G bilbao spain. What is worth seeing in Bilbao? Cathedral of Saint James
The city life of Bilbao is distinguished by a well-developed culture, energy, which are combined with civilization and tranquility. Bilbao is considered the most populated and largest city in the Basque Country. It is located on the banks of the Nervion River. The evergreen hills of the province of Vizcaya surround Bilbao beautifully. Today Bilbao is considered a treasure of modern architecture. Recently, an airport, metro and glass bridge have been built in the city. At the end of last year, Bilbao became a major industrial center, like. The city is rich in various sights that deserve attention.
We get to Bilbao
Bilbao Airport is located near the settlement of Sondika. To get from Russia to this exotic city, you need to purchase a ticket for an Iberia flight, while a transfer is made in Madrid. In some cases, they offer to fly to Barcelona, then take a bus or train to Bilbao. And they regularly carry out route flights. B - tourists ask. There are also attractions there, read a special article about this.
Renfe trains leave from Abando Railway Station. The station is located on the other side of the river from Casco Viejo and Plaza Arriaga. From this station, trains leave twice every day to Barcelona or Madrid. In the same way, you can reach Valladolid and Burgos. Another train station has a pretty Art Nouveau façade - Concordia. It is often used by a private rail company that transports tourists from western Bilbao.
From the city center in the southwest direction there is the Termibus bus station. In the same place there is a railway station, where Eusko Tran trains and Renfe trains arrive. Thanks to such a developed transport network, it is very easy to get to Bilbao. You just need to book tickets in advance and choose the most correct route.
What to see in Bilbao
The city's main attraction is the Guggenheim Museum, which houses rich collections of art dating back to the twentieth century. On the western side of the museum, you can see the warehouses of the Abandaibarra district and the old docks, all of which are actively being rebuilt. In addition, here you can walk around the new shopping center Zubiarte, as well as admire the exhibits in the Fine Arts Museum and the Martimoria de Bilbao Museum, or visit the Doña Casilda Iturris Park. There is a stadium next to these cultural sites.
The old town, called Casco Viejo, lies on the east side of Bilbao. The most interesting places are the luxurious mansions in the Neguri area, the city hall, the Church of San Anton, the Basilica of the Catedral de Santiago, the Arriaga theater, the old streets of El Arenal. Of particular note is the Euskal-Museo-Bilbao Museum of Art, which is considered part of the ancient monastery of San Andres.
Leaving the Old Town, it is worth visiting the old Art Nouveau Mercado de la Ribera market, located on the banks of the river. Here you can buy fresh seafood. By the way, this market is one of the largest European indoor markets, and one of the most interesting.
White bridge
The Subisuri White Bridge was designed by the architect Santiago Calatrava. This bridge is considered one of the unique landmarks of Bilbao. The structure of the bridge is built with glass tiles, each of which costs quite a lot of money. This pedestrian suspension bridge is designed to connect the Guggenheim Museum and the banks of the Nervion River. The structure is especially impressive at night, as the glass surfaces of the museum reflect the white color of the bridge. It is necessary to be careful during rains, as the surface of the bridge becomes glassy at this time. For the sake of safety, it was covered with a black non-slip path.
Funicular de Artxanda
A breathtaking view of Bilbao opens from the funicular, a trip on this structure is carried out in just three minutes. The funicular takes passengers to the top of Artaxand and the departure station is at a place called the Plaza Funicular, which is on the north side. This pleasant walk allows you to see the path that connects the Guggenheim Museum and the Paseo del Arenal. In addition, the funicular can be reached from different parts of the city. And it's worth it, because a three-minute trip allows you to see the unique landscape of the entire city, as well as to capture it on a camera.
Prices in Bilbao
The most important street in Bilbao is Gran Via, where various designer shops, boutiques and shopping centers are located. Here are products from MaxMara and Gucci, as well as other equally popular brands. Casco Vieio has various small shops selling traditional local products. Alternatively, you can go to La Cruz, Correo, Somero, Artekale, Calle Askao and Bidebarrieta. Be aware that many local shops are closed on Sundays.
One of the best places for tourists is the Mercado market, because various souvenirs and interesting gifts are sold here at a reasonable cost. This market is located just a couple of kilometers from the city center. Visitors are faced with a selection of interesting handicraft products and all kinds of souvenirs. The Mercado market offers real antiques, as well as authentic national Bilbao jewelry. The Mercado Market is one of the city's most interesting attractions. Therefore, they often come here not only for shopping, but also just for a walk. At the same time, the prices for various accessories and clothes are quite reasonable, so it is worth going here for an exciting shopping.
Entertainment and nightlife in Bilbao
There are many nightclubs, shops and beaches in Bilbao. The hospitable city will make you spend every day unforgettable. The nightlife in this resort area never sleeps. The most popular swimming place is Playa de Ascorri beach. There are remote areas on the beach that are conducive to a good family vacation. The beach area is equipped with beach and sports equipment, in addition, you can rent cozy accommodation here. And children can spend time in special play areas and playgrounds. Young people in the evening go to local discos and cafes.
