Bilbao Reborn: Feasting in the Comeback City
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Europe’s greatest comeback city, Bilbao is a place reborn. Until a few decades ago a postindustrial metropolis plagued by pollution and economic decline, Bilbao today is a buzzing cultural and culinary capital. On this full-day tour, we’ll trace Bilbao’s history and rebirth through the exceptional eateries – old and new – that call the Basque city home. On this full-day tour, we’ll walk Bilbao’s backstreets and stop into the local eateries – old and new – that tell this city’s remarkable tale of renewal.
Additional Info
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 Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
San Anton Bridge
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
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.
What‘s Included
Alcoholic Beverages
Snacks
Lunch
Breakfast
Private transportation
Options
Bilbao Reborn: Feasting in the Comeback City
Reviews
42 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
So so good...
Trevor S,Apr 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00So so good... Gonzalo our guide was excellent. He has a true passion for the food scene... He took us to multiple local spots and showed us great food and a great time. Would highly recommend Culinary Backstreets and Gonzalo!
Bilbao has an amazing spirit - and really good food.!
judithbW6170LJ,Mar 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a fabulous experience. We were a varied group - 11 years to 73 years, and one vegetarian - and Paul did an incredible job of accommodating all of us. We learned so much history, interesting anecdotes and a real sense of the food and spirit of this fantastic city. I am so impressed with how Bilbao has reinvented itself and the resiliency of the Basque people.
A multigenerational family’s most memorable spring holiday day together.
Alexis S,Mar 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our Culinary Backstreets tour was the highlight of our Basque trip. Three generations, my mother in her 70s, my 11‑year‑old son, and us were equally captivated. The walk blended flavors with stories of Bilbao’s history and neighborhoods, making our subsequent 2-day urban explorations more meaningful. Paul, our guide, paced the stops thoughtfully, tailoring his narration to different curiosities. We left feeling connected and with a deeper understanding of how Bilbao’s culinary traditions and new venues shape its cultural identity. My vegetarian son was not disappointed and we all loved the shop by shop and neighborhood by neighborhood meandering. The early morning of the busy market, the old to new districts, and the ending punctuation of at the Guggenheim narrated a memorable mind map of Bilbao.
Culinary Backstreets in Bilbao
williamsW5742YG,Feb 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had the best time with Gonzalo. Every spot he took us to was special and every bite we ate was exceptional. Could not recommend more.
Excellent tour for those interested in food and history
M1229PYmichaelc,Feb 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an excellent tour with Kaya as our guide. She tailored the tour to our interest, giving us a great history tour of Bilbao and the Basque region on top of an already-excellent food tour. We loved each of the stops on the tour, getting a nice spread of classic pintxos and modern cooking. Kaya was also very helpful with making sure one of our group members' nut allergy was taken care of. I would 100% recommend this tour for anyone visiting Bilbao!
Absolutely Delicious and Authentic Bilbao Experience
domingosg729,Feb 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our Culinary Backstreets tour in Bilbao was absolutely delicious and one of the highlights of our trip. We had the chance to try all kinds of typical dishes, from the famous Basque cheesecake to torrija — which were two of my favorite desserts on the tour. We also tasted kokotxas and visited two of the best pintxo spots in Bilbao, enjoying an incredible variety of flavors. Beyond the food, the tour gave us a wonderful cultural experience. We explored the Casco Viejo and learned a bit about the city’s history, and we also visited Bilbao’s covered market, which has existed for more than 200 years. What made this tour truly special was that it didn’t focus only on the typical tourist areas. We discovered neighbourhoods that are off the usual tourist path, which allowed us to understand local life better. We met chefs who cook in a traditional way, using traditional techniques but with absolutely local, top-quality products. Gonzalo did a spectacular job as a guide — knowledgeable, friendly, and passionate about the food and the city. The people who joined us on the tour were also wonderful, which made the whole experience even more enjoyable. I highly recommend this tour to anyone who wants to taste real Bilbao and experience the city like a local.
A Great Introduction to Bilbao
ikcw,Nov 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We have taken many Culinary Backstreets food tours and a couple of trips too, and we actually look for a Culinary Backstreets food tour when we visit a new city. Their food tours and are always fun and we learn a lot. Gonzalo was an excellent guide - very knowledgeable, thoughtful, accommodating and charming. We learned a lot and thoroughly enjoyed every dish and sampling the txakoli and the sidra. We highly recommend this tour.
Perfect bites in Bilbao!
319tracys,Nov 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Gonzalo (aka Gorgonzola!) was a fabulous tour guide! He listened to our interests and food likes and then crafted a tour that we would enjoy. What a wonderful way to begin our stay in Bilbao!!
Storytelling through food
MJGaines,Oct 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I always find that one of the best ways to get to know a city and its culture is through food. Our guide, Gonzalo, was very knowledgeable, and great fun!
A++
michaelgK391NP,Oct 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Perfectly curated. Gonzo is solid & his knowledge & warmth was 2nd to none! I highly recommended this tour…………………………!!
From US$175.00
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