But, if you want to travel to even smaller towns, you can visit the charming coastal towns of Gaztelugatxe and Santander. And rightfully so. While it is technically considered to be located on the coast, the city itself does not offer expansive beaches for leisurely sunbathing or water activities. Along La Concha Bay, one cannot help being captivated by the Miramar Palace, built in 1893 and used as a royal summer residence until 1973. Here youll find the first 5 streets of ancient Bilbao, the amazing market Ribera, and some little churches, water fountains and the old Bilbao Theatre. Given the river and proximity to the Bay of Biscay, the humidity can make these months less appealing for some travelers. The evenings will be cool, especially late October and early November. Discovering Palma: Insider Tips for Exploring the Hidden Gems of Mallorca's Capital; The Top 10 Upper-Class and Luxury Restaurants in Palma de Mallorca; Mallorcas Top 10 Beaches; Palmanova; But you have heard, and that is mainly thanks to this modern, excentric building that is the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao. One of the oldest building in Bilbao is the Catedral de Santiago. The official taxi service at the airport is Asociacin Auto Taxis Femade. If you want to explore places near Bilbao or go on day trips, youll need at least 4 days. I really went without any expectations. Without a doubt, one of the biggest draws to the city is the iconic Guggenheim Museum! As soon as you come from the airport by airport bus and you cross the bridge over the Nervion river, into the city of Bilbao, youll see the museum. They consist of small pieces of bread topped with meat, vegetables or fish. Alternatively, you could opt to spend a day exploring the idyllic Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve. and Madrid have their fair share of art museums, Bilbaos Guggenheim may well top them all. Although most food is savoury, a few stalls sell traditional desserts and cakes too. Where Granada is home to their tapas, Bilbao is home to Pintxos or Pinchos. Most bars will have pintxos readily available as snacks and there are also restaurants that specialise in them. Must-Visit Attractions in Bilbao, Spain - Culture Trip Here's why we think everyone should visit Bilbao at least once, from contemporary and historic buildings to classic Basque snacks known as pintxos. Wow. The materials used in the construction of the museum mimic the industrial feel of the city. The stadium tour is worth doing and isnt as expensive as Real Madrid and Barcelona stadium tours. And, of course, there are many exhibits within the museum. As one of the largest museums in Spain, the international prestige associated with the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation and the incomparable architectural design of Frank Gehry helped forge Bilbao as a cultural destination since its opening in October 1997. She's infatuated with Roman Ruins, Road Trips, and Railway Journeys and she's crackers about cheese! While the city does offer outdoor pursuits such as hiking, biking around the city, and exploring nearby natural landscapes, its a far cry from a thrill-seekers paradise. The interior of City Hall have elements of Neo-Renaissance design, including the staircase and assembly hall. But dragon stone might ring a bell. The Best Time to Visit Bilbao, Spain for Weather, Safety, & Tourism Bilbao, located in the Basque region of Spain, is a city that is definitely worth visiting. But, if youre in a huge city like Paris or Montreal, its basically mission impossible to see everything in a shorter trip. Do pop into the museums Bistro cafe for a drink or some delicious food. The 5 best hotels in Bilbao; Mallorca. You can find any type of trail from easy and moderate to challenging. These bite-sized snacks are usually served on a slice of bread, with some culinary goodness pinched on top. The Olympics. This website contains affiliate links. But what if youre looking for something different? But the Basque Country is the homeland of the pintxo and in Bilbao, youll be getting the original article. Local legends say that if you ask for a wish and ring the bell three times, your wish will come true. (2023), day trips from Bilbao are to San Sebastian, My Complete and Brutally Honest StudentUniverse Review (2023), How to Easily Day Trip to Auschwitz from Krakow, Poland (2023), Headed to the Croatian capital of Zagreb and unsure how to best spend your time? The Basque Country is an incredibly unique place and one that should not be missed! #1 of 121 things to do in Bilbao Art Museums Closed now 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM Visit website Call Email Write a review About American architect Frank Gehry is responsible for this architectural masterpiece: this fantastic