If youre ready to explore northern Spain, youll be wondering if certain destinations are worth visiting, and one of these is Bilbao. San Juan de Gatzelutze has become a popular day trip from Bilbao. Even after visiting 25+ countries, this city is still easily within my top 10 favorite cities that Ive been to in Europe (Nice and Stockholm are two others in case you were wondering LOL). It begins the first Saturday after August 19th and goes on for 9 days, filling the streets with music, dances, and fireworks. She's infatuated with Roman Ruins, Road Trips, and Railway Journeys and she's crackers about cheese! One of these buildings is its cathedral which has been considered a National Heritage Site since 1931, and its among the most significant Gothic buildings in the Basque Country. Bilbao is surrounded by green landscapes and mountains that you can admire from different parts of the city. This architectural masterpiece boasts a striking titanium exterior that features deconstructionist architecture and glistens in the sunlight, mesmerizing visitors from the moment they lay their eyes on it. The parish was consecrated in 1433. And rightfully so. That said, the city is on the lesser-known side as most tourists opt to visit Madrid and Barcelona instead. Personally, I enjoyed running along the river early in the morning and seeing so many other runners out there. On average, 5-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in Bilbao and have time to enjoy Santander and San Sebastian. Of course, the wonderful sunny weather made the pastel-colored building even more charming, but the city oozed a regal vibe. Popular places to visit in Bilbao Palacio de Congresos y de la Musica Euskalduna. Bilbao is the biggest city - although not the capital - of Spain's northerly Basque Country, a land with its own distinctive culture, traditions and even language. There are taxis at the airport that can take passengers into Bilbao. Cross the Nervion river again, now youre in the historic city of Bilbao. The evenings will be cool, especially late October and early November. But missing out on this gem of the Spanish Basque Country would be a cultural and culinary crime. Artsy and eclectic, Bilbao actually has quite a lot to offer beyond the Guggenheim and it is very much worth visiting even if you're not interested in modern art. Subscribe to my mailing list by clicking HERE. And knowing what a pain it is to go from Pariss Charles de Gaulle Airport to the city center via public transport, I love Bilbao so much for this. It runs between the airport and the city center every 20 minutes and only takes 20 minutes. If you make a purchase through these links, we will earn a little commissionat no extra cost to you. But others I loved. The hike up to Artxanda is also considered an easy to intermediate hike and is under 5 miles round trip.Artxanda can also be reached via funicular. Bilbao blog - Nomads - Travel tips, Guides, News & Information! Either way, Bilbao is nice in that you can experience the best of both worldsurban city life and serene nature! The interior of City Hall have elements of Neo-Renaissance design, including the staircase and assembly hall. Is Bilbao or San Sebastian Better? - Leave Your Daily Hell Bilbaos pride and joy, the Guggenheim changed the face of the city when it opened in 1997. That is why I loved my food tour in Bilbao and I highly recommend it! The nearest tram stop is Arriaga. Feel free to leave a comment below if you have any questions or to share how you feel about Bilbao! But what makes Bilbao worth a visit? However, when Franco and the Nationalists emerged victorious in 1939, the autonomy of the two of the three provinces of the Basque Country Biscay and Gipuzkoa was revoked as punishment for their opposition. Is Bilbao worth visiting? The nearest Tram stop is Arriaga.Please visit the cathedrals website to see information on hours, pricing and exhibits. Must-Visit Attractions in Bilbao, Spain - Culture Trip This is Bilbaos most famous landmark and is a true testament to the citys dedication to art and innovation. 1 How I Approached My Basque Country Trip 2 How to Choose Between Bilbao and San Sebastian 2.1 Accommodation 2.2 Pinxtos (and other food) 2.3 Architecture 2.4 Landscape 2.5 Where are you going next? But out of all his pieces, the Guggenheim is my absolute favorite. Therefore, if youre after a beach-centric vacation, Id recommend San Sebastian, Barcelona, or even nearby locations that are outside of Spain, like Biarritz, Marseille, or Nice. I wasnt sure if the city was worth visiting but the diversity, quality of food, and things to see really surprised me. Local legends say that if you ask for a wish and ring the bell three times, your wish will come true. No wonder, you can easily explore Bilbao city center in a day. For those looking to get active, theres no shortage of outdoor activities such as hiking and river kayaking. I love nature, adventure, hiking to viewpoints, Yoga, and road trips. Given the location of Bilbao along the River Nervin, there is also the option to tour the area by water. Bilbao and the Basque Country are such a multi-faceted and