Bilbao has a rock star Elvis Presley nightclub, a place not to be missed. Famous rock musicians perform in this club quite often. In addition, the club is attractive to fans of national cuisine. But the Cotton club is designed for dancing and modern music; guests can have fun here until the early morning. Juantxu Bar invites its visitors to spend their time until late at night. It is quite inexpensive for large companies to have fun and listen to their favorite music. A progressive style of music can be heard at the Caos Club, which has a prestigious club, an energetic disco and a stylish bar.
The city of Bilbao, or Bilbo (Bilbao, Bilbo) is the largest settlement and administrative center of the province of Vizcaya, as well as one of the largest ports in the country. The city is located 30 km from the coast, at the mouth of the Nervion River, but its suburbs and port area overlook the Bay of Biscay. In ancient times, a fishing settlement was located on the site of Bilbao, but the modern city was founded on June 15, 1300 by Don Diego Lopez de Aro, ruler of Vizcaya. Rich and modern, with an attractive business center surrounded by dark slums and smoky factories, Bilbao is now in the process of rebuilding from the real collapse of its traditional industry that marked the end of the 20th century. Suddenly unprofitable, famous steel mills and shipyards are actively being rebuilt into conference centers and luxury condominiums, freight stations are being planted with trees, and the chaos of coastal docks and warehouses is turning into boulevards and shopping centers. The new metro, airport and celebrations of the seven hundredth anniversary of the founding of Bilbao (2000) have given a new impetus to the development of the city, which, combined with the well-known friendliness of the Basques, promises to turn it into one of the best tourist centers on the northern coast of Spain in the near future.
Bilbao's main attraction is the famous www.guggenheim-bilbao.es Guggenheim Museum (Museo Guggenheim de Arte Contemporaneo, the largest collection of the Solomon Guggenheim Foundation). Dominating the marina across from Deusto University, the building was originally designed by Frank Gary in 1997 and now houses the richest collection of 20th century art. The museum is open from Thursday to Sunday (also on Mondays in July and August) from 10.00 to 20.00, the entrance ticket costs 10.5 euros, special exhibitions - 12.5 euros, for children under 12 years old admission is free. To the west of the museum lie the vast areas of the old docks and warehouses of the Abandaibarra area, which are also being actively rebuilt in accordance with the new concept. Here you can already visit the new Zubiarte shopping center, www.museobilbao.com Museum of Fine Arts, Doña Casilda Iturrizar Park and the nearby stadium, the Maritimo de Bilbao Museum (an impressive collection dedicated to the history of the port and shipping), as well as the latest shipyard of the city, rebuilt into the modernist Euskalduna convention center.
Casco Viejo (Old Town) lies on the eastern bank of the river and has preserved the most important elements of the historical heritage of Bilbao - the city hall, the pompous mansions of the Neguri district, the Gothic Basilica of the Catedral de Santiago (15th century), the graceful arcades of Plaza Nueva, the Church of San -Anton (17th century), the old district of El Arenal, the Church of San Vicente (15th-17th centuries) with its picturesque garden and the statue of the Virgin Mary, the Arriaga theater opposite the old train station and the same old cafe La Concordia on a picturesque street Navarre. The art museum Euskal-Museo-Bilbao (Museo-Basco, an extensive collection of Basque archeology, ethnology and history), located in the complex of the old monastery of San Andres in Piazza Michel de Unamuno, enjoys a well-deserved fame. Part of his collection was taken out in 2007 in a separate collection of the new Museum of Archeology of Biscayan, located in the building of the old train station in Lesam. On the way out of Casco Viejo, you should definitely visit the old Art Nouveau Mercado de la Ribera market on the banks of the river, which offers the best (and freshest!) Seafood and is considered one of the largest covered markets in Europe. In Casco Viejo, there are many bars, cafes and restaurants, which are open, which is rare in Spain, until 2.00-2.30.
If you cross the river on the Zubizuri bridge and walk three blocks to the Plaza Funicular, where the Archanda cable car (1931) starts, you can climb to the top of the mountain (770 m), from where you can enjoy a beautiful view of the city, the airport and Ocean. You can go down already on foot, passing through picturesque suburbs, where the luxury of old mansions is combined with the invention of poor townspeople who decorate their houses in a very unusual way. The old quarter of Getxo (Guetxo) lies at the mouth of the Nervion and can show guests the many palaces and luxurious mansions built by the wealthy inhabitants of Bilbao in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as well as the bridge, erected by the Eiffel and connecting Getxo with the Portuguese working district.
15 km from the center of Bilbao to the north lies the popular beach area of the Sopelana area (there is also a "wild" beach, and in the Playa de Ametara area there is a nudist area). 30 km southeast of Bilbao, the lands of the Urquiola Natural Park begin, covering the slopes of the green Durangesado mountain range (the highest point is Mount Amboto, 1330 m).
- my previous story was dedicated. Today we will take a walk around the city and see what else is interesting here.
Bilbao is a rather curious city in terms of architecture. It is quite homogeneous and for the most part consists of 4-6 storey buildings, various in design and color scheme. There are almost no old things left here, but there are many pretty buildings of the Art Nouveau era. I would say that this is a typical modern Spanish city, the brainchild of the 19-20th centuries (with a few splashes of earlier centuries).
