Why You Should Visit Bilbao, Spain

Visiting the beautiful city of Bilbao in north-central Spain has become increasingly popular over the past few years. This trendy, bustling city is the home of the iconic Guggenheim Museum and offers an exciting sequence of activities and events. From culture and cuisine to stunning scenery and historical sites, there are many reasons why you should add Bilbao to your vacation to-do-list.Bilbao is located on the coast of the Bay of Biscay, in the Basque region of northern Spain. The cool, crisp climate makes it an ideal spot to visit year-round—with spring, summer and autumn being the most desirable times to make travel arrangements.

A Rich History

Bilbao offers a rich mix of cultures, having been a major port since medieval times. This coastal city has been the crossroad of trading between Europe and the Orient and home to different cultural groups over the course of history. The result is a unique mix of distinct personalities found nowhere else.The 13th century St. James Church is one of Bilbao’s historic gems. This gothic-style church was built in 1260 and offers visitors a remarkable view of Bilbao’s past. Sights like this help tell the story of Bilbao’s history and contribution to the formation of the Spanish nation.

The Guggenheim Museum

The most famous attraction in Bilbao is certainly its world-renowned museum. The Guggenheim Museum was designed by world-famous architect Frank Gehry and stands as a monument to modern art. Here you’ll find every type of fine art imaginable, including painting, sculpture, photography, installation work and more. Here you’ll find work by greats like Picasso, Chagall and Rothko.

The Culture & Cuisine

Bilbao is home to a wonderfully diverse culture and exciting nightlife, with a variety of bars, pubs and clubs to enjoy. Its streets are filled with cafés, restaurants, clubs and even 20 movie theaters. With all kinds of different cuisines at your disposal, you won’t have trouble finding something to tantalize your taste buds. Fresh fish is especially important to Bilbao’s cuisine; try some merluza del cantábrico, which is hake that is well-seasoned and served with potatoes.

Vibrant Shopping & Art Scenes

Bilbao is known as a shopping destination and it certainly offers an exciting variety of stores to explore. Try some of the boutiques in Abandoibarra District or head to El Corte Ingles for some other great retail options. You can also head to the flea markets for souvenirs unique to this remarkable city. The city is also well known for its vibrant art community and the many art galleries throughout the city offer something for every type of art lover. The Euskadi Art Center houses nearly 500 works from 30 different Basque artists, including notable names like Eduardo Chillida and Jorge Oteiza. The contemporary Txaki Art Gallery showcases emerging artists in all mediums and is located just outside the city center in a former train station warehouse.

Fabulous Nature Nearby

The Basque region is known for its spectacular mountain range, known as the Basque Pyrenees and Bilbao lies directly adjacent to them. Take a short drive out of the city to get up close with nature at its finest. Climb though small villages and trails during the warmer months or take a ski lift up during snow season. No matter what time of year you visit, be sure to take a stroll around Plaza de Toros, which houses a beautiful garden filled with weeping willows, oaks and lush green grass. Another great option for an outdoor adventure is hiking around the Urkiola Natural Park or exploring one of Bilbao’s many parks and green areas.

A Great Place to Visit Year Round

Bilbao offers an exciting mix of modern culture, fascinating history and stunning natural beauty – making it a great year-round destination for both families and solo adventurers alike. From its world-renowned museum to its unique cuisine and one-of-a-kind shopping experiences, there are many reasons why you should visit Bilbao on your next holiday. Rich with things to do and see, you are sure to build lifelong memories when you explore this remarkable Spanish city on the Bay of Biscay’s coast. For more information about Bilbao visit the official website.

An Insider’s Guide to Bilbao, Spain

Bilbao, Spain is a hidden gem that captivates visitors with its impressive museums, delectable cuisine, and rich culture. Located in the Basque Country, this charming city is slowly gaining prominence as a tourist attraction. Although the iconic Guggenheim Museum is a must-see, there is so much more to this city than you might expect. Here is an insider’s guide to Bilbao that reveals some hidden gems, cultural experiences, and food hotspots.

Local Attractions

While the Guggenheim Museum stands out as a showstopper, the lesser-known Basque Museum offers a fascinating insight into the city’s history and culture. It tells the story of the Basque region from prehistoric times to modern-day, and you can learn about everything from Basque language to traditional sports.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Artxanda Hill is a must-visit. The hill provides breathtaking views of Bilbao and the surrounding valleys. Take the funicular to the top, breathe in the fresh air, and enjoy a picnic or lunch with a view.

Finally, for those looking for a unique shopping experience, the Mercado de la Ribera is a food market located in the old town. It is the largest covered market in Europe and sells fresh local products. You can explore the market for hours and discover local cheeses, hams, and wines.

Dining Spots

Bilbao is renowned for its pintxos – small, delicious snacks served on bread. The best place to try pintxos is the Casco Viejo, the old town. Some of the best bars to sample them include La Vina Del Ensanche, Gure Toki, and Cafe Iruna.

Bilbao’s cuisine also boasts a range of fresh fish and seafood dishes. One must-try food spot is Restaurante El Puertito, known for its traditional Basque seafood dishes like bacalao al pil-pil (salt cod) and marmitako (tuna and potato stew).

Cultural Experiences

Bilbao’s cultural scene is vibrant and diverse, with various festivals and events throughout the year. The most famous festival is Aste Nagusia, the nine-day festival held every August. It is a celebration of Basque culture, featuring street art, traditional food, music, and sports.

For art lovers, the outstanding Bilbao Fine Arts Museum contains works by renowned artists such as Goya, El Greco, and Francis Bacon. The museum also exhibits contemporary art by Basque and international artists.

Local History

Bilbao’s history is rich and complex, and its past is shrouded in legends and myths. One of the fascinating stories includes the Basque Whaling industry, where sailors hunted whales for centuries. You can learn about whaling traditions at the Fishermen’s Museum, located next to the Mercado de la Ribera.

Another intriguing piece of local history is the mystery of the Basque language. Basque is one of the oldest and unusual languages in Europe. It is said to be unrelated to any other language in the world, and its origins remain shrouded in mystery.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions

For those who want to discover something unique, the Basque Country offers traditional rural sports like Basque Pelota, known for its fast-paced and energetic gameplay. You can watch a game at a local fronton (court) and cheer on the players.

Another fascinating experience is the Arkeologi Museoa, a small outdoor museum located in nearby Biskaia with a replica of a prehistoric village. Here, you can see how our ancestors lived and interact with the animals that once roamed the Basque countryside.

In conclusion, this insider’s guide to Bilbao should give you an insight into the city’s hidden gems, delightful cuisine, rich culture, captivating history, and unique experiences. It is a city that is slowly gaining popularity, and rightly so. Once you visit this vibrant city, you will undoubtedly fall in love with it and eagerly share your experience with your friends.