Located at the heart of the Basque Country, the Spanish city of Bilbao was long known for its commercial and industrial activities. Since the opening of the Guggenheim Museum, however, the city has slowly but surely been transforming into a pleasant, cultural hub perfect for a weekend away.
As far as tourism hotspots in Spain go, most of us are acquainted with cities such as Barcelona, Madrid or Valencia. They have been on everyone’s radar for a long time and can therefore at times feel a little overwhelming. Moreover, mass tourism has taken its toll on the popular destinations, leaving many locals not so pleased with the numerous visitors.
Bilbao offers a welcome alternative. Not only is the city smaller and therefore easier to visit by walking around, it also feels more genuine. Tourism hasn’t (yet) taken over the whole city, where locals seem to be the vast majority. And while the old Casco Viejo neighbourhood is undoubtedly the most tourist-friendly so to speak, every part of Bilbao has its own identity, offering a made-to-measure option for everyone.
Even though you won’t have seen everything Bilbao has to offer in 48 hours, a weekend is enough to get a good idea of the city without feeling stressed by all the activities out there. Don’t hesitate, however, to prolong your stay if you want to get a taste of local life, strolling around and taking things slowly.
1. Where to sleep
LETOH LETOH has multiple locations throughout Spain, one them having recently opened in Bilbao. The hotel is located in the Casco Viejo neighbourhood, making it the perfect starting point to discover the city.
Rooms in the hotel are clean and modern, as one might expect from such a new location. The interior design was clearly given quite a bit of thought, as were some of the details such as the hotel’s signature scent and the comfortable bedding. Downstairs, you’ll be able to find a co-working space and coffee bar, while one step outside will put you amidst Bilbao’s buzzing nightlife.
Room prices start at 82 euros per night.
2. Where to eat
Bilbao locals clearly like to eat out and whether you’re looking for a place to eat at noon or in the evening, if you want a table, you better make a reservation beforehand. 1pm-3pm and 9pm-11pm are peak hours among locals, so eating earlier might not always be an option.
While Spain is famous for its tapas, the Basque Country has its very own variant: pintxos. Pintxos can be found throughout the whole city, as most of the bars offer at least a small variety to their customers. Croquettes, omelettes, seafood snacks or veggie options: one can find about anything in pintxos format. Prices vary from 2 to 4 euros per portion, depending on the location.
After having tried many a pintxo all over town, I can safely say most of them are of good enough quality. The Plaza Nueva Square in the Casco Viejo makes for a pleasant location with many options, the most famous one being without a doubt Gure Toki.
Pintxos aside, Bilbao has a very large variety of restaurants on offer. With the ocean so close, it is a perfect spot to try some seafood. I would recommend dining at Parrillas del Mar, who have a small but deliciously fresh menu of fish and other seafood options. Portions are generous, while the wine menu offers good value for money given the setting.
If you’re in the mood for something a bit less local yet equally delicious, Restaurante Himawari is a safe bet. The Japanese restaurant offers a variety of dishes, including popular options such as sushi, gyoza and ramen. The menu is rather limited compared to other places, which is always a good sign, while the decor is refreshingly modern. The food itself is full of flavour, making you wish you had a little room left for something else to taste.
The Ribera Market, located on the riverfront, is the place to be for fresh produce. Perfect if you’re planning on having a picnic or if you want to take home a souvenir. Within the market, you’ll also be able to find a food court, allowing you to enjoy a freshly prepared meal on site.
3. What to visit
When mentioning Bilbao, the first thing most of us tend to think about is the Guggenheim Museum. Designed by Frank Gehry and officially opened in 1997, it is one of the biggest museums in Spain and it clearly did a lot for the city as far as tourism goes. The titanium-clad, curvy building is located next to the Nervion River and can be spotted from afar, standing out from and blending in with the cityscape at the same time.
Those who venture inside will not just be able to discover the other side of the architectural marvel but also a mix of permanent and temporary exhibitions. When visiting, since ticket fares are on the higher end, it’s worth checking the exhibitions on show beforehand, as not all of them are necessarily to everyone’s taste.
The Museo de Bellas Artes Bilbao, the city’s fine arts museum, is currently undergoing major construction works which will greatly expand its footprint. While this means there are less artworks on show than usual, it also means admissions are free, inviting everyone to wander around without obligations.
The museum’s collection includes some lesser-known works from internationally renowned artists such as Picasso and Paul Gauguin, as well as pieces from Spanish and Basque artists. Recently, the Museo de Bellas Artes acquired several thousands of pieces by Antonio de Guezala, a Bilbao-born artist with a remarkably refreshing style well worth discovering.
Music lovers should try to catch a show of the Bilbao Orkestra Sinfonikoa at the Euskalduna Palace. Bilbao’s very own symphonic orchestra often combines its forces with other artists, such as flamenco players. A perfect occasion to immerse yourself in the local music culture.
4. What else?
Given Bilbao’s rather small footprint compared to other tourist destinations, discovering the city on foot is the best way to get an idea of the overall atmosphere. It will allow you to feel the difference between the different neighbourhoods, from the charming Casco Viejo to the elegant Abando, from the buzzing Indautxu to the authentic San Francisco. Once you’ve discovered your favourite part of the city, it’ll be easy to find a spot to sit down and enjoy the vibe.