dynamic place to absorb the culture, the history, and scenery, and the food. , and their popularity has spread to other regions such as Barcelona and Madrid. Everywhere in the city, you can walk or take the tram or metro. The city wasnt very safe from 1958 to 2018 because of the ETA, a basque terrorist organization. As the unofficial capital of Basque Country, Bilabo is known for many things. I looked forward to eating my way around Bilbao and finding some new drinks. The park also has a small marine zoo with seals and sea lions frolicking in the water coming straight from the sea as well as two beaches. And I loved to go back to spend more time in the city and explore the Basque Country. Explore some of the day trips available to nearby small, coastal towns! Bilbao is really compact and you can walk from the Guggenheim museum to the old part of town in 20 minutes. Are you planning to visit other nearby Northern Spain destinations. Obviously, the number 1 reason why Bilbao is even on the map! Bilbao's Fine Arts Museum. In total, I think I spent around 2 hours inside the museum. With Bilbao, you just need a few days in the city to feel as though youve actually experienced the local culture. Some of the museums most famous pieces of art are displayed outside. Your email address will not be published. For pricing and schedule, please visit their website. 8 reasons why Bilbao is worth a visit. - All about El Camino - Blog en This coastal region is about an hour and 20 minutes outside the city via public transport. dont leave your belongings unattended, avoid walking alone in quiet streets at night, etc.). Pintxos bite size snacks, Bilbao, Spain via Unsplash. That is right, some of the most interesting views, art sculptures, and installations are outside the museum. Is Bilbao worth visiting? Some of the best day trips from Bilbao are San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, Comillas, San Sebastian and Santillana del Mar. Museo Guggenheim is undoubtedly the most famous. Not sure where to start? Bilbao and San Sebastian . Pin this article about reasons to visit Bilbao for later. Biblao is surrounded by little green hills, which make a lovely backdrop for this citys landscape. You are an art and architecture lover. Discover Bilbao | Things to do in Bilbao with MrShuttle The buildings, landscapes and food show you another side of Spain and its culture. Or hit up the new part of town for fusion pintxos bars, high-end shopping, and eclectic art and furniture stores. Tickets can be purchased at the Catedral or Parish door.The nearest metro stop is Casco Viejo. Id love to hear from you. A meringue covered with chocolate and a wafer base. Oftentimes, I would just be walking around the city and find myself captivated by the innovative and contemporary design of a bridge or the Gothic architecture of a cathedral. Again, maybe it was just the time I was there, but the city was remarkably clean. So, if you love Basque food or would like to discover the culinary delights of this city and region, then Id say you have a pretty good reason to visit. The market is divided into two parts: the food market where locals buy high-quality vegetables, meat and fish and the gourmet area. Bottom Line: Is Bilbao Expensive to Visit in 2023? - GTE Palma de Mallorca. This is certainly true for the Fine Arts Museum, one of the most important in Spain, not only because of its precious art collection, but also because of its historical significance. 30 Amsterdam Travel Tips that are Ridiculously Helpful, How to Spend 2 Days in Amsterdam - Itinerary for Exploring, 30 Amazing Places to Visit in Delhi the City of Djinns,, 3 days in Hamburg: the Ultimate Hamburg Itinerary for a Long, Ultimate Croatia Road Trip Itinerary: Best Places to Visit +, Traveling Europe by Campervan: Our Tips for "Van Life. A better option would be Interlaken, Switzerland, or Austria if you crave high-intensity adventures. Despite the Guggenheim Museum being a very popular museum and visited by many travellers, you can explore the city without worrying about crowds. Its a place to wander and contemplate the buildings while soaking up the atmosphere and discovering the Seven Streets. The birthplace of democracy. If youre feeling convinced that you should visit Bilbao, I would recommend going between June October. I really want to go back and explore more of these villages. But I didn't know much about Bilbao or the things I could do. go to the museum's rooftop, which is free. Overall, Bilbao is a city filled with colorful and innovative architecture, delicious Basque food, and gorgeous views. And if you want to spend less time in transit, you can always opt to use the public transit system! Worth visiting - Review of Guggenheim Museum Bilbao - Tripadvisor My Complete and Brutally Honest StudentUniverse Review (2023) How to Easily Day Trip to Auschwitz from Krakow, Poland (2023) 25 Awesome Things to Do in Tahiti (2023), Wrap-Up: Is Bilbao Worth Visiting? Do pop into the museums Bistro cafe for a drink or some delicious food. Reply Dec 15th, 2006, 07:15 PM # 2 Michael Join Date: Mar. You dont need to travel far from Bilbao to see