Bilbao In 2 Days
Bilbao, located on the northern coast of Spain, is definitely a city you can’t miss if you choose to visit the country. Its streets are very unique and exploring them is always a pleasure, since you get to see how antique and modern architecture styles and trends converge. The mixture of the old town and the new facilities is amazing. It’s safe to say that Bilbao has become a mecca of art, architecture and design due to its museums, galleries and architectural works of art.
The old town
The old town of Bilbao is the heart of the city. In the past, the Nervión River was surrounded by walls, but these were removed towards the end of the XIX century. Today, the district consists of seven pedestrian streets and two squares that are surrounded by shops, bars and restaurants.
Plaza Nueva
It is one of the central squares of the Old Town and the main square of Bilbao. It was built in 1851 and has a huge arcade that runs along its four sides. On Sunday mornings, there’s a collector’s market where you can find antiques and handicrafts. Plaza Nueva is a very busy spot and a typical meeting point for locals.
Arriaga Theatre
This majestic neo-Baroque style theater was named after a young and very talented composer, Juan Crisóstomo Arriaga, who died of tuberculosis at the age of 20. This space serves as a representation of the city’s culture.
Ría del Nervión
It is a mouth formed by the Nervión and Ibaizábal rivers. On its banks are the main attractions of Bilbao. Walking around it is a beautiful experience. If you do so, you’ll be able to appreciate the landscape and even feel like a local.
Campos Eliseos Theatre
Located right in front of the river, there is the Campos Eliseo theater, which dates back to 1902 and looks like an Arab palace. You can visit its main hall on your own or choose to go on a guided tour.
Zubizuri
This bridge was built in 1997, as part of the city’s transformation. It was designed by Santiago Calatrava, a renowned architect who also created the City of Arts and Sciences of Valencia. The name Zubizuri means "white bridge" in Basque.
Guggenheim Museum
It also opened in 1997, soon after the inauguration of Zubizuri bridge. It is located in a boat-shaped metal building that was designed by Frank Gehry. It has large exhibitions and holds works of renowned artists like Kapoor and Chillida. There’s even an outdoor section called ‘’Art District’’ full of works of art.
La Ribera Market
It was built in 1929 and it is located in a historic building. It is, by far, the largest indoor market in Europe - a place you must visit if you wish to learn about gastronomy in Bilbao. It consists of many stalls with local products, bars and even live music concerts during the weekend.
Museum of Fine Arts
If you enjoy visiting museums, you can’t miss this one, for it holds one of the most important art collections that can be found in the Basque Country. Among the pieces of art in this collection, are works by artists such as Goya and Bacon.
Panoramic views
If you’d like to visit one of the best panoramic views of Bilbao, you should take the old funicular right to the top of Mount Artxanda. Once there, you will enjoy amazing views and be able to walk the different trails or enjoy a meal in some of the best restaurants in the city.
Vizcaya Bridge
If you walk through Nervión, you will reach the Vizcaya Bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This transporter bridge is an amazing construction from the end of the XIX century. You can climb its walkway 45 meters high above sea level while you listen to an audio guide tour and learn about the bridge’s history.
Cathedral of Santiago de Bilbao
Dedicated to the Apostle Santiago, it is one of the most iconic places in the city. This gothic-style Cathedral is located in the center of the Old Town and was built during the fifteenth century, which makes it the oldest monument in Bilbao.
Azkuna Zentroa
It is a famous cultural center, formerly known as La Alhóndiga and inaugurated in the year 2010. This Moderna-style building was redesigned by the Frenchman Philippe Starck and it stands out for its 43 unique columns, each of which is a work of art in itself.
As you may have seen, most of the city's attractions are located around the Old Town, which is why we suggest you start your tour there.
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