Bilbao is a city that’s as much about food as it is about architecture and art. The Basque Country boasts a culinary scene famous for its pintxos, seafood, and innovative chefs. What makes Bilbao especially appealing for food lovers is the way its local traditions blend with modern cuisine, all within a walkable city full of lively bars and markets. We especially enjoy tours that combine tasting with storytelling, like the Basque Food Tour with Wine Tasting, which offers a delicious introduction to local bites paired with regional wines. It’s a great way to get under the skin of Basque culture.
If you’re after an authentic, immersive experience, Bilbao’s food tours do not disappoint. Whether you prefer a relaxed small-group walk or a high-end tasting adventure, there’s something to suit your taste and budget. Below, we’ll explore the top options, each with its own unique charm and focus.
1. Bilbao: Basque Food Tour and Wine Tasting with Guide
This 3-hour guided walking tour is perfect if you want to sample a wide range of Basque pintxos while learning about the region’s wine and history. The tour’s popularity (rated 4.9/5 from over 540 reviews) speaks to its well-organized, engaging format. Your guide will take you through Bilbao’s most notable food spots, where you’ll taste distinctive pintxo flavors and sip local wines, including Txakoli and other regional varieties.
What makes this tour stand out is its emphasis on cultural storytelling, making each bite a lesson in Basque traditions. Many reviewers mention Kaya and James, guides who add a friendly, relaxed vibe that enhances the experience. The tour is considered quite filling—advising not to eat lunch beforehand—and it’s a great way to meet fellow food lovers.
Bottom Line: If you’re after a comprehensive introduction to Basque cuisine and culture, this tour offers a perfect balance of tasting, learning, and meeting people. It’s ideal for first-timers and those wanting a lively, friendly environment.
2. The High End Food Tour of Bilbao with a Local
For around $116, this 3-hour small-group tour dives into Bilbao’s finer food and drink traditions. Led by a local chef, it’s geared toward culinary connoisseurs eager to explore the region’s sophisticated gastronomy. The tour includes sampling Basque tapas, pintxos, and miniature dishes, paired with regional drinks like local ciders, alabriños, txakoli, and Rioja.
What sets this tour apart is its focus on insider tips—learn how to order like a local, and get recipes you could try at home. Many guests mention the personalized experience due to the small group size (max 10). The itinerary includes stops at hidden spots and markets, like Mercado de La Ribera, where you’ll see the freshest ingredients and learn their stories.
During the tour, you’ll taste seafood, pintxos, and regional drinks, making it a true culinary adventure that feels like dining with a friend. The reviews highlight knowledgeable guides like Usua and Marina, who make the experience fun and educational.
Bottom Line: This tour is best suited for foodies interested in high-quality cuisine and local drinks in a small, intimate setting. It’s good value for those wanting a deeper dive into Basque gastronomy.
3. Bilbao’s #1 Food & Wine Experience
Rated 4.9/5 from 75 reviews, this 3-hour walking tour emphasizes authentic Basque flavors alongside cultural insights. The tour includes tasting 8 pintxos and sampling 4 local drinks, making it a well-rounded culinary experience. Led by experts in Basque cuisine, this tour aims to connect food with Bilbao’s history and daily life.
An advantage here is the balance of tasting and storytelling, with the guide sharing insights about Bilbao’s culture, architecture, and people. The small group size (up to 10 people) ensures plenty of personal attention. Guests appreciate how the tour covers local favorites and lesser-known spots, giving a genuine taste of the city.
While it’s a slightly less elaborate experience than some others, it offers excellent value for those wanting a traditional yet intimate introduction to Bilbao’s culinary scene.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers who want to combine culture and cuisine in a friendly group, with enough food to satisfy and stories to remember.
4. Pintxo and Tapas Tour with Local Food Expert
At $168, this 3-hour guided tour caters to those who want a truly luxurious pintxo experience. You’ll visit five different stops, including the Guggenheim Museum area and local markets, sampling anchovies, squid, foie gras, octopus, and bacalao in pil-pil sauce. The guide will help you pair each dish with regional drinks like cider, txakoli, and Tempranillo.
What makes this tour stand out is its focus on storytelling and pairing—each stop is carefully chosen to highlight Bilbao’s culinary heritage and cultural sights. Many reviews mention the excellent pairing tips and the guide’s ability to turn a food walk into a cultural journey.
Because it’s slightly pricier, it’s best suited for serious foodies or those celebrating a special occasion. The inclusion of a stop at the Guggenheim also makes it a good choice for visitors wanting a bite of art and architecture alongside their tasting.
Bottom Line: If you’re looking for a comprehensive, high-end pintxo experience with expert guidance and cultural highlights, this tour delivers.
How to Choose the Best Food Tour in Bilbao
When selecting your ideal food tour, consider your priorities: budget, interest level, and how much you want to learn and taste. If you’re a first-timer wanting a lively, social experience, the Basque Food Tour with Wine Tasting is hard to beat. For those eager to explore Bilbao’s upscale culinary side, the High End Food Tour offers a tailored, intimate experience.
If your goal is to immerse in local culture and gastronomy, the Bilbao’s #1 Food & Wine Experience balances storytelling with tasting, perfect for a cultural foodie. And for a more luxurious, artful experience, the Pintxo and Tapas tour with a local expert combines food, art, and history into one memorable outing.
In summary, Bilbao offers a diverse range of food tours that suit different tastes and budgets. From lively pintxo walks to intimate tasting sessions with expert guides, there’s something for every palate. For first-timers, the Basque Food Tour and Wine Tasting provides a comprehensive start. For seasoned gourmets, the High End Food Tour delivers sophistication and insider tips.
Book early, especially in peak season, as these tours tend to fill up fast. No matter which you choose, exploring Bilbao through its food and drink is one of the best ways to truly understand this lively, welcoming city.