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Belen, I think the jet lag is behind us now. We arrived home safely on Friday evening. Josh and I just realized that exactly one week ago today we were enjoying an amazing paella at Maku Miku in Barcelona. I wanted to thank you for ...
C. Martin, Fairfax, VA USA
2023-04-07
This Basque city has become synonymous with the titanium-clad Guggenheim museum by Frank Gehry that catapulted it to the front pages of the travel glossies. Everybody who visits Bilbao, adores Jeff Koons Puppy, Richard Sierra’s The Matter of Time and of course the building itself is a blast for the senses. But when we talk about the city to friends and clients, we find it's walking away from the museum where we really have fun. We can spend hours on the riverside walkway looking at the Calatrava bridge. How many times have we smiled at the tram that runs along funky grass-covered tramlines? And why does a giant spider inspire so many photos?
It’s actually the city itself, especially the old Casco Viejo, that is the real highlight of any visit. The Plaza Nueva and the Seven Streets is a wonderful showcase of just how fun and challenging urban life in Spain is. The Washington Post calls it “a pedestrian's paradise woven with medieval streets, cafes and tapas bars”. If fin-de-siecle is more your style, you’ll enjoy the newly restored Ribera foodmarket and towards the Gran Via you’ll find some truly spectacular cafes and theatres.
It’s hard to imagine that this city was once Spain’s most industrialised – we love its new cultural and green agenda and love the confidence it shows in continuing to work with international architects and designers such as Norman Foster who worked on the metro entrances and Philippe Starck who re-designed the cultural centre that used to be a wine warehouse.
As you’d expect, the Basque cuisine is 100% delicious – whether that’s tapas or pinchos with a local white wine called txakoli or high dining in the city’s top restaurants. And when you’ve experienced the best of Bilbao, you can easily take a daytrip east to elegant San Sebastian, south to Vitoria - the charming Basque capital, or even further south to the Rioja wine region. Bilbao is not to be missed.
Bilbao, a vibrant Basque city, has become synonymous with the titanium-clad Guggenheim Museum by Frank Gehry, which catapulted it to the front pages of travel magazines. Visitors adore Jeff Koons' Puppy, Richard Serra’s The Matter of Time, and of course, the Guggenheim building itself, which is a feast for the senses. However, our true enjoyment begins as we walk away from the museum.
Strolling along the riverside walkway, we marvel at the Calatrava bridge. The tram running along the grass-covered tracks often brings a smile to our faces, and the giant spider sculpture invites countless photo ops.
The real highlight of any visit to Bilbao is the city itself, particularly the old Casco Viejo. The Plaza Nueva and the Seven Streets showcase the vibrant urban life in Spain. The Washington Post describes it as “a pedestrian's paradise woven with medieval streets, cafes, and tapas bars.” For those who appreciate fin-de-siècle architecture, the newly restored Ribera food market and the spectacular cafes and theatres near Gran Via are a treat.
Bilbao’s transformation from Spain’s most industrialized city to a cultural and green haven is remarkable. The city continues to work with international architects and designers, such as Norman Foster, who designed the metro entrances, and Philippe Starck, who reimagined the cultural center that was once a wine warehouse.
Basque cuisine in Bilbao is 100% delicious, from tapas or pinchos with local white wine called txakoli to fine dining in the city’s top restaurants. When you've experienced the best of Bilbao, you can easily take a day trip to the elegant San Sebastian, south to Vitoria - the charming Basque capital, or even further south to the Rioja wine region. Bilbao is not to be missed.
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Museo Guggenheim: This iconic contemporary art museum, designed by Frank Gehry, is a must-visit for its impressive architecture and cutting-edge exhibits.
Casco Viejo: The historic old town features narrow streets, traditional Basque shops, and vibrant nightlife.
Catedral de Santiago: A beautiful gothic cathedral located in the old town, known for its stunning architecture and historical significance.
Mercado de La Ribera: Europe's largest covered market offers a variety of fresh produce, local delicacies, and dining options.
Plaza Nueva: This neoclassical square is the perfect place to enjoy traditional Basque pintxos at various bars and restaurants.
Mirador de Artxanda: Provides panoramic views of Bilbao and can be reached by a funicular railway.
Iglesia de San Antón: An emblematic church located by the river, dating back to the 15th century.
Teatro Arriaga: A stunning neobaroque theater that hosts a variety of performances, including opera and ballet.
La Alhóndiga: A cultural and leisure center housed in a converted wine warehouse, offering exhibitions, a library, and a rooftop pool.
Plaza Unamuno: A lively square named after the famous writer, surrounded by cafes and close to several museums.
Paseo por la Ría: A scenic riverside walk perfect for a leisurely stroll or a romantic evening.
Gran Vía de Bilbao: The main commercial street in Bilbao, ideal for shopping and dining.
Parque de Doña Casilda: An English-style park with a duck pond, fountains, and plenty of green space to relax.
Estadio de San Mamés: Home to Athletic Bilbao, this modern stadium offers an exciting atmosphere during football matches and also has a museum.
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