According to computerdo, Bilbao is located in the north of Spain in the Basque Country region. Delicious, because this region is known for its culinary delights. Here you eat tapas (or pintxos) as it was once intended. At the end of the day, relax here at a local bar with a glass of wine and one of the establishment’s many homemade snacks. But there’s more. What about the chance to visit the world famous Guggenheim Museum or one of the other museums that are also more than worth it? You can shop around the streets Indautxi and Ensanche and go out in the Abando district. The city’s good metro network, which was designed by Norman Foster, offers you the opportunity to see a lot in one day.
Top 10 sights of Bilbao
#1. Museo Guggenheim de Bilbao
If one speaks of an exceptionally designed museum, that is still an understatement when it comes to the Guggenheim in Bilbao. By using materials such as glass, titanium and limestone, a creation by architect Frank O. Gehry has been placed here, which cost more than seventy million euros. Mainly visual art from the twentieth and twenty-first centuries is exhibited, but of course in a very creative way.
#2. Casco Viejo
The official name of this oldest part of Bilbao is ‘Las Siete Calle’. Here you will find the most beautiful old facades, narrow streets and churches such as the Cathedral of Santiago, San Nicolás, Santos Juanes, San Anton and many more. The oldest seven streets of the district are Barrencalle Barrena, Berrencalle, Carnicería Vieja, Belosticalle, Tendería, Artecalle and Somera. You will find nice eateries, bars with the famous delicious (real) tapas and the Arriaga Theater. Don’t forget to drink a small glass of the delicious ‘Chiquitos’ here.
#3. Cathedral of Santiago de Bilbao
The construction of this Santiago cathedral dates from around the end of the fourteenth century and lasted until the beginning of the sixteenth century. Since then, some adjustments have been made. It was not until 1949 that the former Catholic church was declared a cathedral. A look at this not too large cathedral is definitely worth it.
#4. Plaza Nueva
Under the arches on the monumental square ‘Plaza Nueva’ you will find various restaurants, shops and bars, with or without terraces. The square is also used for flea markets, concerts or all kinds of festivals. It is especially busy on Sundays. You can find this square north of the Cathedral of Santiago de Bilbao between the streets Calle Correo and Calle Askao.
#5. Teatro Arriaga
The beautiful theater ‘Teatro Arriaga’, which is named after the Spanish composer Juan Crisóstomo Arriaga, was built at the end of the nineteenth century. This composer was nicknamed ‘Spanish Mozart’. The building has regularly fallen victim to fires and floods. Nevertheless, they have succeeded in refurbishing it as authentically as possible. Inside you still experience the great allure that you can expect from such a historic theater.
#6. Palacio Chávarri
In the very beautiful building Palacio Chávarri, on the Moyúa square, is the seat of the government. Although it looks like a very old Renaissance building, it was actually built at the beginning of the twentieth century. The maker of the painting ‘Samson and Delilah’, which hangs in the Museum of Fine Arts in Bilbao, is also responsible for the decoration of several rooms in this palace.
#7. Zubizuri
The white footbridge of Bilbao Zubizuri is also called Puente del Campo Volantin. Due to its sleek design, the bridge that crosses the Nervión river stands out in the daily life of the city. It is also widely used. It was built between 1994 and 1997 after a design by the Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava. Not all residents were very pleased with the design.
#8. City Hall
Bilbao’s historic city hall (Ayuntamiento) can be found on the Plaza Ernesto Erkoreka. The architectural style is characterized as eclectic, which means that different styles have been used. Beautiful details such as beautifully shaped statues, a beautiful clock tower and an exceptional interior including an Arabic room.
#9. Mercado de la Ribera
On the more than ten thousand square meters covered market ‘Mercado de la Ribera’ in Bilbao you can really find everything that people think belongs in a market. Due to its unique location, right in the heart of the center and on the water, it attracts thousands of visitors every day. During a visit, don’t forget to pay attention to the beautiful stained glass windows.
#10. Abando
The Abando district is located on the old town of Bilbao. If you’re looking for fun nightlife with or without Bilbao’s deliciously famous tapas/pintxos, this is the place to be. Various clubs, bars and restaurants guarantee a pleasant evening out. For live music, go to Kafe Antozokia.