Examples of buildings:
The inhabitants of Bilbao decided to compensate for the lack of antiquity with ultra-modern structures, for the creation of which they called upon world-famous architects and provided them with a city for the most daring experiments. The Guggenheim Museum found itself in a dignified environment.
The tallest building in Bilbao - Iberdrola Tower, built in 2012 - the brainchild of Argentine architect Cesar Pelli
The left-bank part of the city has acquired a somewhat monstrous appearance, while the right one has remained within the framework of traditions. Two faces of Bilbao: one facing the future and one frozen in the past (not too long ago, by the way) - are connected by bridges.
The bridges deserve a special mention. One of them - the Salve Bridge - approaches the Guggenheim Museum and practically makes up a single composition with the museum (along with Louise Bourget's Spider-Mama). It looks powerful and victorious, but for some reason does not at all cause a desire to walk over it.
Salve Bridge
The bridge to the left of it (to the left, if you stand near the Guggenheim Museum) looks much lighter and leads to a symmetrical light building that looks like a palace, but in fact is the University of Deusto, founded in 1882 by the Jesuit society. Do not be confused by the word "Jesuits": Deusto is one of the most prestigious educational institutions in Spain, where, in addition to the humanities, natural and technical sciences are studied.
Deusto University Bilbao
The bridge to the right of the Salve Bridge looks even more attractive, and we crossed it to the right bank. This bridge is called Subisuri ("white bridge" in Basque), and anyone who has met the works of Santiago Calatrava before, at the first glance at the bridge, will guess the name of its creator.
Subisuri bridge
Indeed, the White Bridge was built by Calatrava - in 1997, at the same time as the Guggenheim Museum. Very similar to the bridge over the Guadalquivir.
We cross the river and find ourselves on a shady plane tree alley. Peaceful landscape, downright provincial.
The right bank, left by us, looks quite differently. On the other side of Subisuri, the twin towers of Japanese architect Isozaki Atea (2007) rise.
How cute it looks like a bum resting serenely under the shade of plane trees against the backdrop of skyscrapers!
Kayaks and larger vessels glide along the river. By the way, the Nervion River within the city limits its name and is called the Bilbao River (Rio de Bilbao).
And we come to a very remarkable building - the local city hall, or, in Spanish, Ayuntamiento. In my opinion, a very beautiful building. It is also called the Consistory House.
Consistory house
Opposite it stands an intricate cattail - the work of the Basque sculptor Eduardo Celido.
Ernesto Erkorek Square in front of the City Hall is a very busy place. From it begins the Esperanza street, which leads us to the Old Town of Bilbao, or Casco Viejo.
In front of the entrance to Casco Viejo, the Cathedral of San Nicolas rises. Unfortunately, when we were there, restoration work was carried out, and the facade of the cathedral was closed.
Behind the Cathedral of San Nicolas, surrounded by closed rows of houses, is the large Plaza Nuova (or Burria).
You can climb the stairs between the houses to the observation deck, to the park, and on the way to look into the Archaeological Museum.
One block away from Unomuno Square is the Cathedral of St. John: the Baptist and Theologian.
The Basque Museum is adjacent to the Cathedral of St. John.
“Old town” in Bilbao is a relative term. Most of the buildings here are from the late 19th century. Bilbao was extensively destroyed during the wars of the 19th century. It was also bombed by the Francoists during the civil war. So the "Old Town" is not much different from the neighboring districts of Bilbao. There are a little more loitering people, a little more shops and cafes. But the difference is not fundamental. This area is also called "Las Siete Calles" - "Seven Streets" as it is lined with seven short narrow parallel streets.
Dog Fountain
In the opening of the street you can see the Cathedral of St. James.
The Cathedral of St. James, or Santiago, is quite traditional. One of the variants of the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostella passes through Bilbao.
Entrance to the Cathedral
Nice square in front of the cathedral
Either on the occasion of Saturday, or it is always the case here, the streets of the Old Town were filled with dining companies.
Some of the companies were very personable. So, on one of the streets at a long table sat a group of different ages in black T-shirts and blue neckerchiefs.
We also decided to have lunch. Before that, I read that local restaurants often lack a “del dia menu” - a set menu that is ubiquitous in Spain. Nevertheless, almost in the very first restaurant we stumbled upon the "dia del menu" and decided to stop at this restaurant.
The portions brought were unusually modest, nevertheless, the food was very tasty, and we left the restaurant with the usual feeling of excess of what we had eaten.
Squid in own ink
Eggplant stuffed with fish
After walking through the Old Town, we came to one of the most impressive buildings in Bilbao - the Arriaga Theater. Its creator is the architect Joaquin Rucoba (the Consistory House is also his work).
On the embankment near the Arryaga theater, we found a large crowd of people: whether it was a holiday or a sporting event, a theatrical performance or a game - we still did not understand. The mood was positive.
And we crossed the river on another bridge del Arenal
and went to the railway station, which also turned out to be an interesting structure, somehow light, not vain, moreover, atypical for a station, clean and without suspicious personalities.
