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TOP 10 REASONS
TOP 10 REASONS
TOP 10 REASONS
Why travel to Bilbao: Find out the top 10 reasons to visit
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01
A SNEAK PEAK
A SNEAK PEAK
A SNEAK PEAK
A Sneak Peek into Bilbao
- The phenomenon of "architourism" began in 1997 when Frank Gehry's Guggenheim Museum opened along Bilbao's riverfront.
- The Guggenheim's stunning modern building and huge contemporary art collection drew visitors in droves.
- The Guggenheim is a must-see in Bilbao, but it's only the beginning of its cultural offerings.
- There are several other fascinating museums in this bustling city, a picturesque Old Town (Casco Viejo), and outstanding gourmet restaurants.
- Bilbao, the seat of the Vizcaya province in Spain's Basque Country, continues the region's gourmet legacy.
- Pintxos, a Basque spin on tapas, are served in casual cafés all across the city. Tourists enjoy eating local dishes while strolling through Casco Viejo's ambient pedestrian streets.
- Six Michelin-starred restaurants in Bilbao are recognised for their exceptional haute cuisine.
- The Nerua restaurant is located within the Guggenheim Museum.
- The Ola Martn Berasategui restaurant and Restaurante Mina near the Mercado de la Ribera and Restaurante Zortziko is located near the Museum of Fine Arts.
- International Airport: Bilbao Airport
- Population: 348,000
- Currency: Euro
- Time: UTC+1
- Driving side: Right
- Main Electricity: 230 V
- Official Language: Spanish
- Religion: Roman Catholic
02
HIGHLIGHTS
HIGHLIGHTS
HIGHLIGHTS
Top Tourist Attractions in Bilbao
- The Guggenheim Museum, the city's must-see attraction, attracts most visitors to Bilbao.
- The Casco Viejo is situated on the right bank of the river between the San Antón Bridge and the Church of San Nicolás.
- Bilbao's Bridges Will Give You a New Perspective.
03
SEASONS TO TRAVEL
SEASONS TO TRAVEL
SEASONS TO TRAVEL
Best Months to Visit Bilbao
- Bilbao, the central city in Spain's Basque Country, is a stunning destination with a slightly different Temperate Oceanic climate than the rest of the country due to its hilly location.
- Overcast skies and light rain are two further characteristics.
- The most significant time to visit the city is during the summer season, from June until mid-September.
- This is the hottest time, and the weather remains relatively stable throughout.
- Fogs are more common in the autumn season as the air cools down after the summer heat.
- This is excellent for exploring the city and enjoying the outdoors.
04
WORTH A VISIT
WORTH A VISIT
WORTH A VISIT
The Best Places to Visit in Bilbao
Guggenheim Museum
- The Guggenheim Museum, the city's must-see attraction, attracts most visitors to Bilbao.
- The structure is a magnificent work of art, a breakthrough example of twentieth-century architecture constructed by renowned architect Frank Gehry.
- The sleek, whirling, sculpture-like tower, built between 1993 and 1997, set the tone for a spectacular art appreciation experience.
- The artworks are displayed over 24,000 square metres of space inside the building.
- Paintings line the walls of the Atrium's curved promenade, which leads to a three-level stairway.
- Natural light pours in through the large windows, highlighting the artwork's full potential.
- The majority of the museum's enormous collection is displayed in smaller rooms in the museum's 20 galleries, accessible from the Atrium.
- Mark Rothko's abstract work, Willem de Kooning's colourful Villa Borghese painting, Anselm Kiefer's Only with Wind, Time, and Sound and Sunflowers, Christian Boltanski's Humans photography collection, Francesco Clemente's group of 17 paintings in the Mother's Room, Jim Dine's Three Red Spanish Venuses sculptures, and José Manuel Ballester's The Raft of the Medusa painting are among the
- The nine-meter-tall spider sculpture Maman by Louise Bourgeois and the huge topiary dog full of flower petals called Puppy by Jeff Koons are the most notable of the museum's sculptural installations.
Museo de Bellas Artes de Bilbao
- Bilbao's Museum of Fine Arts houses an extraordinary collection in two independent buildings.
- The historic structure houses artwork by European masters from the 14th to the 17th century.
- Masterworks by Quentin Matsys and Dirk Bouts and works by Anthony van Dyck and Vos of the 17th-century Flemish school are strongly represented in an exhibition of Dutch and Flemish paintings from the 15th to 17th centuries.
- Among the 14th and 15th-century Spanish paintings are works by Jaime Huguet, Bartolomé Bermejo, and Pedro Serra.
- Among the paintings in the 16th to 17th-century Spanish painting collection is El Greco's Annunciation, Zurbarán's Virgin and Child with Saint John, and works by Velázquez and Jusepe de Ribera.
