Bilbao is a city with a flair for the arts. Located in Basque Country, Bilbao is the largest city in the province of Biscay, with around 350,000 residents. Also known as Botxo (Hole) to its residents, the city has an oceanic climate, with abundant precipitation, some snow, and a fair amount of sunshine. Walking through the cobblestone streets, one can see its colonial aesthetics beautifully coexist with the architectural prowess of modern wonders, like the Guggenheim Museum.
But Bilbao wasn’t always the beacon of elegance that it is today. For years, the city was crippled by an industrial crisis and surrounded by wasteland. Since the 1990’s, Bilbao has struggled towards de-industrialization. Today, the city is considered a triumph of urban development, with its rise to its status as a major cultural destination.
1. Marvel at the Guggenheim Museum
Txakur bat dago gure plazan eserita 1997tik, munduko Puppyrik zintzoena da, ez duzu uste? #storiesMW #MGBxx
Posted by Museo Guggenheim Bilbao on Wednesday, 21 June 2017
Did you know that the very first visitor to the Museum was a teacher of music called Antonio? #musicMW #MGBxx #MusicDay2017
Posted by Museo Guggenheim Bilbao on Wednesday, 21 June 2017
Arguably Bilbao’s main attraction, the Googen, (as the residents call it), was built by Frank Gehry and opened in 1997. Aside from its unique shape, the museum is known for its titanium panels, which were designed to capture light. Viewing the building with the city lights bouncing off the surface is truly a one-of-a-kind experience.
At the front of the museum stands a large sculpture of a dog, made entirely out of flowers. “Puppy”, as the locals call it, was made by artist Jeff Koons and was originally brought in for the inauguration as a temporary exhibit. Bilbao residents liked Puppy so much that they decided to adopt the floral canine.
Inside, visitors can marvel at works of modern art that are just as stunning as the building itself. There are also restaurants in the vicinity.
Guggenheim Museum
Address: Avenida Abandoibarra, Bilbao, Spain
Opening hours: 10 AM to 8 PM, Tuesday to Sunday
Entrance fee: Standard - 18.28 USD (16 EUR). Children and museum members - free. Discounts are available.
Contact: +34 944-35-90-80 (information), +34 94-435-90-23 (group visits), informacion@guggenheim-bilbao.eus
Website: Guggenheim Bilbao
2. Wander around Las Siete Calles
Casco Viejo Bilbao
Posted by El exótico mundo de Querald on Sunday, 28 May 2017
Algunos la consideran como la principal entrada al Casco Viejo, pero lo cierto es que Bidebarrieta ('Caminos nuevos')...
Posted by Asociación de Comerciantes del Casco Viejo de Bilbao on Tuesday, 3 November 2015
Últimos clientes........ Foto: kevin smith #gabon
Posted by La Queseria on Wednesday, 21 June 2017
Filled with architecture dating back to medieval times, this neighborhood is the place to be if you want to get to the pulse of Bilbao’s cultural heritage. Also known as Las Siete Calles (The Seven Streets) and Zazpi Kaleak, in Basque, this area is perfect for a leisurely stroll, with its mostly pedestrian-only streets.
There are cafes along the Gothic Santiago Cathedral, which is the oldest building in the city, when you want to watch the world go by. There is also La Queseria, a charming Parisian-style cheese shop, at the Calle Jardines. Other sights include St. James Cathedral, Plaza Nueva, the Basque Museum, and Bidebarrieta Municipal Library.
While you’re here, try your hand at Juego de la Rana - a Basque game that involves throwing tokens at a ceramic frog’s mouth.
Casco Viejo District
Address: Casco Viejo, Bilbao, Spain
Opening hours: All day
Entrance fee: None
La Queseria
Address: C. Jardines 10, Bilbao, Spain
Opening hours: 10:30 am to 2 pm, 5 pm to 8:30 pm (Monday to Friday), 11 am to 2:30 pm, 5 pm to 8:30 pm (Saturday), 11 am to 3 pm (Sunday)
Contact: +34 946-055-569, jud_rojas@hotmail.com
Website: La Queseria (in Spanish)
3. Check out events at the Azkuna Zentroa
One of Bilbao’s most iconic buildings, the Azkuna Zentroa (formerly known as Alhóndiga Bilbao) is a 43,000 square meter cultural center converted from an old wine warehouse. While its facade retains the original 20th century style, its interiors have a modern art vibe, especially with its 43 uniquely designed columns.
