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Bilbao EN

The document provides an overview of Bilbao, highlighting its blend of industrial history and modern artistic trends, with key attractions such as the Guggenheim Museum and the Casco Viejo (Old Town). It describes various neighborhoods, cultural experiences, and culinary delights, emphasizing the significance of pintxos and local wines. Additionally, it outlines seasonal events and nearby destinations worth visiting.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
44 views24 pages

Bilbao EN

The document provides an overview of Bilbao, highlighting its blend of industrial history and modern artistic trends, with key attractions such as the Guggenheim Museum and the Casco Viejo (Old Town). It describes various neighborhoods, cultural experiences, and culinary delights, emphasizing the significance of pintxos and local wines. Additionally, it outlines seasonal events and nearby destinations worth visiting.

Uploaded by

fran_bu
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 24

Bilbao

www.spain.info
OLD TOWN

CONTENTS
Introduction 3

Ministry of Industry and Tourism Discover Bilbao neighbourhood


Published by: © Turespaña by neighbourhood 4
Created by: Lionbridge
NIPO: 086-17-054-7 Culture 8

FREE COPY Tasting Bilbao 10

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

2
XXXX XXXX

INTRODUCTION

a GUGGENHEIM MUSEUM, BILBAO

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

3
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

CASCO VIEJO OR OLD TOWN


A walk through the pedestrian streets Cathedral of Santiago is the oldest
will lead you to beautiful lookout points, building, the nerve centre and meeting
glass-fronted galleries and the façades point for the residents of Bilbao. Inside
of Baroque buildings with centuries there is a beautiful cloister surrounded
of history. This is the city's oldest and by trees, an oasis in the heart of the
most traditional district, also known as Old Town.
the Siete Calles/Zazpikaleak or Seven From there, continue to the Plaza
Streets. This is the real heart of Bilbao. Nueva, an ideal spot for a snack in one
Tree-lined pathways lead you to the of the charming cafés and bars.
El Arenal gardens, where the flower You should also visit the La Ribera
market is held every Sunday. On one Market, which has reinvented itself just
side you'll see the Neo-Baroque façade like the city. You'll see how the light re-
of the Arriaga Theatre and, on the flects off the shop windows at sundown
opposite side, the San Nicolás Towers as you stroll along beside the estuary.
overlooking the 18th-century church
You'll discover beautiful little corners
of the same name and full of memen- and squares in the narrow streets. To
tos of Basque fishermen and sailors. fully experience the culture of tradition-
Bilbao's old town is home to some of al pintxos and poteo, the best streets are
the city's most iconic monuments. The those of Correo, Bidebarrieta, Artekale,

4
DISCOVER BILBAO NEIGHBOURHOOD BY NEIGHBOURHOOD

Somera and La Cruz. You'll also find a


broad selection of shops. These include
traditional establishments selling select

Photo: FRANCISCO DE BORJA LARIA/123rf.com


handicrafts, as well as modern shops
with an alternative feel.
In the Siete Calles area there are other
iconic attractions like the 15th-century
Church of San Antón, (with remains of
Bilbao's original city wall under the al-
tar) and the historical La Bolsa building,
an 18th-century palace converted into
a social and cultural centre.
a OLD TOWN

INDAUTXU
AND ABANDO b PLAZA CIRCULAR

Pleasant walks with extraordinary


Photo: Bilbao Tourist Board

views and ground-breaking architec-


ture. This is the essence of the elegant
Indautxu and Abando neighbourhoods
which make up Bilbao's Ensanche dis-
trict. In this district, which lies mostly
on the banks of the estuary, there are
numerous industrial premises whose
activity has declined considerably over
the years. This gave rise to the 'Bilbao
Ría 2000' project with the aim of trans-
forming this deteriorated area into
what it has become today: modern, up-
to-date and focusing on the tourist and
services sector.
Here you can stroll along broad,
grid-pattern streets which converge
on squares like the Plaza Circular. Here
you'll find the monumental Sociedad
Bilbaína, an eclectic building, with an
exquisite, English-style, exterior finish
and home to Bilbao's most select and
exclusive club. If you continue along
the Calle Buenos Aires and cross the

5
BILBAO

Another way of exploring Bilbao is

Photo: MITXI/Bilbao Tourist Board


through the bridges which cross over
the estuary. From both the Pedro
Arrupe and La Salve bridges there are
magnificent views of the city.

