The Original Bilbao Food Tour with Wine Pairings

The Original Bilbao Food Tour with Wine Pairings offers an authentic taste of Basque cuisine in the heart of Bilbao. For $108 per person, this 3-hour guided experience takes you through 5 carefully selected bars in Bilbao’s Old Town, showcasing both traditional and award-winning pintxos, paired expertly with local wines, cider, and beer. Led by local guides born and raised in Bilbao, the tour combines delicious bites, regional drinks, and cultural insights, making it ideal for food lovers eager to explore Bilbao’s culinary scene with a knowledgeable host.

What sets this tour apart is its focus on lesser-known local bars alongside popular spots, providing a genuine insider’s perspective. The tour’s high rating of 4.9 out of 5 from 73 reviews highlights the consistency of excellent food, wines, and guides. While it’s a full meal, viewers should come hungry—the 8 to 9 pintxos and 5 drinks included ensure a hearty experience. The only possible limitation is that it’s not suitable for vegans or vegetarians, and hotel transfers are not included.

Key Points

• Authentic Bilbao pintxos: Visit 5 diverse bars and try 8 to 9 pintxos, including specials not visible on the menu.
• Expert guidance: Guides like Olaia and Irene, born and raised in Bilbao, share passionate local insights about Basque culture and cuisine.
• Wine and drink pairings: Each pintxo is paired with regional wines, cider, or beer, carefully matched to enhance flavors.
• Insider access: The tour visits lesser-known, high-quality local establishments, not just the typical tourist spots.
• Comprehensive experience: Expect cultural explanations, history, and tips for enjoying Bilbao’s food scene beyond the tour.
• Convenient meeting point: Starts at San Nikolas Church, in the old town, a perfectly walkable area for exploring afterward.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Starting at San Nikolas Church in Bilbao’s Old Town

The tour begins at San Nikolas Church’s main entrance, a recognizable and central spot in Bilbao’s Old Town. Guides will be waiting there at 6:00 pm, ready to introduce you to the vibrant local food scene. This starting point is ideal for those staying in or near the historic center, and the tour concludes back at the same meeting point, making it easy to explore further or plan your evening.

Exploring Bilbao’s Historic Old Town

This tour takes place in Bilbao’s old town, a district that dates back to 1300. As you stroll through narrow streets and lively plazas, guides share stories about Basque history, traditions, and the city’s development. The area is full of charming bars with authentic atmospheres, many of which are lesser-known but highly regarded by locals.

Guests are encouraged to book the tour early in their stay so they can revisit their favorite pintxo bars later on their own. The walking pace is relaxed, allowing for plenty of photo opportunities and cultural stops.

Visiting the Best Pintxo Bars in Bilbao

The tour includes stops at five distinguished bars, each selected for its quality, atmosphere, and local popularity. Some are modern establishments that showcase Basque cuisine innovations, while others are historic taverns with centuries of tradition.

At each stop, guides explain how to order pintxos confidently, helping reduce the overwhelm that often accompanies unfamiliar menus. Guests learn what makes each pintxo special and how to identify award-winning options, many of which are not visible on the menu.

This is an excellent opportunity to taste pintxos that have won local competitions, offering a taste of Bilbao’s culinary creativity and pride.

The Pintxos and Wine Pairings

The guides pair each pintxo with a carefully selected regional wine, cider, or beer. The wine options include red and white wines, chosen to complement the flavor profiles of each bite. The cider, a Basque specialty, adds a crisp, refreshing contrast, while local beers round out the drink selection.

Guests enjoy 5 drinks in total, making each stop a mini tasting session. The wine and drink choices are tailored to match the specific pintxos, elevating the overall experience and helping guests appreciate the regional drink culture.

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Special Highlights: Award-Winning and Special Pintxos

One of the tour’s standout features is the inclusion of award-winning pintxos. Guides order these special bites directly from the chefs, who prepare them on the spot. These pintxos are not commonly seen in standard bars and are a highlight for those wanting unique flavors.

