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.

Best things to do in bilbao

Plenty of things to do and see

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Plaza Nueva (Plaza Barria)

There are 64 arches around this enclosed square, which is the oldest surviving square in town. Built in 1849, it’s a perfect place to stop and sip a cup of coffee while you watch the world go by. This plaza is home to some of the best and most up-market pintxos in the area. One of the cafés that you can try is the famous Café Bar Bilbao. Sure, the name is not very original, but it is known for its finger-licking pintxos. Look out for the squid pintxo, as well as the ham and onion one. These are the two specialities of the house.

Old Port — Algortako Portu Zaharra

Effectively a tiny fishing village in the midst of a city, the Old Port of Algorta in Getxo is made up of a handful of houses by the shore. It is one of the main attractions in the area, only 20 minutes away from the centre of Bilbao by metro. The Old Port makes for a very pretty and charming setting on a summer's day. A stone's throw away from the beach, the charming white houses follow a downward path to the water. Come sunset, the locals gather outside in the gentle summer breeze to enjoy a beer or two, along with a plate of green olives or crispy fried calamari from the nearby bars.

Artxanda Viewpoint

If you want to escape the city streets, this is the right place for you to take in a breath of fresh air and look down at Bilbao from above. At the Artxanda viewpoint, you can enjoy a magnificent panoramic view of the city and the beautiful mountains that surround it. There is a small funicular railway that functions as a fast mode of transportation to reach the top of the hill.

Day Trip to Donostia — San Sebastián

This is a city set between two hills around the beautiful bay of La Concha. San Sebastian, or Donosti as it is known by the locals, makes for an unforgettable day trip, where you can take in the glorious Belle Epoque balustrades and visit world-famous restaurants. There are four areas that you should visit. The first one is Parte Vieja, the Old Town, where you can find the popular pintxo bars and eat til you drop. South of Parte Vieja, you'll find the shopping district and heading towards the coast you will come across three beaches: Zurriola, the preferred spot for local surfers, La Concha, and Ondarreta, where the posh neighbourhood is.

Best things to do in bilbao

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