Bilbao Weekend Activities & Things to Do
Weekend in Bilbao
This itinerary balances free exploration of Bilbao's beautiful parks and charming old town with exciting visits to its renowned museums and a scenic funicular ride. Activities are selected to be highly engaging for children aged 3-12, keeping budget-friendliness in mind with a mix of free and moderately priced attractions. Public transport is efficient and stroller-friendly throughout the city.
Friday Evening - Family Fun
Friday, February 20Duck Park Play
Enjoy a relaxing afternoon at Doña Casilda de Iturrizar Park, affectionately known as 'Duck Park.
' This beautiful English-style garden features a large pond with ducks, swans, and even peacocks. There's a spacious modern playground and a charming carousel for children to enjoy.
Ideal for all ages (3-12 years). Facilities include public toilets, playgrounds, and open lawns for running. Duration: 1.5 - 2 hours.
Easily accessible by foot from the city center. Several bus routes serve the area. The park has wide paths suitable for strollers.
Old Town Pintxos
Wander through the charming cobblestone streets of Casco Viejo (Old Town), discovering its colorful buildings and local shops. Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Mercado de la Ribera, one of Europe's largest covered markets. While primarily a food market, its lively environment and gastro-bars offer a fun way to try traditional Basque 'pintxos' (small snacks) for dinner.
Suitable for all ages. Kids can enjoy the bustling atmosphere and try various small bites. Playgrounds can often be found in nearby plazas. Duration: 2-3 hours.
Casco Viejo is a pedestrian area. Accessible by Metro (Casco Viejo station) or tram. Stroller-friendly paths, but can be crowded.
Saturday - Adventure Day
Saturday, February 21Guggenheim Marvels
Explore the iconic Guggenheim Museum Bilbao.
Its breathtaking architecture and colossal outdoor sculptures like 'Puppy' and 'Maman' (the giant spider) captivate children immediately. While the interior exhibits can be engaging, the sheer scale of the building and select interactive pieces are sure to impress.
Children under 12 receive free admission. Guided tours and activity guides are often available. Allow 2-3 hours. Remember to check bags, especially backpacks, at the cloakroom. A playground is located just outside the museum.
Centrally located, walkable from many areas. Served by tram (Guggenheim stop) and bus. Parking garages nearby.
Artxanda Views & Play
Take a fun ride on the historic Artxanda Funicular up Mount Artxanda.
The three-minute journey itself offers incredible views as the city shrinks below. At the top, enjoy panoramic vistas of Bilbao, the Nervión River, and surrounding mountains. There's also a park with a playground where kids can run around.
Great for all ages. Kids love the ride and the open space at the top. Views are best on a clear day. Duration: 1.5-2 hours.
The bottom station is a 15-minute walk from Casco Viejo or easily reachable by bus. Wide paths at the top are suitable for strollers.
Azkuna Zentroa Fun
Visit Azkuna Zentroa (formerly Alhóndiga Bilbao), a former wine warehouse transformed into a cutting-edge cultural and leisure center.
Kids will be fascinated by the 43 uniquely designed pillars in the atrium and can enjoy the dedicated children's section in the Mediateka (library), which encourages reading and relaxed fun.
Entrance to the atrium and library is free. Offers a calm, indoor activity perfect for all ages. Duration: 1.5-2 hours. Cafes available for snacks.
Centrally located and easily walkable. Several bus stops nearby.
Maritime History Dive
Immerse yourselves in Bilbao's rich maritime heritage at the Itsasmuseum (Bilbao Maritime Museum).
Located on the site of a former shipyard, the museum offers engaging indoor and outdoor exhibits detailing the evolution of the Bilbao Estuary and shipbuilding. Kids can explore historical vessels and interactive displays.
Great for children aged 6-12 with interactive elements. Children under 6 typically have free admission. Allow 1.5-2 hours.
Accessible by tram (Euskalduna stop) or a pleasant walk along the river from the city center. Parking available nearby for a fee. Wide paths suitable for strollers.
Sunday - Relaxed Day
Sunday, February 22Plaza Nueva Fun
Start your Sunday morning at Plaza Nueva, a beautiful neoclassical square in the heart of Casco Viejo.
It's a fantastic open space for children to run and play. On Sundays, the square often hosts a small flea market, adding to the lively atmosphere. Grab some churros or ice cream from a nearby cafe.
Excellent for children aged 3-12 to enjoy open-air play. Duration: 1-1.5 hours.
Located in the pedestrianized Casco Viejo. Accessible via Metro (Casco Viejo station).
Riverside Stroll
Enjoy a leisurely walk along the Nervión River (Ría de Bilbao).
The wide, pedestrian-friendly paths offer beautiful views of the city's modern architecture, historic bridges like Zubizuri, and the illuminated Guggenheim Museum from a different perspective. There are often small parks and grassy areas along the river for kids to pause and play.
Suitable for all ages. Kids can enjoy watching boats and ducks. Duration: 1.5-2 hours.
Paths are flat and excellent for strollers and walking. Easily accessible from various points in the city center.
Etxebarria Park Views
Conclude your weekend with a visit to Parque Etxebarria.
Perched on a hill, this large urban park offers expansive green spaces for children to run freely and a playground. It also provides fantastic panoramic views of Bilbao, including the Old Town and the Arriaga Theatre, making it a picturesque spot to end your family adventure.
Great for all ages, especially active children who love to run and play. Offers picnic spots. Duration: 1.5-2 hours.
A bit of an uphill walk from the Old Town, but offers great reward. Accessible by bus or a short taxi ride. Wide paths are generally stroller-friendly.
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