Guests also get the chance to taste special pintxos that are not visible on the bar counters, thanks to the insider knowledge of local guides. These exclusive tastings showcase Bilbao’s culinary innovation alongside its traditional offerings.

Teaching How to Order Pintxos Confidently

Ordering pintxos can seem overwhelming for first-timers, but this tour demystifies the process. Guides explain exactly how to ask for the different types and how to identify quality. This armors guests with confidence to continue exploring Bilbao’s bars independently after the tour.

This practical skill adds value beyond the tour, as guests will be able to order with ease in any pintxo bar in Bilbao, making their culinary adventures more enjoyable and less stressful.

The Cultural and Historical Context

Between bar stops, guides share insights into Basque culture and history. They highlight local traditions, the origins of pintxos, and stories behind Bilbao’s development from a medieval town to a modern city.

Guests also learn about Bilbao’s iconic landmarks, such as the Guggenheim Museum, along with local customs, language snippets, and regional pride. These explanations enrich the tasting experience and deepen understanding of Basque identity.

The Guide Experience: Knowledgeable, Energetic, and Friendly

The tour guides, such as Olaia and Irene, receive high praise for their enthusiasm, knowledge, and friendly manner. They bring energy to the group, making the experience relaxed and enjoyable. Their local roots shine through as they share personal stories and recommendations for further exploration.

Guides are attentive to personal preferences and dietary restrictions, striving to maximize everyone’s enjoyment. Their passion for Bilbao makes the tour not just about food, but also about connecting with Basque culture.

Practical Tips and Considerations

Guests should arrive hungry, as this tour provides a full dinner’s worth of food. The 8 to 9 pintxos and 5 drinks ensure a satisfying meal, so no additional food is necessary afterward.

The tour does not include hotel pickup or drop-off, so it’s best to meet directly at San Nikolas Church. It’s not suitable for vegans or vegetarians due to the focus on traditional pintxos, which are typically meat and seafood-based.

The timing is flexible with multiple start times available depending on the day, and cancellation up to 24 hours in advance is offered for full refunds.

Why This Tour is a Great Choice for Food Enthusiasts

The high ratings—a 4.9 out of 5 from 73 reviews—speak to the consistent quality of the experience. Guests praise the guides’ expertise, the delicious pintxos, and the well-curated bar selections. Many reviewers recommend booking early in your stay in Bilbao to revisit favorite spots later independently.

This tour is ideal for those interested in authentic Basque cuisine, culture, and regional wines. The focus on insider knowledge and special pintxos makes it stand out from more generic food tours.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts 3 hours, with start times depending on availability. It begins at 6:00 pm and ends back at the starting point.

What’s included in the price?
The $108 fee covers guidance by a local English-speaking guide, 8 to 9 pintxos across 5 bars, and 5 drinks including wine, cider, beer, or water.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated?
The tour not suitable for vegans or vegetarians due to the typical ingredients of pintxos and drinks.

Where does the tour start and end?
It starts right by the main entrance of San Nikolas Church in Bilbao’s Old Town and finishes at the same location.

Is this tour appropriate for first-time visitors?
Absolutely. The guides teach how to order pintxos confidently, making it perfect for those new to Bilbao’s food scene.

Can I revisit the bars after the tour?
Yes, booking this tour early in your trip allows you to return to your favorite pintxo bars later, thanks to the inside knowledge gained.

Is there any physical requirement?
The tour involves walking through Bilbao’s Old Town; comfortable shoes are advised. It’s suitable for most guests able to walk comfortably.

What about drinks—are they alcoholic?
Yes, alcoholic beverages are included, but non-alcoholic options like water are available as well.

What makes this tour stand out?
The combination of authentic regional pintxos, expert local guides, insider access to lesser-known bars, and wine pairings gives it a well-rounded, immersive quality.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, full cancellation is possible up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility for your plans.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby