is bilbao worth visiting

You can also check out the various city parks, plazas, and the Museum of Fine Arts for free. . But what if youre looking for something different? The warmth of the summer months allows for an easier time for the outdoor activities. The uppermost pin on the right side is Toulouse, the capital of Frances Occitanie Region. Apart from the renowned Guggenheim, Bilbao has other museums that are well worth visiting. If youd like to experience a traditional event in Bilbao, these are the main celebrations and their dates: In addition to these events, Carnaval and Semana Santa (carnival and the Holy Week) are also celebrations that take place in Bilbao, but the difference is that theyre also celebrated across Spain. There is a staircase from the cliffs down to the beach and its shallow water. Is Bilbao worth visiting? - Raffles Guide The two most accessible mountains are Pagassari, located south of the city and Artxanda, located north of the city. Vehicles crossing the river drive onto a section of road suspended from the bridge, which then moves across like a gondola, carrying the traffic. This website contains affiliate links. There is a museum in Paris with an actual bladeContinue, The wonder of Greece: Rhodes and Santorini plus amazing Athens, Curious about the guillotine? Bilbao Metro covers the city of Bilbao as well as the greater Bilbao region. Is Bilbao Worth Visiting? Here are 5 Reasons to Visit Bilbao in Spain This museum . Bilbao is located in the greenest area of Spain. If you click through and purchase something, I receive a small commission on the price at no extra cost to you. How long should one stay? The maze of the old town, the broad avenues, and the jaw-dropping beach with views to match form a stark contrast but ticked all the boxes for a diverse city. Tickets can be purchased at the catedral door.The nearest metro stop is Casco Viejo. and Madrid have their fair share of art museums, Bilbaos Guggenheim may well top them all. Every time you go, youre sure to discover something new! Is Bilbao Worth Visiting? (10 Reasons To Visit It!) - My Little World Bilbao is one of Spains greatest and most underrated city getaway destinations. Probe around the Globe uses affiliate links. Bilbao is a much less expensive place to visit when compared to other cities in Spain as well as other destinations throughout Europe. other then the Museum is there much elese in Bilbao? Over the centuries, the province of Biscay aligned itself with any ruler who would continue to promote the areas autonomy. What used to be a hidden gem, its now a well-known spot because of season 6 of the Game of Thrones series. Youll also have the chance to spot lots of wildlife in the wetlands and along the coastal cliffs. 6) Relax at Doa Casilda de Iturrizar Park. Guggenheim Museum Bilbao - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go - Tripadvisor Foodies will fall in love with Bilbaos pinchos/pinxtos bars, where small plates (also known as tapas) of delicious regional specialities paired with a local beverage are the order of the day. 18 Tips For One Day In Bilbao | TravelyourMemories These bite-sized snacks are usually served on a slice of bread, with some culinary goodness pinched on top. Or you want to explore the North of Spain and you wonder if you should include Bilbao in your itinerary. Bilbao is a good place to visit as a couple, but it can also be a fantastic city to visit with friends, given its variety of bars and lively nightlife, or as a family, with plenty of kid-friendly attractions. Also atop Mount Igueldo is a classic amusement park (https://www.monteigueldo.es/home) with 20 attractions for children of all ages, including a rollercoaster dating back to 1928. Is Bilbao worth visiting? - Profound-tips This pop and rock music festival features some of the largest artists in the music industry. Id love to hear from you. Like most tapas, its dangerously easy to just keep ordering these delicious little morsels! Here's the Best Bilbao Food Tour Premier Bilbao Gourmet Food Tour On this 3-hour evening tour, you'll taste the best pintxos, sample regional wines, ciders, and beers as well as discover the city's medieval old quarter! Ill be happy to help you. The glass windows allow the view of the hillsides and river to be a part of the museums visual experience. Theres such an eclectic mixture of architectural styles. The Palacio Magdalena, perched on the highest point in the peninsula, served as a royal summer residence from 1911 to 1977. For example, a popular tourist attraction is the Monte Artxanda. The Basque city of Bilbao has much to entertain the visitor, from world-class art museums to fine dining restaurants, hip and trendy districts, food markets and plenty of avant-garde contemporary architecture. The Alsa bus has direct routes with durations varying from 1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes depending on the time of day.Also, the Pesa bus has a route with one stop and total travel time is 1 hour 20 minutes. It has a laid-back atmosphere that cosmopolitan cities like Barcelona and Madrid lack, and therefore, Bilbao is a good destination for you if you prefer a more relaxed vibe while visiting a city. ), and continue along the banks of the Nervion river towards the old town. Pin this article about reasons to visit Bilbao for later. The Gothic architecture of the cathedral, a style originating in France and popular from the 12th to 16th centuries, is seen in the main vault and cloisters. The pin below Toulouse is Andorra. The medieval neighborhood, known both in Spanish as Casco Viejo and in Basque as Alde Zaharra, is situated with the River Nervin to the west. Some of the best day trips from Bilbao are San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, Comillas, San Sebastian and Santillana del Mar. But the Basque Country is the homeland of the pintxo and in Bilbao, youll be getting the original article. But the real reason to visit the old town is the atmosphere. Youll even have a more tranquil trip if you visit Bilbao off-season, but its good to know that theres a higher chance of rain or more unsettled weather. But as it turned out, Im already contemplating going back to Bilbao as there is still so much to see and do and explore more of the Basque country. Each of these cities makes for fun weekend trips. If youre getting hungry, there are plenty of excellent restaurants up here too. 2. As someone who has explored the vibrant streets of this Spanish gem and delved into its unique cultural offerings, Ill share my honest thoughts and experiences with you. These are some of the main reasons why, Read More The wonder of Greece: Rhodes and Santorini plus amazing AthensContinue, The guillotine is an infamous tool of execution that has been used throughout history to punish criminals, political dissidents, and other enemies of the state. Another reason to visit Bilbao is that its a food lovers paradise, where every meal becomes a feast for the senses. Check rates & availability for this delicious Pintxos tour through Bilbao! In the mid-12 century, the early walls of San Sebastian were built to provide defense for the city when it was ruled by the Kingdom of Navarre. I am Sonal a traveler & a Yoga teacher whos currently living in Germany. Honestly, it depends on your interests. Where Granada is home to their tapas, Bilbao is home to Pintxos or Pinchos. Marathons. We had plenty of time to descend down the stone bridge and zig-zag back up to the little church. This post will help you decide. The cradle of Western Civilization. The picturesque park on top of the hill is full of sculptures and walkways. Moments later, we see a city worker vacuuming the streets. The approximate fare from the Bilbao airport to downtown Bilbao is 24-30. Bilbao and the Basque Country are such a multi-faceted and dynamic place to absorb the culture, the history, and scenery, and the food. She's infatuated with Roman Ruins, Road Trips, and Railway Journeys and she's crackers about cheese! However, despite its popular museum, you might be asking yourself "is Bilbao worth visiting?", the short answer is yes - its gastronomy, its beautiful Gothic architecture and museums, and natural surroundings make it a destination that is worth exploring. For those who dont know, Bilbao is the gateway city to the prolific wine region of Rioja. go to the museum's rooftop, which is free. Is Bilbao or San Sebastian Better? - Leave Your Daily Hell Visiting Spains Basque Country and wondering if Bilbao is worth visiting? Contrastingly, a highly-rated 4-star hotel averages around $100 USD per night. If youre feeling convinced that you should visit Bilbao, I would recommend going between June October. That is right, some of the most interesting views, art sculptures, and installations are outside the museum. That is why I loved my food tour in Bilbao and I highly recommend it! And whereas those cities can be a bit overwhelming with all the noise, Bilbao is pretty tranquil and peaceful to walk around. Alternatively, you could opt to spend a day exploring the idyllic Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve. This picturesque area is home to over 550 wineries, ranging from boutique and family-run wineries to wineries that are famous for their striking architecture. As well as the exhibits inside, the building is surrounded by sculptures that can be enjoyed by everyone free of charge. But I didnt know much about Bilbao or the things I could do. The beaches in San Sebastian each have their own personality and characteristics. | is bilbao worth visiting This is home to buildings, houses dating from 1849 - 1900 such as Arriaga theater, Florale palace, town hall, ancient churches on winding roads, in which Santiago Cathedral . The buildings, landscapes and food show you another side of Spain and its culture. This . The largest city in the Basque Country and in northern Spain, Bilbao has a unique character and tons of things to see and do. I paid for everything in full myself. Bilbao City Hall was built in 1892 on the site of a former San Agustn convent, which had been destroyed in the First Carlist War (first of three civil wars fought over succession of power after King Ferdinand VII of Spain died in 1833). Bilbao is not the capital, but it is the largest city in the Biscay region and the Basque Country. The parish is dedicated to Saint Anthony the Great, also know Saint Anthony the Abbott or Saint Anthony of Egypt, is considered to be the Father of all Monks due to his life as a hermit and in the desert and wilderness in Egypt. Meanwhile, as I mentioned previously, the Rioja wine region invites visitors to sample a wide array of prestigious wines. Europe | Spain Is Bilbao Worth Visiting? There is a term in architecture, the Bilbao effect, describing what can happen to a previously economically depressed city after cultural investment and eye-popping architecture are introduced. It is home to almost 350 thousand people. This led to Bilbao becoming an important port and a centre of industry in the past. The museums exhibits focus on international and Spanish artists. No wonder, you can easily explore Bilbao city center in a day. When you step out of the cable car, youll find a lovely park with copper statues, big signs that read Bilbao and panoramic views of the city. Bilbaos is up there with the best of them. That said, the city is on the lesser-known side as most tourists opt to visit Madrid and Barcelona instead. 10 Reasons to visit Bilbao, 7) Its historic buildings (like the cathedral), Other Frequently Asked Questions About if Bilbao is Worth Visiting, Other travel guides about Bilbao and Northern Spain, 9 Great Reasons to Visit the North of Spain, Check out and book your flights to Bilbao with, Book the best accommodation for you in Bilbao with. For a more relaxed water touring experience, Bilboats has two sailing options Sailing Bilbao and Sailing to Sea.Sailing Bilbao is an hour long tour of the city of Bilbao from the river. Local legends say that if you ask for a wish and ring the bell three times, your wish will come true. This 16th-century basilica is dedicated to the patron saint of Biscay, the Virgin of Begoa, and is an emblem of Bilbaos religious devotion. Thus, the temperatures are pleasant for exploring the citys attractions and the days are long. Maybe it just had to do with the time I was visiting or something, but it was remarkably clean when I visited. There werent even a bunch of leaves or lots of trash.It was the first time I had seen someone literally vacuuming the streets So in my books, Bilbao is basically the gold standard for cleanliness. Bilbao. I dont know about you, but I dont think its particularly helpful since not really every place is worth visiting. Thus, Id encourage you to keep researching until you can comfortably and confidently decide whether or not Bilbao is worth it for you! The food in Bilbao includes small plates (tapas in Spanish and pintxos in the Basque language) and wonderful seafood options, which harkens back to the origin of the city as a fishermans village. And if you want to spend less time in transit, you can always opt to use the public transit system! I roamed around the Matter of Time for quite some time and absolutely loved the black box from Yayoi Kasuma and the Tulips by Jeff Koons. If you are planning a trip, we recommend visiting at the tail end of summer like August and September. Not to mention, strolling along the river provides an easy way to see a lot of the citys best highlights. Conveniently connected with major airports in Spain and the rest of Europe, I booked a short-haul flight from Eindhoven to Bilbao with Transavia. I mean we all have different interests right? The Best Time to Visit Bilbao, Spain for Weather, Safety, & Tourism The best times to visit Bilbao for ideal weather are April 16th to November 4th based on average temperature and humidity from NOAA (the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration). You might not be able to see everything on one trip, but Bilbao is a convenient base. This post will help you decide. Three streets ran parallel to the river and four streets ran perpendicular to the river. Basque Country is an autonomous region of northeast Spain and southwest France along the western Pyrenees Mountains and Bay of Biscay. Bilbao blog - Nomads - Travel tips, Guides, News & Information! This part of town is great for walking and enjoying the local cuisine and pintxos. The Trojan War. For more information, including location and reservations, please visit the restaurants website. At one point, my friend and I were sitting at a caf and sipping on some drinks. The metro system is a closed system which means each rides ticket needs to be validated upon entering the station and upon exiting the station. The city is perched between the hills of Mount Urgull, Mount Ulia, Mount Adarra, and Mount Igueldo and the beaches of La Concha, Ondaretta, and Zurriola. Regular tickets are 13 and they want you to book a time slot via their website. But, if you want to travel to even smaller towns, you can visit the charming coastal towns of Gaztelugatxe and Santander. The tour is 3 hours and costs 35 and can accommodate 2-12 people.Another option covers less touristy sites and more of the industrial and cultural history of Bilbao. If youre into churches and more views, you can visit the Basilica of Begoa, up the hill. Biarritz, San Jean de Luz and San Sebastian tour. One of the main places to see in Santander is Centro Botn. 4 Other FAQ About Visiting Spain's Basque