The building serves as a venue for activities such as exhibitions, concerts, lectures, and children’s workshops. There is also a cinema, gym, library, some cafes and more. One of its most striking features is its swimming pool with a transparent floor. The building also has a sun terrace which becomes a solarium in the summer.
Azkuna Zentroa
Address: Plaza Arriquíbar, Bilbao, Spain
Opening hours: Monday to Thursday - 7 AM to 11 PM, Friday - 7 AM to 12 AM, Saturday - 8:30 AM to 12 AM, Sundays and public holidays - 8:30 AM to 11 PM
Entrance fee: None, but charges apply to sports facilities and possibly other events.
Contact: 944-014-014
Website: Azkuna Zentroa
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4. Savor the view from Mount Artxanda
BILBO BIZKAIA EUSKAL HERRIA / Bilbao Funicular de Artxanda Basque Country.
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At the top of Mount Artxanda, there is a nice little area that offers fantastic views of Bilbao and the majestic Basque mountains that lay beyond. There is also a hotel, restaurant, sports complex, and small park in the vicinity.
Visitors can access the viewpoint by boarding the Bilbao Funicular, the main connection between the city center and Mount Artxanda. Passing through the quaint houses and fairytale landscapes, the ride is quite an experience in itself. The cable cars can take 70 people up Mount Artxanda in just about 3 minutes. Visitors can reach the funicular by walking a few steps from the Guggenheim Museum.
While at the top, check out Txakoli Simon and try their grilled meat. Also, check out the two sculptures - one containing the gear from the original funicular and the other in the shape of a massive fingerprint, commemorating the victims of the Spanish Civil War.
Mount Artxanda via Bilbao Funicular
Address: Funikularreko Plaza, Bilbao, Spain
Opening hours: 7:15 am to 10 pm (Monday to Saturday), 8:15 am to 10 pm (Sundays and bank holidays). Services finish at 11 pm, from June to September.
Price: Standard return ticket - 1.09 USD (0.95 EUR). Holders of the Bilbao Bizkaia card - free
Website: Bilbao.eus
Txakoli Simon
Address: San Roque Bidea, Bilbao, Spain
Opening hours: 12:30 pm to 12:30 am (Wednesday to Sunday), 12:30 pm to 4:30 pm (Monday to Tuesday)
Contact: +34 944-45-74-99, info@txakolisimon.com
Website: Txakoli Simon (in Spanish)
5. Visit Bilbao's magnificent theaters
Amigos restabiliteros ¡Felices fiestas y próspero año nuevo 2017! Fotografía del Teatro de los Campos Elíseos de...
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Teatro Campos Elíseos de Bilbao, España
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Direction le Théâtre Arriaga de Bilbao (Espagne) demain !
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Built in the early 1900’s, the Campos Eliseos is a hybrid of Middle Eastern and European aesthetics. This quirky theater also earned its moniker “The Chocolate Box”, from its stunning art nouveau facade. Rehabilitation of the theater began in 1991, and today it is known as one of the most technologically advanced theaters in Spain. Guided tours for visitors are offered for free but must be booked a few days in advance.
Another interesting theater is the Arriaga, named after the “Spanish Mozart”, Juan Crisóstomo Arriaga. Known as Bilbao’s oldest theater, this neo-baroque gem was built in the late 1800’s and was heavily damaged by a fire, in 1914. Arriaga is a first-class theater and a well-preserved piece of history, with some of its original carpets and furniture still standing, today.
Campos Eliseos Theater
Address: C. Bertendona 3-bis, Bilbao, Spain
Opening hours: Guided tours - 8 am to 2 pm, Monday to Friday
Entrance fee: None
Contact: +34 94 443-86-10, +34 94-443-86-41, taquillacampos@arteria.com
Website: Teatro Campos Eliseos (in Spanish)
Arriaga Theater
Address: Arriaga Plaza, Bilbao, Spain
Opening hours: 11 am to 1 pm (Weekend guided tours)
Entrance fee: Standard - 5.71 USD (5 EUR), Visitors w/ reduced mobility - 3.43 USD (3 EUR). Accompanied minors under 18 and students under 25 - free
Contact: +34 944 79-20-36
Website: Teatro Arriaga Antzoika
6. View art from eras past
The Museo de Bellas Artes de Bilbao (Bilbao Fine Arts Museum), smaller and more modest-looking than the Guggenheim, is located in a corner of Doña Casilda Park. Its collection contains more than 10,000 pieces of art, some of which date as far back as the 13th century. In 1945, the original fine arts museum was merged with the modern art museum. With this interesting contrast, the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum became a treasure, not just for Spain but for Europe and the rest of the world.
