Bilbao - Do & See
Bilbao has many interesting sites to visit, both historical and modern, and here is something for everyone.
A walk along the river
From the ultra-modern Conference Centre and Concert Hall Palacio Euskalduna Jauregia, walk east along the riverbank, which is punctuated by beautiful sculptures and some very impressive modern architecture. You will pass the Guggenheim and Santiago Calatrava’s stunning Zubi Zuri Footbridge, which spans the Nervión between the Guggenheim and the Ayuntamiento.
The Guggenheim Museum
The Guggenheim Museum Bilbao only opened in 1997, but it has since become one of the most revered buildings in the world. The museum’s collection focuses primarily on 20th-century American and European art.
Museo de Bellas Artes
The Museo de Bellas Artes has an exceptional collection of traditional works by well-known masters such as El Greco, Goya, Gauguin, Francis Bacon, Picasso and Velazquez.
Museo Diocesano de Arte Sacro
The museum has an intriguing selection of religious art and crafts dating back to the 12th century, including sculptures and paintings by Basque artists.
Museo Marítimo Ría de Bilbao
The Ría de Bilbao Maritime Museum is a place to uncover Bilbao’s past as a shipbuilding and seafaring hub. Outside there are striking floating exhibits with special exhibitions.
Teatro Arriaga
The original theatre burned down in 1914 and a second was built, resembling the Opera House in Paris. Today, it remains the major cultural venue in Bilbao. Beautifully located on the banks of the Nervión, the theatre is host to world-class opera, classical music concerts and ballet.
Cross the Puente Colgante
Just outside Bilbao, between Getxo (Las Arenas) and Portugalete in the Region of Bizkaia, is one of Bilbao’s main attractions Puente Colgante, also known as the “Hanging Bridge.” There are two dramatic ways of crossing it: by gondola or along the crosswalk itself.
Take a Pintxo
There is nowhere better to take a tapas crawl, or as the Basques call it, a Pintxo, than through the Casco Viejo and Licenciado Poza. Start around the Calle Licenciado Poza. Favorites include Busterri, on Calle Licenciado Poza, well-known locally for its grilled anchovies and Jamón Jabugo, and Gatz on Calle Santa María in the Old Town, where you can sample delicious cod tarts.
A coffee on Plaza Nueva
There are 64 arches around this enclosed square, which is the oldest surviving square in town. Built in 1849, it’s a perfect place to stop, drink coffee and watch the world go by.
The Bigger Picture
If you want to escape the city streets, take the delightful funicular from Plaza Funicular up to spacious gardens and a magnificent panoramic view of the city.
Plentzia
Plentzia is a happening resort just outside Bilbao, in the Region of Bizkaia, on a hilltop centre that leads to lovely sandy beaches. Plentzia is a popular weekend destination and there are bars and cafés of which many are serving dishes straight from the sea.
Day trip to San Sebastian
Set between two hills around the beautiful La Concha Bay in the region of Gipuzkoa, San Sebastian makes an unforgettable day trip where you can take in the glorious Belle Epoque balustrades and visit its world famous restaurants.