On the second floor of the station there is such a stained-glass window with a head.
There is a supermarket and a free toilet at the station.
Trains leaving into the distance:
The main street of the left bank of Bilbao, Gran Via del Diego Ara, begins behind the station.
The most representative building on it is the House of the Diputation of Vizcaya. They say that its interiors are luxurious, especially the interiors of the Throne Hall.
Moyua Square with a fountain. 8 streets approach the square.
On the square - another congestion of human masses. At first we thought they were Basque separatists. But no, this is a demonstration in defense of the bulls and against the conduct of bullfights.
The magnificent Chavarri Palace is the work of the Belgian architect Paul Hankar.
Modern sculpture
Elegant facade
Piazza del Museo is surrounded by buildings of different styles.
Not far from it is the Museum of Fine Arts. A large park begins behind the museum. We didn't have enough time for fine art, although I think I would have enjoyed it more than the Guggenheim Museum.
This was the end of our walk in Bilbao. I must mention that 15 km downstream along the Nervion River, in Portugalete, there is another attraction, which is also included in the UNESCO cultural heritage list. This attraction is very non-trivial. This is the so-called Biscay Bridge, which is a "flying ferry" that moves people and cars from one bank to another. Since there is a large port in Bilbao, the builders were faced with the task of organizing a crossing that would not interfere with the passage of ships. From Bilbao to Portugalete can be reached by metro (there is a metro in Bilbao, consisting of 2 lines). Also on the metro in 30-40 minutes you can get to the ocean beaches.
After visiting Bilbao, I had the feeling that the city was simply “empty”. In addition to the Guggenheim Museum - a controversial attraction - there is nothing in the city that would greatly admire, surprise, interest me. However, once in the Basque Country, it would be wrong to bypass Bilbao and leave a feeling of neglect. However, with the passage of time, Bilbao is remembered with sympathy.
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Nervion. To swim in the sea or sunbathe on the sandy beach, you will have to leave Bilbao. I am glad that a considerable number of beaches are scattered around the city, and it is not at all difficult to get to them.
1.Las Arenas
Probably the closest beach to the city, popular with tourists and locals. Located just 13 km from Bilbao, in the town of Getxo. There is a sailing club on the beach with its own sailing school. Windsurfing and canoeing are also offered.
The famous Biscay Bridge is located next to the beach; locals call it the "suspension bridge". This large-scale structure over the Nervion River was designed by the Basque architect Alberto de Palacio, one of the students of the famous Gustave Eiffel. He was tasked with connecting the shores of the city of Portugalete and Las Arenas (part of the city of Getxo) so that large ships could freely pass along the river. In 1893, a bridge 45 meters high and more than 160 meters long appeared over the river. The bridge is active. Its towers have lifts on both sides that take people to the pedestrian part of the bridge. There is also a suspended gondola that transports 6 cars and several dozen people from one coast to another at a time.
- How to get there: by metro, line L1, to Areeta station
2. Arrigunaga
Beach in the town of the same name, in the Getxo Municipality. Its length is 630 m, it is located at the foot of the cliff. The locals love this beach, and the water is always calm here. On the beach you can go surfing, sailing, canoeing, jet skiing or flying a kite.
- How to get there: by metro on line L1 to Bidezabal station
3.Plentzia
Beach 26 km from Bilbao, in a picturesque bay. It bears the name of the resort of the same name and the river, near the mouth of which it is located. The 325 m long sandy shore gradually turns into a pine grove. Here you can take surf lessons or rent surf equipment.
A beach holiday can be combined with a trip to the medieval castle of Boutron. It was built in the 11th century and is now available after significant reconstruction. The castle is surrounded by a moat, and there is a park with tall trees and exotic plants nearby.
4.Gorliz
Gorliz is located just behind Plentzia Beach. Along the sandy zone there is an 840 m long embankment, which is perfect for walking. There is a lighthouse at the very end of the promenade. There are recreation areas around the beach, with tables and benches, barbecue areas. One of the great advantages of this beach is that you can come here with dogs.
- How to get there: by metro, line L1, final station - Plentzia
5. Laida
The beach is away from tourist spots, for which the locals are especially fond of it. The entrance to the sea is very convenient and suitable for families with children. There is a school for beginner surfers. And for professionals, the ASP World Tour championship is regularly held.
The sandy shore of the beach is part of the Urdabay Nature Reserve. Nearby is the charming town of Mundaka, with medieval fishing houses traditionally facing the sea.
- How to get there: by train to Lurgorri (Gernika) station or by bus to Lurgorri (Juan Calzada) stop. Then go to the Lurgorri (Iparragirre) bus stop, take the A3526 bus and go to the Laida (Hondartza / Playa) stop.
6.Laga
This beach is located near the previous one, 3.5 km from the town of Mundaka. It is located in a bay, surrounded by rocks and is also part of the Urdabay reserve. So the air is perfectly clean here.
- How to get there: by train to the station Lurgorri (Gernika). Go to the Lurgorri bus stop (Iparragirre), take the A3526 bus and go to the Laga stop
7.Sopelana
On the territory of the village of Sopelana there are two beaches at once.
