Bilbao (Spain) – detailed information about the city with photos. Main attractions of Bilbao with descriptions, guides, and maps.
Bilbao (Spanish: Bilbao) is a city in northern Spain, the capital of the autonomous community of the Basque Country. It’s located near the Bay of Biscay and surrounded by a fertile landscape of forests, mountains, and beaches. Bilbao is the pulsating heart of northern Spain, a major industrial center, and a commercial port. The city may not boast ancient architecture and historical monuments, but it compensates for these shortcomings with its museums and delicious cuisine. The most popular tourist attraction in Bilbao is its contemporary art museum, known for its innovative modern architecture and extensive collections by famous artists.
Bilbao is situated at the mouth of the Nervión River, which flows into the Bay of Biscay, part of the Atlantic Ocean. The city lies in a sheltered valley at the junction of the Pyrenees and the Cantabrian Mountains. The climate is temperate oceanic. The proximity of the Atlantic Ocean contributes to the mild climate. In summer, the average temperature is 25-26 degrees Celsius. Heat above +35 degrees is quite rare. In winter, the average temperature ranges from 5 to 7 degrees Celsius. Precipitation is distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
In ancient times, a fishing village was located on the site of the modern city. Bilbao was founded in 1300 by the Lord of Biscay. The new city received extensive privileges and quickly became one of the most important trading centers in the northern part of the Iberian Peninsula. The closest trade ties were with ports in Flanders and Great Britain.
In 1602, Bilbao became the capital of Biscay. Throughout its history, it was largely untouched by internal conflicts. Bilbao suffered much more from wars with France. In 1835, the city was besieged by Carlists but repelled them.
Bilbao Airport is located near the city. It is served by most major European carriers. You can reach the city center by Bizkaibus A3247 bus, which departs every half hour from the arrivals hall. On the way, it makes three stops: Gran Via Viajes Ecuador, Plaza Moyua, and Alameda Recalde.
Bilbao has good bus and train connections with most major cities in Spain and the autonomous community, including Madrid and Barcelona. Getting to Bilbao by bus is often cheaper than by train. Moreover, bus connections are more regular.
The city’s public transport consists of the metro, commuter trains, and buses. Bilbao’s metro has two lines.
Bilbao offers good shopping opportunities. One of the city’s main shopping districts is Gran Vía. Here you’ll find a variety of establishments and shops, banks, supermarkets, and souvenir shops. Another popular shopping area is Casco Viejo, the city’s historic center. The largest market in Bilbao, La Ribera, is located on the embankment. In the area around the Guggenheim Square, there are many shops with antiques, books, and souvenirs.
Bilbao is famous for its cuisine. Traditional Basque cuisine is seasonal, with immense emphasis on the freshness and quality of ingredients. Tapas here are called Pintxos. Bilbao’s gastronomy is part of Basque cuisine, but it has its own unique features. Only here can you find bollo de mantequilla (butter bun) and carolina cake. Popular dishes include pisto a la bilbaina (onions, peppers, zucchini, tomatoes, ham, finely chopped), Ranero Club cod (cod in wine), fried vegetables with meat and egg, and porrusalda (stewed meat). Thanks to its location (practically on the ocean shore), you can try many dishes made with the freshest seafood.
Casco Viejo (Old Quarter) – one of the most atmospheric areas of the city. Located on the right bank of the Nervión River.
The heart of the old quarter was once surrounded by walls and consisted of three parallel streets. Later, the walls were demolished, and four streets perpendicular to the river were built, which, along with the first three, make up the old part of the city. In the northern part of the historic center is Arenal Street, which is the main thoroughfare. The elegant Neo-Baroque theater from the late 19th century is located in Plaza de Arriaga.
Near La Ribera market and the former city hall is one of Bilbao’s main attractions – the Church of San Antón and the bridge of the same name. The church was built in the Gothic style between 1546 and 1548, although its beautiful facade is Renaissance in style, and the bell tower is Baroque. Inside are interesting works by Luis Paret, Manuel Losada, and Guiot de Beaugrant. Almost three hundred years before the first church was built on this site, a warehouse stood here, built on a rock next to a ford where caravans loaded with wool from Castile crossed the river. In the 14th century, the first city fortifications were built here, fragments of which can still be seen.
St. Nicholas Church – This beautiful church features a Baroque facade and a unique interior. Its foundation dates back to the 14th century, but the building was completely rebuilt in 1756. The beautiful carved altar and some paintings are works by Juan de Mena. To the south is Plaza Nueva, with elegant arcaded buildings and numerous restaurants and cafes with outdoor terraces.
Basílica de Begoña – one of the most symbolic churches in Bilbao. Located on a picturesque hill above the old town. The building dates back to the 16th century and houses the image of the Virgin of Begoña, patron saint of Bilbao. The easiest way to reach the basilica is by elevator from St. Nicholas Church. The walk up the hill takes about 15 minutes and will reward you with beautiful city views.
Catedral de Santiago is located in the center of the old city. The first church was built in the 14th century. The original building was damaged by fire in 1571 and rebuilt in the 19th century in a Neo-Gothic style. The cathedral has a magnificent interior with three naves and vaulted ceilings. The choir, with its intricate Gothic details, is particularly beautiful. The crypt includes remnants of the original church’s structure.
Guggenheim Museum – Bilbao’s most famous museum, housed in a building considered an innovative example of 20th-century architecture. The building was designed by architect Frank Gehry and built in 1997. Its 24,000 square meters of exhibition space include world-class collections of contemporary art. Key masterpieces include abstract works by Mark Rothko, paintings by Willem de Kooning, Anselm Kiefer, Francesco Clemente, Jim Dine, and many others.
Museum of Fine Arts – presents an outstanding collection of European masters from the 14th to 17th centuries, Dutch and Flemish painting from the 15th to 17th centuries, and Spanish paintings from the 14th and 15th centuries. An entire hall is dedicated to works by Basque artists, including 22 paintings by the landscape painter Darío de Regoyos.
Vasco Museum – an archaeological museum where you can discover the unique culture and history of the Basque Country. Housed in a beautiful Baroque building in the heart of the old city, the museum offers exhibitions from the archaeology, ethnography, and history departments.
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