Amanda Virrey
Tour of Bilbao, Spain
Bilbao stands out as a striking example of both Baroque and contemporary design, blending historic architectural grandeur with modern aesthetics on the vibrant, cosmopolitan side of the Basque Country. Its rich cultural landscape, artistic innovation, and stunning cityscape make it one of the top cities to visit in Spain.
Visitors enjoy its remarkable urban infrastructure, including lush parks, vibrant museums, reliable transportation, and high-quality tap water throughout the city, which meets the potable water standard of the Organization of Consumers and Users (OCU). It does serve this city well, with Best European City 2018 at The Urbanism Awards that same year.
This northern Spanish city maintains its historic charm and heralded modernization, with rapid transit lines passing through its clean underground stations, or amid the line of Baroque buildings, as seen from inside the trams, 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 should have maps on their mobile phones or have language translation enabled in case they need to speak with a non-English-speaking Bilboan.
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 the Biscay Bay. Homegrown chefs take pride in creating delectable dishes 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 Piperrada sauce.
Bilbao is also known for Pintxos, which is the Basque Country’s rendition of Tapas. Every day, 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 skewers; a blend of anchovies, peppers, and a hard-boiled egg on a slice of bread; 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 with lush parks and playgrounds, the old town of Casco Viejo, and the world-renowned Guggenheim Museum, among others.
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 waterfowl saunter about calmly. Centennial trees are also plentiful, signifying the park’s existence for over 100 years, 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 in Dona Casilda Park, home to the Fine Arts Museum of Bilbao, one could imagine the impact of the Guggenheim Museum on the city. Since its inauguration in 1997, this museum of modern and contemporary art has exhibited over 250 works across all media, including 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 in this museum, more is certainly worth admiring 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 artworks along this waterfront path is the 9-meter-tall spider, Maman, by Louise Bourgeois, which symbolizes maternal protection, and the four female statues, ‘Las Sirgueras’, created by artist Dora Salazar in recognition of women’s equality and importance in 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, such as the Gothic Santiago Cathedral and the Church of San Antón. This labyrinth of cobbled streets leads to the historic town’s vibrant architecture, from the Medieval Portal de Zamudio and the Baroque Church of San Nicolás to the Art Deco Kiosko del Arenal near the Guggenheim Museum.
In addition to its designation as a Historical and Artistic Heritage Site in 1972, Casco Viejo is also celebrated for its cultural events and prized culinary offerings, so 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 offer its citizens and visitors a wealth of surprises, something that could be called a mystical tour of Bilbao.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days are 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 pintxos and 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 seeking something different from a 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 countries? It’s because the average salary in Spain is lower than in other countries.
Bilbao, Spain Travel and Tour Packages
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Read:
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