Travel Guide BERLINO.
ThE CITY
Bilbao is the largest city in the Basque Country, north of Spain, and the capital of the province of Biscay. once a city of industry and football, Bilbao has had an extraordinary transformation. The nervión River banks are home to numerous businesses and factories, which during the industrial revolution brought heightened prosperity to the region. A ship building centre is now an industrial/cultural feast for the eyes and senses.
The nervión River divides the city decisively between the old and new. To the east are the narrow streets of the old Town, the Casco Viejo, which centres around the Siete Calles district; full of bars and restaurants and near the old sights such as the vast, cathedral-like Mercado de la Ribera food market – the largest of its kind in Spain.
on the opposite side of the river you will find the city’s stunning modern “other half”, which is a perfect contrast. it is here you will find the Guggenheim and other iconic buildings like the state of the art Palacio Euskalduna.
There is no doubt that Frank o. Gehry’s Guggenheim Museum provides a surreally beautiful physical and spiritual focus to Bilbao, but you would be immensely foolish to overlook the rest of this magical city. The Guggenheim provides your first taste of Bilbao, an enigmatic starter before the delights that spin off from it.
DO & sEE
A walk along the river
From the ultra-modern Palacio de Congresos, walk east along the riverbank, which is punctuated by beautiful sculptures and some very impressive modern architecture. You will pass the Guggenheim and Santiago Calatrava’s stunning Zubi Zuri Bridge, which spans the nervión between the Guggenheim and the Ayuntamiento.
The guggenheim Museum
The Guggenheim Museum Bilbao only opened in 1997, but it has since become one of the most revered buildings in the world. The museum’s collection focuses primarily on 20th Century American and European art.
Price: €10.50, Address: Avenida Abandoibarra 2, Bilbao, Tel: +34 944359080, guggenheim-bilbao.es
Museo de Bellas Artes
The Museo de Bellas Artes has an exceptional collection of traditional works by well-known masters such as El Greco, Goya, Gauguin, Francis Bacon, Picasso and Velazquez.
Prices: €8.40 (free on Wednesday) Address: Parque de Doña Casilda, Bilbao Tel: +34 944 39 60 60, www.museobilbao.com
Museo de Arte sacra
The museum has an intriguing selection of religious art and crafts dating back to the 12th century, including sculptures and paintings by Basque artists.
Address: Plaza de la Encarnación 9, Bilbao
Maritime Museum
The Ría de Bilbao Maritime Museum is a place to uncover Bilbao’s past as a shipbuilding and seafaring hub. outside there are striking floating exhibits with special exhibitions.
Prices: €4 (closed on Monday) Address: Muelle Ramo de la Sota 1, Bilbao Tel: +34 902 13 10 00 www.museomaritimobilbao.or
Teatro Arriaga
The original theatre burnt down in 1914 and a second was built, resembling the opera House in Paris. Today it remains the major cultural venue in Bilbao. Beautifully located on the banks of the nervión, the theatre is host to world-class opera, classical music concerts and ballet.
Address: Plaza Arriaga, Tel: +34 94-479-20-56 Tel: www.teatroarriaga.com
Cross the Puente Colgante
The strangest bridge in this city of bridges is also one of Bilbao’s main attractions and is known as the “Hanging Bridge”. There are two dramatic ways of crossing it; either by gondola or along the crosswalk itself.
Address: Barria 3, Las Arenas, Bilbao Tel: +34 94 463 88 54, www.puente-colgante.com
Take a txikteo
There is nowhere better to take a tapas crawl, or as the Basques call it, a txikteo, than through the Casco Viejo. Start around the Calle licenciado Poza. Favorites around here include Busterri, on Calle licenciado Poza, well known locally for its grilled anchovies and Jamón Jabugo; and Gatz, on Calle Santa María, where you can sample delicious cod tarts.
A coffee on Plaza nueva
There are 64 arches around this enclosed square, which is the oldest surviving square in town. Built in 1849, it’s a perfect place to stop, drink coffee and watch the world go by.


