Bilbao Historical Tour

The Bilbao Historical Tour offers an enriching exploration of the city’s rich heritage. Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour takes visitors through significant sites like the Baroque San Nikolas Eliza and the bustling Mercado de la Ribera, where they can savor local pintxos. With an impressive 4.8-star rating, the tour provides an intimate and immersive experience for up to 10 participants. Discover Bilbao’s captivating history and culture through this highly recommended walking tour.

Good To Know

• The Bilbao Historical Tour is a 2-hour guided walking tour priced at £17 per person, with a maximum of 10 participants for a personalized experience.
• The tour focuses on Bilbao’s history, gastronomy, and architecture, visiting key landmarks like the historic San Nikolas Eliza church and the vibrant Mercado de la Ribera food market.
• San Nikolas Eliza features striking Baroque architecture, an elaborately carved altarpiece, and intricate stained glass designs, providing insight into Bilbao’s religious heritage.
• Mercado de la Ribera is a historic riverside market established in 1929, offering visitors the opportunity to sample Basque-style pintxos and experience the city’s vibrant food culture.
• The tour has an overall rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars based on 17 reviews, with high praise for the guide’s expertise and the tour’s value for money.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Overview of the Bilbao Historical Tour

The Bilbao Historical Tour offers visitors a comprehensive introduction to the rich cultural heritage and iconic landmarks of the vibrant city of Bilbao.

Priced from £17 per person, this 2-hour guided walking tour is limited to just 10 participants, ensuring a personalized experience.

Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour explores the city’s old town, including stops at historic sites like the San Nikolas Eliza church and the lively Mercado de la Ribera market.

With a focus on Bilbao’s history, gastronomy, and architecture, the tour is an ideal option for first-time visitors seeking an insightful overview of the city.

Key Stops Along the Tour

Starting at the Arriagako Enparantza, the tour first stops at the San Nikolas Eliza, a historic church that offers insight into Bilbao’s rich religious heritage.

Next, guests visit Plaza Nueva, a charming plaza perfect for photo opportunities.

A charming plaza perfect for capturing the vibrant spirit of Bilbao through the lens of a camera.

The tour then explores Unamuno Miguel Plaza, named after the famous Spanish philosopher.

At the Mercado de la Ribera, the group discovers Bilbao’s vibrant food culture.

The tour continues with stops at Done Jakue Plazatxoa, the Palacio Yohn, and Txakurraren Iturria before concluding at the Bidebarrietako Liburutegi Nagusia, the city’s main library.

Exploring the San Nikolas Eliza

As visitors approach the San Nikolas Eliza, they’ll be struck by its striking Baroque architecture, which has stood as a testament to Bilbao’s rich religious heritage for centuries. The church’s ornate façade and grand bell tower offer a glimpse into the city’s storied past. Visitors can spend 10 minutes exploring the interior, where they’ll find:

| Architectural Feature | Description |

| — | — |

| Altarpiece | Elaborately carved and gilded |

| Stained Glass | Intricate designs depicting religious scenes |

| Marble Columns | Providing structural support and visual interest |

The San Nikolas Eliza is a must-see stop on the Bilbao Historical Tour, offering a captivating window into the city’s enduring faith and cultural identity.

Discovering Plaza Nueva

Leaving the serene San Nikolas Eliza, the tour now leads participants to Plaza Nueva, a picturesque square that serves as the heart of Bilbao’s old town.

The guide points out the ornate, Renaissance-style buildings that line the square, their facades adorned with intricate balconies and archways.

The group pauses for a photo stop, capturing the vibrant atmosphere of the plaza, where locals gather to socialize and enjoy the warm Mediterranean climate.

The guide shares insights into the square’s rich history, explaining its role as a central meeting place for the community throughout the centuries.

