I still remember my first pintxo in Bilbao. It wasn’t fancy. Just a thick slice of bread, a smear of goat cheese, a juicy sun-dried tomato, and a green olive stabbed through the top. But man—it hit like a flavor freight train.
Why Basque Culinary Travel Hits Different
You can wander through Spain eating jamón and sipping wine all day, and still, nothing preps you for what happens in the Basque Country. This place doesn’t just feed you. It feeds on feeding you. Everything here feels like a ritual. Pintxo hopping through old taverns. The clink of cider poured from a ridiculous height. The nonstop local banter flying across tiny bar tops.
Food here isn’t just good. It’s built into the bones of the city.
Where Pintxos Rule: Casco Viejo
If you only do one thing in Bilbao, make it Casco Viejo. It’s the old town, but also the lifeblood of pintxo culture. Think medieval streets, dimly lit bars, and tiny tables wobbling under plates of bite-sized art.
Here’s what I did, and what I’d do again:
Start early-ish. Locals eat late, but pintxos appear on counters around noon. By 1 PM, it’s game on.
Don’t sit down. Standing is half the vibe.
Order by pointing. Don’t overthink it. If it looks good, grab it.
Try everything once. Anchovy + pepper + olive? Looks weird. Tastes like fireworks.
Move on after 1 or 2 bites. That’s the pintxo crawl life.
I drifted into bars like Café Bar Bilbao, La Olla, and Gure Toki. Each place had its own thing. One did squid ink croquetas that nearly made me cry. Another had foie and apple on toast that felt too fancy to cost €2.50.
The best part? You don’t need reservations. Just good shoes, a bit of cash, and a stomach that forgives you.
Where to Crash After All That Pintxo-Hopping
Look, if you’re crawling through Casco Viejo with your friends, you’ll need a place that’s central, comfy, and easy to regroup in after every food-induced coma. That’s where ILUNION Bilbao nails it.
It’s not smack in the middle of the party, but it’s close enough to stroll into town and far enough to escape the bar noise when you’ve had your fill. The rooms are spacious. The beds don’t mess around. And honestly? After eating eight kinds of tortilla in three hours, I appreciated a quiet room, hot shower, and blackout curtains.
Bonus? The lobby café actually does a solid espresso. That’s rare in hotels, and I respect that.
Bilbao Has a Personality, and It Tastes Like Anchovy, Garlic, and Cider
Every Spanish city has a flavor, but Bilbao? It’s full of bite. This place isn’t polished or trying too hard. It’s gritty and proud. The food here mirrors that — bold, salty, rich, and a little rough around the edges.
You’ll find menus scrawled on chalkboards and dishes served on chipped plates. Nobody’s fussing with foam or microgreens unless it actually makes sense. It’s honest cooking, straight from the sea or the hills. Basque food doesn’t whisper — it shouts with confidence.
One night, I ended up at a packed bar where the guy behind the counter looked like he was born holding a skewer. I pointed at something that looked like a stack of raw tuna, pickled onion, and maybe… wasabi? It didn’t matter. He grunted. I ate it. And it was perfect.
Pintxos Are the Star, But There’s More on the Menu
Sure, pintxos are the highlight, but don’t skip the other stuff. Here’s what you shouldn’t leave without trying:
Bacalao al Pil-Pil
Cod, garlic, olive oil, and magic. The sauce emulsifies from just swirling the pan. I watched an old man do it in a tiny open kitchen and nearly applauded.
Txangurro
Spider crab. Sounds creepy, tastes dreamy. Usually baked into a shell with onions, brandy, and love.
Txuleton
Basque beef steak. Big, smoky, primal. Usually served rare with salt and attitude.
Gilda
This one’s a pintxo staple. Anchovy, olive, and pickled pepper on a toothpick. Salty, sour, spicy — like a dare you’ll be glad you took.
Desserts?
Yes, but only after a glass of local cider or txakoli (the fizzy white wine that tastes like someone trapped the ocean in a bottle). Bilbao has a sweet tooth but never overdoes it. Go for tarta de queso (creamy cheesecake) if you have room left.
