Bilbao is one of the European cities that has undergone the greatest transformation in recent decades, but without forgetting its past. That is why, it is home to a large number of places worth visiting. On this occasion, we would like to suggest these 10 places you must visit in Bilbao.
10 places to visit in Bilbao
The capital of Biscay combines places from the past (the Seven Streets) with places that look to the present and the future (Guggenheim Museum). We should not forget San Mames, awarded at the World Design Awards 2020 with the highest distinction in the category of Sports and Recreational Facilities.
Guggenheim Museum
This is one of the main tourist attractions in Bilbao, Biscay and the whole Basque Country, and one of the best examples of the transformation the city has undergone in recent decades. The Guggenheim Museum, with its avant-garde architecture, should be visited from the outside, where it shows incredible shapes and sculptures, such as the famous Puppy, a large flower sculpture of a puppy, as well as inside, as it houses an impressive artistic collection of great beauty.
Las Siete Calles
To speak of the Seven Streets (las Siete Calles) is to speak of the Old Quarter of the Biscayan capital. Its name comes from the seven main streets that used to form it and which criss-cross each other: Somera, Artecalle, Tenderia, Belosticalle, Carniceria Vieja, Barrencalle and Barrencalle Barrena. A place where you can find some of the best pintxos in Bilbao, along with shops with a great past and museums such as the Diocesan Museum of Sacred Art, the Basque Museum and the Archaeological Museum of Biscay.
Plaza Nueva
Within the Old Quarter of Bilbao, the New Square (Plaza Nueva) deserves a name of its own, a must-visit place where you can taste the best pintxos in town. Dating from the 19th century, it is in the neoclassical style and is rectangular in shape with 18 arches on two sides and 15 on the other two. The arches are semicircular, placed on square pillars and a Doric column attached. It has a surface area of 3,400 metres and was inaugurated in 1851.
San Anton Church
San Anton Church is so closely tied to the city, that in fact, it is depicted on the city’s coat-of-arms. It is a 15th century Gothic building with three naves, and when it was built, Bilbao was not the capital of Biscay yet. Under the altar there are remains of the original town walls.
Basilica of Begoña
Built on the site where the Virgin is said to have appeared at the beginning of the 16th century, the Basilica of Begoña is mainly Gothic, although it combines several styles. It is a must-see for many Biscayans, who venerate the Virgin of Begoña, patron saint of Biscay, popularly known as the “Amatxu” (Mother).
La Ribera Market
La Ribera Market is a commercial reference point in the city and it is located on the banks of Bilbao estuary. Acknowledged in 1990 as the most complete municipal food market by Guinness, it has more than 180 stands and, thanks to its more than 10,000 square metres, it is the largest indoor market in Europe.
Azkuna Zentroa
The building that used to be a wine warehouse, the Alhondiga, is now Azkuna Zentroa, one of the main spaces for leisure and culture in the Basque Country, with a spectacular internal design and a wide range of contemporary cultural events.
Arriaga Theatre
Arriaga Theatre, inspired by the Paris Opera, was designed by the municipal architect Joaquin Rucoba and opened in 1890. In 1902, it was named Arriaga in honour of the Bilbao musician Juan Crisostomo Arriaga. It hosts a varied programme of theatre and music throughout the year.
Viewpoints
Bilbao is known as Botxo, a term which in Basque means “hole” and refers to the geographical location of the city, since it is surrounded by mountains. The city has eight viewpoints from which you can enjoy fantastic views of the city: Iberdrola Tower, Artxanda (possibly the most famous one), Kobetas, Etxebarria Park, La Salve Bridge, Solokoetxe stairs, Mount Pagasarri, Bilbao Green Beach(la Playa Verde) and Miribilla.
San Mames
Although we left it until the end, it is not the least important visit. To talk about Bilbao is also to talk about Athletic Club, and by extension, San Mames, a stadium also known as The Cathedral. One of the best stadiums, in fact, with distinctions such as the World Design Awards 2020, and where you can visit the AC Museoa to learn about the history of the red and white team, take a tour to get to know the inside of the stadium, buy an Athletic Club gift item or shirt in the shop located in San Mames or, why not, recharge your batteries in one of the three restaurants the stadium has: San Mames Jatetxea, La Campa de los Ingleses and Geuria.
And if your visit to Bilbao is on a match day and “the Lions” are playing at San Mames, do not hesitate: get a ticket and enjoy the unique atmosphere offered by one of the best fan bases in the world.