- Near the museum is one of Bilbao's Michelin-starred restaurants. Restaurante Zortziko (17 Calle Alameda Mazarredo) specialises in avant-garde Haute food with visually beautiful presentations.
Explore Casco Viejo (Old Town)
- The Casco Viejo, on the right bank of the river between the San Antón Bridge and the Church of San Nicolás, is full of old-world beauty. Five bridges connect the Old Town to the New Town (Ensanche).
- The Siete Calles (Seven Streets) form the heart of the Casco Viejo: Somera, Artecalle, Tendera, Belosticalle, Carnicera Vieja, Barrencalle, and Barrencalle Barena.
- Exploring these charming ancient streets, lined with tiny boutiques and cafés, is a delightful experience.
- The Paseo del Arenal, located on the northern side of the Old Town near the Puente del Arenal, is Bilbao's principal avenue.
- The Teatro Arriaga, located near the Paseo del Arenal on the Plaza de Arriaga, is an excellent Neo-Baroque theatre influenced by the Palais Garnier Opera House in Paris.
- The Arriaga Theater, built-in 1890 and later rebuilt is the city's cultural centre, hosting classical music concerts, opera, dance, and theatre events.
- This gorgeous church, which originated in the 14th century but was entirely rebuilt in 1756, features a Baroque front and a distinctive octagonally shaped interior.
- Juan de Mena created the exquisitely carved altar and several of the paintings.
- Plaza Nueva is a vibrant plaza that is an attraction in and of itself, located just next to St. Nicholas Church.
- Bilbao's Old Town (Casco Viejo) is a great way to learn about the neighbourhood's layout and history.
05
DISCOVER MORE
DISCOVER MORE
DISCOVER MORE
Bilbao Off the Beaten Track
The Bridges of Bilbao
- The picturesque La Salve Bridge provides some of Bilbao's most spectacular views.
- This architectural wonder, which crosses the estuary close to the Guggenheim Museum, has "Arcos Rojos" ("Red Arches") constructed by French artist Daniel Buren in honour of the Guggenheim's 10th anniversary.
- The Guggenheim Museum is seen from the bridge's viewing terraces.
- Tourists will locate the Zubizuri Bridge a few streets below, allowing pedestrian access to the Calle Campo de Volantn, a popular strolling area for locals.
- The Calatrava Bridge, named after its creator Santiego Calatrava, is another name for this sleek, ultra-modern masterpiece.
- The bridge, which spans the estuary in an arched, sweeping motion and includes a glass deck, has become a city symbol.
- Vizcaya Bridge, located north of the city at the mouth of the estuary, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site created by Alberto Palacio in 1893 during the industrial revolution.
- It is known for its engineering and historical architecture, as it was the first bridge to use a steel-and-iron combination.
The Plaza Nueva
- The Plaza Nueva is a Neoclassical city plaza in the Casco Viejo created in the mid-nineteenth century.
- The area is surrounded by exquisite arcaded buildings that host restaurants, cafés, and intimate tapas bars at street level.
- The outdoor seating spills out onto the square when the weather is nice.
- The Plaza Nueva is a popular gathering spot for locals.
- The square transforms into a social hub on warm days, akin to an open-air living room.
- In the evenings, friends gather at tapas bars to socialise. This bustling square is also an excellent site for travellers to start their pintxos tasting journey.
- Pintxos are a Basque variation of tapas named for how they are served.
- These bite-sized appetisers or small-portioned entrees are customarily presented on a toothpick or skewer. Pinchos, the Spanish word meaning "spike," is another name for them.
- Tourists who wish to try various pintxos might go from one pintxos joint to the next, ordering one snack and then moving on.
- Pintxos-hopping is a unique opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in local culture while also enjoying the convivial atmosphere of an authentic Bilbao hangout area.
- The Plaza Nueva holds festivals and cultural events throughout the year. On Sundays, the square hosts a flea market.
06
CULTURE & TRADITIONS
CULTURE & TRADITIONS
CULTURE & TRADITIONS
Bilbao Culture and Traditions
- This artistic port city has only just risen to the top of Spain's top tourist destinations, but a weekend in the Basque city is well worth it.
- It's not as congested as Barcelona or Madrid, but it has as much to offer in culture, diversity, and delicious food.
- What if I told you that Basque/Euskara is one of Europe's oldest languages, and it has no kinship with any other European language.
07
FOOD FUN FASHION
FOOD FUN FASHION
FOOD FUN FASHION
Bilbao: Food, Fun & Fashion Guide
Bacalao pil-pil
#Food
- Bacalao pil-pil is a traditional Basque meal found in practically every restaurant in Bilbao. Bacalao, which translates to "codfish," is a popular element in many Basque cuisines.
