Bilbao Travel Guide
Bilbao, an industrial city in northern Spain in the province of Basque, has recently undergone a major revitalisation to attract more tourists. An eclectic blend of old style Roman buildings along with modern chic offers the perfect cultural mix.
The Guggenheim Museum, situated in the revamped old quarter, draws visitors from all over the world. The unique, modern architecture is as much of a draw as the works of Picasso, Van Gogh and Andy Warhol among many others that are showcased in its 19 galleries.
The Santiago Cathedral has a distinctive blend of 15th century Gothic and 18th century Gothic Revival architecture. The façade and spire were added to the original structure at a later date, with the most recent additions being the stone statues of merchants along the main vault.
Activities in Bilbao
There are activities to suit any taste in Bilbao. The Casco Viejo, or Old Town, is lively and has several churches, shops, trendy restaurants and cafés. Take a stroll through the Seven Streets area or enjoy one of the leading food retail markets in Europe.
If you are in the mood for nightlife, there is plenty to do. Choose from a selection of pubs, bars and clubs or take a moment and enjoy the friendliness of the locals on a tavern crawl, a Spanish custom that includes plenty of wine and choral songs.
Tourist Attractions of Bilbao
With a gentle climate year round, a drive around Bilbao is the perfect way to see everything. Just a few miles from the city centre are the awe-inspiring monasteries that surround Burgos. These architectural gems from the 12th, 13th and 14th centuries are well-preserved and picturesque.
Farther north, the popular beach of Santander, with its warm relaxing waters, is inviting. The caves here are also worth exploring or you can take a tour of the historical sites in the area.
Soria, south of Bilbao, has a charming and natural beauty of mountainous pine forests and crystal clear lakes. If time allows, it is worth a stop to see the archaeological ruins of Numantia.
Transportation Around Bilbao
Bilbao Airport, just five miles from the city, has daily international flights. Taxis are available at the airport 24 hours, as are rental cars if you prefer to drive yourself.
Bilbao is a friendly and very hospitable holiday destination. Mishaps do happen however and visitors should practice safety measures against potential pickpockets. Whenever travelling to a foreign country, travel insurance is recommended as a safeguard in case of emergency.
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