Essential visits in Bilbao

Bilbao is, without a doubt, one of the best cities in Spain for a getaway. Thanks to the great architectural and infrastructure projects of recent years, the city has regenerated urban and economically. Located in Vizcaya, it is surrounded by a fertile landscape with mountains, forests, beaches and rugged coasts. In addition, it is important to note that thanks to its modern transport and the road network, from Bilbao we can quickly reach other places in the Basque Country that are worth it, like Vitoria and San Sebastián.

If you dare to visit the city, we recommend that you do not miss anything that we tell you below, since we are going to talk about some of the corners worth discovering. Would you like to join us?

Guggenheim museum

How could it be otherwise, let's start by talking about the Guggenheim Museum, a museum of contemporary art designed by the famous Canadian architect Frank O. Gehry. Its construction has had a great impact on the economy and society, promoting tourism in the region. It surprises with its innovative curvilinear and twisted shapes covered in limestone, glass and titanium.

Old Town

If you have the opportunity to visit Bilbao you will have to discover its Old Town, the oldest neighborhood and the nucleus original from the city, which is also known as “Las 7 calles”. It houses the Cathedral of Santiago and the churches of San Antón, San Nicolás and Santos Juanes, in addition to numerous bars.

New Square

In the Old Town of Bilbao there is also the Plaza Nueva, also known as Plaza Barria, an architectural proposal of style neoclassic. Here you can enjoy cafes, bars, restaurants and candy stores. Of course, it is a great place to try the famous pintxos.

Ensanche and Gran Vía

The Ensanche, the neighborhood on the other side of the Casco Viejo river, is also worth visiting. It is the center of business Bilbao and is home to many shops, bars and restaurants. The Gran Vía Don Diego López Haro deserves a special mention, a wide boulevard that crosses the Ensanche.

Basilica of Our Lady of Begoña

We also want to talk about the Basilica of Our Lady of Begoña, the sanctuary of the patron saint of the Lordship of Vizcaya. Built between the 16th and 17th centuries, it is located in one of the hills that surround the center of Bilbao.

The Alhóndiga

Another place that you must visit is the Alhóndiga, currently known as Azkuna Zentroa (Azkuna Center). This is an old man warehouse of wine that has been converted into a center of leisure and culture. The reform had the intervention of the designer Philippe Starck.

Arriaga Theater

Of course, you should also visit the Arriaga Theater, a neo-baroque building from the end of the 19th century that is dedicated to the Bilbao composer Juan Crisóstomo de Arriaga, known as the “Spanish Mozart”. It is one of the most notable from the villa.

La Ribera Market

Considered by many to be one of the most beautiful markets in Spain, the Mercado de La Ribera de Bilbao is located on the right bank of the Nervión estuary, next to the Old Town. It is the largest covered market in Europe.

Bridges

It is also worth discovering some of the city's bridges, such as the Hanging Bridge, the only monument in the Basque Country declared a World Heritage Site by the Unesco. Also striking is the Zubizuri Bridge, designed by Santiago Calatrava, which has been involved in several controversies.

Artxanda viewpoint

Finally, we want to recommend that you go up to the Artxanda viewpoint to enjoy one of the best views from Bilbao. You can reach it by car or through the funicular located in the Plaza del Funicular.

Recommended article: The best museums in Bilbao

24 PERFECT Hours in BILBAO | BASQUE COUNTRY (April 2024)