Tour of Bilbao, Spain
Bilbao is the epitome of Baroque and contemporary design in the cosmopolitan side of the Basque Country, making it among the top cities to visit in Spain.
Visitors enjoy its remarkable urbanization system through its lush parks, vibrant museums, reliable transportation service, and high-quality tap water everywhere in the city, which passes the water potable standard of the Organisation of Consumers and Users (OCU). It does serve this city correctly, with Best European City 2018 at The Urbanism Awards in the same year.
This northern Spanish city maintains its historic charm and heralded modernization in the rapid transit lines passing along its clean underground stations or amid the line of Baroque buildings as seen from inside the tram lines or whilst cruising on cobbled stone pedestrian lanes on foot or with an E-bicycle that could be rented online.
While it is nice to get lost in this culturally rich city, visitors must access maps on their mobile phones or have the language translation on in case the need to speak with a non-English speaking Bilboan arises.
Either way, exploring the city requires a slow and pleasurable pace, as every corner offers something traditional and unique for everyone.
For one, the gastronomy in Bilbao boasts the exquisite taste of seafood fares straight from Biscay Bay. Homegrown chefs take pride in creating delectable dish with cod, hake, elvers, tuna, and baby cuttlefish, slowly cooked to perfection with herbs and spices. Some traditional dishes that are a must-try are Bacalao al Pil-pil with codfish, Kokotxas from a hake’s throat and Baby Cuttlefish with a serving of Piperrada sauce.
Bilbao is also known for Pintxos, which is the Basque Country’s rendition of Tapas. Everyday, especially on Thursdays, pintxos are served freshly made with delight in bars and restaurants all over Bilbao and the rest of the Basque Country.
Among the most-favored Pintxos are olive, chili pepper and anchovy skewer, a blend of anchovies, peppers and hard-boiled egg on a bread slice, codfish omelet, marinated grilled meat, fried prawn with garlic, ham croquette, and bell pepper filled with codfish. This is traditionally matched with sparkling white wine or apple cider beer.
When it comes to popular attractions, visitors are promised an enriching holiday by visiting the lush parks and playgrounds, the old town of Casco Viejo and the world-renowned Guggenheim Museum, to name a few.
Bilbao’s biggest park, Casilda Iturrizar or Dona Casilda features a naturally-rich expanse in the heart of the city. Visitors, especially children, find joy around the duck pond where waterfowls saunter about calmly. Centennial trees are also plentiful, signifying the park’s over a hundred year’s existence since Dona Casilda donated her land to the city in 1907. On special occasions, concerts, as well as lights and sounds are put out from the cybernetic fountain in the middle of the park where a grand gazebo is also located, providing an idyllic venue for romantic photos and weddings.
With art as the constant theme in Bilbao, even within Dona Casilda Park, where The Fine Arts Museum of Bilbao is found, one could imagine the impact of the Guggenheim Museum in the city. Since its inauguration in 1997, this museum of modern and contemporary art has exhibited over 250 art pieces of all types of media, be it paintings, massive installations, sculptures, performance art, and more.
With the inclusion of its building, designed by modern architect Frank Gehry, this multi-tiered gallery provides a profound interaction between the art and its beholder through large-scale paintings requiring thorough perceptions, eclectic installations inside closed rooms, steel mazes offering a revisit into the unknown, and a wall-to-wall multimedia exhibition that invites its viewers to exist beyond space and time.
While it takes hours or even days to fully appreciate every piece inside this museum, more is certainly deserving to be admired outside its unusually geometric perimeter, specifically on the esplanade along Bilbao’s Nervion River. Though still miniatures compared to the gigantic flower covered puppy guard in front of the museum, the large-scale modern and classical installations and sculptures present an artistic ally, as well as a relevant photographic subject to its onlookers. Among the myriad of artworks in this waterfront path is the 9-meter tall spider called Maman by Louise Bourgeois, which symbolized motherly protection, and the four female statues called ‘Las Sirgueras’, which artist Dora Salazar created in recognition of women’s equality and importance in the society.
At the end of the esplanade is the city’s old Medieval town, locally known as Casco Viejo. Siete Calles, as it is called in Spanish or Seven Streets in English, is reverent to its 700-year-old roots, thus housing the city’s oldest monuments, like the Gothic Santiago Cathedral and the Church of San Antón. This labyrinth of cobbled streets paves the way into this historic town’s vibrant architecture, from the Medieval Portal de Zamudio, the Baroque Church of San Nicolás to the Art Deco structure of Kiosko del Arenal near the Guggenheim Museum.
In addition to its declaration as a Historical and Artistic Heritage Site in 1972, Casco Viejo is also celebrated for its cultural events and its prized culinary bestowments, such that an evening spent with its fun locals over delectable rounds of pintxos and sparkling wine is a must-experience.
With the recent staging of the Tour de France last July, Bilbao has yet to have a wealth of surprises for its citizens and visitors, something that could potentially be coined as a mystical tour of Bilbao.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days is enough to visit Bilbao?
Spend two nights in Bilbao and explore a city teeming with culture and life! With a seemingly endless range of accommodation options to suit any budget, you’ll surely find the perfect place to rest your head. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the narrow streets of the Casco Viejo (Old Town), where you can enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and experience the city’s unique charm.
What is unique about Bilbao in Spain?
Bilbao is a city that has become world-famous for its iconic Guggenheim Museum, renowned for its breathtaking architecture and awe-inspiring contemporary art collection. However, the city is also famous for its delicious Basque cuisine, with traditional dishes such as the delightful pintxos and the mouth-watering bacalao al pil-pil.
What is the best month in Bilbao?
The summer season, from June to mid-September, is the perfect time to visit the city. With the warmest temperatures of the year, you’ll be able to enjoy the mild weather that stays well-balanced throughout this period. Come and experience the city at its best!
Is Bilbao tourist-friendly?
Bilbao has so much to offer – from the iconic Guggenheim museum, the tantalizing Basque cuisine and wine, the beautiful old town that can be explored on foot, and the unique urban atmosphere. But it doesn’t stop there! Bilbao also offers fantastic day trips to explore the Basque Country, making it an ideal destination for those looking for something different from the typical Spanish city. Plus, it’s easy to explore and safe – what more could you ask for?
Is Bilbao an expensive city?
Bilbao is surprisingly affordable compared to other European cities and is on par with the rest of Spain. But why is Spain more economical than France, Switzerland, and other Western European places? It’s because the average salary in Spain is lower than in other countries.
Bilbao, Spain Travel and Tour Packages
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