We have selected the best attractions in Bilbao and the surrounding area, which are worth visiting when you visit this city. Consider the most beautiful and interesting places according to tourists' reviews. We will find cozy places for an evening dinner, where you can eat delicious national cuisine. Well, by tradition, a fascinating video review.
The Spanish city of Bilbao can rival the established centers of the tourism industry. But in order to get pleasure from a visit there, you need to know the places for inspection within the boundaries of the settlement and in its environs.
Guggenheim Museum
Some people have not heard anything about such an institution, while others believe that its mentions are too frequent. But a direct inspection of the museum changes the attitude: however, one must be prepared for substantial expenses. However, even in terms of architecture, its building is brilliant. The surrounding sculpture also does not fail. But the exposure is assessed controversially. It is forbidden to take out cameras!
Fact: there are 2 official languages in Bilbao - national and Basque.
Ribera Market
The food court market is truly colorful and is one of the important attractions in Bilbao (Spain). The food here is cooked a little roughly, portions are not deprived. The market is invariably overflowing with crowds of visitors. But even in such a noisy and colorful environment, 100% will be able to find a free place. It is worth stopping by here before leaving to get food "for memory".
Playa de Plentzia
Although the Basque Country has little association with beach activities, this property is poised to revolutionize well-established beliefs. It is calm on the shore, and waves rarely appear in the sea. The village in the surrounding area looks beautiful, it is worth taking a walk along the promenade to feel the true serenity. And if walks are boring, you can look into the bars - there are a lot of them.
Basilica
For all its charm, it is unlikely to be included in the list of places that any tourist should see in one day. Climbing the hill is possible either by elevator (charge), or along the tedious route. Both to start and to end a short visit to Bilbao is hardly suitable. But within the framework of the complex excursion route of St. Jacob, they get much better impressions. The appearance of the building will reward the adventures experienced.
Plaza Moyua
The central square of Bilbaos looks beautiful and graceful. There are a lot of flower beds and a fountain. From it, as if on a plan, the "rays" of the streets depart. The convenience of visiting is also guaranteed - there is a metro station here. The architecture around Plaza Moyua is also rave reviews. It is easy to get out of here by buses, including directly to the airport. It is also nice that the road to the Guggenheim Museum is not far away. The reconstruction of the square, carried out in 1997, carefully preserved its unusual ellipsoidal shape, English and French styles of the garden landscape.
The cathedral
Acquaintance with the Cathedral of Bilbao will delight even those who dislike Christianity and related moments. The majestic imposingness of the building will immediately amaze even sophisticated travelers and connoisseurs of atypical beauties. On the approaches, one gets the impression that, due to the narrowness of the streets, it is impossible to survey the entire building. But this is a deceiving view, and at some point the view opens abruptly. It is recommended to go here for every connoisseur of Gothic architecture. The facade looks charming, but inside those familiar with the temple buildings of Europe are unlikely to find something new for themselves. 26 altars and 15 chapels, as well as 3 naves, however, look quite impressive.
Playa de Azkorri
There are no crowds of visitors on this beach. The coast is strewn with gray volcanic sand and small pebbles. The coastal strip is less than 1 kilometer long. Strong waves periodically appear in the sea. It is convenient to take pictures of the coast and the sea surface from the surrounding hills. It is worth remembering that crowds of nudists come here in the evening. The water is cold even in summer, but the beach strip is invariably clean.
Fact: double-decker buses run around the city
Maritime museum
The exposition in this museum is replete with old navigation devices and maps. The design of the exhibits meets the most stringent requirements. The building was placed as conveniently as possible. Visitors will have to learn how to independently knit sea knots, understand sea currents and understand the life of a large port. The gem of the exposition is the consular feluwa of the Basque Country - when it was independent and was at its peak, it was this vessel that was used by the Basque diplomats. Exhibitions were organized both indoors and outdoors. Some of the exhibits are dedicated to the development of shipbuilding.