Museo de Bellas Artes de Bilbao
Address: Museo Plaza 2, Bilbao, Spain
Opening hours: 10 am to 8 pm (Wednesday to Monday)
Entrance fee: Standard - 10.28 USD (9 EUR). Discounts are available. Some visitors are free of charge. Some days also provide free entry.
Contact: +34 944-396-060, +34 944-396-145 (fax)
Website: Museo de Bellas Artes de Bilbao
7. Shop for food at the Mercado de la Ribera
This food market, built in 1929, is an art deco wonder in itself. Natural light passes through its stained glass windows, making shopping for food and fresh produce quite an interesting experience. While here, check out their tapas and the local delicacy “pintxos”. The Nervión River, San Antón Church, and the bridge are nearby if you want to go sightseeing, after shopping.
Mercado de la Ribera
Address: Erribera Kalea, Bilbao, Spain
Opening hours: 8 am to 2 pm, 4:30 pm to 7 pm (Monday to Friday). 11:30 am to 2:30 pm (Saturday)
Entrance fee: None
Contact: +34 944-790-695, +34 944-790-695 (fax), info@mercadodelaribera.net
Website: Mercado de la Ribera
8. Check out a hidden restaurant near the market
#LiveBilbao 1: Right up against the river and surrounded by galleries and boutiques, sink your teeth into some of Bilbao...
Posted by Lufthansa on Saturday, 7 March 2015
La molleja de ternera con chimichurri y crema de berros @mina_restaurant * #bilbao
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Mina Restaurant, located above a former mine, opposite the Ribera Market, has one Michelin star and can be accessed through a flight of stairs and a hidden door. Its exquisite and unique menu is paired with a nice ambiance, providing an interesting dining experience. While there, check out their wine pairings.
Restaurante Mina
Address: Muelle Marzana, Bilbao, Spain
Opening hours: 2 to 3:30 pm, 9 to 10:30 pm (Wednesday to Saturday), 2 to 3:30 pm (Sunday)
Contact: +34 944-79-59-38
Website: Restaurante Mina
9. Dine in and around Gran Via
No podía faltar Bar El Globo Bilbao en la sección de pintxos de la guía Very Bilbao! Los pintxos del Globo han sido...
Posted by Very Bilbao on Monday, 25 February 2013
El Silken Gran Hotel Domine Bilbao, reabre Doma | RestaurantHotelBar.com http://ow.ly/ub2m3 http://ow.ly/ub2sB
Posted by Restauranthotelbar.com on Tuesday, 4 March 2014
Gran Via Boulevard is also a foodie destination, with everything from fine dining to small resto-bars. The Bar El Globo is a lively place to be after a day of sightseeing and shopping. Take your pick among its wide variety of pintxos and check out their great coffee.
If you want a nice romantic dinner with a view, try the Silken Gran Hotel Domine. Around three minutes from Gran Via, the restaurant is located in a quirky-looking hotel, opposite the Guggenheim. There is also a terrace overlooking the city, perfect for watching the world from above.
Bar El Globo
Address: C/ Diputación, Bilbao, Spain
Opening hours: 8 am to 11 pm (Monday to Friday), 11 am to 12 am (Saturday)
Contact: +34 944-15-42-21, barelglobo@gmail.com
Website: Bar El Globo
Silken Gran Hotel Domine Restaurant and Bar
Address: Alameda de Mazarredo 61, Bilbao, Spain
Opening hours: Open 24 hours
Contact: +34 944-25-33-00
Website: Gran Hotel Domine
10. Stroll and shop at Gran Via
Gran Vía de Don Diego López de Aro- Bilbao- Vizcaya- País Vasco- España #granvia #granviabilbao #dondiegolopezdearo...
Posted by AmongBows on Saturday, 19 November 2016
Located near the Casco Viejo, Gran Vía de Don Diego López de Haro (or simply Gran Via) is a wide boulevard in the Ensanche neighborhood, lined with designer boutiques and small shops. It has a certain New York City vibe, which adds to the sophistication it evokes. It is also the main commercial district of Bilbao, so be prepared to splurge while you’re there.
Gran Vía de Don Diego López de Haro
Address: Ensanche de Bilbao, Bilbao, Spain
Opening hours: All day
Entrance fee: None
Experience art on every corner
It doesn’t take long to get charmed by Bilbao. Just hop on the tram, walk the alleys, or chat with the locals. Bilbao may sometimes be overshadowed by more popular destinations in Spain, but it is a city that is truly stunning, in its own right.
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