Travel
Bilbao - A Part of Heaven on Earth
Bilbao, located on Spain's northern coast, is a fantastic place to stop in if you're exploring small places in Europe. It is one of those places that seems to become more and more crowded every time you go there. Additionally, there seem to be countless fresh and forthcoming activities in Bilbao every month, making each of our vacations there completely unique.
There are two different areas in Bilbao. The Nervión River divides Bilbao into two separate regions: the left (eastern) bank, which has manufacturing and working-class neighborhoods, and the right (western) bank, which contains historic, residential and commercial, sections. The Siete Calles ("Seven Streets"), a collection of parallel streets going to the riverfront, comprise the core of Bilbao's historic district, which is located on the right bank.
The Gothic-style Cathedral of Santiago, the churches of San Antonio, the Plaza Nueva, Santos Juanes, and San Nicholas are some of the significant buildings in the old city. The contemporary extent of the city was created by the municipality's annexation of many settlements on the left side of the river around 1890. The provincial government's headquarters are located in this area, which also serves as a hub for banking and commerce. The Nervión is crossed by nine bridges that connect the ancient and modern areas of the city.
You'll like Bilbao most for that reason! Yes, it has a lovely historic district and charming atmosphere, but it also has the vitality and diversity of a new city, which makes it such a blast to explore.
This is the reason why on your next vacation to Bilbao, you should stop by some of the city's best attractions.
Look at these lovely locations in the Spanish city of Bilbao.
Explore Gaztelugatxe
You'll feel over the moon when you make up your mind to visit the stunning shoreline of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe if you need a little respite from city life.
If you'd like to view the breathtaking Bay of Biscay, it's approximately 50 minutes from Bilbao's downtown, but the journey is well worth it.
To make things simpler, reserve any Gaztelugatxe trip (from Bilbao) to take in the sights of this paradisiacal location.
There is indeed a small house on the island, which is connected to the mainland through a bridge, that served as a hermitage in the ninth or tenth centuries. You may need to descend several hundred stairs to get here, but the experience is definitely worth it.
Gaztelugatxe most recently appeared in Game of Thrones as Dragonstone (in its seventh season, from here you can relate to it more).
Most importantly, keep in mind to ring the bell three times and make a wish once you are on the island. You will undoubtedly like it and it is likely to stick in your memory for a very long time. Everyone in this place enjoys wishing and ringing the bell.
The Beautiful Guggenheim Museum
The Guggenheim Museum, which opened almost two decades ago, is not only among the top things to experience in Bilbao but also unquestionably one of the most recognizable structures in the Basque Country.
Purchase your Guggenheim Museum tickets in advance to avoid the lines. By doing so, you may avoid the hassle of waiting in line and concentrate on entering right away.
The Guggenheim is a magnificent work of architecture in addition to housing one of Europe's finest collections of contemporary art.
Sincerely, it's too lovely to pass up. No regardless of how often you go to Bilbao, you must always visit the Guggenheim Museum before you depart.
Once you arrive, be sure to look at Jeff Koons' Tulips outside and the enormous Puppy, which is prominently displayed at the entryway.
Visit Nerua Guggenheim Bilbao later on for the best meals. It is true that it is a bit more costly than the majority of restaurants in the city, but the cuisine is fantastic and definitely worth paying the extra money for. Everything here will appeal to you.
Pintxos & Txikiteo
It is impossible to deny that the majority of travelers are foodies. You'll be eager to try anything here. And you'll be happy to know that the Basque Country is among the locations where you may eat insatiably day or night.
Once you arrive, you should definitely go out for an evening of "Txikitear," which is a big activity here.
This mostly entails walking among the neighborhood bars in Bilbao and ordering a txikitos, or tiny glass of wine, along with a few pintxos. You'll leave the evening completely satisfied and maybe even a bit happy!
It's a terrific way to experience the top restaurants across the city without having to worry about hunting out or exploring hidden treasures.
Visit Casco Viejo
The charming and entirely intact seven streets that made up the medieval town itself make up Casco Viejo or Old Town. These days, it's among the activities to do while visiting Bilbao if you want to explore the ancient Basque architecture and get a glimpse of the city's past.
The historic part of Bilbao is known as Casco Viejo, and up until the 19th century, it was a fortified component of the city surrounded by walls. It is made up of Las Siete Calles, the city's seven principal streets, and the many connected tiny lanes known as cantons.
The historic district of Bilbao is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the city, in part because it is easily accessible from other parts of the city. Because of this, Casco Viejo is a logical place to stop on a city trip.
If you are a bit tired and hungry after a walk, stop by one of the charming bars for a plateful of pintxos. Though it is a fairly basic way of describing them, they are somewhat similar to tapas but more bready.
Make a thorough strategy for the Bilbao trip to make things easier. In addition to being able to explore the whole city, you'll also get to view its most famous landmarks.
The El Ensanche Neighborhood
The center of Bilbao is the El Ensanche, which is also an excellent area to go for a snack as well as some buying stuff.
As you stroll through this neighborhood, you will come across a lot of pubs and eateries on the side streets that branch off of Gran Via Don Diego Lopez de Haro. You won't need to recall the long term since it is simply referred to as the Gran Via locally.
