LOCATION
Located in northeastern Spain, Bilbao is a port city with a rich industrial history.
Its prosperity is reflected in the beautiful 1930s buildings, and one is struck by the harmony of this beautiful city’s historic urban layout.
MOUNTAIN LIKE
What is also striking is the fact that it is surrounded by green landscapes: this gives the impression of being in a ski resort town—or rather, a town in the mountains.
RENAISSANCE
Following the decline of local industry, the municipality and the region took matters into their own hands and steered the city toward tourism and culture—notably by submitting a bid to host the future Guggenheim Museum in Europe and by commissioning architect Calatrava to build a magnificent bridge.
In addition, the facades of the “Black City” have been renovated, major urban development projects have been launched, and an ambitious policy for public infrastructure has been implemented.
The airport project was also entrusted to Calatrava, and the Iberdrola Tower project to architect Cesar Pelli.
URBAN PLANNING
Port and industrial activities have been relocated, freeing up the banks of the Nervión River, which are now a pleasant place to stroll.
And this trend will continue, as the city has commissioned architect Zaha Hadid to design the development plan for the artificial Zorrotzaure peninsula (5,000 housing units and several footbridges over the river).
All of this has given the city a new lease on life, and you’ll find yourself strolling through a little paradise: a city that’s pleasant for both pedestrians and drivers, clean, and full of flowers.
GAY FRIENDLY
What can I say? Casco Viejo, the city’s historic district, is very pleasant.
The atmosphere is very gay-friendly, and Plaza Barria (1821, neoclassical) with all its outdoor cafes is very welcoming. I recommend the red Martini, served in abundance!
MUSEUM
The Guggenheim Museum, designed by Frank Gehry, is magnificent! We’ll come back to it later.
AWARDS
In 2004, Bilbao received the award for the world’s best urban project at the Venice Biennale, as well as the European Urban Planning Award.
WHAT TO DO
HOTELS
I stayed at the Vincci Consulado in Bilbao, which is beautifully located across from the museum. Get a room with a view of the museum and the bridge. It’s well worth it!
Otherwise, it’s a comfortable hotel with friendly service, but it’s not really a luxury hotel in the full sense of the word. The Artist Hotel, also well-located, is tempting, and the Melia, with its ’90s retro charm, has plenty to offer even if it’s a bit far out.
The first two are very well-located and let you do everything on foot.
MUSEE
Of course, most tourists come for the Guggenheim Bilbao, one of the most beautiful museums in the world. You have to go there: admire the museum’s architecture (by Frank Gehry) and, of course, the signature works by Jeff Koons, Richard Serra, Louise Bourgeois… During my visit, American artist Ruth Asawa was featured in an interesting retrospective.
There’s a pleasant café and, for the evening, a cozy brasserie. The museum also has a Michelin-starred restaurant that requires reservations.
The Museum of Fine Arts looked interesting but is currently undergoing extensive renovations.
Be sure to check it out on a future visit.
WALKING
Walking from the museum to Casco Viejo through the lovely garden and along the riverbanks, then having a drink in the old town, and finally heading back through the relatively new part of town is a pleasant stroll, even if it’s a bit long for lazybones like me. Stopping here and there at outdoor cafes will help you have a wonderful day.
Casco Viejo is truly charming and brimming with small shops—some of them historic—run by older people who, you can tell, take great joy in their work: in one shop run by an elderly gentleman, the packaging was handmade by his mother at home. Charming!
SHOPPING
A paradise for both trendy and traditional shopping, Bilbao offers a wide variety of places to go for small or large purchases. People are charming everywhere. I recommend
Trendy
Bilbao 48007 A true concept store
017 Store Streetwear Very good
Cooligan Vintage soccer
BASQUE
SKFK—an iconic local brand
Zergatik Asymmetrical cut—worth considering!
Chic
Throughout the Abando neighborhood
Belaza Gallery, in particular
EATING
There’s a wide variety, even though I’m not a huge fan of tapas—known here as PINTXOS
Try Extanobe, Nido Bilabo, Aura, or Berria Ledesma specifically for pintxos
DRINKING
Finally, for bars and cocktails, I’d recommend
Gin Fizz Cocktail or La Mula de Moscu
Don’t forget that the nightlife starts late, so if you’re looking for a lively atmosphere, head out as late as possible. Get some rest before your daytime stroll.
JARDINS
There are quite a few, and don’t forget that the city is FULL of flowers Jardines de Albia (a charming little square) Mount Artxanda, accessible via the funicular or the Ramón Rubial Botanical Garden, a few kilometers from the city center.
