Last Updated on April 2, 2020
Do you want to see the most audacious building in the 20th century? It is located in Bilbao, Spain. The largest city in Basque Country. It is mainly a port city and was known in Europe for being a settlement of seafarers, exporting iron ores and wools in 1300.
It is divided into two mainlands. The eastern bank where you can find several factories and working-class neighborhoods, and the western bank where most commercial establishments, historical buildings, and residential areas are located. Both lands have a significant role in Bilbao’s industrialization and tourism.
When you visit Bilbao, you will be immersed by its pride, and you will learn some customs and traditions that are exclusively done only in this place.
Let’s start our adventure.
1. Visit the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao
The pride and most exquisite structure in Bilbao. In 1997, the museum was inaugurated by King Juan Carlos I. It was Bilbao’s rising point of tourism as it changed its old image into a more established and modern phase.
The building was designed by Frank Gehry. He is internationally renowned, and Guggenheim Museum is one of his finest works. If you explore your eyes around every corner of the building, you will surely notice its critical style.
The outer skin of the building is purely made of titanium and has a changing effect in color as the weather changes. The rest of it is made of limestone and glass.
At the heart of the museum, visitors can access the Atrium. The signature design of Gehry, which is covered in marvelous skylight.
2. Cross over Vizcaya Bridge
It is regarded as one of the outstanding ironworks of the Industrial Revolution due to its unique twisted cable design. It was first to showcase this style that had been adapted in many countries around the world.
As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it attracts many tourists to come and have a first experience of crossing the bridge through gondola. The gondola is hanging beneath the bridge pulled by iron cables. It can transport six cars and several dozens of passengers in just one ride.
The trip usually takes eight minutes from one side to the other. It’s open and available day and night. Fare varies from floor levels and time of the day.
3. Experience a Contemporary Culture at Azkuna Zentroa
An innovative cultural and entertainment space that has a good number of activities for all interests. It was open to the public in 2010 and was designed by Philippe Starck in collaboration with Thibaut Mathieu.
The multi-purpose center has 6 program lines, and these are Contemporary Art, Live Arts, Film & Audio-visuals, Society, Digital Culture, and Literature. Each has a distinctive representation of the past, present, and future culture of Bilboa.
The building is being supported by 43 columns. These columns symbolize cultures, architecture, wars, and religions passed from generation to generation throughout history. They are made from different materials that vary on their age, but all have Lecce stone and glazed terracotta in its body.
4. Shop at Mercado de la Ribera
The biggest covered market in Europe. Here, you can find everything you want, especially fresh ingredients from producers. In 1990, it received a Guinness World Record (most complete food market).
Either you want to cook or taste some traditional food, Mercado de la Ribera boasts of its unique environment that promotes extra-ordinary gastronomic and leisure experience.
There are 60 stalls and counting. Despite its traditional style, the market is clean, and it doesn’t have a bad smell. Shoppers can comfortably walk around and satisfy their cravings.
Aside from this, products have affordable prices and the best quality. Vegetables are freshly harvested from farms, meats raised with care by farmers, and fishes caught in the city’s port.
5. Admire the Basilica of Begoña
A basilica dedicated to Virgin Begoña – the patron saint of Biscay. In the 16th century, it was built by Sancho Martinez de Arego. It has a Gothic style with a touch of Renaissance influence.
Before you reach the basilica, you have to climb up a hill. It has a wide staircase, where you can see old buildings on both sides. It will be a long walk, but it’s a fun experience, especially for those who walk in groups. If you are not fond of walking, you can take the lift. There is a station nearby where you can buy tickets.
Inside the basilica, you can see many paintings of great Basque artists. The interior is simple and light. At the back of the building, you can find a small garden with benches to sit on.
If you are a night person, you can go and still enjoy the beauty of the basilica. It’s well-lighted and quiet to meditate and pray.
6. Enjoy Spanish food at Plaza Nueva
A great example of Neoclassical architecture. The building was first inaugurated in 1851. After 65 years, it was refurbished and improved to its present look. The classic appearance of the Plaza Nueva takes back each customer a thousand years ago. It exposed the same atmosphere as to the 18th century.
There are several restaurants and pintos’ bars surrounded by arch-lined colonnades. At the center, a big square opens the whole place for locals and tourists. It is where important events take place.
On Sundays, there are shops selling souvenirs, second-hand crafts, and antiques. You can take advantage of it or try the best tapa in town.
Many bars are serving crafted beers and port wines, which are only to be found in Bilboa.
7. Relax at Parque Etxebarria
Formerly a space occupied by Steel mill but later transformed into a green space to relax and rest. It is located on a hillside along the city area. You can climb up by following the route of the stairs. It’s a good exercise if you visit in the morning.
In the middle area, a chimney tower is standing like a monument to remember the place’s old nature. The park has many benches to sit on after a long walk.
If you look around, you can see many greens as it is filled with grasses and trees. Other than that, you can sight the panoramic view of the city.
Parque Etxerbarria is a must go for all ages.
8. Watch a Bullfight at Plaza de Toros de Vista Alegre
A stadium built in 1882 and renovated in 1962. It was intended for bull fighting games. The building can accommodate 14,781 people.
The open area has chairs that are painted in blue and well spaced-out. The center arena is round and wide for bulls to freely roam around along the fight.
If it’s your first time to watch, be ready for an exciting and thrilling fight. It’s one of a kind and far different from watching human sports.
You can buy snacks and drinks at the stalls nearby. At the stadium’s museum, you can see some old posters of bullfights held in the past years. They have unique artistic details that will surely catch your attention.
There are costume displays of cowboys safely placed inside a glass case. Each costume has intricate designs. Finely sewed with shimmering beads.
9. Appreciate Bilbao Fine Arts Museum
The museum is located inside of Doña Casilda Iturrizar park. It’s the second-largest and most visited museum in Basque Country. The current building was built in 1945 and undergone expansions in 2001 as the collections are increasing.
It houses many important collections from the Middle age to the contemporary period. These include several paintings painted by classic Master of Arts like El Greco, Murillo, Cranach, and Van Dyck. You can also see hundreds of sculptures, thousands of works on paper and pieces of art applied.
The museum has a complete package of art exhibits classified in 5 main sections. It has a total of 33 rooms, which are arranged in chronological order as to date it was made.
10. Pay Respect at Bilbao Cathedral
Built between 14th to 15th century to honor Saint James the Great. It serves as the main church of the city. The church presents a Gothic style that can be seen through its cloisters and vaults. Along with it, the main vault is finely crafted with stone carvings made by local merchants.
The cathedral is prominent all over Bilbao and even to other cities. Many tourists tour around the building to explore its authentic and pure beauty. You have to pay €5 for an entrance fee.
As you approach the cathedral, a sophisticated façade will welcome you. You will be overwhelmed by the tall spire pointing in the sky. It’s not so big, but it is filled with architectural adventure.
11. Explore Biscay Foral Delegation Palace
A free-standing mansion designed by architect Luis Aladrén Mendivil. It is regarded as “a pinnacle work of Alfonsine eclecticism” in Biscay.
The building is consisting of a basement, mezzanine, two floors, an attic, and a rooftop terrace. It has an impressive classical style of the 19th century.
The palace has a so-called Throne room where two painted murals of José Echenaguisa Errazquin displayed. These murals are Juramento de Los Fueros and Pacificacion de oñacinos y gamboinos that serves as a representation of Basque country.