Country? The boat also sails March December with varying hours, depending on the month, and includes day and evening tours. Although the city is still dominated by industry, the city center has been nicely renovated and transformed into a cosmopolitan city following the opening of the internationally renowned Guggenheim museum . The Baroque architecture, a style originating in Italy during the late 16th century and characterized by its grandiose and intricate details and ornamentation as a more theatrical expansion of Renaissance architecture, which relied more on domes and columns. Besides the fact Bilbao is only a 1.5-hour flight away, the city can be easily reached by a cheap airport bus. I visited Bilbao on a short weekend break in February. Also, if youre spending enough time in Bilbao, and you happen to be in the city on a weekend, check out the football matches. If you're in the north of Spain and you have a few days spare in your itinerary, you can easily fill them with the many things to do in Bilbao. We only recommend products we love. At the heart of every Spanish city from Santiago to Almera is a casco viejo, or old town. But some of the best views are from the outside, so you dont need a ticket to see them. Saint Anthony (251-356 AD) was born into a wealthy Egyptian family, but followed the teachings of the Bible after his parents death and sold his possessions and donate to the poor in preparations for the treasures in heaven. Infatuated with Roman Ruins, Road Trips and Railway Journeys. The philosophies of Socrates, Plato, Aristotle. It is one of Spain's greatest modern art museums (rivaled only by the Reina Sofia in Madrid. Bilbao also offers amazing day trips to explore the Basque Country and is easy to explore, safe and really different from other Spanish cities. The Guggenheim Bilbao Museum alone is enough to pass half a day - but there are many more reasons to visit Bilbao, and hopefully this article will help you to see that By the end of this post, youll hopefully have all the information you need to determine whether or not Bilbao is worth adding to your travel itinerary! Originally surrounded by walls until 1863, the remnants of which are visible along the Portaletes gate near the old harbor, Old Town also contains the San Vicente Church, the Basilica of Santa Maria, and the Placa de la Constitucin. During this time of the year, the weather is usually mild, with average high temperatures in the high 70s F (21C) and average low temperatures in the low-mid 50sF (10 C). But, thats just me because Im a sucker for small coastal beach destinations with amazing food. While exiting, follow the signs for Ercilla-Guggenheim to be the closest to the museumThe nearest tram stop is either Guggenheim or Abandoibarra. Explore some of the day trips available to nearby small, coastal towns! The two tours run 5 hours and travels to other parts of the Bilbao metro area, one exploring the history and culture of the area (Tourne-Portu Zaharra or Tourne Gold Coast) as well as the other exploring the role that iron extraction played in the industrialization and prominence of the area (Tourne-Muskiz or Tourne All Iron). This depends on your financial background, but in my opinion, Bilbao is on the cheaper side. Even getting from Bilbao International Airport is easy since theres a specific bus line. She helps travellers from all around the world plan their trips to Spain and have more authentic experiences. The tour is 3 hours and costs 69 and can accommodate 2-12 people. This is a fantastic place to cap off a visit to Bilbao and appreciate this wonderful city. El Sardinero beach has an area known to be friendly to beginner surfers.The Matalenas Beach, a little more secluded and in a cove in the northeast part of the city, can be accessed from the Parque de Matalenas. And, of course, there are many exhibits within the museum. Save my name, email, and site URL in my browser for next time I post a comment. This is the most visited city in Spain, and I like to say Gaudi has his finger wrapped around Barcelona since lots of his works are featured across the city LOL.Finally, the bottom left pin represents Madrid, Spains beautiful capital city. This coastal region is about an hour and 20 minutes outside the city via public transport. 1 How I Approached My Basque Country Trip 2 How to Choose Between Bilbao and San Sebastian 2.1 Accommodation 2.2 Pinxtos (and other food) 2.3 Architecture 2.4 Landscape 2.5 Where are you going next? This offers visitors the opportunity to participate in an array of artistic and cultural experiences. Bilbao Spain may not be regularly considered when thinking of destinations in Spain. Bilbao is definitely worth visiting. That said, I know that countless travel bloggers will say a place is worth visiting without explaining why or why not to visit. The city offers a different experience from other parts of Spain like Southern Spain. The spring months are warmer though there may be periods of rain. Regarding rainfall, the average is 14 days. On the far southeast side of the city is a peninsula known as Magdalena Park. To reach the top, visitors can either hike up by food or take a convenient ride on