Barinatxe is a beach with strong winds and waves, ideal for experienced surfers, kitesurfing and paragliding. There is also a nudist beach that occupies the western part of the territory.
Arriatera-Atxabiribil is a very unpredictable beach. It is calm and quiet at low tide, but when the tide comes, it can be very dangerous. Numerous sports competitions are held here.
- How to get there: by metro, line L1, to the Larrabasterra or Sopela stops, after which you will need to walk a little.
8.Gorrondatxe-Aizkorri
One of the quietest beaches in the vicinity of Bilbao. The owner of beautiful sand dunes. There are all amenities and a playground for children. The sand is dark, of volcanic origin.
- How to get there: by metro, line L1, to the Berango station, then walk a little.
9.Bakio
A kilometer long beach near the fishing town of the same name. It has the status of "eco-beach". Surfers of different levels spend a lot of time here. Beach volleyball competitions are also organized.
- How to get there: by bus A3518, to the Bentalde stop
Not far from the beach there is a picturesque place - Gaztelugatxe Island. It was formed as a result of a volcanic eruption and is connected to the land by a long stone bridge. The island is good for walking. At its highest point there is a chapel where you can relax or have a picnic.
- How to get to the island: find the Bentalde stop in the city of Bakio, take the A3524 bus and go to the Gaztelu Begi stop
10.Isuntza
Beach 54 km from Bilbao, in the town of Lekeitio. There is a promenade along the sandy coastline. The beach is well equipped with changing rooms, showers and toilets, bicycle parking and lifeguards on duty.
From the coast there is a beautiful view of the island of San Nicolas. During low tide, it can be reached on foot along the breakwater. By the way, it is this island that protects the harbor and the beach from severe storms.
- How to get there: By bus А3512, А3523 or А3513, go to Larrotegi stop
The city owes its foundation to Don Diego Lopez V de Aro, who in mid-June 1300 undertook the transformation of a fishing village into a settlement favorable for trade. Bilbao was not involved in the internecine Spanish battles, but suffered from the wars with France. During civil clashes with the Carlists, the city was sieged, but gave the enemy a worthy rebuff, forcing him to retreat. The second Carlist war temporarily deprived the local residents of support from the sea, but this time the enemy was defeated, leaving their positions after many days of battle. All subsequent attempts by the Carlists to capture Bilbao ended in failure.
The city's entrenched position as a prosperous trading point prompted the British to build a harbor, but the outbreak of the Carlist uprising in 1874 prevented these plans from being realized.
Weather and climate
Sunny days in the city are rare even for local residents, so tourists should take care of umbrellas and long-sleeved clothes. Otherwise, long walks through the streets of Bilbao will end on the first day along with heavy rain. In addition to frequent precipitation, the mild climate of the area will not bring unpleasant surprises.
What is the right time of the year to travel? It depends on what tourists expect from their time in Bilbao.
Residents of the city will unanimously tell you that winter is not the best time for tourism. The temperature does not rise above +12 ° С. The daily cold rains and chilly winds make Bilbao an unsuitable travel destination. But if such weather does not oppress tourists, then the city will be able to please with numerous museums and unique exhibitions.
Spring in Bilbao
This season the weather conditions are not much better than the winter ones. Only by the end of May the temperature rises to +18 ° С. Precipitation is still as frequent as it was before: in Bilbao, there is no escape from it.
Travelers who want to see the city from all angles should choose this particular time of the year. The average temperature is favorable for excursions and walks (on average up to + 25 ° C). It rains less often, but an umbrella still does not hurt. Surfers will be able to ride the waves of the Bay of Biscay, while the rest of the tourists will prefer to take a seat on the sandy beach and soak up the sun.
The period from June to October is considered a high tourist season, but sometimes even at this time the streets are not crowded with curious travelers. The winter months together with November attract a small number of tourists.
Attractions Bilbao
Although Spain is known primarily for its other resorts and tourist cities, there is a lot to see in Bilbao too! Museums, churches, palaces, parks - all this is scattered over the area of the city, attracting tourists from all over the world. If you are limited in time, select the most striking sights of the city in advance, so that in the future you will not waste time on “Ok Google” commands, but enjoy a walk around Bilbao.
Museums
First of all, tourists go to museums, wanting to touch the beauty. In this case, the Guggenheim Museum is the perfect choice. Despite the fact that its appearance resembles an alien building made of titanium and glass, the museum is still dedicated to contemporary art of earthlings. In addition to permanent exhibitions, the museum often opens temporary exhibitions. They showcase other collections of the Guggenheim, which include cult works by artists of the 20th and 21st centuries. Approximately 10,500 m² of the museum is dedicated to 19 galleries, so get ready for a tiring but informative excursion.
If you see the Avenida Abandoibarra sign on the building in front of you, be sure to walk from it to the Guggenheim Museum, which is one of the most visited in Spain. You can get there by bus (routes No. 01, 10, 11, 13, 27), by metro to Moyúa station, or by tram to Guggenheim stop.
