Bilbao

Discover Bilbao

Bilbao, the largest city in the autonomous community of the Basque Country, is at the heart of a conurbation of over 1 million inhabitants. Thanks to major architectural projects, this Spanish port city embodies the successful marriage of the modern and the traditional. The Guggenheim Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art is one of the city’s most emblematic contemporary buildings to visit during a camping vacation in Bilbao: designed in glass, stone and titanium, its silhouette is now world-famous. As with San Sebastian, a visit to the museum is a must on any trip to the Spanish Basque Country. In contrast to the innovative, ultra-modern style of the Guggenheim, there are many historic monuments in the center of Bilbao that are also worth a visit, both for their architecture and their interior design: among them, don’t miss the Palacio de la Diputación and the Town Hall, the University of Deusto, the Basilica of Begoña, and Santiago Cathedral.Another remarkable site not to be missed on a camping vacation in the Spanish Basque Country is the Ribera market, the largest covered market in Europe. Located in the heart of Bilbao’s old town, these 10,000 m2 halls, built in 1929, boast surprisingly eclectic art deco architecture. The streets of the old town also offer a wealth of shopping opportunities. The summer sales run from the beginning of July to the end of August! The third week of August is also “Bilbao’s big week” (Aste Nagusia): concerts, family shows, fireworks and numerous activities for children are organized every year on this occasion. And when it comes to gastronomy, Bilbao is the capital of cod: from street food to gourmet restaurants and family-run establishments, discover a thousand and one ways to enjoy it!

Bilbao (5)

Top 10 things to do in Bilbao

  • Firmly rooted in its past and looking to the future, Bilbao is an energetic, cosmopolitan city. Discover the tourist attractions of Spain’s most important city in the Basque Country.
  • To kick off your stay in the Basque Country, and more specifically in Bilbao, why not climb Mount Artxanda to enjoy an exceptional panoramic view of the city and observe the architecture of the Guggenheim Museum? From up there, take Bilbao’s pulse at your leisure. Now it’s time to head back down, take the funicular if you feel like it;
  • plunge straight into the heart of the city as you lose yourself in the narrow streets of the Las Siete Calles district, a favorite of locals and tourists alike. Situated on the banks of the Nervion, the river that runs through the city, you’ll find shops, restaurants, museums and other notable historical monuments;
  • The city’s ultimate must-see is of course the Guggenheim Museum, the world-famous temple of contemporary art, visited as much for the works it houses as for its ultra-innovative architecture. Don’t miss Louise Bourgeois’ impressive bronze spider sculpture;
  • In a similar vein, take a look at the Zubizuri bridge, designed by architect Calatrava in 1997. The pedestrian bridge spans the Ria de Bilbao from a height of 10m, with its domed metal structure reminiscent of the surrounding gentle mountains. A lovely view of the city;
  • For an astonishing contrast, discover the sumptuous Santiago Cathedral in the center of the old town. Purely Gothic in style, it is also Bilbao’s most important monument;
  • a little relaxation is in order, head for Café Iruna, the city’s oldest and most beautiful café in a warm and colorful Mudejar-inspired style. But before you sit down, take the time to stroll for a few moments in the square of the Albia garden, absolute tranquility in the heart of the city;
  • Come and get some culture at the Maritime Museum, and discover gigantic anchors and various objects linked to the maritime world. Outside, you can visit the interiors of some of the boats in dry dock;
  • check out the program for the Arriaga Theatre, known as “Bilbao’s New Theatre”, and come and see the show. Dating from 1890, the building is splendid inside and out, and well worth a visit in its own right;
  • La Ribera Market has its name in the 1990 Guinness Book of Records, as it was then the largest in terms of surface area and number of traders. 10,000 m² in all! Don’t miss the chance to gawk at all the products representing the region’s gastronomy;
  • take the metro to one of Bilbao’s nearby beaches: Las Arenas, Ereaga, Arrigunaga and many more. They’re all supervised and equipped with sanitary facilities, and it’s a pleasure to have access to immense golden sandy beaches for a getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city.