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Bilbao EN
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OLD TOWN
CONTENTS
Introduction 3
The content of this leaflet has been created with the Bilbao throughout the seasons 13
utmost care. However, if you find an error, please
help us to improve by sending an email to bro- Bilbao with children 14
chures@tourspain.es
The hidden city 14
FRONT PAGE: Bilbao Guggenheim Museum Enjoy the nightlife 18
BACK: Old Town
Photo: Bilbao Tourist Board Tours and walks 18
What can you visit near Bilbao? 19
How to get there 22
How to get around Bilbao 22
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INTRODUCTION
Come to Bilbao and discover how the regional wine, before going on to one
past, the present and the future blend of the local restaurants, true culinary
in perfect harmony. A city which has temples run by Michelin-starred chefs.
been able to coordinate its rich indus- Nature is a prominent feature in a city
trial past with truly futuristic artistic surrounded by mountains and where
trends. you can go to the beach on the metro.
With the Bilbao Guggenheim Museum The outskirts of Bilbao are full of green
as its flagship, the city's cultural attrac- areas and wonderful lookout points
tions are immense. There are extraor- with incomparable views of the city's
dinary colour changes caused by the skyline and the Cantabrian Sea.
natural light reflecting off the titani- Without leaving the Basque Country/
um façade onto the estuary and great Euskadi, you can visit other fascinating
works of contemporary art exhibited in cities like San Sebastián and Vitoria,
its galleries. learn about wine culture and enjoy the
You'll love the Casco Viejo or Old mountains and coastline.
Town and the Ensanche neighbour-
hood with its broad, elegant streets.
As you stroll about you'll have a chance
to try the typical pintxos, aperitifs which The charms of Bilbao are a delight
are a gastronomic work of art, to be for all the senses.
accompanied by a glass of txakoli, the
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Photo: FRANCISCO DE BORJA LARIA/123rf.com
BILBAO
DISCOVER BILBAO
NEIGHBOUR-
HOOD BY
NEIGHBOUR-
HOOD
This friendly, hospitable city lies in the
valley formed by two rivers, the Nervión
and the Ibaizabal. You'll discover the main
attractions in its most iconic neighbour-
hoods.
` SANTIAGO CATHEDRAL
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DISCOVER BILBAO NEIGHBOURHOOD BY NEIGHBOURHOOD
INDAUTXU
AND ABANDO b PLAZA CIRCULAR
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BILBAO
BEGOÑA
A prominent feature of this neighbour-
hood in the upper part of the city is
the magnificent 16th-century Basilica
of Begoña, built to commemorate
a VIEW OF THE TOWN HALL FROM THE OTEIZA SCULPTURE La Amatxu, a term of endearment in the
Bizkaia region for their patron saint, the
Virgin of Begoña.
estuary you'll come to the Town Hall, On her saint's day, 11 October, there
whose façade is decorated with won- is a lively pilgrimage with concerts,
derful sculptures. parades, children's activities, dancing
Nearby you'll find the city's great icon, and Basque rural sports. From the Plaza
the Bilbao Guggenheim Museum, de- de Unamuno there is a historical stair-
signed by Frank Gehry. Apart from its
incredible exhibits, the building is a b GUGGENHEIM MUSEUM, BILBAO
work of art in itself with sinuous lines
and a titanium shell.
Modernism is one of the prominent
styles in the Ensanche district of Bilbao.
The Casa Montero, by the architect Luis
Aladrén, is perhaps the most famous
building in this style in Bilbao. Aladrén
was also responsible for the project
for the palace housing the Diputación
Foral de Bizkaia (Vizcaya Regional
Government), a supreme example of
eclecticism in Basque architecture.
Then there's the Conference and
Music Centre, better known as the
Euskalduna Palace, in the strikingly
recognisable form of a steel ship and
which is well worth a visit.
L www.euskalduna.eus
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Photo: Bilbao Tourist Board
way called Las Calzadas de Mallona of the most important connecting points
leading from the Old Town up to this between the towns of Portugalete and
beautiful Gothic temple. Getxo, located on either side of the
If you're feeling up to the challenge Nervión River.
of climbing the 300 steps, you'll see Portugalete is ideal for a day's excur-
a number of crosses which are a part sion. In the historical old town with
of the city's old cemetery. You can steep, medieval streets you'll find the
take the tram or take the Mallona lift Basilica of Santa María, the Salazar
which will bring you out in the lovely Tower and the Convent of Santa Clara.
