Everything You Need to Know About Exploring Bilbao

Bilbao is a city located in the Basque Country in northern Spain, and it’s fast becoming a popular tourist destination. Bilbao is known for its beautiful architecture, vibrant culture, amazing food, and countless entertainment options. Whether you’re planning a holiday, a weekend getaway, or just a day trip, you’ll have plenty to explore in this fantastic city. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll go over everything you need to know about exploring Bilbao.

History of Bilbao

Bilbao was founded in the mid-13th century when it acquired its borough charter from the Counts of Haro. The city’s name is derived from the Latin term villa Blanda, meaning “pleasant village.” It’s located on the banks of the River Nervion, and as such, its location has been important for centuries. During the Middle Ages, Bilbao was an important fishing village and developed into a major port city between the 15th and 18th centuries. Its port is still one of the city’s most important landmarks and attracts people from all over the world.

Things to Do in Bilbao

There’s a lot to see and do in Bilbao:

Guggenheim Museum

The Guggenheim Museum is one of the most popular attractions in Bilbao. Opened in 1997, it is considered one of the most iconic pieces of modern architecture. Curved titanium walls give it an unforgettable look and make it even more impressive when viewed up close. The museum is home to permanent collections of paintings, sculptures, and other artwork from around the world. It also periodically hosts special exhibitions from renowned artists.

Pintxos Tour

Visiting Bilbao without experiencing the amazing flavors of pintxos would be a shame. Pintxos are a type of small Mediterranean snack that can be found in almost every bar or restaurant in the city. A guided pintxos tour will take you around some of the best places to try these delicious snacks, including plenty of lesser-known spots away from the usual tourist precincts. The tour includes all kinds of pintxos and drinks that you can enjoy while learning more about this unique local cuisine.

Bilbao Old Town

Bilbao’s old town is one of the city’s most charming areas, and it’s the perfect place to spend an afternoon or evening soaking up the atmosphere. The streets are lined with beautiful red-brick buildings, there are plenty of bars and restaurants to choose from, and it’s home to some of Bilbao’s best tapas bars. There are also often live musical performances here during summer months.

Zazpi Kale Kopa Hiking Trail

The Zazpi Kale Kopa hiking trail is one of the best ways to explore Bilbao’s stunning natural surroundings. The trail takes you through some of the most spectacular landscapes in Europe and takes about four hours to complete. It offers breathtaking views of the Basque Mountains and is suitable for hikers of all levels.

Etxebarria Beach

Etxebarria Beach is one of Bilbao’s most popular beaches. Located just a few minutes from the city center, it has stunning views of the mountains and coastline. There are plenty of facilities here, like beach bars, showers, and sun loungers. It’s also an excellent place for swimming and surfing, making it an ideal spot for a day out in the sun.

Getting Around Bilbao

Getting around Bilbao is easy and convenient thanks to its excellent public transport system. There is a well-developed bus network that can be used to reach almost any destination in the city, as well as a tram line that runs along avenues such as Gran Via. Taxis are also widely available. In addition, you can use bike paths to explore certain parts of the city in a more active way.

Where to Stay in Bilbao

Bilbao has plenty of accommodation options to suit every budget and taste. There are several hotels located in the city center with convenient access to attractions such as the Guggenheim Museum and old town area. For those looking for more affordable options there are numerous hostels located throughout the city with comfortable beds and lively atmospheres. Airbnb is also available in the city, but it’s wise to book in advance as availability can become scarce during peak seasons.

My Opinion

I’ve been fortunate enough to visit Bilbao several times over the past few years and every time I go I discover something new and exciting about this beautiful city. The vibrant culture and incredible food make it a unique destination that deserves to be on everyone’s bucket list. The best advice I can give when visiting is to try as many pintxos as possible – you won’t be disappointed! If you want even more information about exploring Bilbao, then our website can provide you with all the tips and advice you need on how to get around and where to stay while there. Happy travels!