Culinary Travel Works So Well With Friends Here
Let’s be honest — traveling with friends gets weird sometimes. One person wants to chill. One wants to climb a mountain. One wants to photograph every plate. Bilbao solves that.
Here’s why it worked great for my little group of tagalongs (and would probably work for yours too):
Pintxos are built for sharing. Everyone grabs what they want. No awkward splitting of checks. No one gets food envy.
It’s a walking city. No rental car stress. Just shoes, steps, and hunger.
Food is affordable. Even at fancier bars, pintxos rarely cost more than €3. That means you can go wild without your wallet crying.
You don’t need a plan. Honestly, just follow the crowds or trust your nose. That’s how we found the best fried squid I’ve ever eaten.
ILUNION Bilbao makes it easy. Plenty of space for recharging, joking around, and recapping the night. You can even sneak in a quick nap between bar crawls.
After a full day of eating, we’d end up back at ILUNION Bilbao swapping bites of leftovers and laughing about someone trying to pronounce “txakoli” for the 14th time. It’s those moments between bites that really make the trip.
Planning a Pintxo Trip to Remember
If you’re eyeing a culinary trip through Bilbao, here’s what helped me — and might help you too.
Don’t Rush the Rhythm
Dinner doesn’t start at 6 p.m. here. Pintxo bars usually fill up after 8, sometimes closer to 9. Locals like to ease into the evening. Follow their lead. Grab a vermouth or caña, linger a bit, then move bar to bar like a breeze.
Ordering Isn’t Complicated
No Spanish? No sweat. I’ve pointed at things, waved, smiled, even mimed eating once — and always got what I wanted. Most bartenders speak enough English to help. And frankly, the pintxos speak for themselves.
Breakfast Is Surprisingly Good
Yes, you’re here for pintxos, but don’t sleep on Basque breakfasts. Toasted bread with crushed tomato and olive oil is way more satisfying than it sounds. Pair it with a strong coffee and you’ll be good till late lunch.
Where You Stay Can Make or Break the Vibe
After long days (and longer nights), I needed a place that felt easy and central — but not smack in the middle of party noise. ILUNION Bilbao delivered. It’s comfy, stylish in a low-key way, and right near shops, bars, and transport. Bonus: the vibe felt perfect for groups of friends and solo travelers alike.
Final Sip
Basque culinary travel isn’t about chasing stars or scoring reservations months in advance. It’s about walking, tasting, talking, and letting the night lead you. Bilbao makes that easy — with good food, great energy, and bars that feel like home even if you’re just passing through.
FAQs
What’s the best time to visit Bilbao for food lovers?
Late spring or early autumn. The weather’s great, the streets are buzzing, and the pintxo bars stay busy but not overcrowded.
Do I need to speak Spanish to order pintxos?
Not at all. A few basics help, but pointing and smiling goes a long way. Most places are used to tourists and happy to help.
How much do pintxos usually cost?
Most range from €1.50 to €3. A full night hopping bars with drinks won’t break the bank.
Are there vegetarian or gluten-free pintxos?
You’ll find some, especially in modern spots. Ask before ordering or look for keywords like “vegetariano” or “sin gluten.”
Is Bilbao safe for solo travelers?
Absolutely. I walked around late and felt safe. Stick to well-lit streets, and you’ll be fine.
What makes Bilbao’s pintxos different from tapas?
Pintxos are often skewered, stacked, or served on bread. They’re usually displayed on the bar, and you pick them out visually. Tapas can be smaller portions of cooked dishes.
Can I join a pintxo tour, or should I go solo?
Both are great! Tours give context and help you try hidden gems. Solo exploring lets you go at your pace.
Is tipping expected at pintxo bars?
It’s not required, but rounding up or leaving small coins is appreciated — especially if service is quick and friendly.
What’s a good area to stay in for food-focused travel?
Look around Abando or near the river — central but calm. I stayed at ILUNION Bilbao, which had a perfect mix of convenience and quiet.
Can I bring pintxos home?
Some spots will wrap up cold ones for takeaway, but the magic is in eating them fresh, in the moment, with a cold drink in hand.
