Bilbao Bliss: Unveiling the Best of Spain's Hidden Gem for Culture, Cuisine, and Adventure

BILBAO

43.2630° N, 2.9350° W

Bilbao Wow! What a beautiful city in this Basque landscape of Northern Spain….. Kevin and I spent two days in this riverside city but, I really wish we had planned more time here because there’s so much to see and do! Our flight from Paris to Bilbao gave us a hint of what beauty this city has to offer —- I loved looking out of the plane onto the green rolling mountainsides as we descended into Bilbao.

Bilbao is the largest city in the province of Biscay and in the Basque Country. It’s quietly nestled in the middle of lush green mountains. It is the perfect destination to enjoy city life one day, take a hike up Mount Artxanda the next, and if time permits, spend the next day beachside in San Sebastian - a one hour train ride!

If you like walking, this city easily fits the bill. The walk along this Nervión river is the perfect starting point to orient yourself with what Bilbao has to offer — and that’s just what we did on Day 1…..

We called the Gran Domine Hotel our home for the two nights. We couldn’t have asked for a better location as it was right across the street from the Frank Gehry designed Guggenheim Museum Bilbao. The titanium shell of the Guggenheim is quite dramatic as it shimmers in the sunlight at various points of the day. It seemed to change colors as the sun rose in the morning and set in the evening. And, right outside our window was Bilbao’s Mascot — “Puppy”….. sadly, it was cloaked in scaffolding as it was being replanted.

Puppy - as it was receiving a new coat of flowers……. Good excuse to return to this fun city and see her in all her glory!

Our view of Guggenheim Museum Bilbao - a precursor to seeing this landmark in detail…. We had a great lunch at Nerua, the Guggenheim’s Michelin-starred restaurant. The menu is full of creative takes on fresh local ingredients.

After we spent time inside the Guggenheim and our lunch at Nerua, we ventured outside the museum where you’ll find Bilbao’s Art District, home to world-famous artworks such as Louise Bourgeois’ Maman spider sculpture, Jeff Koons’ Puppy and Anish Kapoor’s Tall Tree and the Eye….. the “fog” that envelops around it is pretty cool. This “garden” of artwork looks out on the Nervion River and and the mural embellished riverbank on the opposite side.

Bilbao was a nice break from the bustling busy streets of Paris. The city has a quiet ease to it and we quickly settled into a more relaxed pace which was wonderful because it gave us time to absorb the sights.

Aside from the Guggenheim, Bilbao has so many architectural sights that catch your eye at every turn —- from the Zubizuri bridge to the Azkuna Zentroa Community Center to the San Mamés Futbol stadium (affectionately called, The Cathedral). And, there are sculptures and murals sprinkled throughout the city.

San Mamés Futbol Stadium is the home to futbol team, Athletic Bilbao. It’s the 7th-largest stadium in Spain and the largest in the Basque Country!

This is a city to take your time absorbing — perhaps as you enjoy a variety of tasty Pintxos in Mercado de La Ribera. Which is exactly what we did on Day. But first, Casco Viejo! We suggest beginning your day here before things close for midday siesta. Casco Viejo is the medieval area of Bilbao, which used to be the fortified part of the city protected by walls until the 19th century. It is composed by Las Siete Calles, the seven main streets, and many narrow alleys called cantons that connect them. Things to see in this area are the Plaza Nueva — good spot to stop and sample some local wines at the taverns (also another spot to sample pintxos). The main building in the square used to be the seat of the Biscay government, which was the historical province of Bilbao. You’ll also see Euskaltzaindia, the Basque language Royal Academy - once a “newer” palace built in 1890. There’s also a flea market that takes place here each Sunday morning, selling a menagerie of items — anything from old books and coins to flowers and even birds!

Kevin sampling a local white wine as we rested our feet from a morning of exploring Plaza Nueva and the Casco Viejo neighborhood.

At very bend of the Nervion River, there’s a view of the amazing bridges that dot the Bilbao landscape. For many years, Bilbao’s most iconic bridge appeared on street maps as the Príncipes de España bridge however, most people refer to it as La Salve Bridge. It’s positioned on the curve of the river where sailors returning to port would catch first glimpse of the Basilica of Our Lady of Begoña and would say a salve, or a prayer, to the Virgin Mary. Today it is also informally known as the Guggenheim Bridge, as part of the museum was built right under it to connect to a tower standing on the other side, merging the bridge’s structure into the museum’s and thus becoming the most photographed bridge in Bilbao. It’s beautiful!

Be sure to see La Salve Bridge at night as well….. the sides of the bridge put one an amazing light display in the evening.

Evening strollers along the Nervión River and Zubizuri bridge lit up at night…..

Bilbao has a big Wow! factor —- we suggest you give it more than the 48 hours we gave it. We can’t wait to return —- let us know if you make a trip there yourself. Happy Travels!