Bilbao – A Tale of Enchanting Beauty

Exploring Bilbao: The Charming Basque City

Bilbao, a captivating city situated in the northern region of Spain, holds the esteemed title of the capital of the autonomous Basque Country.

Photo: Basque Country. Bilbao. Spain.

Nestled close to the Bay of Biscay and embraced by a lush landscape encompassing forests, mountains, and beaches, Bilbao pulsates as the heart of northern Spain, boasting both industrial significance and a bustling port.

Photo: Bilbao. Spain.

This city may not boast ancient architecture or historic landmarks, but it more than compensates with its plethora of museums and delectable cuisine. Of all the attractions, the museum of modern art stands out, adorned with innovative architecture and renowned artist collections.

Photo: Bilbao. Spain.

Geographically, Bilbao rests at the mouth of the Nervioni River, flowing gracefully into the Bay of Biscay, a part of the vast Atlantic Ocean. This charming location places Bilbao within a cozy valley, where the Pyrenees and Cantabrian Mountains converge.

Photo: Bilbao. Spain. Nervioni River.

The oceanic climate, tempered by its proximity to the Atlantic, gifts Bilbao with mild summers, averaging 25-26 degrees Celsius, and moderately cool winters, ranging from 5 to 7 degrees Celsius. The city receives even precipitation throughout the year.

Photo: Bilbao. Spain.

For the practical traveler, Bilbao accommodates a population of approximately 345.1 thousand people over an area spanning 41.6 square kilometers. The official languages spoken are Spanish and Basque, while the euro serves as the currency.

Photo: Bilbao. Spain.

Visitors from various parts of the world can obtain a Schengen visa for entry. The city’s time zone follows Central European Time (UTC +1), with an additional hour during daylight saving time.

Photo: Bilbao. Spain.

History unfolds in Bilbao, starting as a fishing village in ancient times. By 1300, it emerged as a prominent trade center in the Iberian Peninsula, enjoying privileged status and flourishing commerce with Flanders and Great Britain. In 1602, Bilbao became the capital of Biscay, escaping internal conflicts but facing challenges during wars with France, withstanding a Carlist siege in 1835.

Photo: Bilbao. Spain.

Transportation to Bilbao is facilitated by the nearby Bilbao Airport, well-connected with major European carriers. Arriving travelers can conveniently reach the city center via the Bizkaibus A3247 bus, making stops at Gran Via Viajes Ecuador, Plaza Moyua, and Almeda Recalde.

Photo: Bilbao. Spain.

Within Spain, Bilbao enjoys excellent bus and rail connections with cities like Madrid and Barcelona. While buses are often more budget-friendly, trains offer a comfortable alternative. The city itself boasts a reliable public transport system comprising metros, suburban trains, and buses, with Bilbao Metro operating on two lines.

Photo: Bilbao. Spain.

For shopping enthusiasts, Bilbao offers a diverse shopping experience, with Gran Vía serving as a primary shopping hub, featuring an array of establishments, banks, supermarkets, and souvenir shops.

Photo: Bilbao. Spain. Gran Vía.

Casco Viejo, the historic center, is another popular shopping area, while the embankment houses the bustling La Ribera market. Guggenheim Square boasts numerous shops brimming with antiques, books, and souvenirs.

Photo: Bilbao. Spain. Casco Viejo

Gourmets will be delighted by Bilbao’s renowned cuisine, characterized by seasonal Basque dishes that prioritize fresh, high-quality ingredients. Pintxos, their version of tapas, are a must-try.

Photo: Bilbao. Spain. Pintxos.

The city’s gastronomy showcases unique delicacies, such as bollo de mantequilla (bread with butter) and carolina cake, alongside dishes like pisto a la bilbaina, Ranero Club cod, and porrusalda, all served with the freshest seafood due to its oceanic location.

Photo: Bilbao. Spain. Pisto a la bilbaina

Delving into the city’s sights and landmarks, Casco Viejo, the Old Quarter, exudes a special atmosphere. Arenal Street, the main thoroughfare, hosts the Neo-Baroque theater in Plaza de Arriaga. Nearby, you’ll find the Church of San Anton and the eponymous bridge, displaying a blend of Gothic and Baroque architecture.

Photo: Bilbao. Spain. Church of San Anton.

The charming Church of St. Mykolaya features a baroque facade and unique interior, while Plaza Nueva boasts elegant arcaded buildings and numerous restaurants and cafes.

Photo: Bilbao. Spain. Church of St. Mykolaya

For a spiritual encounter, visit the Basilica de Begonia atop a picturesque hill, housing an image of Our Lady of Begonia, the patron saint of Bilbao. The Cathedral de Santiago, situated in the city center, showcases majestic neo-Gothic architecture, while the Museum of Fine Arts proudly exhibits European masterpieces from various centuries and Basque artists’ works, including those of Dario de Rejos.

Photo: Bilbao. Spain. Museum of Fine Arts

Of all the museums, the Guggenheim Museum stands out as a global icon, showcasing contemporary art in an architecturally innovative building designed by Frank Gehry. With collections featuring Mark Rothko, Willem de Kooning, Anselm Kiefer, and more, this museum remains a must-visit destination.

Photo: Bilbao. Spain. Guggenheim Museum

Bilbao invites you to savor its unique blend of history, culture, and artistic wonders. Whether indulging in local delicacies, exploring historic landmarks, or immersing yourself in modern art, Bilbao guarantees an unforgettable experience for all who visit.