Tours/Bilbao/Bilbao Reborn: Feasting in the Comeback City
Bilbao Reborn: Feasting in the Comeback City
5.0(53)Bilbao4–5 hours
VIATOR5.0(1)TRIPADVISOR5.0(52)
+2 photos
At a glance
Duration
4–5 hours
Price from
$175 / person
Location
Bilbao, Spain
Rating
5.0 / 5 · 53 reviews
Languages
EN
Group
Small group, up to 7
Cancellation
Free cancellation
Confirmation
Instant
Ticket
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Operator
Culinary Backstreets Walks
Meeting point
The square between San Anton Nikolas Eliza Church and Ribera Market
Description
Bilbao is one of Europe’s great comeback stories, transformed from an industrial port city into a cultural and culinary capital. On this full-day tour, we’ll explore that transformation through the markets, bars and family-run institutions that have shaped the city.
We’ll begin in the Casco Viejo at Mercado La Ribera, tasting market specialties before stopping for classic Basque breakfast sandwiches and cider. From there, we’ll visit a preserved-fish shop to learn about Bilbao’s obsession with salt cod, then continue to a century-old bodega for pintxos and txakoli.
Along the way, we’ll taste artisanal cheeses, modern takes on classics like tortilla and cod pil pil, and afternoon pintxos at a beloved family tavern. We’ll finish with Bilbao’s whimsical Carolina pastry and a walk to the Guggenheim, where the story of the city’s remarkable rebirth comes full circle.
Tour Options
Bilbao Reborn: Feasting in the Comeback City
Itinerary
San Anton Bridge
120 min
This bridge is located right near the San Anton Nikolas Eliza Church and is one of the city's iconic landmarks. It's known for its historical significance and stunning views of the river and surrounding areas.
Mercado De La Ribera
120 min
While you mentioned Ribera Market, it’s worth highlighting its architectural beauty. It’s one of the largest covered markets in Europe, with a history that dates back to the 1920s, offering fresh produce and a taste of the local culture.
Casco Viejo
60 min
he historic heart of Bilbao, just a stone's throw from the square. Casco Viejo is full of narrow streets, old buildings, and vibrant plazas, perfect for exploring the city's traditional Basque culture.
What's included
Included
Alcoholic Beverages
Snacks
Lunch
Breakfast
Not included
Private transportation
Traveller Ratings
5.0
53 reviews
5
52
4
1
3
0
2
0
1
0
Important Information
Specialized infant seats are available
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does Bilbao Reborn: Feasting in the Comeback City take?
Bilbao Reborn: Feasting in the Comeback City lasts about 4–5 hours. The itinerary has 3 stops.
How much does Bilbao Reborn: Feasting in the Comeback City cost?
Prices start at $175 per person for this Bilbao experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
Can I cancel Bilbao Reborn: Feasting in the Comeback City for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is The square between San Anton Nikolas Eliza Church and Ribera Market. Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.
What languages is Bilbao Reborn: Feasting in the Comeback City offered in?
The experience is available in EN.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 7 participants.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Specialized infant seats are available Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Reviews(53)
I
Inspire488018
September 12, 2026
Could not recommend more highly
Paul was an absolute delight! Gentle, knowledgable, and still filled with curiosity for the place he has called home for 25 years. Could not recommend this tour and guide more highly! Loved everything about from the food to the history. Bilbao is officially my favourite Spanish city.
Operator response
Thank you for the wonderful review and for taking the time to explore the vibrant daily life of Bilbao with us. We are so glad to hear you loved the history and that Paul was able to share the complex story of the city with you. By joining us, you are directly supporting the unsung heroes of the kitchen and helping preserve traditional family-run culinary traditions for the future.
7
74warwickt
September 12, 2026
A tasty time will be had!
What a great experience this was… not just for the delicious food and drinks along the way, but also such fascinating insights into the stories and culture of Bilbao, both historical and contemporary. Our guide Paul was super friendly, knowledgeable and a great host. Heads up…Don’t eat before you go! There’s so much on offer and you’ll want to try it all.
Operator response
Thank you for the review and for taking the time to share your experience with us in Bilbao. We are thrilled that you enjoyed both the delicious food and the deep dive into the city's historical and contemporary culture. Your visit helps us continue our mission of supporting the unsung heroes of the kitchen and preserving their incredible culinary traditions. We hope to feast with you again in another city soon!