The museum is open from 10:00 to 20:00, but is closed on Mondays (except January 2, April 10 and 17, May 1, all Mondays in July and August, September 4 and 11, December 4). Holidays - Christmas (December 25) and New Year (January 1). The day before, the museum closes at 17:00. The ticket price reaches 16 EUR for adults and 9 EUR - for young people up to 26 years old. Children under 12 years old can visit the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao free of charge.
The Museum of Fine Arts is equally popular. More than 6 thousand works of the XII-XXI centuries have been collected under its roof. Among them are engravings, paintings, decorative elements, sculptures. Sometimes tourists have a unique chance to visit temporary exhibitions of foreign artists, join film screenings, lectures and other educational events.
You can find this museum at the address: Museo Plaza, 2. Fortunately, it is located near the developed infrastructure of Bilbao, so tourists can get to this place by bus (routes No. 01, 10, 13, 18, 26) or by metro, getting off at the Moyúa station.
The Museum of Fine Arts is open from 10:00 to 20:00 on all days except Tuesday, when it is completely closed. Holidays - December 25, January 1 and 6. On December 24 and 31, the museum is open from 10:00 to 14:00. The ticket price reaches 9 EUR for adults; 7 EUR - for students, groups of 15 people, people under 25 and pensioners over 65; 4.50 EUR - for large families. Children under 12 years old can visit the museum for free. The unemployed also do not pay for the ticket.
The Basque Museum is recommended to all tourists who are exploring the culture of the Basque people. This place is a complete collection of exhibits telling about the life and traditions of the Basques. The museum is also interesting in that it occupies an unremarkable sand-colored building, where the Jesuit religious school was formerly located.
The Basque Museum is located at Plaza Miguel de Unamuno, 4. By bus (routes No. 03, 11, 22, 26, 30) or by metro to Casco Viejo station, a tourist can touch the history of the Basque people and feel their uniqueness. On Monday and Wednesday to Saturday, the museum is open from 10:00 to 19:00. On Sunday, it closes five hours earlier, and on Tuesday it does not work at all. Holidays - January 1 and 6, March 19, May 1, July 25 and 31, August 15, October 12, November 1, December 24-25 and 31.
The ticket price reaches 3 EUR for adults, 1.50 EUR - for students and groups of 10 people. Children under 12 years old, seniors over 65 years old, as well as people with disabilities, visit the museum for free. On Thursday, the opportunity to visit the Basque Museum is available for free to everyone, without exception.
In Bilbao, no less interesting are the bullfighting museum, the Fine Art Museum, the Maritime Museum and the Museum of Church Art.
Churches, cathedrals and basilicas
The Gothic style is reflected in numerous religious buildings in Bilbao. Among them is the Church of St. Anthony, which was built in 1422 on the ruins of the city fortress and until the 19th century served as a burial vault. The interior decoration of the church combines several styles. Thus, the gallery is made in the spirit of the Renaissance, and the tower is in the Baroque style. Despite numerous floods that caused irreparable damage to furniture, gratings and doors, the church was restored, and in 1984 it was declared a national monument in Spain. By the way, it is she who is depicted on the coat of arms of Bilbao.
Walking along Calle Ribera, be sure to visit this architectural monument! You can reach it by metro, getting off at the Casco Viejo station. The Church of St. Anthony is open to the public from 10:30 am to 1:00 pm and from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
The Church of San Vicente Martír de Abando was built in the 16th – 17th centuries. It is recognized as a true example of Basque Gothic, so the church is of interest to lovers of this architectural style. The interior decoration is represented by five wooden gilded altars. The famous Spanish architect Juan Blas de Ormaeque worked on one of them in the 18th century.
Bilbao's masterpiece of Gothic architecture is located at San Vicente, 1. Take a metro ride to Abando station and the church will appear before you in all its glory! Its doors are open to tourists from 10:30 to 13:00 and from 17:30 to 19:30.
The oldest Catholic cathedral in Bilbao was built in the XII-XIII centuries. Since the XIV century, it served as a place of worship for pilgrims from all over the world, and now it bears the status of a national monument in Spain. Like many churches in the city, the cathedral contains several stone tombs. The interior and exterior of the building harmoniously combine Gothic, Neo-Gothic and Renaissance, and such a mixture of styles impresses many tourists.
If you walk around the Plaza de Santiago, you can take a few minutes to visit this cathedral. You can get to it by metro, getting off at the Casco Viejo station. Bilbao Cathedral is open on weekdays from 11:00 to 12:00 and from 17:00 to 18:00.
The construction of the Basilica of the Virgin Mary of Behonia began in the 16th century and lasted just over a hundred years. It holds a special place in the hearts of the locals as it is dedicated to the patroness of Vizcaya. The architecture of the basilica combines Baroque and Gothic into a single image of pointed arches, a graceful facade and an ancient sculpture of the keeper of seafarers - the Holy Virgin Begonia. Twice a year (August 15 and October 11) tourists can join the celebration of the saint. There is a rumor among the locals that if a ship is named after Begonia, it will never wreck.
The Basilica of Bejogna is located at Virgen de Begoña, 38. You can reach it by bus (route no. A3631) or by metro to Casco Viejo / Santutxu station. The basilica doors are open daily from 10:00 to 20:00.
