What to See in Bilbao
Today, there is no shortage of attractions to see and places to visit. However, no visit to Bilbao would be complete without seeing the amazing Guggenheim Museum. Designed by architect Frank Gehry, an icon of contemporary architecture and completed in 1997, it has been described as ‘the greatest building of our time’. A gargantuan, titanium-clad museum on the left bank of the Nervion River, the building itself is as much a piece of art as what is housed inside.
For food lovers, the Mercado de La Ribera is also a must-see. An impressive food market overlooking the river on the edge of Bilbao’s old town, Mercado de la Ribera is where many of the city’s top chefs come to buy their produce. There are plenty of food stalls, pintxo counters and tapas bars to explore and it’s a great introduction to the gastronomy of the city. In the old town (also known as Casco Viejo) you will also find, the Santiago Cathedral, the Archaeological Museum, the beautiful Plaza Nueva, and the churches of San Nicolás and San Antón.
With Michelin-star restaurants, countless museums, contemporary art and hidden gems to explore, Bilbao is sure to take your breath away. Rather than collapse after the end of its industrialisation, Bilbao has reinvented itself in a magical way. If you’re interested in seeing this endlessly fascinating city, please check out our Spain and Portugal tour, which spends a night in Bilbao, or our other tours of Spain.
Articles about Spain published by Odyssey Traveller:
Questions about Spain.
Empires crossing the Mediterranean: 1130-1300.
15 of the best places to visit in Spain.
Barcelona travel notes.
Pilgrimages of the World: Advice for mature and senior travellers.
Books to read on a trip to Spain.
Eight Amazing Rail Journeys.
Five Renaissance Women.
For all the articles Odyssey Traveller has published for mature aged and senior travellers, click through on this link.
External articles to assist you on your visit to Spain:
The spirit of southern Spain: Reasons to visit Andalucia.
Beyond Seville: Three ancient towns to visit in Andalucia.
Ten must see sights in Madrid.