Recommendation: it is worth using the services of guides to fully experience the charm of the city.
La salve bridge
Describing the sights in Bilbao, one should not forget about this bridge, extraordinary in any respect. The building is not only beautiful, but also unusual in appearance. The city panorama is more interesting here than in other places. Not everyone visits the bridge specially - it is used for travel by transport, and you can bypass it on the way to the city or back.
City University
The building looks elegant and wins the hearts of observers. The exterior and interior of the university is charming. It enchants both the central building and the estates around it.
Euskal Museoa Bilbao Basque Museum
The attraction of this place as an answer to the question of what to see in Bilbao is not only due to the lack of admission fees. The museum staff really did their best to provide a pleasant display. It harmoniously includes old photographs and examples of contemporary art. The museum has been operating in an old temple building since the beginning of the 20th century. A separate room is dedicated to the sea side of the ancient Basque life.
Schedule: Wednesday to Monday from 10 am to 7 pm.
Museum of Fine Arts
By typing the word bilbao into the search line, it is highly likely that you will get a mention of this particular cultural center. Here they have assembled an excellent collection of art objects, ranging from the Gothic era to pop art of the 1990s. Presented are Zurbaran, El Greco, Gauguin, Basque art (in a separate sector). The early funds were collected by 1908, and they have been available to visitors since 1914. Another part of the collection, collected within the framework of the Museum of Modern Art, has been replenished since 1924. The building itself looks futuristic since 2001. The total area of the exhibition halls will be over 1000 sq. M. Children under 12 years old are not charged for admission.
Fact: the old buildings outside the two blocks are almost absent, but you can enjoy the modern and even newer styles of architecture.
Casco Viejo
The old quarter eloquently shows how the Bilbao people lived in the Middle Ages. In addition to the coziness of the streets, guests will be delighted with bars and chic shops. The central part of the quarter is occupied by a block of the oldest streets, which appeared in the 15th century. Many of the landmarks mentioned in the text above or below are located here. But it is also useful to mention the Massaredo mansion, famous for its pomp, about the Exchange Palace. The listing below does not make much sense: it must be seen in person, and it is reasonable to take the whole day off to inspect the quarter.
Alondiga
A story about the sights of Bilbao with photos and descriptions would be clearly incomplete without mentioning the multifunctional cultural center. The facility opened in 2010, and until the 1970s it was a colossal wine warehouse. The modernization led by Philippe Starck changed the object from the inside beyond recognition, but from the outside it was not touched. Such an expressive contrast made it possible to achieve extraordinary impressions. It organizes exhibitions and concerts, shows fashion films and various conferences. It is also worth noting the popularity of Alondiga among the organizers of gastronomic festivals. There is a swimming pool right on the roof of the cultural complex with a transparent bottom.
Schedule of action: from 7 am to 11 pm.
Archeology museum
Its exposition will allow you to touch the distant past of the region. What are some fossils, which date back to 430 thousand years BC. You can also look at the ancient fortified settlements, at the carvings made by the Celts and Iberians, at the sculpture of the ancient Roman period. Attention was also paid to the Visigoths and other peoples who contributed to Spanish development in the Middle Ages when compiling the exposition.
Schedule: Tue-Sun from 10.00 to 14.00, from 16.00 to 19.30;
Tip: It is quite appropriate to stock up on umbrellas, raincoats and other similar items when traveling to the Basque Country. And from October to April it is worth taking warm clothes.
Doña Casilda de Iturrizar
This park often appears in the photographs of the city taken by tourists. And it is not in vain - the scenic beauty of the territory is unusually great. The green area was laid out in 1920. The highlight of the park is the pond with ducks and swans. You can combine the inspection of the territory and the acquaintance with the Museum of Fine Arts (the sequence does not matter). The total area of the park exceeds 9 hectares.