Etxebarria Park, just a short distance From Portugalete, you can also follow
from the basilica. the cycle lane to reach the lovely La
Arena beach. The town of Getxo is full
of charm and architectural treasures.
NEAR BILBAO You can visit the Old Port of Algorta, the
You really shouldn't miss the World Las Arenas neighbourhood and enjoy
Heritage Hanging Bridge/Bizkaia Bridge, a coastline interspersed with beaches
the world's oldest metallic transporter and cliffs.
bridge. This architectural colossus is one
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BILBAO
THE ARTS
A contemporary art museum which
looks like something out of science
fiction, beautiful galleries with master-
pieces of painting and sculpture, spec-
tacular venues for concerts and thea-
tre... Bilbao's cultural agenda is endless.
Photo: Bilbao Tourist Board
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THE ARTS
L www.euskalduna.eus
The theatre listings in Bilbao are fasci-
nating. Check out the agendas for ven- Finally, Bilbao Art District is essential
ues like the Arriaga Theatre, the Sala for really getting to know the artistic
BBK, Bilborock, the Campos Elíseos scene in Bilbao. This initiative was
Theatre and the Sociedad Filarmónica designed to carry out art and cultural
to find something you like. activities throughout the year.
L www.filarmonica.org L www.visitbiscay.eus/es/-/art-dis-
trict-el-bilbao-alternativo
L www.teatroarriaga.eus
L www.salabbk.eus
L www.bilbaogazte.bilbao.eus/es/
bilbarock
L www.teatrocampos.com
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BILBAO
TASTING
BILBAO
The displays in Bilbao's bars and res- There is also a wide variety of estab-
taurants are a spectacular blend of col- lishments. The Old Town, Abando and
ours, scents and flavours. Here pintxos Indautxu are the neighbourhoods best
have almost a religious significance. known for these delicious Basque ta-
These represent an extraordinary va- pas which you'll find in a host of hun-
riety of exquisite aperitifs which you dred-year-old taverns, modern bars,
can try all over the city. delightful cafeterias and restaurants.
There is such a wide choice, from tra- Almost all of them pay homage in their
ditional to true avant-garde creations, own way to these pintxos. They go best
although typically you'll find gildas with a glass of txakoli, the local white
(olive, anchovy and chilli pepper on a wine. Now you're ready for a txikiteo or
cocktail stick), grilled mushrooms, tx- pintxo-pote, a traditional bar-crawl with
angurro (spider crab), Spanish omelette wine and tapas in the Basque country.
and several recipes for cod which is a The great selection of restaurants and
star feature of Basque cuisine. grills has made Bilbao a culinary Mecca
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TASTING BILBAO
in Spain. The city is proud to have sev- and typical Basque dishes cooked to
eral Michelin-starred restaurants. the rhythm of live music.
Another fantastic way of discovering Another market dating back to the
Basque cuisine first-hand is in one beginning of the last century and re-
of the gastronomic markets. The La cently renovated is the Abando. It
Ribera Market, next to the Estuary, is is small and charming with delight-
symbolic of the transition which has ful stalls selling local delicacies like
taken place in the city. Recently reno- cheeses and cold meats. Meanwhile,
vated, it and is now quite spectacular. the El Ensanche Market, located in
Come and see how the light falls on the heart of the city, has preserved
its colourful windows at sunset while its traditional charm and is where the
you walk along the Bilbao Estuary local people do much of their daily
and try its careful selection of pintxos shopping.
b LA RIBERA MARKET
Photo: Bilbao Tourist Board
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Photo: Jarno Gonzalez/123rf.com
BILBAO
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WINTER a MARIJAIA
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BILBAO
THE HIDDEN
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surrounding area. And near Rekalde, You could also go to a concert at the
what was formerly a railway yard has Quiosco del Arenal, designed by Pedro
been converted into a splendid park, Ispizua, an architect from Bilbao. It is a
the Parque Ametzola. circular music pavilion, with an over-
These are just a few of the city's green hanging roof and very expressionist, in-
areas, there are many more. In the spired by the shape of a shell.
Miribilla, Bidarte and Europa parks Then there's the San Mamés Stadium,
there are spacious grassy areas and in- also known as the "Cathedral of Football",
teresting trails. winner of a number of awards includ-
ing the world's best newly-built sports
MONUMENTS facility at the 2015 World Architecture
Festival.
