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Urban Routes for Foodies The Best Pintxos in Bilbao
May 01 2025
Entertainment 
Bilbao isn’t just a city steeped in history and cutting-edge architecture—it’s a paradise for those who savor life through flavor. Its streets pulse with a unique culinary culture, defined by the famous pintxos: small masterpieces that blend tradition, creativity, and taste. For groups of friends traveling in search of authentic experiences, Bilbao’s urban pintxo routes are an unforgettable journey. And if you stay at a modern, centrally located hotel like ILUNION Bilbao, you’re just steps away from the tastiest corners of the Old Town.
The Spirit of Pintxos: Miniature Flavor, Soul in Every Bite
No foodie can resist the charm of pintxos. These small bites, born in the Basque Country, have evolved from simple snacks on bread into complex culinary creations that combine local ingredients with modern techniques. In Bilbao, pintxo culture is more than tradition—it’s a social ritual. They’re shared, discussed, celebrated. For friends traveling together, it’s the perfect excuse to explore the city through laughter and flavor.
From the classic gilda with anchovies, pickled peppers, and olives to the most creative pintxos that fuse local products with international influences, Bilbao offers a wide variety to suit every palate.
Start the Route: Casco Viejo, Epicenter of Flavor
If there’s one neighborhood that concentrates the best of Basque gastronomy, it’s Casco Viejo. This charming maze of narrow streets is home to legendary bars where the counter itself is a visual feast. Must-visits include:
- Café Bar Bilbao: A local classic known for its txangurro pintxo and cod omelets.
- Gure Toki: Avant-garde on bread. Try reinvented pintxos like foie with caramelized apple or cod with airy pil-pil sauce.
- El Globo: Not exactly in Casco Viejo, but worth the walk. Its creamy sea urchin pintxo is a favorite among locals.
Start your route at Plaza Nueva, stroll down Calle Somera, and finish on Calle del Perro, where each bar has its own character and specialty. The best approach? Go with the flow, ask locals for recommendations, and share dishes among friends. That way, the experience becomes a collective culinary adventure.
Pintxos as a Social Ritual: Perfect for Groups
One of the perks of exploring Bilbao in a group is that pintxos naturally encourage interaction. You order standing up, share bites, chat with bartenders and fellow diners. No long tables or rigid protocols—just spontaneity: try one pintxo here, another there, pop into a bar out of curiosity and leave with a new story.
Bilbao also boasts a lively and safe nightlife. After your pintxo route, groups can continue exploring cocktail bars, live music venues, or simply enjoy a walk along the illuminated riverbank.
Basque Tapas: Beyond the Pintxo
While pintxos steal the spotlight, Basque cuisine extends to tapas and dishes that deserve attention. Squid in ink, homemade croquettes, cod al pil-pil, and stuffed peppers are gems you’ll also find in tapa format at many downtown bars.
For those wanting to dive deeper into the experience, several venues offer guided food tours or Basque cooking workshops—a great option for groups eager to learn and taste at the same time.
ILUNION Bilbao: The Perfect Ally for Traveling Foodies
Located in a strategic part of the city, ILUNION Bilbao is the ideal starting point for a gastronomic adventure. Its modern design and relaxed atmosphere make it perfect for group stays. Rooms are spacious, comfortable, and designed for dynamic travelers who want to explore the city without sacrificing comfort.
Plus, its proximity to the metro, city center, and neighborhoods like Indautxu and Casco Viejo makes getting around easy. And after your pintxo route, there’s nothing better than relaxing in a cozy space where you can share the day’s photos and plan your next culinary outing.
Gastronomic Tourism in the Basque Country: What Starts in Bilbao Goes Beyond
Those who come to Bilbao for its pintxos often stay for the full experience of gastronomic tourism in the Basque Country. From here, it’s easy to visit other culinary gems like San Sebastián, famous for its Michelin stars, or small coastal towns where fresh fish takes center stage.
Food becomes a compass: every bite a clue, every flavor a story. For groups of friends who see travel as a sensory exploration, Bilbao is the perfect starting point.
✨ Ready to taste the best pintxos?