The bigger picture
if you want to escape the city streets, take the delightful funicular from Plaza de Artxanda up to spacious gardens and a magnificent panoramic view of the city. Transport: The funicular departs every

EvEnT hIghlIghTs
Bilbao Walking Tours
discover Bilbao with a professional tour guide and a walking tour of the city. You will see the old quarter and the tour will take you back in time to Medieval Bilbao.
www2.bilbao.net
Abandoibarra
Bilbao’s urban development from the 19th century has continuously developed, and this walking tour around the Ensanche and Abandoibarra will let you experience the thriving spirit of Bilbao.
www2.bilbao.net
holy Week Procession Floats Museum
This museum collects sculptures and figures typical of Holy Week processions and can be seen all year round. The collection includes a large number of objects owned by Bilbao’s Brotherhoods.
www2.bilbao.net
Bilborock
This beautiful baroque building was built between 1663 – 1673 and restored i 1750. After being closed to service since both the convent and church school were closed, the building’s future was uncertain for a while. it wasn’t until the town council of Bilbao bought it in 1989 that it became public property. it is now the headquarters of the project BilboRock – la Merced.
www.bilbao.net

ExCuRsIOns
Plentzia
Plentzia is a happening resort on a hilltop centre that leads to lovely sandy beaches. This is a popular weekend destination and there are bars and cafés a plenty, many serving dishes straight from the sea. Transport: it’s the last on Metro line one.
Day trip to san sebastian
Set between two hills around the beautiful la Concha Bay, San Sebastian makes an unforgettable day trip where you can take in the glorious Belle Epoque balustrades and visit its world-famous restaurants. Transport: Take a train from Bilbao’s central Atxuri station. The journey takes around an hour.
www.sansebastianturismo.com
EATIng
Bilbao is the home of Basque cuisine, considered the most inventive cuisine in Spain. Bilbao is famous for a lot of dishes, like delicious tapas-like appetisers called pintxos. Seafood forms the heart of Basque cooking. Bacalao dishes, based on cod, are very popular as is merluza, or hake. Many visitors to Bilbao are known to return again and again for the food alone.
Bermeo
Probably the finest restaurant in Bilbao, and is popular with the great and the good of Basque society, from politicians to artists. Enjoy classical Basque dishes, such as fresh thistles sautéed with ham or partridge with glazed shallots. Bermeo’s dessert of truffled figs is simply divine.
Address: Gran Hotel Ecrilla, Ercilla 37-39 Tel: +34 94 470 57 00
Zortziko
This city demands the best and Zortziko is at the top of its game, with beautifully prepared dishes like sea bass marinated in Rioja and wood pigeon.
Address: Alameda de Mazarredo 17 Tel: +34 94 423 97 43 www.zortziko.es
guggenheim Bilbao
For a slightly less pricy taste of Martin Berasategui’s new Basque cuisine, head to his restaurant at the Guggenheim. The set menu includes some real finds like tempura hake with sautéed mange-touts and Biscay cheese.
Address: Avenida Abandoibarra 2 Tel: +34 94 423 93 33


El viejo Zortzi
El Viejo Zortzi has a modern take on

Casa vasca
This is a typical Basque establishment in the deuesto district near Bilbao’s university. Try their delicious arroz co leche, a rice pudding with a twist.
Address: Avenida Aguirre Lehendakari 13, Bilbao Tel: +34 944 448 38
guggenheim Cafeteria
This, with the Guggenheim’s restaurant is one of two superb eateries under the roof of this incredible building.
Address: Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao Tel: +34 944359080
galeon
Bilbao’s maritime past has eccentrically inspired this unusual café. With a mermaid statue above the entrance, entering Galeon is like venturing into the inside of a ship.
Address: Alda Mazarredo 25, Bilbao Tel: +34 94 423 1462
BARs
The Casco Viejo is the best place to head to for bars, particularly around the Plaza nueva. in central Bilbao it’s Urquijo Gallerias, Calles ledesma and licenciado Poza that are the main areas. For a unique night out, visit a cider tavern – sidrería - where you eat lots of char-grilled meat and drink copious quantities of cider.
Café Bar Bilbao
off the Plaza nueva, this is a great bar for a late night drink. Café Bar Bilbao never seems to shut off the lights so it is perfect for taking in the spirit(s) of the city.
Address: Plaza Nueva 6, Bilbao Tel: +34 944 151671
of cod in pil-pil sauce and fresh hake in garlic sauce. The choice of wine here is exceptional.
Address: 54 Licenciado Poza 54 Tel: +34 94 441 9249
Euskalduna Jantokia
A friendly and informal restaurant popular with the locals. Homemade dishes include hearty fish chowder with cod, hake, mussels, clams and shrimps.
Address: Euskalduna 4 Tel: +34 94 421 3125
Etxanobe
This post-modern restaurant has a great view of the Guggenheim. Top Basque cuisine and creative dishes such as chocolaty oxtail crépinettes and cold anchovy lasagne in tomato soup.
Address: Calle Abandoibarra 4 Tel: +34 94 442 10 23
gaminiz
located in Zamudio, slightly out of the centre of town is Bilbao’s most famous restaurant. Cod is the main menu item in this restaurant, but don’t forget to try other dishes, like the Squab with peach puree.
Address: Alameda de Mazarredo 20 Tel: +34 94 424 2267
CAFés
Café Iruña
With its Arabesque motifs, carved columns and medieval ceramics, this is a classic coffee house that dates back to 1903.
Address: Jardines de Albia, Bilbao Tel: +34 94 423 7021 www.cafesdebilbao.net
Café nervión
Along the riverfront, Café nervión has spectacular views of the city. Address: Calle la naja 7, Bilbao
Café Boulevard
A Bilbao institution, this long established café is where opera lovers hang out in the suitably grand art deco surroundings.
Address: Calle Arenal 3, Bilbao Tel: +34 944 153128


