Bilbao is a city that rewards exploration by bike, thanks to its compact city center, striking architecture—including the world-famous Guggenheim—and lively neighborhoods. What makes biking here especially appealing is how easy and enjoyable it is to weave through its streets, parks, and bridges. Plus, the city’s recent transformation from an industrial hub to a modern art and cultural center makes a cycling tour a smart way to see both its historic and contemporary sides. From the private Bilbao Highlights Half Day EBike Small Group or Private Tour to the energetic BILBAO-City Highlights Bike Tour, each ride offers a different glimpse into Bilbao’s character. We particularly like the mix of iconic sights and local neighborhoods these tours include.
Quick Overview
This list compiles three top bike tours in Bilbao, each offering a unique experience. The Bilbao Highlights Half Day EBike Small Group or Private Tour offers a comprehensive look at the major sights with a knowledgeable guide. The BILBAO-City Highlights Bike Tour provides a quicker, more relaxed ride through key attractions. Finally, the Bilbao: E-Bike Tour combines the ease of electric biking with visits to both famous landmarks and hidden corners. Read on to find the best fit for your style and time in Bilbao.
1. Bilbao Highlights Half Day EBike Small Group or Private Tour
This half-day e-bike tour offers about three hours of cycling around Bilbao’s most important sights, led by an engaging guide. The tour includes bike, helmet, and child seat, making it suitable for families or travelers new to cycling. You’ll start by crossing the Puente Zubizuri, designed by Santiago Calatrava, and hear about its controversial regeneration role in Bilbao’s recent development. Next, you’ll see the Guggenheim Museum from the outside, marveling at its iconic architecture and sculptures like Puppy and Mama.
The route continues past the Iberdrola Tower and the City Hall, stopping to admire the Maritime Museum and La Ribera Market—a lively spot for local food. The guide shares insights into Bilbao’s transformation from an industrial port to a hub of modern design and culture. The tour is praised for its flexibility: you can join a small group or book a private ride, which makes it easy to customize your experience. Reviewers love the mix of history, architecture, and local color, with one noting, “Our guide was born in Bilbao and shared so much local knowledge.”
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers wanting a thorough overview with expert narration, family-friendly, and flexible to your schedule. Expect to pay around $57 per person for three hours of fun and discovery.
2. BILBAO-City Highlights Bike Tour
Our second pick, the BILBAO-City Highlights Bike Tour, is a two-hour ride designed as an introduction to Bilbao’s top attractions. This tour is ideal for those who want to see the city’s highlights without a long commitment. Starting from the Guggenheim Museum, you’ll pedal around the Abandoibarra neighborhood, admiring Gehry’s twisting building and then moving onto the Puppy sculpture—a favorite photo stop.
The route continues over the Pedro Arrupe Bridge for great views of the Deusto University and the Euskalduna Palace. It concludes in the historic Casco Viejo (Old Town), where you can explore narrow streets, lively plazas, and local shops. The tour emphasizes architecture and urban renewal, making it especially appealing if architecture or city planning interests you. With a maximum of ten participants, the guide’s personalized approach is a big plus, and many reviews mention how much they learned about Bilbao’s 30-year transformation.
Bottom Line: An efficient, informative option for those short on time but eager for a comprehensive snapshot of Bilbao’s vibrant cityscape. At about $41 per person, it’s excellent value.
3. Bilbao: E-Bike Tour
If you prefer a relaxed pace and minimal effort, the Bilbao: E-Bike Tour offers a smooth ride through Bilbao’s streets on an electric bike. Over roughly 2.5 hours, a local guide takes you past major icons like the Guggenheim and Iberdrola Tower, explaining their significance and sharing fun facts. The electric assist makes it easier to cover more ground without fatigue, so you can focus on the sights and scenery.
This tour is especially suited for travelers who want a comfortable, less strenuous experience but still get a good overview of the city’s modern architecture and historic neighborhoods. It allows stops for photos and quick explanations, making it ideal for those who prefer a casual pace. The reviews highlight that the e-bike experience is fun and accessible, with travelers mentioning the joy of effortless pedaling and the chance to see Bilbao without feeling exhausted.
Bottom Line: Great for those who want an easy, laid-back ride with expert insights, especially if mobility is a concern or if you’re traveling in hot weather.
How to Choose the Right Bike Tour in Bilbao
If you’re trying to decide which tour suits you, consider your budget, available time, and interests. For a comprehensive experience with a knowledgeable guide, the Bilbao Highlights Half Day EBike is excellent, especially for families or those with limited time. If you prefer a quick, engaging overview focusing on architecture and urban renewal, the BILBAO-City Highlights Bike Tour offers great value. For a more relaxed, effortless exploration, the Bilbao: E-Bike Tour provides comfort and a laid-back experience.
Booking early is recommended, especially during peak travel seasons, to secure your preferred time and group size. Think about what parts of Bilbao excite you most—whether it’s the Guggenheim, the Old Town, or modern bridges—and choose accordingly.
In summary, Bilbao offers a range of fantastic bike tours that cater to different interests and fitness levels. For a full immersion with local insights, the half-day EBike Tour is hard to beat. For a quick but thorough introduction, the City Highlights Tour hits the mark. And if you want to enjoy the city with minimal effort, the E-Bike Tour offers a fun, comfortable ride. Whichever you pick, booking ahead will ensure you don’t miss out on exploring this dynamic Basque city.