On a walk through Bilbao you'll see
all kinds of iconic, monumental build- The city is also proud of the architec-
ings. Apart from those which are well- ture in its metropolitan railway network,
known, you shouldn't miss La Santa y designed by Norman Foster. The most
Real Casa de Misericordia and its ro- spectacular station is Sarriko, also known
mantic gardens, the majestic palaces of as The Spider or the Centipede because
Ibaigane and Chávarri, the seat of the of its extraordinary structure. Especially
Bizkaia Government Delegation, and surprising are the entrances to the met-
the Bidebarrieta Library, in the French ro, known as Fosteritos, steel and glass
eclectic style. awnings with very unusual designs.
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BILBAO
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BILBAO
a DONOSTIA/SAN SEBASTIÁN
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SAN JUAN DE GAZTELUGATXE
BILBAO
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WHAT TO VISIT NEAR BILBAO?
GERNIKA-LUMO
In Guernica, a city that was declared a
RIOJA ALAVESA
WINE ROUTE
It's not every day you can sample wines
aged in medieval caves. The wine-cel-
lars in this region have successfully a MARQUÉS DE RISCAL WINERY
combined tradition with the avant-gar- ELCIEGO, ÁLAVA
Photo: jorisvo/123rf.com
towns set amongst vineyards.
L Further information:
www.rutadelvinoderiojaalavesa.com
VITORIA-GASTEIZ
The capital of both the Basque Country
and the province of Álava is a charming
city. Explore the Ensanche district, pay-
ing special attention to the Plaza de los
Fueros and the Paseo de la Florida. The
magnificent historical old town is the
heart and soul of the city which features
a broad selection of bars and restau-
rants.
L Further information:
www.vitoria-gasteiz.org
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Photo: Bilbao Tourist Board
BILBAO
a TRAM
HOW TO GET
THERE HOW TO GET
AIRPORT AROUND
Bilbao Airport is 12 kilometres from the
city centre and has connections with the BILBAO
main cities in Spain and Europe. The Bilbao Metro has three fast, effi-
L Further information: cient lines connecting the city centre
www.aena.es/es/bilbao.html with the surrounding towns and villages
(just like the suburban trains).
TRAIN
Bilbobus, the municipal bus compa-
From the Bilbao-Abando railway station
there are daily connections to Madrid and ny, has 44 lines (27 conventional lines,
Barcelona and the other main cities in 9 Auzolineas using minibuses and 8
Spain. There are also three suburban lines Gautxoris or night buses) and over 500
connecting Bilbao with its metropolitan stops throughout the city. The conven-
area and the rest of the Basque Country. tional lines and the Auzolineas (for spe-
The city is also part of the Costa Verde cific neighbourhoods) run from 6 am
Express, Transcantábrico Gran Lugo to 11 pm and the Gautxoris on Friday
and El Expresso de la Robla tourist train from 11 pm to 2:30 am and all night on
routes. Saturday.
L Further information: You can also rent a bicycle, a healthy
www.renfe.com/ and sustainable way of getting around
www.renfe.com/es/es/experiencias/ the city. Another eco-friendly option is
viajes-de-lujo to rent an electrical vehicle.
ROAD L Further information:
The AP-8 toll motorway runs through the www.metrobilbao.eus
Basque Country from the French border L www.bilbao.eus/bilbobus
to Bilbao and the toll-free A-8 highway
runs along the rest of the Cantabrian CO-OFFICIAL LANGUAGE
coast to Galicia.
Two languages coexist in Bilbao:
The AP-68, which runs through the Ebro Euskera, the Basque Country's own lan-
Valley, connects you with Barcelona. guage, and Castilian Spanish, the official
The AP-68 also takes you south, directly language of the Spanish State. Most no-
to Burgos and from there to Madrid, tices and signs are in Euskera with the
Valladolid and Portugal. Spanish translation underneath.
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FURTHER INFORMATION
BILBAO TOURIST OFFICE SPAIN TOURISM
Plaza Circular, 1 OFFICIAL WEBSITE
48001 - BILBAO (Basque Country) www.spain.info
informacion@bilbaoturismo.bilbao.eus 23
www.bilbaoturismo.net
BILBAO
MINISTERIO
MINISTERIO
DE INDUSTRIA
DE INDUSTRIA, COMERCIO TURESPAÑA
Y TURISMOY TURISMO
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