Everything You Need To Know About Visiting Bilbao
Bilbao is located in the north of Spain, and it is one of the most popular cities in the Basque Country. It is known for its vibrant nightlife and unique architecture. Not only is it one of the most important cities in Spain, but it is also the capital of the Basque Country and a leader in industry and finance. If you’re planning a trip to Bilbao you’ll soon find out why it has become such a well-known city in Europe.
What To Do in Bilbao
Bilbao has something for everyone. There are plenty of cultural attractions, historic landmarks, museums, and plenty of opportunities for a bit of nightlife. Here’s a closer look at some of the best things to do in Bilbao.
Visit The Guggenheim Museum
The Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao is one of the city’s main attractions and draws. This iconic and unusual building was designed by the renowned Canadian architect Frank Gehry and is considered one of the world’s most important modern architectural masterpieces. Inside, you’ll find an enthralling mix of art, from contemporary pieces to iconic works from modern masters such as Andy Warhol and Jeff Koons.
Take a Walk Along La Ribera
One of the best things to do in Bilbao is to take a walk along La Ribera, a popular riverside promenade. Here you’ll find al fresco bars, shops, galleries, and markets, as well as some great sights, particularly at night when the area lights up. Along La Ribera you can also find some of Bilbao’s most iconic landmarks, such as the San Antón Bridge, the Isozaki Tower, and the Maritime Museum.
Enjoy the Views From San Miguel de Basurto
If you’re looking for a great view of the city, then head up to the Parque de San Miguel de Basurto. Situated on a hillside overlooking the top of Bilbao, this popular park offers lovely views of the city in all directions. You can also take a leisurely stroll along the pathways and admire the park’s flowers and gardens.
Explore Casco Viejo
Casco Viejo is the old town of Bilbao and one of its main attractions. It is full of narrow cobbled lanes, quaint bars, churches, and unique architecture. Here you can explore some of the city’s historical landmarks and visit its charming plazas such as Plaza Nueva and Plaza Jardines de Albia.
Experience Nightlife on La Vieja
If you’re looking for a lively night out then head to La Vieja. This area of Bilbao is known for its vibrant nightlife scene with plenty of bars and clubs to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a casual pub or a vibrant music venue there’s sure to be something to suit your tastes here.
Where To Eat In Bilbao
When it comes to food in Bilbao you’ll have no problem finding something that suits your taste buds. The city has a wide variety of restaurants to choose from so whether you’re looking for traditional Basque cuisine or something a little more international you’ll be spoilt for choice. Here are a few of our favourites:
Restaurante Akelarre
Restaurante Akelarre is widely regarded as one of the best restaurants in all of Bilbao. It is situated in the historic Casco Viejo quarter and specializes in traditional Basque cuisine. Its menu includes dishes such as octopus, cured meats, grilled meat, and fish dishes.
Restaurante Zarauz
Restaurante Zarauz is another popular restaurant with locals and tourists alike. It is known for its rustic charm and menu which includes regional favourites such as roast lamb with apples, cod with tomato sauce, and squid with potatoes & paprika.
Sagardoetxea
Sagardoetxea is an award-winning cider house located in the old quarter near the harbour. Here you can sample some of the best ciders in Bilbao, as well as traditional dishes such as cheese and bacon cooked in cider.
Where To Stay In Bilbao
One of the best places to stay in Bilbao is in Casco Viejo, which is known for its tourist-friendly atmosphere. This area has plenty of accommodation options including hotels, guesthouses, and apartments – all at varying price points. Here are a few suggesions:
Miro Habitat Apartments
Miro Habitat Apartments offer spacious apartments with fully-equipped kitchens and balconies overlooking Bilbao’s rooftops. Guests can also enjoy a swimming pool and gym facilities here.
Cathedral Strolling Point Hotel
Cathedral Strolling Point Hotel is an elegant 4-star boutique hotel situated just metres from Bilbao Cathedral. The rooms here come with modern amenities such as free Wi-Fi as well as a pillow menu for added comfort.
La Marquesa Hotel
La Marquesa Hotel is located right in the heart of Casco Viejo and offers luxurious rooms with classic décor. The hotel also has an outdoor swimming pool and a fitness centre for guests to enjoy.
How to Get Around Bilbao
Bilbao is easy to navigate as it has a comprehensive public transportation system which includes buses, trams, and metro lines. The buses are frequent and offer an excellent way to reach various parts of the city quickly. The trams are even better for those with wheelchairs or strollers as they are low-floor vehicles with special seating areas for wheelchairs or prams. Metro Bilbao meanwhile runs underground from north to south making it an ideal way to reach centrally located areas such as San Sebastián Square or Abando Station quickly. Tickets start at around €1-2 depending on when you travel; there are also daily or weekly travel pass options available if you plan to use public transport frequently during your trip.
If you’d rather get around Bilbao by car then there are plenty of rental options available which can make it easy to explore the wider Basque Country region. Be aware that traffic can be heavy in certain areas so plan accordingly if you plan to rent a car while staying in Bilbao.
As with all big cities, taxis are available so if you’d like an easy way to get around without having to worry about public transportation or driving then this might be worth considering as most taxis charge reasonable fares for short trips around the city centre.
For those looking for an even more convenient way to get around then Uber may be an option as it operates within Bilbao’s city centre boundaries too. This can be a great alternative to taxi services if you wish to get around quickly without having to wait too long for a cab or having to haggle over fares with taxi drivers.
Tips For Visiting Bilbao
Bilbao can be a great place to visit but there are certain things to keep in mind when planning your trip:
- It can get quite hot during summer – be sure
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