We recently embarked on a trip to Bilbao, a city in Spain’s Basque Country that has famously reinvented itself. Leaving behind its industrial past, it’s emerged as a cultural powerhouse nestled alongside a historic core, and we were so excited to see it firsthand. We weren’t disappointed! From iconic architecture to incredible food, Bilbao offered us a spectacular mix of experiences. Here’s what to do, what to see, and why we think you should put it on your list.
Standing Awestruck at the Guggenheim
Unsurprisingly, our first major stop had to be the iconic Guggenheim Museum Bilbao. Frank Gehry’s architectural masterpiece is simply breathtaking – a shimmering, metallic sculpture in itself. We spent ages just walking around the exterior, marveling at the curves and lines, and, of course, taking photos with ‘Puppy’ the floral dog by Jeff Koons and Louise Bourgeois’ giant spider, ‘Maman,’ which sits guarding the riverside.
Getting Lost (Happily!) in the Casco Viejo
From the futuristic waterfront around the Guggenheim, we took a trolly into the Casco Viejo, Bilbao’s charming old town. This is where we felt the city’s history truly come alive. We loved getting lost (in the best possible way!) in the labyrinth of narrow, cobblestone streets, exploring the famous ‘Siete Calles’ (Seven Streets) that form its ancient heart.
Plaza Nueva became a favourite spot for a coffee and people-watching, surrounded by elegant arcades. We also peeked into the beautiful Santiago Cathedral and enjoyed browsing the independent shops and boutiques tucked away in the alleys. It’s a place to slow down, soak up the atmosphere, and just wander.
Indulging in the Incredible Pintxo Scene
Okay, let’s talk about the food because, wow. Bilbao is in the Basque Country, and that means the pintxos scene is incredible. Forget tapas; these are often elaborate, miniature culinary creations served on bread, or sometimes just small plates of culinary genius. We made it our mission to try as many places as possible, hopping from bar to bar, sampling everything from simple tortilla Española (Spanish omelette) to sophisticated bites involving fresh seafood, foie gras, or slow-cooked meats.
The atmosphere in the pintxos bars, especially in the evening, is electric. Locals spill out onto the streets, ordering drinks and pointing at the tempting displays. It was an adventure for our taste buds and easily one of the highlights of our trip. We quickly learned to just grab a plate and start pointing at what looked good!
Exploring More Culture and Views
Beyond the Guggenheim, Bilbao offers more cultural delights. While in Bilbao, visit the Fine Arts Museum (Museo de Bellas Artes), which houses an impressive collection spanning from ancient to contemporary art, offering a great contrast to the modern focus of the Guggenheim. The Basque Museum (Museo Vasco) gave one a deeper understanding of the region’s unique history, culture, and traditions.
For amazing panoramic views of the city, take the funicular up Mount Artxanda. Seeing the cityscape spread out below, with the river winding through and the distinctive shape of the Guggenheim standing out, is spectacular and offers a great perspective on Bilbao’s layout. We also loved exploring the Mercado de la Ribera, one of Europe’s largest indoor markets, buzzing with stalls selling fresh produce, fish, meat, and even dedicated areas with bars and restaurants perfect for another pintxo or drink.
Getting Around and Soaking Up the Vibe
We found Bilbao to be a very walkable city, especially between the main areas like the old town and the riverfront. The modern metro system is also super efficient and clean if you need to venture further. We felt safe and found the city easy to navigate.
There’s a palpable energy in Bilbao – a great mix of appreciating its heritage while enthusiastically embracing innovation and modernity. Walking along the newly revitalized riverfront, with the numerous bridges gracefully connecting the city’s banks, became a favourite pastime for us.
In Conclusion
Looking back on our time in Bilbao, we both agreed it’s a city that truly surprises and delights. It has world-class art and architecture, a fascinating history evident in its charming old quarter, incredible food that alone is worth the trip, and a really welcoming, dynamic atmosphere. It’s not just about the Guggenheim (though that’s amazing!), it’s about the blend of the old and new, the vibrant street life, the beautiful green spaces, and the sheer joy of discovering its many corners.
We came away feeling inspired and eager to tell everyone we know: put Bilbao on your travel list. You won’t regret experiencing this gem of the Basque Country.