Free Walking Tour Bilbao Old Town with Local Guides

Across from the majestic Arriaga Theater, we’ll discover the city’s history and how this place became one of its main gateways. It’s the perfect first stop to begin understanding Bilbao—both past and present.

We’ll stroll through El Arenal whilst discovering how the River Nervión played a key role in the city’s commercial and industrial development. We’ll also enjoy one of the most beautiful panoramic views of historic Bilbao, with the water taking centre stage.

One of the great gems of Baroque Bilbao. Standing before this imposing church, we will discover the story of Saint Nicholas of Bari, patron saint of seafarers, and his close connection with Bilbao’s seafaring and commercial past.

We’re heading straight into the heart of the Old Town. Plaza Nueva offers us the chance to discover one of Bilbao’s liveliest and most beloved spots, surrounded by arcades and historic buildings. We’ll also discuss its role in the city’s social life and one of Bilbao’s great culinary traditions: pintxos.

This is where Bilbao begins to tell its most literary stories. In Plaza de Miguel de Unamuno, we’ll learn about one of the city’s greatest intellectuals and discover the historic Calzadas de Mallona, one of the most unique links between the Old Town and the upper part of Bilbao.

At the Portal de Zamudio, we’ll discover part of Bilbao’s ancient city walls and what the medieval city was like before it became the major industrial city we know today. It’s the perfect spot to travel back several centuries without leaving the Old Town.

We arrive at the grand cathedral in the Old Town. Santiago Cathedral is one of Bilbao’s most important historic buildings and an essential stop for anyone wishing to discover the city’s religious and pilgrimage heritage. We’ll explore its architecture, its secrets and its connection to the Way of St James.

We’ll learn about the history of this Gothic church, which is inextricably linked to Bilbao’s very identity, and discover why its silhouette even features on the city’s coat of arms.

Bilbao can also be discovered through its cuisine. At the Mercado de la Ribera, we’ll discover one of the city’s great culinary landmarks and a place that’s key to understanding Bilbao’s relationship with the estuary and its commercial heritage. A stop brimming with aromas, flavours and local life.

At the Marzana Quay, we’ll discover one of the areas that best represents the city’s transformation and, through the mural dedicated to the San Luis Mine, we’ll learn about the importance of mining to Bilbao’s economic growth. A perfect way to link the city’s industrial past with contemporary Bilbao.

A bridge that preserves the memory of various eras in Bilbao’s history. From here, we will discover how the estuary has shaped the city’s growth and how its bridges were essential in connecting its two banks.