Visiting churches and cathedrals requires a dress code. Deep necklines and skirts above the knee are inappropriate here.
Palaces
Not far from the Guggenheim Museum is the Chavarri Palace - one of the main business cards of Bilbao. The building was built in the 19th century with funds from the tycoon Victor Chavarri. The eclectic style amazes tourists with its variety of forms and piquant asymmetry. The five-story building includes a basement, lounges and entertainment rooms, and an attic. The main halls of the Chavarri Palace were painted with the brush of José de Echenagusia Erraschin. Currently, the Government of the Basque Country sits here. The security keeps a close eye on the order, so the only thing left for tourists is to take a few photographs of this majestic building as a souvenir.
The Chavarri Palace is located at Plaza Federico Moyúa, 5. You can reach it by bus (routes No. A3224, A3247, A3516, A3518, A3527) or by metro, getting off at Indautxu station.
Parks
Tours to museums in Bilbao are exhausting and afterwards, tourists are looking for a picturesque retreat. It can be found behind the Museum of Fine Arts, and the name of this fertile island is the Doña Casilda de Iturrizar Park. An area of 9 hectares is enough to move away from noisy companies and spend a few minutes alone with your thoughts. Manicured flower beds and English-style lawns are in harmony with comfortable benches and cafes that offer refreshing drinks to tired travelers. Ducks and swans swimming in the ponds are accustomed to the attention of tourists and accept treats from them - pieces of bread or ice cream waffle cones. A carousel, a singing fountain, pop performances in the evenings - just for the sake of this it is worth taking a walk in the park of Donja Casilda. The entrance to the territory is free.
The address of this park is the same as its name: Parque de Doña Casilda Iturrizar. You can easily reach it by bus (routes No. A3151, A3247, A3340, A3414).
Tourist streets of Bilbao
Bilbao cannot be called the concentration of tourism in Spain, but it will certainly surprise you! Check it out with a stroll through the Paseo del Arenal. Here tourists love to combine sightseeing and admiring the waters of the Narvien River. From the side of the elegant city hall, tourists take photos of the embankment, and this is already a kind of tradition. Bilbao's fast metro train will take you to your destination. To do this, you need to go to Casco Viejo.
If we talk about the Paseo Campo de Volantin, then it can be noted that you can easily stumble upon it after descending the harp-shaped White Bridge. From this street, in turn, you can take the funicular to Mount Archanda for 3 EUR: from here you can enjoy an amazing view of Bilbao. The funicular operates from Monday to Saturday from 07:15 to 22:00, on Sunday and holidays from 08:15 to 22:00. In the period from June to September, an extra hour is added to the work schedule. You can get here in two ways: by bus (routes No. 28, 72, A2324, A3247) or by metro to the nearest stations Indautxu and San Memes.
Paseo Uribitarte is located on the opposite bank of the Paseo Campo de Volantin and attracts tourists with the "ship" of the Guggenheim Museum and the sculpture of a huge spider, near which arachnophobes should not walk. But lovers of futuristic architecture will definitely like it here. You just need to take tram 7 and Paseo Uribitarte will not disappoint you!
The name Gran Via de Don Diego López de Aro is hard to remember the first time around, but boutique shopping lovers should do their best. The street gleams with showcases of clothing stores and shopping malls. Walking around, you can find many spectacular buildings and attractions - for example, the Chavarri Palace. There are many buses running to Gran Via: А3247, А2314, А2322, А3151, А3340 and others.
And Bilbao is by no means limited to these streets. In every lane, tourists find something interesting for themselves. Find you too!
Bilbao beaches
Taking a free seat on the beaches of Bilbao in the summer is very problematic: they are filled with both tourists and locals. But if you're lucky, you can spend your time here comfortably. The beaches are "equipped" with toilets and showers, and lifeguards are closely watching the order and safety from the towers. Let's start in order with the most famous beaches in Bilbao.
Las Arenas is located 13 kilometers from the city near the village of Getxo. Sailing, kayaking and windsurfing await travelers from all over the world. And sunbathers are attracted by the velvet sand and the gentle rays of the Spanish sun. Sit comfortably on the Bizkaibus or ride the Metro to D'Areeta Station to enjoy the benefits of Las Arenas Beach.
Ereaga is also located near Getcho. Here tourists sunbathe, play volleyball or football, conquer the waves - in general, they enjoy their rest. You can get to this piece of paradise by the high-speed subway train, getting off at the De Neguri station, or by the Bizkaibus intercity bus.
Arrihunah Beach is in the same area as the first two. Here you can see a delightful port, so travelers not only enjoy sailing, but also admire the beautiful landscapes, as well as capture them in photos. Bizkaibus buses run to Arrihunah Beach. If this is not a trip to your liking, take the metro and don't forget to get off at De Bidezabal station.
Barinache-La Salvaje is located between Getxo and Sopelana. This beach is a dream for surfers who can ride waves of any height. You can get to the thrill-seekers' haven by metro (to Larrabasterra station), as well as by Bizkaibus or Sopelbus buses. The latter run only in summer.
