Bilbao

Europe

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Spain

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Bilbao

Located in the north of Spain, in the Basque Country, Bilbao is a city known as the "Guggenheim City". The city sits on the banks of the Nervion River and borders the Bay of Biscay. The city blends Basque history with modern art.

Unlike the classic Spanish design, the Guggenheim Museum is designed with a futuristic theme that transforms the art and culture of Bilbao. The museum was built in the early 2000s by Frank Gehry using 33,000 ultra-thin titanium plates that form this museum with its unique design.

In addition to the museum, Bilbao is also famous for its Museum of Fine Arts, shady city parks, and various art exhibitions that will spoil the eyes of tourists. For history lovers, you must visit Casco Viejo (Old Town), there is also an area known as "Seven Street", with iconic buildings along the street such as the Cathedral or the elegant theater. Here, you can see Santiago Cathedral, and enjoy an art show at the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum.

For lovers of nature and green spaces, you can visit various city parks such as Doña Casilda de Iturrizar, which is surrounded by hills. You can also take the cable car to see the beauty of Bilbao from a height.

Travel Tips for Bilbao

What you need to know before traveling here

Getting Around Bilbao

A guide to Bilbao's local transportation

Metro

Tram

Bus

Taxi

Car Rental

With a ticket price of around 1.50 euros, the metro connects popular attractions such as the futuristic Guggenheim Museum, Catedral Santiago in Casco Viejo, and the majestic Euskalduna Palace. The metro's operating hours usually start at 6 am and end around midnight.

Practical Tips for Bilbao

Things to prepare and best way to visit

Why is Bilbao Famous in Spain?

Bilbao has become quite famous in Spain, even globally, for its drastic change from an industrial city to a center of modern art and architecture. The city's transformation was marked by the establishment of the Guggenheim Museum, a futuristic architectural icon designed by Frank Gehry. Aside from being a place to house contemporary artworks, the futuristic design of the museum is an attraction in itself.

In terms of history, in the 14th century, the city was known as an important sea trade city due to its location on the northern coast of Spain. Then in the 19th century, the city became an industrial center. There is also the Old Town or Casco Viejo area that showcases Bilbao's side with classic architecture and traditional Spanish city life.

How Many Days Are Enough to Visit Bilbao?

Visiting Bilbao in 3-4 days is the perfect amount of time to see the city in its entirety. Start your first day with a visit to the city's iconic Guggenheim Museum. Then, you can continue your trip with a stroll through Casco Viejo, Bilbao's Old Town, which offers a traditional atmosphere and unique shops.

On the second day, you can visit Santiago Cathedral with its magnificent Gothic architecture. Afterward, you can enjoy some light Bilbao-style snacks around Plaza Nueva. The third day can be spent strolling along the riverside and enjoying the beauty of other modern architecture, such as the Zubizuri Bridge and Euskalduna Palace.

How Long Is the Train From Bilbao to Madrid?

To visit Bilbao from Madrid or vice versa, the Cercanias train option is the most efficient and convenient. With a journey duration of 4 hours, you can enjoy interesting views of the city and natural landscapes along the route.

For train ticket prices from Bilbao to Madrid, the price range can vary depending on the type of seat and class option chosen. In general, Cercanías train tickets cost in the range of 50 to 100 euros, depending on the departure time and class you choose.

What Food Is Bilbao Famous for?

Beyond culture and history, the city also boasts world-class cuisine and Michelin-starred restaurants. To enjoy the delicious cuisine of Spain, you can visit Plaza Nueva.

One of the must-try dishes is pintxos, a small dish served on a slice of bread with a variety of variants such as olives stuffed with anchovies to delicious pieces of grilled meat. Aside from pintxos, there's also Bacalao a la Vizcaína, a specialty dish with dried fish cooked in a spicy tomato sauce rich in spices.

If you want to shop for fresh produce, then you can visit La Ribera Market. With so many activities and places to visit, Bilbao is worth adding to your next vacation list!

What Are the Famous Places In Bilbao?

Besides the iconic Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao has various other famous tourist attractions. One of them is the Museum of Fine Arts of Bilbao, which is suitable for art lovers. Here, you can find works by famous artists such as El Greco, Goya, and Picasso. For sports fans, you can visit the San Mames soccer stadium and the San Mames Museum.

If you want to get a taste of the city's local life, you can visit the Erribera Merkatua or Bilbao's Great Market. Here, you can sample typical dishes and shop for fresh and unique products from local vendors. Or visit Vizcaya Bridge, where you can see the city from the riverbank. Don't forget to take a ride on the gondola!

Azkuna Zentroa, a former wine cellar turned modern arts and culture center, is a great place to visit. It consists of an art exhibition space, a movie theater, and a rooftop swimming pool. These places will make your Bilbao vacation experience complete!