Bilbao

Fly to Bilbao: Where Art Dances with Industry and Every Bite Tells a Story

🎭 A City That Reinvented Itself

Once known as an industrial shipping town, Bilbao has blossomed into a European cultural capital. The transformation started with the opening of the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao in 1997 β€” a shimmering beacon of titanium that sparked what's now called the β€œGuggenheim Effect.” Today, the city buzzes with innovation, art, and culinary passion, all while staying true to its Basque roots.


🌟 Must-Experience in Bilbao

πŸ–ΌοΈ 1. Guggenheim Museum Bilbao

  • Why go: You’ve never seen a museum like this. Even if you don’t go inside (but you should), the architecture alone will leave you awestruck.

  • Pro tip: Visit at golden hour for amazing photos of the river and museum reflections.

πŸ™οΈ 2. Casco Viejo (Old Town)

  • Narrow streets, colorful buildings, and hidden bars.

  • Don’t miss La Ribera Market, where you can shop, eat, and sip wine by the river.

🍷 3. Plaza Nueva Pintxo Crawl

  • Bilbao's central square is lined with pintxo bars β€” order a drink, grab a bite off the bar, and repeat.

  • Try this: β€œGilda” (olive, anchovy & pepper skewer) and txakoli, a crisp Basque white wine.

πŸŒ„ 4. Mount Artxanda Viewpoint

  • Take the Funicular de Artxanda up the hill.

  • The views are perfect for photos or a sunset picnic.

πŸšΆβ€β™‚οΈ 5. RΓ­a de Bilbao Walk

  • A scenic riverside stroll connects Guggenheim, parks, and cool neighborhoods like Abandoibarra.

  • Look out for street art and sculptures along the route.


🍽️ Local Food You Can’t Miss

Bilbao is a gastronomic treasure chest, from casual pintxo bars to Michelin-starred restaurants.

πŸ”₯ Must-Try Dishes:

  • Bacalao a la VizcaΓ­na – Salt cod in a rich red pepper sauce.

  • TxuletΓ³n – A massive Basque-style beef steak, great for sharing.

  • Basque Cheesecake – Creamy, slightly burnt, and unforgettable.


🧭 Nearby Gems for a Day Trip

🌊 San Juan de Gaztelugatxe

  • Just 45 minutes away. Cross a stone bridge to reach this magical island hermitage. You might recognize it as Dragonstone from Game of Thrones!

πŸ–οΈ Getxo & Sopelana

  • Gorgeous coastal towns with beaches, surf, and seaside cafes.

πŸ‡ La Rioja Wine Region

  • Spain’s most famous wine country is just a short drive away. Tours and tastings are easily arranged.


🧳 Traveler Tips

  • When to go: May to October for ideal weather and events.

  • What to wear: Casual, with layers β€” Bilbao can get breezy.

  • Language: Spanish and Euskara (Basque). Most locals in tourism speak English.