bilbao

Hello, bilbao

One of the jewels of northern Spain, Bilbao is a city full of surprises and delights. It boasts a unique blend of tradition and modernity, which is reflected in its stunning architecture, rich cultural heritage, and outstanding cuisine. At its heart lies the magnificent Guggenheim Museum, one of the most impressive structures in the world. Its streets are alive with the sound of Euskara, Europe's oldest and most enigmatic language, while the Casco Viejo (Old Town) is full of traditional bars for sampling pintxos.

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Plenty of things to do and see

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Algorta Old Port

Algorta’s Old Port is a small fishing quarter in Getxo, just 20 minutes from central Bilbao by metro. Whitewashed houses line the narrow streets down to the water. On summer evenings, locals gather outside bars for a beer or cider, often with green olives or fried calamari.

Doña Casilda Iturrizar Park

Doña Casilda Iturrizar Park is the biggest green space in central Bilbao, built in 1907 on land donated by Casilda Iturrizar, a Spanish philanthropist. Its layout blends English-garden and French-garden styles: paths among mature trees, a botanical garden, ponds with ducks/swans/geese, fountains, a pergola, and children’s play areas. The Fine Arts Museum is situated on one edge of the park, and there’s a stage area for live performances. Locals often call it 'Parque de los Patos' (Ducks Park), and it’s open all year, day and night.

Santiago Cathedral (Bilboko Donejakue Katedrala)

Built from the late 14th to the 15th centuries, the Santiago Cathedral is the city’s oldest major church, dedicated to Saint James (Santiago), Bilbao's patron saint. The building features a mix of different styles: its core is Gothic (nave, vault, cloister), a grand Renaissance portico was added in the 1500s, while much of the façade and tower with spire were rebuilt in a neo-Gothic style in the late 1800s by Severino de Achúcarro. Inside, you’ll see three naves, several side chapels, the Gothic cloister accessible via the Door of the Angel ('Puerta del Ángel'), and beyond the main altar, there’s an ambulatory with chapels. Floods in 1983 caused damage, but the cathedral was restored and reopened around 2000.

Itsasmuseum — Bilbao Maritime Museum

Located at the old Euskalduna shipyard, Itsasmuseum dives into the city’s maritime past. Exhibitions focus on the estuary’s environment, the history of trade, and the development of shipbuilding. Highlights include detailed wooden ship models and outdoor displays of historical vessels, anchors, and the iconic Carola crane.

Best things to do in bilbao

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