Bilbao has changed a lot, but one thing we have done well is to fill the industrial greyness of yesteryear with green spaces. You don’t have to go far from San Mames to find a place where you can lower your heart rate and enjoy the surroundings. The area around “The Cathedral” is much more than football; it is a lung where modern architecture merges with trees that have been there for a lifetime. Strolling around here is definitely the best way to clear your mind before entering the stadium or after a walk through the centre.
Strategy and relaxation: the ideal location for your visit
Many people coming from abroad choose to stay near San Mames because of its good location: a stone’s throw from the metro and in a quiet environment. In fact, if you are planning a 2 day trip to Bilbao, these parks are a must to get away from so much concrete. Once you have made the decision to buy tickets for the AC Museum, all you have to do is combine it with the peace and quiet of being surrounded by nature.
Doña Casilda Park: romanticism just a stone’s throw from the stadium
If you have half an hour to spare, my advice is to go straight to Doña Casilda Park, also known as“the duck park”. It has a late 19th century romantic air that makes you feel like you are in another era as you walk along its paths. If you are on a tight budget, a stroll around here is one of those 12 Cheap Plans in Bilbao that always go down well: outdoor art and free shade. If you really want to treat yourself, you can always take a look at the VIP Experiences at San Mames to round off the day in style.
La Misericordia: a refuge of century-old trees
But if you are looking for real peace, La Misericordia Park is the place for you. It’s right next to the stadium but you feel like you’re miles away from the city. There are redwoods and palm trees that are imposing just to look at them and a much appreciated silence. It is curious how a garden created so long ago can still be the best refuge from modern-day hustle and bustle. From its benches, you can see San Mames peeping out from among the branches, a picture that perfectly sums up what Bilbao is like today: strong roots and an eye on the future.
Panoramic views and routes along the river estuary
To round off the day, there’s nothing better than going down to the river estuary. If you follow the course of the water from Campo Volantín, you will see how the city opens up and offers a stroll that combines the best of nature with emblematic buildings. It is a route that is not tiring and takes you straight to points with incredible views, such as Etxebarria Park if you are up for climbing a little. In the end, that’s what it’s all about: mixing asphalt with nature and enjoying a city that is fortunately becoming greener and belongs to us.
