Exploring Bilbao in two days isn’t about rushing, but about getting the order right. Divide your itinerary into a compact first day and a more packed second day, leaving some time to spare before your next bus. In the plan below, the attractions are grouped together so that you spend less time on transport and more time exploring the city itself.
Don’t tie yourself to a specific location every half hour: a delayed bus or a queue can easily throw your plans off course. When visiting Spain, it’s a good idea to factor in the midday heat, later mealtimes and time for a leisurely stroll, and to leave one optional stop that you can skip if necessary.
Day one: exploring the city centre
On the day of arrival, it makes sense to head from the Old Town (Casco Viejo) to the Guggenheim Museum. If the bus is running late, explore the first location and limit the second to a stroll around the outside. Don’t try to make up for lost time by rushing between the sights.
Before you set off, take a screenshot of your accommodation address and the route back. Check the closing times for the underground, buses or commuter trains, but explore as much of the city centre as possible on foot.
Day two: the main attraction and a leisurely finish
The most action-packed part of the trip begins at the Nervion Embankment and ends at the Ribera Market. If tickets for the first location are sold out, swap these two spots around or just take a look at the attraction from the outside — there’s no need to completely rearrange your whole day.
If your departure is scheduled for the evening, set a cut-off time for turning back. Add to this the queue at the left-luggage office, city traffic and ten to fifteen minutes to find a bus.
How to draw up a realistic budget
For a two-day trip, it’s handy to set a daily budget excluding accommodation. Include transport, water, two main meals and one paid attraction. Set aside a separate amount for taxis or an unexpected visit to a left-luggage office.
What to prepare before arrival
- an offline map showing the Old Town (Casco Viejo) and the Nervión riverfront;
- the address of your accommodation and luggage storage facilities;
- comfortable footwear and a light layer of clothing in case the weather changes;
- the latest return time to your point of departure.
Useful links
To help you prepare, also read about how to plan your first day after a long coach journey, offline maps for travelling in Europe: how to set up your phone, and how to find a hotel from the coach stop. You can check coach routes and travel options on RedRay. Check the current visitor guidelines and events calendar via Spain’s official tourism portal and the official websites of specific attractions. Sources verified on 6 September 2026.
Questions and Answers
Are two days enough for a first visit to Bilbao?
Yes, if you focus on two neighbouring areas each day and don’t plan to visit too many museums. To take things at a leisurely pace, leave one main attraction for each day.
Where is the best place to leave your luggage after getting off the bus?
First, check if early luggage storage is available at your accommodation. If this isn’t possible, use the official luggage storage facility and keep your receipt until you collect your belongings.
Do I need to buy a city travel pass?
Work out your planned journeys. If the main attractions are close together, single tickets or walking may be better value than a day pass.
What should you book in advance in Bilbao?
First and foremost, check access to the Nervión promenade and your check-in arrangements. It’s best to keep the rest of your itinerary flexible in case of bus delays or changes in the weather.