Situated in the north of Spain, Bilbao is the largest city of the Basque country, covering 41.6 square kilometres.
The city has undergone radical change in recent years. Gone is the grit, grime and filth that was associated with its industries, to be replaced by a dynamic modern city with buildings that dazzle and gleam. So extensive has the city’s regeneration been that it is now better known as a tourist destination than an industrial heartland.
The city is home to the world famous titanium covered Guggenheim Museum. Designed by the architect Frank Gehry, the building kick started the renaissance of the city that we see today. Something else that will catch the eye are the distinctive metro entrances designed by Norman Foster. The curved glassy structures make an attractive sight when they are illuminated at night. They are now known as ‘Fosteritos.’
The old city with its winding pathways, bars, cafes, shops and boutiques is crying out to be explored.
If you want to see the city at a more leisurely pace, take a stroll down by the Nervión River. Both sides have long pedestrian walkways, which take on a magical quality when the lamps are lit at night.
There are two official languages - Spanish and Euskara (the Basque language).
BILBAO ATTRACTIONS
The Guggenheim Museum
Probably one of the most extraordinary buildings you’ll ever see, and it is the city’s most famous landmark. The Guggenheim houses visual arts collections from the twentieth century.
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 10.00-20.00
July and August Monday-Sunday 10.00-20.00
Museum of Basque Archaeology, Ethnography and History
Located in the Plaza Miguel Unamuno. Displays pre-historic finds from burials in the Basque region, amongst other treasures.
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Saturday 11.00-17.00 Sunday 11.00-1400
Fine Arts Museum
Home to a variety of artworks from the 12th century to the present day. Includes works by Bacon, Goya and van Dyck. There’s also Basque art with works by Regoyos, Iturrino and Arteta
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 10.00-20.00
Biblioteca Municipal de Bidebarrieta - Bilbao's Municipal Library
Historical building that dates back to the 19th century, and houses a large collection of books. There’s also a large hall for concerts and exhibitions.
Museo Taurino (Bullfighting Museum)
Situated in the Zabálburu area of Bilbao. Contains a vast collection about the city's bullfighting history. On show are costumes and capes from some of Spain’s most famous matadors. There are also guided tours of the bullring.
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 10.30-13.00 and 16.00 to 18.00
Casco Viejo (Old Town)
A maze of narrow streets that spread out from the Plaza Neuva, full of cafes and restaurants and a wonderful atmosphere as locals and tourists mingle.
Hanging Bridge
It connects Portugalete to Gexto. An astonishing feat of engineering. You climb inside suspended ferries that you carry you over the river.