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Visiting the Mercado De La Ribera

Next, the group ventures toward the Mercado de la Ribera, Bilbao’s historic riverside market. For 15 minutes, they explore this vibrant hub of local gastronomy:

1. Visitors browse an impressive array of fresh produce, meats, seafood, and artisanal goods from Basque Country.

2. They sample pintxos, the Basque version of tapas, from the lively food stalls, savoring the region’s renowned culinary heritage.

3. The guide shares insights into the market’s history, dating back to 1929, and its role in Bilbao’s cultural identity.

4. Travelers soak in the bustling atmosphere, appreciating the market as a living testament to Bilbao’s rich food traditions.

Admiring the Palacio Yohn

The group then turns its attention to the historic Palacio Yohn, an architectural gem that commands attention.

The 19th-century palace, with its striking neoclassical facade, stands as a testament to Bilbao’s rich history. The guide explains the palace’s significance, noting it once served as the headquarters for the provincial government.

Visitors are encouraged to admire the ornate details, from the grand entrance to the elegantly sculpted balconies.

The group spends around 5 minutes exploring the exterior, taking in the impressive scale and grandeur of this iconic Bilbao landmark before moving on to the next stop on the tour.

Discovering the Bidebarrietako Liburutegi Nagusia

As the group makes its way to the next stop, they arrive at the Bidebarrietako Liburutegi Nagusia, the city’s main public library.

This impressive building is known for its striking modern architecture. The tour guide highlights the library’s key features:

1. Expansive glass facade that floods the interior with natural light

2. Unique geometric shapes and angles that create a visually stunning design

3. Extensive collection of books, periodicals, and digital resources available to the public

4. Designated areas for studying, reading, and community events

The group spends 15 minutes exploring this architectural gem before continuing on with the tour.

Experience and Feedback From Customers

How do customers rate their experience on the Bilbao Historical Tour? Based on 17 reviews, the overall rating is 4.8 out of 5 stars. Customers praise the expertise of the guides, highlighting their knowledgeability, friendliness, and ability to provide informative experiences. The value for money is also highly rated at 4.7 out of 5. Here’s a breakdown of the customer feedback:

| Metric | Rating |

| — | — |

| Overall Experience | 4.8/5 |

| Guide Expertise | 5/5 |

| Value for Money | 4.7/5 |

| Positive Comments | Knowledgeable, friendly, informative |

| Negative Comments | None reported |

The Bilbao Historical Tour appears to deliver a high-quality experience for visitors seeking to explore the city’s history, culture, and traditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Travelers Allowed to Take Photos During the Tour?

Yes, travelers are allowed to take photos during the tour. The tour highlights key stops where participants are encouraged to take photos, such as Plaza Nueva and Bilbao’s historic market, Mercado de la Ribera.

Can the Tour Guide Provide Recommendations for Local Restaurants?

Yes, the tour guide can likely provide recommendations for local restaurants. As part of the tour experience, guides are knowledgeable about the area and can suggest nearby eateries to try authentic Basque cuisine and local specialties.

Does the Tour Include Any Admission Fees or Tickets?

The tour does not include any admission fees or tickets. All the stops on the itinerary are free to visit, so the tour price covers only the guided walking experience. Participants are responsible for any personal purchases or expenses during the tour.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

The tour doesn’t offer an option to extend the duration, which is fixed at 2 hours. However, guests can explore Bilbao further on their own after the tour concludes at the starting point, Arriagako Enparantza.

Can the Tour Be Customized for Private Groups?

Yes, the tour can be customized for private groups. Customers can contact the tour provider to request modifications to the itinerary, group size, or other aspects to suit their specific needs and preferences.

The Sum Up

The Bilbao Historical Tour offers an immersive experience, showcasing the city’s rich heritage and vibrant culture. Knowledgeable guides lead participants through iconic sites, from the grand Baroque San Nikolas Eliza to the bustling Mercado de la Ribera, where visitors can savor local delicacies. With its impressive rating and rave reviews, the tour promises an unforgettable journey that immerses travelers in Bilbao’s captivating history and leaves them with lasting memories.

You can check if your dates are available here: