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The Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao with its curved architecture made of titanium and glass, surrounded by a modern bridge and a promenade along the river with walkers and palm trees.
The Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao with its curved architecture made of titanium and glass, surrounded by a modern bridge and a promenade along the river with walkers and palm trees.

Bilbao

Published: 27 March 2025, 09:00

Jewel of the Basque Country

Hola, Bilbao! The largest city in the Spanish Basque Country attracts visitors to the north of Spain with its charming old town streets, innovative buildings and traditional pintxo bars. Nestled between the green hills of the Cantabrian Mountains and the rugged Atlantic coast, Bilbao combines the originality of Basque culture with modern influences. The top highlight is the world-famous Guggenheim Museum – an architectural masterpiece made of titanium, glass and limestone, designed by star architect Frank O. Gehry. A feast for architecture fans!

Other eye-catchers are the Ribera Market, the Zubizuri Bridge and Norman Foster's elegant subway stations. A real Basque experience is a visit to a pintxo bar in the old town around the Nervión river. Basque tapas are small works of culinary art and a delicious snack at any time of day.

Numbers, data, facts

  • Time difference: none
  • Population: 350,000
  • Official language: Spanish and Basque
  • Currency: Euro (EUR)

A stroll through Bilbao

An imposing building with curved shapes made of titanium, glass and limestone. It lies on the riverbank and is reflected in the water. A modern bridge can be seen on the left of the picture.
A real eye-catcher: the Guggenheim Museum fascinates with its avant-garde architecture and extensive collection of contemporary art. © elxeneize/stock.adobe.com
An Art Deco-style building with striking red and white elements and large windows. The riverbank can be seen in the foreground, with the colourful houses of the old town in the background.
A paradise for gourmets: The Ribera market, which opened in 1929, delights with its charming Art Deco style, large glass windows and a wide range of fresh produce. © dudlajzov/stock.adobe.com
An illuminated church at night, reflected in the calm river water. In the foreground is an old stone bridge that crosses the river, while colourful buildings are lined up on the left.
Beautiful by day and night: the old town around the Nervión enchants with picturesque alleyways, traditional pintxo bars and the impressive San Antón church. © jon_chica/stock.adobe.com
A white, arched pedestrian bridge crossing a river. Two striking skyscrapers rise up in the background, embedded in an urban backdrop.
Not far from the historic San Antón church, you will come across modern architectural highlights such as the Zubizuri Bridge and the Isozaki Towers. © arnaudmartinez/stock.adobe.com
A park with a large fountain in the foreground, surrounded by green trees, a meadow, palm trees and two historic pavilions. In the background is a large white house.
Green oasis: Doña Casilda Park is a place to relax and a popular meeting place for locals. On sunny days, it invites you to linger, stroll and picnic. © belyay/stock.adobe.com

The diversity of the Spanish Basque Country

Bilbao not only offers urban highlights but is also an ideal starting point for excursions to the Spanish Basque Country, known as Euskadi. The Atlantic coast attracts visitors with its beautiful beaches and excellent surfing opportunities, while hikers and nature lovers get their money's worth in the surrounding mountains of the Cantabrian Cordillera. The elegant seaside resort of San Sebastián boasts Concha Bay and one of the most beautiful city beaches in Europe. Medieval churches and traditional farmhouses are just a stone's throw away from the modern architecture that makes the Basque Country so special. A highlight is a trip to the rock church of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, which can be reached via a coastal path with numerous steps. Culturally, the Basque Country is characterised by its own language, Euskara, as well as lively festivals and centuries-old traditions.

Discovering the Basque Country

A panoramic view of a coastal town with many houses and a wide sandy beach. Green hills stretch out in the background.
San Sebastián is located on the beautiful Concha Bay on the Atlantic Ocean. The city beach is ideal for swimming. You can indulge in culinary delights in the old town. © Boris Stroujko/stock.adobe.com
A quiet square with traditional buildings and red tiled roofs. A clock tower rises in the background. Wooded hills and mountains can be seen behind it.
The small town of Guernica is famous for Picasso's painting of the same name. The eventful history of the former Basque capital can be discovered in the Peace Museum. © tichr/stock.adobe.com
An imposing island on the coast, which can be reached via a winding stone staircase. There is a chapel at the top of the leafy island.
Rocky island with a church: Gaztelugatxe is an island whose top can be reached via a stone staircase with 241 steps. The view from the top is impressive. © borisbelenky/stock.adobe.com
A river estuary with sandy banks and turquoise blue water. The landscape is surrounded by green hills, forests and scattered houses.
The Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve is a UNESCO-protected nature reserve with beautiful beaches, cliffs and birds. The town of Mundaka is a surfer's paradise. © jon_chica/stock.adobe.com
A rural landscape with vineyards. In the background is a village with a traditional church. A modern building with wavy, colourful metal surfaces stands strikingly in the centre.
Architecture and wine: The village of Elciego in the Rioja Alavesa wine region is known for its Marqués de Riscal winery designed by Frank Gehry. © JUAN CARLOS MUNOZ/stock.adobe.com

Bilbao from BER

Aircraft about to land on the runway

Eurowings

Aeropuerto de Bilbao (BIO)

Five tips for ...

  1. the famous pintxos (the Basque version of tapas)
  2. fish and seafood: e.g. grilled sole or squid in ink
  3. classics: marmitako (tuna stew) or txangurro (crab stew)
  4. txakoli and cider: sparkling white wine that goes well with pintxos
  5. fresh from the market: Idiazábal cheese from the Mercado de la Ribera

  1. Guggenheim Museum: a masterpiece of modern architecture
  2. Zubizuri Bridge: an elegant, modern pedestrian bridge
  3. Azkuna Zentroa: the cultural centre in the former winery
  4. Isozaki Atea: the striking twin towers made of glass and steel
  5. Teatro Arriaga: a magnificent neo-baroque style theatre

  1. Zarautz: charming beach promenade with cafés
  2. Playa de La Zurriola: urban vibes and active surfing community
  3. Bakio: close to the rock church of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe
  4. Sopela: picturesque cliffs, ideal for surfing
  5. Meñakoz: secluded with a wild coastal landscape

Picture Source title:
© underwaterstas/stock.adobe.com   

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