Bilbao 10 essential reasons. Everything you need to know to go sightseeing in the city, you won’t regret it.
The capital of Bizkaia and reference of tourism in Euskadi has countless proposals to be visited. Here we propose Bilbao 10 reasons to see the capital of Bizkaia:
The Casco Viejo: Also called “the 7 streets”, it is one of the most touristic areas of Bilbao. Its pedestrian streets full of commercial establishments, squares, churches and bars make the visitor can stroll for hours aimlessly, just admiring the corners of the city center. The pintxos (tapas) are the strong point of the bars and the riverside market on the banks of the estuary is the largest covered market in Europe. We must not forget the tragedy that terrified all the people of Bilbao during the floods of 1983, when the old town was submerged under water.
The Plaza Nueva: Located in the old town, it was built in 1849 and named Plaza de Fernando VII. In 2008 it was the first point in Bilbao to enjoy open WIFI for citizens and is now the headquarters of Euskaltzaindia (academy of the Basque language). Surrounded by bars, it is highly recommended to taste the different and original pintxos they offer. In the market that is held every Sunday you can find almost anything, from antiques of all kinds to the exchange of stickers between children.
The Basilica of Begoña: Here you can find “Begoñako andra Mari, bizkaiko zaindari” (Our Lady of Begoña, patron saint of Bizkaia).In the 16th century this temple was built on the base of a hermitage and to date there have been several remodelings that have been executed in its structure. The most important festivals take place on August 15 and October 11, when the people of Bizkaia make a pilgrimage to the Basilica.
The Gran Vía: The real name of this street is Don Diego Lopez de Haro, founder of Bilbao in 1300. The street begins in the east of the city, exactly in the Plaza del Sagrado Corazón. The avenue advances eastward until it reaches the Plaza Elíptica and here it takes a southwesterly direction until it reaches the circular plaza. The most important stores, institutions and financial buildings of the town (Corte Inglés, BBVA building, Carlton hotel…) are located in the Gran Vía.
The estuary: Formed by the mouth of Ibaizabal and Nervion, it is the backbone of Bilbao and separates the city in two, on one side the old town(right) and on the other side the ensanche (left). In the last decades the estuary has undergone a pleasant transformation and where before it was a place of naval goods and loading and unloading cranes, now you can admire the long promenades, parks, terraces, water sports … without forgetting the presence of the Guggenheim.
Guggenheim: A marked a before and after in the town of Bilbao. Internationally known, the museum was built in 1997 at the foot of the estuary and its boat-shaped and the material used (alloy of zinc and titanium) gave at the time much to talk about, but today is the jewel of the city and the claim of every tourist. For more information, visit the Guggenheim website.
Artxanda: It is the closest mountain to Bilbao (300 meters approximately) and together with Pagasarri are the mountains that delimit the town. If you are looking for open spaces, a varied gastronomic offer and above all panoramic views of the city, this is the place. It can be climbed on foot but for those who do not like walking, the Artxanda Funicular is a good option.
Aste Nagusia: Bilbao’s big week transforms the city into a continuous trickle of activities of all kinds. Visitors can enjoy popular meals, concerts, theater, fireworks, sports activities (including in the estuary), gastronomic contests, bertsolaritza (spontaneous conversation or singing with a previously defined metric), rural Basque sports …. The installation of “txosnas” (taverns that are set up in the street) changes the perspective of the city and the streets fill with tourists and Biscayans and it is striking how lively the streets become.
Bilbao BBK Live: It is the best known Pop and Rock festival in Bizkaia and every year more than 50,000 people congregate. The festival takes place in July at the Kobetas mountain and has 2 stages and a tent area for DJs. For more information, please visit the Bilbao BBK Live website.
Atheltic: Founded in 1898, the Bilbao team is a classic of the Spanish league. Along with FC Barcelona and Real Madrid, it is the only club that has played every season in the first division and its philosophy of having Basque or homegrown players on its roster, makes the rest of the teams have the utmost respect for it. Since the 2013-2014 season the team has a new field called San Mames Barria (New San Mames) and was built on the same land where the old San Mames was. Licenciado Pozas Street is full of people every time the team plays a match and it is the best atmosphere to enjoy the pre-match. For more information, please visit the official Athletic Club website.
Bilbao 10 reasons that will help you discover the Basque city. It’s time to honor the town with your presence, here we leave you its location:
Here is a short documentary about Bilbao:
0 Comments