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

6
Photo: Bilbao Tourist Board

DISCOVER BILBAO NEIGHBOURHOOD BY NEIGHBOURHOOD

Photo: Bilbao Tourist Board

a BEGOÑA BASILICA a BIZKAIA BRIDGE

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

7
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

_ BILBAO GUGGENHEIM MUSEUM

Monroe by Andy Warhol and works


by prominent international artists like
The Bilbao Guggenheim Museum is the Richard Serra, Anselm Kiefer, Gerhard
flagship for a city renowned for design, Richter, Jean-Michel Basquiat... There
modernity and a strong artistic vocation. are also sculptures by Basque artists
like Eduardo Chillida and Jorge Oteiza.
L www.guggenheim-bilbao.eus
The surprising architectural structure If you prefer a more classical gallery,
with curved titanic plates is perfectly then the collection in the Fine Arts
integrated into the city of Bilbao and Museum is one of the most important
its surroundings. in Spain. Travel back in time with works
The museum has regular temporary ex- in a number of different styles from
hibitions, an extraordinary permanent the 13th century to the present day.
collection and two mascots: the floral There are over 10,000 exhibits includ-
Puppy and Maman, the spider-like work ing ­masterpieces by El Greco, Goya,
by Louise Bourgeois. Zuloaga, Francis Bacon, Miquel Barceló
In the interior you'll find works like and Antoni Tàpies.
the series of pop images of Marilyn L www.bilbaomuseoa.eus

8
THE ARTS

The modern facilities of the

Photo: Bilbao Tourist Board


Archaeological Museum display the
history of Vizcaya by means of the
footprints left by its inhabitants from
pre-history to recent times.
L www.bizkaikoa.bizkaia.eus
The Azkuna Zentroa is an extraordinary
building designed by Philippe Starck
which is used for holding all kinds of cul-
tural activities. If you'd like to see a show,
a concert or an opera, the Euskalduna
Palace has a really comprehensive pro-
gramme.
L www.azkunazentroa.eus AZKUNA ZENTROA

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

9
BILBAO

Photo: Bilbao Tourist Board


a PINTXOS

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

10
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

11
Photo: Jarno Gonzalez/123rf.com
BILBAO

12

ASTE NAGUSIA/SEMANA GRANDE DE BILBAO


BILBAO THROUGHOUT
THE SEASONS
AUTUMN
On the last Monday in October
you have the really popular Fair of
Gernika, a beautiful town around
35 kilometres south of Bilbao. This
is where you can experience the
more traditional side of the Basque
Country, with bertsolaris (people re-
citing improvised verses in the Basque Photo: Bilbao Tourist Board

language), ox competitions, games of


the traditional Basque sports of cesta
and pelota and the best local dishes.

WINTER a MARIJAIA

Traditional Basque rural sports are


best enjoyed during the cold win-
ter months: cutting tree trunks with SUMMER
an axe, lifting rocks, manual drilling The pleasant summer temperatures
through rocks, tug of war, races... are ideal for spending some time on
These games are called herri kirolak.
the beaches near the city, including
In February and March there is the Las Arenas, Ereaga and Arrigunaga.
Zinegoak, or Bilbao International
Summer in Bilbao means talking
Festival of LGBT Film and Performing
Arts, which has become one of the about its most important festival
most important in Spain. called Semana Grande (Bilboko Aste
Nagusia in the Basque language). For
nine days in the second fortnight in
SPRING August, the Old Town and on both
Of all the possibilities for active sides of the Estuary you'll find txos-
tourism available in Bilbao when the nas (stalls with music, food and drink),
weather is good (water sports, hiking the heart and soul of these festivities
in the surrounding area, cycling...), which include traditional characters
one of the most appealing must be a like the Marijaia, a doll with its arms
round of golf in the privileged natural in the air which represents the festiv-
environment of the nearby Txorierri ity and is burned as the closing event.
valley.

13
BILBAO

THE HIDDEN

Photo: Bilbao Tourist Board


CITY
If you still have time, there are plenty
of charming secrets in Bilbao for you to
discover.

PARKS AND GARDENS


The prominent colour in Bilbao is green
which is evident in the city's parks and
the surrounding mountains. The largest
a DOÑA CASILDA ITURRIZAR PARK is the Etxebarria Park, on the hill called
Begoña. El Arenal is the garden area in
the Old Town where the locals love to
rest and relax, take a stroll or enjoy a
BILBAO picnic.

WITH CHILDREN In the heart of the Abando neighbour-


hood, the Albia gardens are ideal for
Bilbao is ideal for a family holiday. There a stroll, looking at the architecture and
is a wide selection of activities suitable taking a drink in one of the bars in the
for children. For example, a ride on the
Artxanda Funicular, which runs from
the town centre up to the mountain
with the same name. From high up
you'll have incredible views.
The Doña Casilda Iturrizar Park,
known locally as "duck park", is a beau-
tiful green area with plenty to do, like
riding on a traditional merry-go-round,
visiting the duck pond or just enjoying
the fountains and sculptures.
If you'd like to explore the city from a
different perspective and surprise the
children at the same time, take a sight-
seeing boat along the Nervión River
and enjoy a memorable river trip.