Arrietara-Achabiribil beach is distinguished by its length and the most changeable sea, which either pleases with a calm surface, or rises in high waves. Here you can not only do water sports, but also just lie on the sand, looking at the endless sky. Bizkaibus and Sopelbus buses run here regularly (the latter only in summer). The beach can also be reached by metro, getting off at Larrabasterra station.
The Arena is the longest beach in Biscay. The combination of sandy shores and high mountains will impress tourists. Here you can not only have a great rest, but also take pictures of amazing landscapes. It remains only to get to this place on one of the Bizkaibus buses.
Locals will also suggest other beaches in Bilbao where you can have a great rest, so it's not too late to buy a self-study guide to Spanish!
About living in districts of Bilbao
The city is conventionally divided into three parts: a cultural and historical center, a modern center and a shopping center.
The modern city center of Bilbao is distinguished by a variety of accommodation types, from budget hostels to five-star hotels. The view of the Guggenheim Museum will delight tourists around the clock, and a walk to it will take less time.
The shopping center in Bilbao differs from its previous "neighbor" in the lower prices for luxury housing. It has excellent transport links and is also conveniently located for exploring the Old Town and its modern antipode.
In addition, travelers can take advantage of the services of locals who offer their apartments via couchsurfing.
Prices for holidays in Bilbao
Bilbao is characterized by multi-level housing prices: from 25 EUR (in hostels) to 250 EUR (in five-star hotels). You can dine in the cafe for 15-20 EUR, and enjoy aromatic coffee - for 2-3 EUR. Regardless of their income, tourists have a great time in Bilbao, getting to know the main attractions and relaxing in comfortable conditions after a walk.
Special offers for hotels
Bilbao culinary
Seeing the largest city in the Basque Country and not familiarizing yourself with traditional dishes is like coming to Paris and not seeing the Eiffel Tower. Be sure to order pintxos - seafood sandwiches softened with olive oil. The variety of fillings will surprise even the most sophisticated gourmet. Such a delicacy will cost 2 EUR.
Legendary apple cider and white wine complement Bilbao's main dishes: baked crab, cod with garlic and olive oil, hake or marmitaco. The rainy weather can be sweetened with traditional brioches, rice cakes, Basque cherry jam pie, and sheep's milk quahada.
If you want to visit an atypical city in Spain, but do not know where to go, choose Bilbao. This place will surprise you with its originality and will take a special place in the memories of every tourist!
Transport in Bilbao
The city provides the following modes of transport: taxis, trams, metro and buses. Let's tell you more about each one.
Taxi
Waiting for a checkered car will take no more than five minutes, and this is the main feature of a taxi in Bilbao. You can call him by a single number + 34-944-448-888. The price does not exceed 1.50 EUR per kilometer traveled. Please note that every hour of waiting is paid!
Trams
The main tram line has 14 stops. The EuscoTren line consists of 13 stops (unlike the previous one, trams do not reach the La Casilla stop). The cost of a single trip is 2 EUR, but tourists save by buying a day ticket for 4 EUR.
Underground
Bilbao Metro consists of one line, which branches into two: "Etxebarri - Plentzia" and "Etxebarri - Santurtzi". At the moment, two more lines have been built across the main one. The cost of a metro ride is 1.50 EUR.
Buses
For 1.25 EUR, tourists can catch the Bilbobus, which runs around the city every 15-20 minutes, and some every half hour. Bizkaibus are intended for trips outside the city. The cost of the ticket depends on the chosen route.
The "Barik" card, which is sold for 3 EUR at metro stations, helps to save a lot on public transport travel.
In addition, it is possible to rent a car to move around Bilbao, but this is not recommended. Hills, one-way traffic and obstacles in the form of roads blocked due to construction will drive even the most patient motorist to white heat.
How to get to Bilbao
There is no direct flight between Russia and Bilbao, so tourists will have to change trains in Madrid, Prague, Amsterdam, Brussels, Istanbul or Barcelona (depending on the chosen company). Bilbao International Airport is located 9 km north of the city. It is the largest airport in the Basque Country, and it is also considered one of the oldest airports in Spain, since the first flights from here began in 1928. In terms of the level of equipment and comfort, Bilbao Airport is on a par with the best airports in the world.
Bilbao Airport consists of only one terminal, and it is almost impossible to get lost in it. The airport building itself deserves attention - it was designed by Santiago Calatrava, one of the most famous and brilliant architects of our time, the author of many futuristic buildings in different countries of the world. The building consists of two wings and a central part with an acute roof angle rising upward, clearly visible from a distance. Because of this unusual design, the airport was nicknamed "La Paloma" - "pigeon".
If you plan to visit Berlin, Paris, Barcelona or Warsaw, then you can get to Bilbao with train transfers. In this case, the journey will take about 60 hours, so this way of travel is not the most preferred one. However, if you are already on vacation in Spain, you can easily get to Bilbao by RENFE trains.
With regard to travel by bus, the situation is the same as with trains: this option is only suitable for those travelers who plan to travel to the Basque Country from Europe or Spain.
Since Bilbao is a coastal city, you can easily reach it by ferry from Portsmouth in England or Roscoff in France. Such a trip will not only be long (about a day), but also extremely expensive.