chrome and metal creation houses a large collection of modern and contemporary art, a continuation of the Guggenheim legacy. I really went without any expectations. Or youve been to all the other places (like I did). Mirador Arantxa is the main viewpoint in Bilbao. This post will help you decide. This is the most visited city in Spain, and I like to say Gaudi has his finger wrapped around Barcelona since lots of his works are featured across the city LOL.Finally, the bottom left pin represents Madrid, Spains beautiful capital city. Even after visiting 25+ countries, this city is still easily within my top 10 favorite cities that Ive been to in Europe (Nice and Stockholm are two others in case you were wondering LOL). So whether you are keen on delving into the arts or the historical side of the city, Bilbao is a diverse cultural hub. The two most accessible mountains are Pagassari, located south of the city and Artxanda, located north of the city. Originally surrounded by walls until 1863, the remnants of which are visible along the Portaletes gate near the old harbor, Old Town also contains the San Vicente Church, the Basilica of Santa Maria, and the Placa de la Constitucin. West of the Maritime Museum is Old Town, known locally as Puertochico. And knowing what a pain it is to go from Pariss Charles de Gaulle Airport to the city center via public transport, I love Bilbao so much for this. Many of the food tours in Bilbao offer at least one wine tasting, if not a few. Tickets can be purchased at the Catedral or Parish door.The nearest metro stop is Casco Viejo. While strolling along the beaches, keep an eye open for the open air sculptures. go to the museum's rooftop, which is free. You dont need to travel far from Bilbao to see the beauty of the Basque Country and neighbourhood regions like Cantabria. If hiking sounds more appealing, the surrounding mountains offer several options. Just remember that summer is often the busiest and most crowded time in Bilbao. The right bank of the river allowed for Casco Viejo to be the epicenter of port activities and commerce. You can do it for lunch, pre-dinner snacks or as a whole evening-filled program. The Perfect 2 to 3 Days in Bilbao Itinerary San Sebastian can be reached via bus from Bilbao. Required fields are marked *. Your email address will not be published. Exploring Mount Urgull allows the history of the city to come alive with the ancient paths and fortresses as well as La Mota Castle. If you are planning a trip, we recommend visiting at the tail end of summer like August and September. Bottom Line: Is Bilbao Expensive to Visit in 2023? - GTE Bilbao - the Basque city Bilbao is the largest city in the Basque Country. If you havent heard of pintxos before, these are the equivalent of tapas. So, be prepared for larger crowds and higher accommodation prices. The catedral is located at Plaza de Santiago, 1 and is open to the public Monday Saturday from 10:00AM to 6:30PM and is closed on Sunday. The citys public transportation system includes a modern metro network, trains, trams, and buses. If youre a football fan, you cant leave Bilbao without visiting San Mams football stadium, home to the Athletic de Bilbao club. Need some guidance on the best places, hidden spots and the best street art? Saint Anthony (251-356 AD) was born into a wealthy Egyptian family, but followed the teachings of the Bible after his parents death and sold his possessions and donate to the poor in preparations for the treasures in heaven. Its often referred to as the surf capital of France since it has a thriving surf culture and pretty decent waves year-round! And then, as I mentioned in the previous section, Bilbao truly comes alive in the summertime with festivals and concerts! I mean the city has its fair share of cultural landmarks, museums, and vibrant neighborhoods to explore, but it is not on the same scale as Paris or even Lyon. It is one of Spain's greatest modern art museums (rivaled only by the Reina Sofia in Madrid. 4.1 Is Bilbao or San Sebastian better? One of the main places to see in Santander is Centro Botn. Pop your head into the Bilbao train station, where youll find amazing stained glass windows showing the history of Bilbao. Worth Visiting! - Review of Guggenheim Museum Bilbao - Tripadvisor Overall, Bilbao is a city filled with colorful and innovative architecture, delicious Basque food, and gorgeous views. You can access the cable car from Funikularreko square, a few minutes walk from Zubizuri Bridge. While both areas are absolutely worth a visit, they're each situated at opposite ends of the country. Exploring the old streets is an experience in itself. The maximum temperature is 13 degrees (55.4 F) and the minimum temperature is 5 degrees (41 F). San Sebastian (Donostia in the Basque language) is