting. With Emma, we even got to go on the Metro and how it was designed.

Sue M.

24. October, 2024.

Emma is a knowledgeable and engaging guide. We had a very entertaining morning in Bilboa.

Dorothy (Dot) C.

4. August, 2024.

Emma planned a day that included the sights we’d expected and some we didn’t (really enjoyed riding the Vizcaya transport bridge). She and I walked the old city streets and the Guggenheim, while my husband who uses a walker preferred waiting and chatting with our driver. She was very knowledgeable and responsive both before and during our visit. Thank you, Emma!

Thomas K.

17. June, 2024.

Emma was outstanding!! She was organized extremely knowledgeable and was so very professional. She gave us so much information about our tour spots that was so helpful in learning so many details of each location. TBL has an expert for their many clients traveling to Bilbao who want expert guidance.

Geoffrey P.

15. June, 2024.

This was an exemplary introduction to Bilbao by Emma on our first visit to this remarkable city. Her passion and understanding of the huge impact of the visionary siting here of the Guggenheim Museum shone through her three hour tour. Outstanding in every respect. Thank you!

Anthony S.

19. April, 2024.

Emma provided us a very informative and enjoyable 3 hour private tour around the Bilbao highlights. She customized thetour to hit our particular interests and also provided great insights to appreciate the Basque historical and cultural aspects of this fine city. Overall, a great introduction to Bilbao. We all recommend her fully and would enjoy spending a few more hours seeing the city with her on a repeat visit. William P.

William P.

22. October, 2023.

Emma did a great job of showing us Bilbao inspite of the rain. She has a pleasant personality, a dry sense of humor, and an obvious love of her city.

Russell F.

1. August, 2023.

Emma gave us a great and comprehensive tour of Bilbao.

Jim K.

2. June, 2023.

Emma met us at the port and we embarked on a beautiful day in Bilbao. First stop was the Viscaya Bridge, a unique transporter for vehicles and pedestrians across the river. Totally unexpected. We walked through the market and she explained the unique architecture styles of Bilbao. Emma pointed out buildings as we made our way to the Guggenheim. We only intended to view from the outside but she encouraged us to visit the exhibitions. We did and truly enjoyed the Guggenheim inside and out! 5 stars to Emma!

Bilbao private tour Bilbao: Way more than just that museum

Bilbao, the modern city of art and innovation

Private Tour of Bilbao: Discover Its Secrets

My tourists say

Bilbao private tour
Bilbao: Way more than just that museum