There’s no better way to discover Bilbao than through its flavors. Gather your group, mark your favorites on the map, and get ready for an urban route full of pintxos, laughter, and culinary discoveries.
Book your stay at ILUNION Bilbao and turn your foodie getaway into a memorable experience from the heart of the city.
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The Spirit of Pintxos: Miniature Flavor, Soul in Every Bite
No foodie can resist the charm of pintxos. These small bites, born in the Basque Country, have evolved from simple snacks on bread into complex culinary creations that combine local ingredients with modern techniques. In Bilbao, pintxo culture is more than tradition—it’s a social ritual. They’re shared, discussed, celebrated. For friends traveling together, it’s the perfect excuse to explore the city through laughter and flavor.
From the classic gilda with anchovies, pickled peppers, and olives to the most creative pintxos that fuse local products with international influences, Bilbao offers a wide variety to suit every palate.
Start the Route: Casco Viejo, Epicenter of Flavor
If there’s one neighborhood that concentrates the best of Basque gastronomy, it’s Casco Viejo. This charming maze of narrow streets is home to legendary bars where the counter itself is a visual feast. Must-visits include:
- Café Bar Bilbao: A local classic known for its txangurro pintxo and cod omelets.
- Gure Toki: Avant-garde on bread. Try reinvented pintxos like foie with caramelized apple or cod with airy pil-pil sauce.
- El Globo: Not exactly in Casco Viejo, but worth the walk. Its creamy sea urchin pintxo is a favorite among locals.
Start your route at Plaza Nueva, stroll down Calle Somera, and finish on Calle del Perro, where each bar has its own character and specialty. The best approach? Go with the flow, ask locals for recommendations, and share dishes among friends. That way, the experience becomes a collective culinary adventure.
Pintxos as a Social Ritual: Perfect for Groups
One of the perks of exploring Bilbao in a group is that pintxos naturally encourage interaction. You order standing up, share bites, chat with bartenders and fellow diners. No long tables or rigid protocols—just spontaneity: try one pintxo here, another there, pop into a bar out of curiosity and leave with a new story.
Bilbao also boasts a lively and safe nightlife. After your pintxo route, groups can continue exploring cocktail bars, live music venues, or simply enjoy a walk along the illuminated riverbank.
Basque Tapas: Beyond the Pintxo
While pintxos steal the spotlight, Basque cuisine extends to tapas and dishes that deserve attention. Squid in ink, homemade croquettes, cod al pil-pil, and stuffed peppers are gems you’ll also find in tapa format at many downtown bars.
For those wanting to dive deeper into the experience, several venues offer guided food tours or Basque cooking workshops—a great option for groups eager to learn and taste at the same time.
ILUNION Bilbao: The Perfect Ally for Traveling Foodies
Located in a strategic part of the city, ILUNION Bilbao is the ideal starting point for a gastronomic adventure. Its modern design and relaxed atmosphere make it perfect for group stays. Rooms are spacious, comfortable, and designed for dynamic travelers who want to explore the city without sacrificing comfort.
Plus, its proximity to the metro, city center, and neighborhoods like Indautxu and Casco Viejo makes getting around easy. And after your pintxo route, there’s nothing better than relaxing in a cozy space where you can share the day’s photos and plan your next culinary outing.
Gastronomic Tourism in the Basque Country: What Starts in Bilbao Goes Beyond
Those who come to Bilbao for its pintxos often stay for the full experience of gastronomic tourism in the Basque Country. From here, it’s easy to visit other culinary gems like San Sebastián, famous for its Michelin stars, or small coastal towns where fresh fish takes center stage.
Food becomes a compass: every bite a clue, every flavor a story. For groups of friends who see travel as a sensory exploration, Bilbao is the perfect starting point.
✨ Ready to taste the best pintxos?
There’s no better way to discover Bilbao than through its flavors. Gather your group, mark your favorites on the map, and get ready for an urban route full of pintxos, laughter, and culinary discoveries.
Book your stay at ILUNION Bilbao and turn your foodie getaway into a memorable experience from the heart of the city.