the beauty of the Basque Country and neighbourhood regions like Cantabria. Hopping from one pintxos bar to the next, having a drink and a pintxo, before moving on, seems to be the national sport in Bilbao. For getting around the city of Bilbao, Zone 1 will suffice. I never visited a place in Spain where the food wasnt absolutely delicious, so I expected Bilbao to be the same. On our way to San Sebastian, we passed many cute little towns, seaside walkways, stunning bays, and some good surfing spots. Gothic Revival was popular in the late 18th and 19th century, when architects rediscovered and improved upon Gothic architecture. I myself didn't really know what else there is to see in Bilbao, besides the famous Guggenheim museum. For more information, including location and menu, please visit the restaurants website. Would it be worth traveling to Bilbao for a weekend? This website contains affiliate links. 8 reasons why Bilbao is worth a visit. On Sunday, my return flight wasnt until 4.30 pm which gave me almost 3 full days to explore the city. Bilbao has many options for exploring the city and area, including walking city tours, guided or self-guided bicycle/e-bike tours, and boat tours available. If you havent heard of pintxos before, these are the equivalent of tapas. Gothic architecture includes pointed arches, exterior flying buttresses (an architectural feature resembling a bridge and meant to fortify tall walls), stained glass, spires, and ribbed vaults (interior arches that connect and help fortify the walls, ceiling, and roof). One Day In Bilbao: How To Spend 24 Hours In Bilbao - My Little World of They offer the options to see Bilbao by personal watercraft and bikes with a variety of tour options, including day or night excursions. When you click an affiliate link and purchase a product or service via the link, I will earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Try out our tours in Bilbao and explore the city with a professional team! The warmth of the summer months allows for an easier time for the outdoor activities. Casco Viejo is also known by its seven streets, or Las Siete Calles, which was the original layout of the quarter. Bilbao also offers amazing day trips to explore the Basque Country and is easy to explore, safe and really different from other Spanish cities. It is worth keeping in mind that in the near future, you might need to register online with the, ETIAS to visit Spain or other countries in the Schengen Area. The easiest route is the Bilbao Cathedral loop which takes you through the old town and you see important buildings like the Guggenheim Museum. So it is the end of this article and hopefully, you can give an answer to the question if Bilbao is worth visiting yourself. . Just remember that summer is often the busiest and most crowded time in Bilbao. Inside, youll be treated to an ever-changing collection of thought-provoking contemporary art. I hope I was able to help you make the decision to go to Bilbao and give you some inspiration on what your trip could look like. Tourn Bilbao has walking city tour options while enjoying local cuisine and beverages. The parish is located at Calle de la Ribera, 24 and is open to the public Monday Saturday from 10:00AM to 1:00PM and 3:00-5:00PM and is closed on Sunday.Admission to the parish can be combined with the price of admission to the Catedral del Santiago or on its own. This post will help you decide. The average temperature in the winter months is mid 40s, though the wind coming off the water can be quite cool after sunset. Bilbao is definitely worth visiting. This 16th-century basilica is dedicated to the patron saint of Biscay, the Virgin of Begoa, and is an emblem of Bilbaos religious devotion. Vehicles crossing the river drive onto a section of road suspended from the bridge, which then moves across like a gondola, carrying the traffic. . The Trojan War. It promises visitors a serene urban environment and a rich cultural experience. The materials used in the construction of the museum mimic the industrial feel of the city. It has a unique shape, so it doesn't look like a museum, but you can see fantastic artwork inside. if you arent a citizen of an EU or Schengen country yourself. Yes, Bilbao is worth visiting. For a nice 3-star hotel, prices range from about $60 - $80 USD per night. Andorra is known for being a tax haven and offering visitors gorgeous views of the Pyrenees mountains. I visited Bilbao on a short weekend break in February. Although Bilbao isnt the capital of the Basque Country, Vitoria-Gasteiz is, youve probably heard more about Bilbao than its capital, and one of the reasons could be its well-known museum (the Guggenheim Museum). Is Bilbao worth visiting? 