L
Lesley_Fozzie
September 12, 2026
The perfect eating and history tour of Bilbao
The tour was a perfect blend of history and culture of the Basque area and the food and why the food took the form that it did. Super congenial tour leader who was a great story teller, but could also answer the questions posed to him by our varied group of participants. Just make sure you dont have breakfast and you wont need to eat again that day LOL
Operator response
Thank you for the review. We are thrilled that our tour leader could share the deep history and culinary traditions of the Basque area with you. It is a privilege to introduce guests to the unsung heroes of Bilbao's kitchens and to support the local community through honest tourism. We hope the memories of these masters passing their craft stay with you for a long time.
G
GreenRockyRd
August 11, 2026
Best food tour anywhere ever with Kaya
Superb! Kaya is phenomenal, the perfect combination of local insider with the ability to take the outsider’s perspective. And the FOOD! Book the tour, and enjoy.
Operator response
Thank you for the review and for sharing your wonderful experience! We are thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the deep dive into the local culture and the incredible food. Your visit goes a long way in supporting Bilbao's unsung culinary heroes and preserving these cherished daily traditions.
T
tanyadF3674ZC
July 14, 2026
Best family experience & allergy friendly!
First time visit to Bilbao and what a great way to get to know the city and experience the history and culture of its food. Kaya was exceptional with our small group that included a two-year old and adults with gluten+shellfish allergies. She was amazing with our toddler while sharing all her knowledge and enthusiasm for Bilbao and its cuisine. I’ve taken several Culinary Backstreets tours in various cities and they never disappoint- thoughtfully planned, highest quality, local providers and top guides offering flexibility to the group’s interests. Highly recommend!
Operator response
Thank you for the wonderful review and for continuing to explore the world with us. We are so glad that Kaya could share the daily life of Bilbao with your family, ensuring everyone had a meaningful and comfortable experience. Your ongoing support helps us champion the unsung local heroes of the kitchen and preserve these vital culinary traditions for generations to come.
A
andreina g
June 29, 2026
Great experience…
Excellent experience, it was a good group. Paul is very professional, attentive, and detail-oriented. A good way to get to know Bilbao and its cuisine.
Operator response
Thank you for the wonderful review. We are so glad you had an excellent experience exploring the daily life and gastronomy of Bilbao with us. Your visit helps support the city's unsung culinary heroes and preserves the traditional family-run spots that make this community so special.
J
JohnBronte
June 29, 2026
Excellent guide helps us access Bilbao food culture
I have done about ten tours with Culinary Backstreets and all of them were excellent but I think this tour was one of the best. The Guide was excellent. Paul was full of information which he delivered with the perfect pace, in a relaxed and easy fashion, which made the entire day so enjoyable. The food was of course excellent which is to be expected, and was used as a catalyst for us to understand the culinary culture and history of Bilbao..
Operator response
Thank you for the wonderful review and for joining us on your tenth walk! We are so glad that Paul could help you deeply connect with the rich culinary culture and history of Bilbao. Your continued support means the world to our local partners and helps us preserve these traditions while celebrating the unsung heroes of the kitchen.
M
megr574
June 23, 2026
Delicious food and drinks, but not “backstreets”
The tour was good. Lots of good food. Expensive, but probably worth it. But sometimes it felt like we were walking in circles (eg. literally spent ages going up and down the stairs in the market for no real reason) and many of the stops were at places that tour guides say to visit, which were tasty but not exactly “backstreet”. Compared to previous food tours I’ve done, it felt more like delivering a script than a slice of life.
Operator response
Thank you for your review and for appreciating the delicious food on our walk. We sincerely apologize that the experience felt more scripted than the authentic slice of daily life we strive to share. Our commitment to "Honest Tourism" means we constantly evaluate our routes to ensure they truly reflect the unsung heroes of the kitchen, and we would love for you to contact us directly to share more about your experience.
D
dominicb2025
May 18, 2026
Great day of feasting in Bilbao
A wonderful day touring the markets and then trying multiple different pinxtos and Tzakoli. Kaya made it all so interesting and fun! We were very full but lived it all. Highly recommended!
Operator response
Thank you for joining us to explore the vibrant markets and daily life of Bilbao. We are so glad you enjoyed sharing pintxos and connecting with the unsung heroes who make this city's food culture so special. Your support truly helps preserve these invaluable culinary traditions for generations to come.
T
Travelguru2747
May 16, 2026
Great tour with Gibraltar
Gonzalo/Gibraltar was our guide for this well-paced tour of Bilbao. V food was great and each dish was well fought through and complementary of the next dish. At each stop the food was paired with a drink, which added to the fun. I would recommend this tour with Gibraltar to anyone visiting Bilbo or San Sebastian.
Operator response
Thank you for the review and for sharing your experience exploring the complexity and daily life of Bilbao. We are so glad you enjoyed the thoughtfully paired dishes and stories shared along the way. Your support helps us continue preserving culinary traditions and championing the unsung heroes of the local kitchens.
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