on the northern coast of Spain, just 20 miles from the border with France, and capital of the Gipuzkoa region. For more information, including location and reservations, please visit the restaurants website. Art lovers can visit the world famous Guggenheim Museum with its stunning titanium exterior and impressive modern art collection. Plus, youll pass through a medieval town or two on your way, allowing you to experience more than just Bilbao. Situated in the heart of the Basque Country, Bilbao is surrounded by gorgeous natural landscapes. And I know that sounds dramatic, but this museum was genuinely the main reason I was so keen on visiting. The autumn months are still a lovely time to visit the area, with the warm days lasting until mid-October. 01 / Top Sights Unmissable sights for your itinerary Discover more Sights Museo Guggenheim Bilbao in Bilbao Itsasmuseum in Bilbao Museo de Bellas Artes in Bilbao Casco Viejo in Bilbao Funicular de Artxanda in Bilbao 02 / Articles Latest stories from Bilbao Read more articles Why Bilbao is the artistic heart of the Basque Country 03 / Guidebooks Try out our tours in Bilbao and explore the city with a professional team! These are some of the main reasons why, Read More The wonder of Greece: Rhodes and Santorini plus amazing AthensContinue, The guillotine is an infamous tool of execution that has been used throughout history to punish criminals, political dissidents, and other enemies of the state. There are some routes with more stops and a longer total travel time. Bilbao Spain may not be regularly considered when thinking of destinations in Spain. Given its location in the Basque Region with its rich history, spectacular architecture, wondrous museums, tantalizing cuisine, and stunning views Bilbao is absolutely worth a look. There is a staircase from the cliffs down to the beach and its shallow water. I flew on Friday morning to Bilbao and arrived at 9 am in the city. With huge pedestrian lanes, separate bike lanes and easy public transport, the city feels extremely safe to move around. This museum . This depends on your financial background, but in my opinion, Bilbao is on the cheaper side. Bilbao is surrounded by green landscapes and mountains that you can admire from different parts of the city. The pin below Toulouse is Andorra. When visiting this museum, dont forget to explore its surroundings as there are two huge sculptures on the sides. Walk around the Guggenheim (or twice! So aside from the scenarios above not interesting you, here are some other cases where Bilbao may not be worth visiting. (hanging bridge). For those looking to get active, theres no shortage of outdoor activities such as hiking and river kayaking. Finding the right bar, the right kind of pintxo to your taste and squeezing yourself into a crowded bar, proved to be a bit of a challenge. That said, its pretty on par with its Spanish counterparts. The hike up to Pagassari is considered an easy to intermediate 10 mile round trip hike. A better option would be Interlaken, Switzerland, or Austria if you crave high-intensity adventures. If you click through and purchase something, I receive a small commission on the price at no extra cost to you. See the full lineup and event details here.And then, theres the festival of Santo Tomas! The Best Time to Visit Bilbao, Spain for Weather, Safety, & Tourism The best times to visit Bilbao for ideal weather are April 16th to November 4th based on average temperature and humidity from NOAA (the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration). World-class museums, delicious food, fascinating history and culture, and ever-friendly locals are just some of the reasons why you cant help falling in love with Bilbao. Bilbao is definitely worth visiting. Its a win-win situation. The cast recorded a part of it in this place, although it was called Dragonstone in the series. The museum is located at Avenida Abandoibarra, 2 and is open Tuesday Sunday from 10:00AM to 7:00PM (most days).Tickets can be purchased online for a specific day and hour as well as at the Admissions Desk onsite.Please visit the the museums website for more information, including collections and exhibitions.The museum is closed on Mondays.The nearest metro stop is Moyua. When you step out of the cable car, youll find a lovely park with copper statues, big signs that read Bilbao and panoramic views of the city. And the basilica itself showcases a mix of architectural styles, including Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque. The market is divided into two parts: the food market where locals buy high-quality vegetables, meat and fish and the gourmet area. I knew this tour didnt include any stops at Bermeo or Guernica, but other tours go there. Explore the former harbor area or venture off into the maze of streets with vibrant street art bursting from the buildings. The Economist even created a term known as The Bilbao Effect, which essentially describes how a striking and imaginatively designed museum can drastically improve a city through increased tourism. San Sebastian is known for its beautiful beaches and culinary scene. Bilbao Vs San Sebastian: How To Choose Between The Two Start with some of my most popular posts. If you only have one day to visit Bilbao, there are a few things you won't want to miss. Its one of the best football stadiums in Spain. Plus the pintxos were very affordable too. . Namaste, Guten Tag! Is Bilbao Worth Visiting? 