1) Visit the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao and Puppy. The soft white sand of La Concha Beach is rated one of the top beaches in the world and is the most visited. The museum houses European and Spanish artists spanning from the 12th century to modern times, including El Greco (who moved from Italy to Spain in the early 17th century and was instrumental in the Spanish Renaissance), Francisco de Zubaran (known as the Spanish Caravaggio due to his use of chiaroscuro or heavily contrasting light and shadow), Francisco Goya (one of Spains most well regarded artists whose paintings and drawings documented the politics of the late 18th and early 19th century), and Paul Gauguin (known for his Post-Impressionism paintings and friendships with Edgar Degas and Vincent Van Gogh and helping inspire Pablo Picasso). Also atop Mount Igueldo is a classic amusement park (https://www.monteigueldo.es/home) with 20 attractions for children of all ages, including a rollercoaster dating back to 1928. Join one of these fun tours to explore the urbex side of Bilbao: What might have surprised me the most is how AMAZING the Basque Country is. Honestly, it depends on your interests. And speaking from seeing all the awards hanging on the walls of restaurants, the city is widely celebrated for its exceptional Basque cuisine, offering some of the finest in Spain! Take the old funicular railway to the top of the hill and then breathe in the incredible vista before you. As much as I enjoy Bilbao and its unique allure, I know its not the place for everyone. Discovering the interior of this cathedral is an experience and a must for anyone who loves architecture. 5) Have a coffee at Plaza Nueva. Or your tour around the Basque Country? The tour is 3 hours and costs 38 and can accommodate 2-15 people.For a more customizable experience, a private walking city tour can be arranged as well. The once run-down port area of the city was transformed and regenerated into the modern metropolis you see today. Bilbao, up north in Spain in the Basque Country, might not be your first pick for a city trip to Spain. Barcelona to Montserrat by Train For example, just next to the river, youll pass by the Guggenheim Museum, Zubizuri Bridge, and Palacio Euskalduna. Bilbao Vs San Sebastian: How To Choose Between The Two Excavations show an old city wall dating back to approximately the 11th century. I knew this tour didnt include any stops at Bermeo or Guernica, but other tours go there. So if you end up coming just to see the museum, you wouldnt be alone lol. The Bilbao Airport is located approximately 6 miles north of the city of Bilbao. You can find any type of trail from easy and moderate to challenging. Ill be happy to help you. After the Spanish Civil War ended in 1939, a new building was started to house the collections of both museums. Meanwhile, as I mentioned previously, the Rioja wine region invites visitors to sample a wide array of prestigious wines. (2023), day trips from Bilbao are to San Sebastian, My Complete and Brutally Honest StudentUniverse Review (2023), How to Easily Day Trip to Auschwitz from Krakow, Poland (2023), Headed to the Croatian capital of Zagreb and unsure how to best spend your time? Things to do (Photo: Botond Horvath / Shutterstock.com) Bilbao Bilbao is home to a staggering range of museums and many of them are amongst the most prestigious in the world. When it comes to food, one of the regions most popular exports are, These bite-sized tapas come on skewers usually on a slice of bread. 6 Compelling reasons why Bilbao is worth visiting, How to explore the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao. Two days are enough to see the main attractions in Bilbao, however, you can also do most things in a day. I travel solo, but I also often travel with my kid and my husband, so you will find a bit of everything van life, famous European cities, beach destinations, national parks, music festivals and more. Foodies will fall in love with Bilbaos pinchos/pinxtos bars, where small plates (also known as tapas) of delicious regional specialities paired with a local beverage are the order of the day. These are some of the main reasons why, Read More The wonder of Greece: Rhodes and Santorini plus amazing AthensContinue, The guillotine is an infamous tool of execution that has been used throughout history to punish criminals, political dissidents, and other enemies of the state. For instance, you can immerse yourself in the vibrant arts scene by attending concerts, theater productions, dance performances, or any of the many art exhibitions. Vehicles crossing the river drive onto a section of road suspended from the bridge, which then moves across like a gondola, carrying the traffic. Contrastingly, a highly-rated 4-star hotel averages around $100 USD per night. Both are wonderful places to sunbathe, relax, and swim. While it is technically considered to be located on the coast, the city itself does not offer expansive beaches for leisurely sunbathing or water activities. The medieval neighborhood, known both in Spanish as Casco Viejo and in Basque as Alde Zaharra, is situated with the River Nervin to the west. There is a museum in Paris with an actual bladeContinue, The wonder of Greece: Rhodes and Santorini plus amazing Athens, Curious about the guillotine? Its the local way of doing things, and visitors are more than welcome to join in! When it comes to food, one of the regions most popular exports are pintxos (pronounced pinchos).
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