Make sure to reserve a seat at La Vina del Ensanche for a special flavored menu whenever you arrive. The fish fillet they roast is amazing!
The Arriaga Theatre
The Ensanche Neighborhood and Casco Viejo are connected by a bridge that is just adjacent to the Arriaga Theatre. The theatre, which is the earliest in the area, bears the name Juan Crisostomo Arriaga after the 'Spanish Mozart'. He was a local composer who passed away at the age of 19.
It still has the original nineteenth furnishings and fixtures, giving you the impression that you have traveled back in time. Since it is still in use today, you need to visit and experience the local way of life.
The La Ribera Market
The biggest enclosed market in Europe is located in the southern part of the old town and is called Market La Ribera. The market has been operating here since the fourteenth century, albeit the current structure was only constructed in 1929.
Its strategic position on the Nervión River has allowed it to bear witness to centuries of history. The 7 streets of the Casco Viejo neighborhood, which is next to the market, have maintained its vibrant medieval energy, but the neighboring Atxuri station and the bourgeois houses on the other side serve as a reminder of the city's industrial expansion in the nineteenth century.
The idea of a municipal market has received fresh life thanks to the La Ribera Market. From the summer of 2015, it has contained a food court with a variety of eating choices, allowing visitors to the market to do more than just go shopping.
Visit one of the several vendors that are housed at this market if you wish to experience the local food (Honestly, you should feast here during lunch). You'll be filled when you leave.
The Fine Arts Museum
One of Spain's greatest museums, the Bellas Artes Museum of Fine Arts, is unquestionably among the top things to do in Bilbao for art lovers.
It will take you time to view everything with a reasonably sizable collection of more than 10,000 works of art. So, prioritize accordingly and ensure that you concentrate on the primary galleries you would really like to explore by doing your study.
After seeing the museum, proceed towards Dona Casilda Park to get hungry before visiting Batzoki de Abando.
The restaurant is close to the museum and offers a wide variety of regional Txakoli and regional wines. Even better, the costs are reasonable.
Explore the Alhondiga
Another one of Bilbao's most recognizable structures is the Alhondiga. It was formerly a warehouse of wine but is now a place for seeing exhibitions, viewing plays, or simply relaxing over lunch.
If you're in the mood for something to eat, stop by Yandiola, which uses only the freshest local ingredients in all of its meals. It's a delicious voyage through Basque cuisine.
The Alhondiga Bilbao after being renovated has evolved into a multifaceted recreational and cultural hub. The outside of the building remains the same, but within, there are huge surprises that give it an incandescent aspect. It provides a brief indication of the intervention that has taken place.
It demonstrates how the area has been split by the construction of several brick structures that are each supported by massive columns that are unique in their designs, colors, and materials. There are places in space where you may spend time which are cultural, shopping, and eating. On the top level, there is a pool, a gym, and something really peculiar. Via a window, you can see the figures of the bathers at the bottom of the pool. It's strongly suggested that you visit this location if you're in Bilbao.
The Aste Nagusia
The largest event in Bilbao, the Aste Nagusia (which means Big Week Festival), lasts a staggering 9 days towards the of August.
It's among the greatest (and most enjoyable) occasions to visit Bilbao since it celebrates everything Basque. Sincerely, there is something for everyone to enjoy, including shows, activities for kids, and large fireworks displays.
Keep an eye out for the rocket that signals the start of the event (it is fired by the selected txupinera). Every year, it may be seen from the Teatro Arriaga's balcony. And most importantly, don't forget to play Badator Marijaia—it's the festival's most well-known song!
The Lookout at Artxanda
One of the greatest spots for views of Bilbao is a hillside known as The Lookout of Artxanda, which rises above the city.
You will get to know during your visit that Bilbao is frequently referred to as a "botxo" (hole in English) by locals. It is said to be due to the city's location between hills (surrounded by mountains), with Artxanda's overlook being one of the greatest sites to see this.
You may ride a funicular train from Funicular Square or walk to the summit. Particularly around dusk, it's a nice spot to escape the frenetic and chaotic daily life.
The Basilica of Begona
One of the nicest activities to do when visiting Bilbao is to explore some of its gorgeous structures, such as the Basilica of Begona, which is tucked away in the hills that overlook the city. The basilica itself really took more than a century to build (back in the 16th century), but the wait was worthwhile since the building is beautiful.
Schedule your visit for either August 15th or the eleventh of October to catch one of the important festivals celebrating the Virgin of Begona throughout the year.
Conclusion
Bilbao is certainly a part of heaven on earth. One of the best yet least visited city getaways in Spain is Bilbao. The biggest city in the Basque Country, Bilbao, is packed with attractions to see and experience and has a distinctive personality.
The Nervión, a tidewater river, borders Bilbao. Little green hills surround Biblao, providing a magnificent background for this city's scenery. You can't help but fall in love with Bilbao for its top-notch museums, mouthwatering cuisine, interesting history, and welcoming people, to name just a few.
The Basque people's old culture and language, which have tenaciously endured for thousands of years and are now wholly distinct from any contemporary culture in Europe, may be experienced in Bilbao, which is perhaps the greatest venue in the world to do so. Why then do you still think? Put Bilbao on your list of "Must Visit Small Places." You will cherish the experience of visiting this lovely city for the rest of your life.