Plaza Nueva
"New Square" is a misleading name. It was opened in 1851, and then, perhaps, it lived up to its name. Now this place is distinguished, on the contrary, by the flavor of moderate antiquity. The area is densely covered with a network of tapas bars. Lovers of concerts and festivals come here. On Sunday, the square begins the period of antique trade. Outwardly, this place resembles a cozy courtyard. When the time comes for the festivities, there are lavish festivities.
Concordia station
Getting acquainted with the photos of Bilbao's attractions, it is difficult to pass by the pictures of the railway station. The facade of the building is made of forged steel plates and decorated with tiles in the spirit of Art Nouveau style. Since 1902, the appearance of the building has not changed, which adds to its charm. Departing trains carry passengers to various points in the Cantabrian region and to northern Spain. It is noteworthy that they travel along a narrow track. Inside the station, a monument and a stained-glass window showing scenes from everyday life are pleasing to the eye.
Arenal garden
The complex is located at the entrance to the Casco Viejo park. The territory is cozy, a lot of plane trees grow here, gazebos and fountains have been installed. There are also playgrounds for families with children. Concerts and performances are held on the summer stage. It is noteworthy that it was from the territory where the garden is now laid out that the development of Bilbao began in the past. In the western part of the park, you can see the towers of the church of St. Nicholas.
Advice: despite the low level of crime in Spain, you need to keep an eye on things and take other basic precautions.
Arriaga theater
Another place worth visiting even for discerning travelers. The opera has been open here since 1890. The construction was supervised by the architect Joaquin de Rucoba. Previously, he also built the city hall of Bilbao. The design concept of the building resembles the Parisian opera house. Outstanding troupes from all over the world willingly come here. The dominant part of the performances is in the evenings. The theater is closed from June 1 to August 31 inclusive.
Opening hours: from Sunday to Tuesday at 11:30 - 14:00 and 17 - 19 hours; from Wednesday to Friday at 11:30 am - 2 pm and at 5 pm - 8:30 pm.
Bidebarrieta
It is that infrequent case when the library becomes one of the key objects of visit. Its building is made in the style of French eclecticism. The total amount of funds reaches 100 thousand publications, among them there are many old texts and unique works. The common hall of the library is systematically used for concerts and temporary exhibitions.
Schedule: Tuesday to Sunday - from 10:30 to 13:30 and from 16 to 19 hours.
Excursions in Bilbao in Russian
Where to eat deliciously?
What evening after a long walk around the city without visiting a cozy establishment with delicious Spanish cuisine? We have selected the best cafes and restaurants to eat in Bilbao with traditional cooking.
- Bar Roma on Marcelino Oreja 7. Small and very colorful bar by local standards. The average bill for a meal for one person will be 12 euros. They specialize in European and Mediterranean cuisines.
- Trozo pizzeria on st. Calle Quintana 5. Delicious pizza is prepared here.
- ad hoc Cascanueces Heros 21. A restaurant with a beautiful presentation of dishes. We recommend spending the evening together, there is a particularly romantic atmosphere here.
- Small private establishment next to Plaza Espagni - Lurrina barrenkale at Barrena 16. Delicious food and great atmosphere are located in a narrow street of the Old Town.
- By the restaurant NIDOBILBAO Calle Barroeta Aldamar 3 has excellent ratings from travelers. In the reviews, many praise medium-rare meat (veal according to the Basque recipe), Sachertorte, and others. The average bill for two for a dinner is 90 euros with a bottle of local wine.
- Restaurante Trueba on Colon de Larreategui 11. One of those establishments where the interior is very simple (like a dining room), but the cooking is at the level of a masterpiece.
- El Puertito at Kalea Poza Licenciado 22. Recommended for lovers of Mediterranean cuisine. The most delicious oysters are here!
- A place for a delicious and quiet pastime with the whole family - Mugarra on Calle Ercilla 14. Suitable for dinner and lunch.
Restaurante Lurrina