- The cod is cooked in garlic and olive oil until the fish's natural oils and the olive oil produce an emulsion-like sauce, and the skin crisps and pops.
- It's nicknamed pil-pil because it creates a pil-pil sound when frying.
Txangurro
#Food
- Spider crabs, also known as txangurros, are a famous seafood dish in Bilbao's seafood restaurants.
- They're stuffed and baked with crab meat, bread crumbs, tomato, and onions and are a traditional Bilbao cuisine experience.
- After that, the mixture is flavoured with garlic, parsley, brandy, and olive oil before being baked till crispy on top.
Alubias de Tolosa
#Food
- Tolosa, a little village about 30 kilometres south of San Sebastián, is famed across Spain for its petite, slightly reddish-black beans.
- Despite its origins in the Guipzcoa region of the Basque Country, this dish can be found in many restaurants in Bilbao.
- It's a simple but whole dish with beans boiled in water and olive oil, with meats like chorizo (spiced sausage) or morcilla added (black pudding).
La Ribera
#Fashion
- La Ribera, Europe's largest indoor market, is located on the grounds of the old neighbourhood.
- It's designed to look like a massive three-deck ship. Hundreds of counters with the best products from all around the world may be found in this market.
- It sells excellent fish and meat specialities and excellent seasonal vegetables and fruits.
- This market attracts many gourmets who come to sample the market's distinctive handcrafted cheeses.
- Several enormous shopping pavilions with pastries and desserts are also available. Tourists flock to them in large numbers.
MegaPark shopping complex
#Fashion
- Bilbao visitors will have the opportunity to visit the MegaPark shopping complex, one of Spain's top five shopping destinations.
- It covers an area of almost 127000 square metres. More than 18 million customers from all over the world visit there each year.
- There is also a FASHION OUTLET, where high-quality brand goods are sold at steep discounts.
- It also houses significant retailers such as Mercal Calzadoz, ToysRus, and a Decathlon sporting goods store.
Perodri store
#Fashion
- Perodri's boutique is a must-see for jewellery connoisseurs.
- It has a wide range of costs, allowing budget clients and wealthy tourists to find appropriate jewels and accessories.
- There is also an extensive selection of men's and women's watches and stylish cufflinks and tie pins for males.
Forestal Park
#Fun
- This fantastic adventure theme park in Bizkaia, near Bilbao, welcomes you with thrilling courses, cable cars, and challenging obstacles.
- There are tours for all ages to enjoy the Forestal Park in Bilbao with your entire family or as a team-building exercise.
- You will have a great time on the daring high ropes course if you take the appropriate safety precautions.
Madrid Zoo Aquarium
#Fun
- You might be surprised to see Koalas, albino Bengal tigers, or gorillas at the Zoo.
- Visit a one-of-a-kind dolphinarium with seating for up to 3,000 people.
- Discover one of Europe's most stunning coral collections.
- Attend a bird of prey and exotic bird display.
08
NATURE & SAFARI
NATURE & SAFARI
NATURE & SAFARI
Bilbao: Natural Beauty & Safari Adventures
- The Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve is located between Bilbao and San Sebastian on the Basque coast.
- In 1984, it was designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, making it the most important natural park in the Basque Country.
- The Oka River flows through the centre and out to the Mundaka estuary, producing a significant wetlands region home to fish eagles, spoonbills, and Eurasian bitterns.
- Urdaibai is also home to some of the Basque Country's most beautiful beaches, including Laida and Laga.
09
EVENTS & FIESTAS
EVENTS & FIESTAS
EVENTS & FIESTAS
Bilbao Must-Attend Festivals and Events
- On the 19th and 20th of January, around 100 platoons of donostiarras (San Sebastián natives) dress up as chefs and Napoleonic soldiers and march through the streets, banging drums.
- The practice began as a parody of Napoleon's army, which similarly marched about the city.
- Today is the most incredible street party in San Sebastián.
- San Sebastián is located in the Basque Country.
- The running of the bulls, immortalised by Ernest Hemingway in his 1926 novel The Sun Also Rises, is Pamplona's primary event.
- It's a problematic custom for humans and ultimately lethal for the animals involved.
- Nontaurine activities such as processions, live music acts, and fireworks take a large portion of the festival's budget.
- Every day begins at 8 a.m. with a herd of fighting bulls unleashed on the small streets leading to the bullring, alongside daredevils testing their speed and agility in the face of possible injury or death.
- The atmosphere is electrifying, and hotel accommodations with course views are not cheap.
- Sex crimes have increased alarmingly in recent years.
- Therefore tourists, particularly women, should use basic sense precautions such as being cautious of their surroundings and not strolling alone at night.
- Pamplona is a city in the Spanish province of Navarre.
FAQs to Plan Your Best Bilbao Holiday
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Places similar to Bilbao to visit
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