My personal City Guide for Bilbao Spain
Let me share with you my very own City Guide for Bilbao Spain. When I had my niece coming over last summer I wanted to show her the best the place had to offer. So I designed this City Guide for Bilbao Spain. It covers some of the the main attractions in five trips. Now I want to share it with you. Depending on your pace it will take you anything from a few hours to a full day to complete each of the trips. Just remember, there is no need to rush, vacation is also about relaaaxxxiing….The Spanish siesta is a good invention. My niece, had a good time here. I hope you will too. So, let's begin the City Guide for Bilbao Spain: And, by the way, I have also included a really neat
interactive map of Bilbao
so finding you way around is easy.
Trip 1. Casco Viejo – the old Town Center
There is just something special about treading a street that is 700 years old. I love the
Old Town, “Casco Viejo”
, the historical heart of Bilbao. The old winding streets are pedestrian only. The century-old houses are renovated with great dedication. Here you can enjoy coffee shops,
restaurants,
old Gothic churches and great shopping. This part of the city also offers a vibrant night-life. I suggest you spend some time just browsing around. Make sure not to miss out on
El Mercado de Ribera
, the largest indoor food market in Europe. The majestic
Arriaga Theatre
is also a must-do-stop when you visit Casco Viejo.
Trip 2. A walk to the Guggenheim Museum
Everybody is eager to get to the
Guggenheim Museum
. Why not combine it with one of the best walks Bilbao has to offer? Step two of my City Guide for Bilbao Spain starts off in front of the
Town Hall.
Continue to the white walking bridge El Zubi-Zuri, designed by the world famous architect Santiago de Calatrava. Cross the bridge (it's a perfect place to take some photos) to the other side. From here you can spot the Guggenheim not far away. Just follow the river and it will take you straight to the museum entrance. If you have some energy left I strongly recommend you to pay a visit to the
Museum of Fine Arts.
It is located just 10 minutes walk from the Guggenheim.
Trip 3. The Big Shopping Spree
I don’t know why, but everybody that comes here goes crazy shopping shoes. True enough, high quality leather shoes of spanish design are quite a treat.Bilbaoinos are famous for dressing stylish and if you love shopping you’ve come to the right place. Do you prefer designer clothes? The “Indautxu” area is definitely the best choice. Are you a more budget conscious shopper? Then
Casco Viejo,
the old, town is the place to go.
Trip 4. Going up the Mountain!
The sun is shining? It is time to get some fresh air. Catch the mountain railway “El Funicular” and you get on the top of Mount Artxanda in just 4 minutes. The railway leaves from the “Plaza Funicular” every 15 minutes. Up on the mountain (226m altitude) you can enjoy a beautiful panorama of the city, lots of green areas and a fun play ground for the kids.
Trip 5. Time for a night out at the theatre
A City Guide for Bilbao Spain wouldn´t be complete without attending a concert or an opera. Or you might prefer theatre? Whatever you preference might be, you are spoiled for choice. Both the
Arriaga theatre
and the
Euskalduna Palace
have an impressive program to offer.
Need a map? This City Guide for Bilbao Spain provides you with the best.
City Guide for Bilbao Spain, choose below for more things to do:
A visit to the indoor Market Place
In the "Mercado de la Ribera" you find fresh fish, meat, vegetables and fruit… You can’t get any further than this from a super market.
The Old Town, Casco Viejo
Here you can tread 700 year old streets. This is a vivid part of the city full of outdoor cafés, museums, a market place and great shopping.
Palacio Euskalduna: Conference and Music Center
This master piece building is one of Bilbao´s flagship. It has an ample program of music and conferences.
It's theatre night - let's go to the Arriaga
This is "the" place to go to enjoy opera, dance and theatre in a gorgeous surrounding.
Looking for a Tourist Information Office in Bilbao?
There are five in Bilbao. Here is where to find them.
Find out more about the Bilbao City Hall
Our City Hall was built more than 100 years ago.
See the City Hall from the inside
The tourist office sometimes arranges guided visits. These are my best photos from the inside of this magnificent building.

|