a funicular to the top. Andorra is known for being a tax haven and offering visitors gorgeous views of the Pyrenees mountains. And free to visit, at any moment of the day. Bilbao doesnt feel as touristy as other Spanish destinations. This gorgeous coastal city offers a wide variety of activities, including hiking the surrounding hills. Join one of these fun tours to explore the urbex side of Bilbao: What might have surprised me the most is how AMAZING the Basque Country is. The interior of City Hall have elements of Neo-Renaissance design, including the staircase and assembly hall. If youre a fan of art especially modern art you cant miss Bilbaos Guggenheim Museum. This remarkable feat of engineering is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. . The museum is located at Museo Plaza, 2 (about 1/3 of a mile southwest of the Guggenheim) and is open Monday, Wednesday-Saturday from 10:00AM to 8:00PM and Sunday from 10:00AM to 3:00PM.Admission to the museum is currently free. If you only have one day to visit Bilbao, there are a few things you won't want to miss. Along with the mountains that encompass Bilbao, the Nervin River is another feature of the city I enjoyed. I was not paid or sponsored. That said, its mountainous location makes it harder to access, but you can still reach it easily from Barcelona. The city has fewer attractions than Bilbao, but they are worth visiting. At the entrance to the park is a tourist train to help with exploring the area. Another popular site in Old Town along La Concha Bay is the Aquarium, with fish from the region and a bit of naval history. I visited Bilbao in March and it didnt rain but it was a bit windy and chilly. Stay in San Sebastian and take a day trip to Bilbao or vice versaeither one makes an excellent home base. If youre a football fan, you cant leave Bilbao without visiting San Mams football stadium, home to the Athletic de Bilbao club. Bilbao Travel Guide Weather Temperature On the other hand, San Sebastian is ideal if you're looking for a beachy vibe and want to indulge in Basque cuisine. Spending Five Days to a Week in Spain . Ondarreta Beach is a smaller beach and very popular for sports, including volleyball, beach tennis and soccer. Whether you're looking for budget-friendly housing or something more luxurious, Bilbao has plenty of options so that everyone can find the perfect place to stay! I took a full-day tour around the Basque Country, from Bilbao. Biblao is surrounded by little green hills, which make a lovely backdrop for this citys landscape. Is Bilbao Worth Visiting? 10 Reasons To Visit Bilbao Spain (2023) Bilbao is surrounded by green landscapes and mountains that you can admire from different parts of the city. I myself didn't really know what else there is to see in Bilbao, besides the famous Guggenheim museum. . The largest city in the Basque Country and in northern Spain, Bilbao has a unique character and tons of things to see and do. As happens with San Sebastin, Bilbao is a foodie destination. The point of interest there, such as museums, Park, Churches, theaters, etc., will take you to medieval times. For a nice 3-star hotel, prices range from about $60 - $80 USD per night. Discovering Palma: Insider Tips for Exploring the Hidden Gems of Mallorca's Capital; The Top 10 Upper-Class and Luxury Restaurants in Palma de Mallorca; Mallorcas Top 10 Beaches; Palmanova; For those who arent sure where Bilbao is located, heres a little map you can reference.The purple pin represents Bilbao, and directly to right of the Bilbao is the idyllic town of San Sebastian. The bicycle tour follows bike lanes to ensure the comfort and safety of the participants. Is Bilbao worth visiting? Bilbao's old town is a fun place to explore, with its narrow winding streets, colorful architecture and a slew of interesting shops and bars. Pop your head into the Bilbao train station, where youll find amazing stained glass windows showing the history of Bilbao. So it is the end of this article and hopefully, you can give an answer to the question if Bilbao is worth visiting yourself. The Banco de Santander, started in 1857, is now Spains largest bank. Oh, and theres really an eclectic mix of tapas bars all over the city! This architectural masterpiece boasts a striking titanium exterior that features deconstructionist architecture and glistens in the sunlight, mesmerizing visitors from the moment they lay their eyes on it. The Palacio de Congresos y de la Musica Euskalduna is an auditorium that is worth knowing in Bilbao City. In fact, the origins of Euskara are still a mystery even though many theories exist.Neanderthal cave paintings point to humans having lived in the Biscay area since the middle Paleolithic period (250,000-30,000 years ago). First, be sure to check out the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao. You can find any type of trail from easy and moderate to challenging. Bilbao and San Sebastian . Or youre not sure if you should book that weekend trip to Bilbao. Despite this, you can save money in Bilbao by eating pintxos at the market rather than in restaurants and staying in less central hotels.
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