What to do in Bilbao in aday

Making a trip to the Basque Country is always a good idea, since there are few lands in Spain more beautiful and with a richer cuisine. Bilbao , the capital of Euskadi and its great industrial and economic engine, was always behind as a tourist destination of other localities and areas of the region, such as San Sebastián, Vitoria or Rioja Alavesa . 

However, since the 90s of the last century, the capital of Biscay changed its physiognomy and character thanks to the impulse of the construction of the Guggenheim Museum , which has turned it into an increasingly thriving city of services and one of the main cultural tourism destinations in Spain. There is much to see and do in Bilbao in one day, not in vain the Bilbao town has received numerous and prestigious urbanism awards in recent years, being chosen in 2018 as the “Best European City” in the awards granted by The Academy of Urban Planning .

The best way to take advantage of the day, whether to travel from the airport or for your city tour, is to hire a taxi service , which will earn you precious time that will allow you to enjoy everything there is to see in Bilbao.

Here is a small guide that will help you plan your visit.

The Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao

Among the absolutely unavoidable things to do in Bilbao is to visit the Guggenheim Museum which, for the sum of its continent and content, can be considered one of the most important in the world. Work of the brilliant architect Frank O. Gehry, opened its doors in 1997, changing the appearance of the city with its spectacular architecture and revitalizing the economy of the city and the entire region by attracting more than one million visitors annually . Few buildings in the world have marked a before and after in the life of a city like the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao.

Its twisted and curvilinear forms covered with titanium plates, glass curtains and limestone make it one of the most recognizable architectural works in the world , also having more than 10,000 square meters and 19 galleries dedicated to exhibitions, which makes This museum in the largest exhibition space in Spain.

Neighborhood of the Seven Streets

After visiting the emblem of the modernity of the city, you can not miss its old town , the old and classic Bilbao, full of charm and bars and restaurants where you can take some of its mythical pintxos , and where you will have the opportunity to contemplate some of his most important works of religious architecture, next to the Basilica of Our Lady of Begoña , such as the Cathedral of Santiago and the churches of Santos Juanes, San Nicolás and San Antón.

Moyúa Square

Located in the Abando neighborhood , it will allow you to enjoy the view of interesting buildings, among which the Chávarri Palace and the Carlton Hotel stand out . From the same square you can also see the church of San José .

Doña Casilda de Iturrizar Park

Beautiful Bilbao park next to the Iberdrola tower , one of the largest in the city, which highlights its monumental fountain, its pergolas and its pond . If you have time you can make a quick visit to the Museum of Fine Arts.

Zubizuri Bridge

Work of the Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava , from this spectacular bridge you will find the shortest way to reach the funicular of the Mirador de Artxanda, from which you will have the best views of the city.

Biscay Bridge

Also known as Puente Bizkaia or Suspension Bridge, it links the Las Arenas neighborhood with the town of Portugalete , and in 2006 it was declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco, being one of the greatest exponents of the world’s iron architecture .

Bilbao estuary

We finish with the great emblem of the city until the construction of the Guggenheim Museum , which can be considered as the basis of its own existence. Walking along its banks you can contemplate most of the most important places in Bilbao, although, if you dare, the funniest way to do it is by renting a canoe or a kayak.