14

` ARTXANDA LOOKOUT POINT


THE HIDDEN CITY

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.

15
16
BILBAO

SAN MAMÉS STADIUM


Photo: Jose Maria Luis Marquez/123rf.com
THE HIDDEN CITY

SECRET MUSEUMS ROOFTOPS OF BILBAO


There is an incredible number of muse- See the city in all its splendour from a
ums in Bilbao. They go from local gems different perspective. As you cross over
to internationally renowned facilities, the La Salve Bridge you get an amazing
covering everything from antiquity to view of the city centre.
the most state-of-the-art. If you fancy taking a drink looking out
The Vasco Museum, in the heart of the over the rooftops of the city, climb up
Old Town, deals with the ethnograph- to the terrace of the Azkuna Zentroa,
ic and cultural legacy of the Basque formerly a wine warehouse and refur-
Country. Nearby, you'll find the Pasos bished by the designer Philippe Starck.
de Semana Santa Museum, the only A culture and leisure centre where
one of its kind in this region. The equal- everything imaginable is possible: exhi-
ly interesting Diocesan Museum of bitions, concerts, swimming pool, res-
Religious Art has one of Europe's best taurants, shops, cinemas...
collections of precious metal objects. At the top of the Solokoetxe eleva-
The exhibits in the Ría de Bilbao tor you'll feel like you're walking over
Maritime Museum, in the Ensanche the rooftops. A little further away, but
neighbourhood, display the maritime just as incredible are the watchtower
heritage associated with the estuary. in Etxebarria Park and the Artxanda
lookout point.

b ARTXANDA LOOKOUT POINT


Photo: Bilbao Tourist Board

17
BILBAO

ENJOY THE NIGHTLIFE


Bilbao has a lively nightlife with plen- Then you choose from among a wide
ty to choose from. It is traditional to choice of cosy, friendly bars, concert
start out with a little txikiteo in the Old halls and clubs. The area surrounding
Town, the Ensanche or the Ledesma the Albia and Mazarredo gardens is
neighbourhood. Some of the terraces highly recommended. For something
also have outstanding views. more alternative, your best option is
the Ripa and Marzana quaysides.

TOURS AND WALKS


There are many different ways of ex- The wonderful blend of colours, tex-
ploring Bilbao. The city is quite com- tures, city and nature, make Bilbao
pact, so you can easily get around on fantastic for photo enthusiasts. There
foot. Also on wheels as there is a fan- are a number of companies organising
tastic bike lane alongside the estuary. photographic routes around the city,
On water you can choose between a but you can also simply go where you
canoe, paddle surf and Big SUP to get a please and photograph whatever at-
different perspective of the city while tracts your attention.
getting a little exercise.
18
WHAT CAN YOU VISIT
NEAR BILBAO?

a DONOSTIA/SAN SEBASTIÁN

DONOSTIA/ SAN JUAN DE


SAN SEBASTIÁN GAZTELUGATXE
This beautiful city is the capital of Rebuilt, this chapel dates back to the
Guipúzcoa and is a perfect blend of ar- 10th century, and stands right on the
chitecture, gastronomy and the sea. Its Matxitxako Cape overlooking the sea
white sandy beaches are the perfect on an islet and is only accessible via a
place for sunbathing and long walks stone bridge and a dizzying staircase.
along the seafront. The different neigh-
bourhoods are home to buildings in the
style of the Belle Époque, like the Victoria
Eugenia Theatre and the Town Hall.
The fishing port is a delight, as is An unforgettable image
Mount Igueldo, with Eduardo Chillida's which was used as a location
“Wind Comb” sculpture ensemble at its for several scenes of Game of
feet.
Thrones.
L Further information:
www.sansebastianturismo.com

19
SAN JUAN DE GAZTELUGATXE

BILBAO

20
WHAT TO VISIT NEAR BILBAO?
GERNIKA-LUMO
In Guernica, a city that was declared a

Photo: Mikhail Mandrygin/123rf.com


"Symbol for Peace" by the UNESCO,
you will get a sense of the town's history.
It was totally destroyed by the German
and Italian air forces during the Spanish
Civil War, in 1937. This incident inspired
the iconic painting by Pablo Picasso that
bears the town's name. The Gernika tree
is a symbol of the Basque people and a
legacy of its fascinating past. The town
also holds interesting fairs and markets
always respecting tradition. The sur-
rounding area of Urdaibai consists of
unspoiled nature, declared a Biosphere
Reserve by the UNESCO.

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

de. You should visit the towns of


b PLAZA DE LA VIRGEN BLANCA
Samaniego, Elciego and Laguardia, the VITORIA
capital of the Rioja Alavesa region, all

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
21
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.

22
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

24

@spain @spain Spain.info /spain @visitSpain

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