10 Reasons Why to Visit Bilbao (2023) Built as the main parish church in the 14th and 15 centuries, it became a cathedral in 1950. Things to do (Photo: Botond Horvath / Shutterstock.com) Bilbao Bilbao is home to a staggering range of museums and many of them are amongst the most prestigious in the world. Walk town (or take the funicular back) and continue towards the old town (Casca Viejo). While Barcelona and Madrid have their fair share of art museums, Bilbaos Guggenheim may well top them all. I was severely out of breath by the time I got up there, but the whole journey was epic. How to spend one day in Bilbao - planning a trip to Bilbao. # 1 nbujic Guest Posts: n/a Is Bilbao worth a visit? Would it be worth traveling to Bilbao for a weekend? Discovering the interior of this cathedral is an experience and a must for anyone who loves architecture. The scenic River Nervion flows through the heart of Bilbao, with the Casco Viejo and the Guggenheim sitting right on its banks. Plus with the metro and tram, travelers will experience minimal difficulty navigating Bilbao and her attractions. Art lovers can visit the world famous Guggenheim Museum with its stunning titanium exterior and impressive modern art collection. Also, youll be happy to know that housing is pretty affordable in Bilbao, at least compared to a LOT of other Western European places.So, if youre looking to stay in a fancy hotel, this is a pretty good place to do it! It seems all streets in the old town lead up to the cathedral of Bilbao. There is a term in architecture, the Bilbao effect, describing what can happen to a previously economically depressed city after cultural investment and eye-popping architecture are introduced. Beyond the Guggenheim Museum and discovering Basque culture through its food, the city is dotted with galleries, theaters, and music venues. The city wasnt very safe from 1958 to 2018 because of the ETA, a basque terrorist organization. Uber is also available in Bilbao and can be used to get from the airport to the city as well as within the city. Or youre not sure if you should book that weekend trip to Bilbao. In the beginning, I mentioned one of the best parts of Bilbao is that you only need a few days to feel like youve actually seen the city Well, with this in mind, Id recommend spending a minimum of two full days in Bilbao! That said, its mountainous location makes it harder to access, but you can still reach it easily from Barcelona. 3-day Costa Brava road trip from Barcelona, 36 Amazing things to do in 36 hours in Barcelona, Street art walking tour with local beer tasting, Easiest and best day trips from Barcelona by train, San Sebastian & San Juan de Gaztelugatxe guided tour, Half-day Tour to Gaztelugatxe and Guernica. Gothic architecture includes pointed arches, exterior flying buttresses (an architectural feature resembling a bridge and meant to fortify tall walls), stained glass, spires, and ribbed vaults (interior arches that connect and help fortify the walls, ceiling, and roof). Youll also have the chance to spot lots of wildlife in the wetlands and along the coastal cliffs. Hopping from one pintxos bar to the next, having a drink and a pintxo, before moving on, seems to be the national sport in Bilbao. For those who arent sure where Bilbao is located, heres a little map you can reference.The purple pin represents Bilbao, and directly to right of the Bilbao is the idyllic town of San Sebastian. 8 reasons why Bilbao is worth a visit. - All about El Camino - Blog en - See 17,786 traveler reviews, 14,119 candid photos, and great deals for Bilbao, Spain, at Tripadvisor. This is Bilbaos most famous landmark and is a true testament to the citys dedication to art and innovation. It is worth keeping in mind that in the near future, you might need to register online with the, ETIAS to visit Spain or other countries in the Schengen Area. But, even if they dont, there are still tons of other reasons to visit, which Ill dive into later! Here, youll find an abundance of golden sandy beaches, perfect for surfing and relaxing. Also atop Mount Igueldo is a classic amusement park (https://www.monteigueldo.es/home) with 20 attractions for children of all ages, including a rollercoaster dating back to 1928. The Guggenheim Museum Building, Museum The flight was cheap and the times were very convenient for a weekend break. The cradle of Western Civilization. One day in Bilbao - One Day Walking the City Gaztelugatxe takes less than an hour to reach while Santander is 1.5 hours outside of Bilbao. Besides the fact Bilbao is only a 1.5-hour flight away, the city can be easily reached by a cheap airport bus. During my time in Bilbao, I didnt have any bad experiences or felt unsafe, but its always good to use common sense (i.e. If youre a fan of art especially modern art you cant miss Bilbaos Guggenheim Museum. I took a full-day tour around the Basque Country, from Bilbao. For those who dont know, Bilbao is the gateway city to the prolific wine region of Rioja. If you have any questions about Bilbao, drop me an email. And free to visit, at any moment of the day. At the heart of every Spanish city from Santiago to Almera is a casco viejo, or old town. This post contains affiliate links, and as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This is more than just a viewing spot though! The museum houses European and Spanish artists spanning from the 12th century to modern times, including El Greco (who moved from Italy to Spain in the early 17th century and was instrumental in the Spanish Renaissance), Francisco de Zubaran (known as the Spanish Caravaggio due to his use of chiaroscuro or heavily contrasting light and shadow), Francisco Goya (one of Spains most well regarded artists whose paintings and drawings documented the politics of the late 18th and early 19th century), and Paul Gauguin (known for his Post-Impressionism paintings and friendships with Edgar Degas and Vincent Van Gogh and helping inspire Pablo Picasso). In Bilbao, one day could be spent at the museums, another day exploring Casco Viejo and the historical architecture, one day for hiking, one day for taking in the the wonderful walking/biking/water tours, and additional days for seeing Santander and San Sebastian. It means we will earn a tiny commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you. The Guggenheim is my favorite art history piece I studied and proved to be everything and more. Here pintxos are the norm! Walls surrounded the quarter until the end of the 19th century. Just outside of Magdalena Park and to the south is the Maritime Museum, which showcases the role the sea had in the region. Ondarreta Beach is a smaller beach and very popular for sports, including volleyball, beach tennis and soccer. the whole journey was breathtaking. I hope I was able to help you make the decision to go to Bilbao and give you some inspiration on what your trip could look like. Learn more about Naomi by reading her full story, Why A Pintxos Food Tour In Bilbao Spain Is An Absolute Must-Do, Amsterdam To Zurich Night Train Sleeper Train To Switzerland. 8 reasons why Bilbao is worth a visit. Some of the museums most famous pieces of art are displayed outside. , and their popularity has spread to other regions such as Barcelona and Madrid. Barcelona to Montserrat by Train His discipline and solitary life where he abstained from meat and alcohol and only consumed bread, salt and water was depicted in the Life of Anthony, written around 360 AD by Athanasius of Alexandria. The tour length and number of people accommodated will vary and the costs start at 195. The average temperature in the winter months is mid 40s, though the wind coming off the water can be quite cool after sunset. The birthplace of democracy. PS: Drifter Planetcontains affiliate links. And the inlet and shape of the island with the monastery on top are known to everyone who ever watched Game of Thrones. Theyre perfect to enjoy with a drink and good company. 1) Visit the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao and Puppy. Its surrounded by beautiful and diverse landscapes sandy beaches and small islands, high mountains and lakes. I roamed around the Matter of Time for quite some time and absolutely loved the black box from Yayoi Kasuma and the Tulips by Jeff Koons. Bilbao blog - Nomads - Travel tips, Guides, News & Information! This led to Bilbao becoming an important port and a centre of industry in the past. What used to be a hidden gem, its now a well-known spot because of season 6 of the Game of Thrones series. What to see in Bilbao: the 18 must-see plans - Barcelo.com I wanted a quick getaway in February and hoped Spain would offer me some sunshine. Amazing Food Culture: Pintxos for the win, Things to see in Bilbao that are worth your time, Bilbao as a base to explore the Basque Country, Ultimate Basque Country Day Trip from Bilbao.
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