A votre santé
one of the most romantic cafes in the city. it also does a fine line of tapas.
Address: Calle San Vicente 1, Bilbao Tel: +34 944 24 07 32

k2
Popular with young people, K2 is in the heart of the old Town. Filled to the rafters with memorabilia, this busy bar hosts art exhibitions.
Address: Calle Somera 10, Bilbao

la granja
one of the oldest bars in the city, this is a good place to start an evening. There is also a wide choice of pinxtos.
Address: Plaza Circular 3, Bilbao
Taberna Taurina
Filled with bullfighting parapenelia, this earthy bar is a taste of old Bilbao. it also serves lots of different sorts of chorizo and tapas.
Address: Calle Ledesma 5 Tel: +34 944 241381
soma 107
A young, trendy bar with a very chilled out vibe. You can also access the internet and get food here.
Address: C Larramendi 4, Bilbao Tel: +34 943-468810
Dakar
This bar and disco is known for its karaoke and Spanish dance music.
Address: Heros 13, Bilbao Tel: +34 94-424-9756
nIghTlIFE
Bilbao has a wide variety of clubs that cater to all tastes. Calle Mazarredonis a very popular night haunt. Calle ledesma is a good place to go bar hopping and drinking local favourites; kalimotxo, coke and red wine.


Otxoa
on the corner of lersundi, otxoa attracts a diverse crowd ranging from the rich and famous to locals.
Address: Calle Lersundi 8, Bilbao Tel: + 34 94-424-1848

Cotton Club
The Cotton Club is a great place for live music. lots of jazz and blues bands play here, while on other nights, dJs keep up the groove.
Address: Gregorio de la Revilla 25, Bilbao Tel: +34 94 410 4951
Caos
Caos attracts a hip and fashionable crowd. living up to its name this club plays alternative tunes and tends to get crowded on weekends.
Address: Calle Simon Bolívar 10, Bilbao
Rock star
As kitsch as you can get, this is the place to head to if you want to party like a rock star. A video wall and Zebra-skin decorations add to its decadent atmosphere.
Address: Gran Vía 89, Bilbao, Tel: +34 944 41 10 60
Distrito 9
located near the Guggenheim Museum, this is one of the city’s hottest alternative dance clubs. There’s hard techno music, refreshing drinks, and a mixed clientele of both straight and gay.
Address: Calle Ajuriaguerra 17, Bilbao Tel: +34 94-423 0056
Columbus
Columbus is a Calle Urazurrutia club recommended by Bilbao’s locals. The dance club attracts revellers in their 20’s and 30’s with its modern décor and pulsating dance beats.
Address: Calle Urazurrutia, Bilbao
El Patio de Mi Casa
Popular with the youngish crowd for its retro beats. With its own resident dJ, El Patio de Mi Casa is a reliable choice.
Address: Calle Cosme Etexbarrita 13, Bilbao

shOPPIng
Bilbao’s main thoroughfare, the Gran Via, is where you will find all the department stores, boutiques and designer shops from Gucci to MaxMara. Handicrafts can be picked up in markets such as the Mercado de la Ribera as well as local wine. Basque specialities like wood carving and weaving can be picked up around the Casco Viejo. in the Casco Viejo, you will find lots of independent shops as well as chain stores. Best places to go are Calles

and Correo Cruz. Be warned, nearly all shops are shut on Sunday!

Mercado de la Ribera
The largest covered market in Spain where you can search for fresh local produce from both the countryside and the sea.
www.mercadodelaribera.com
El Corte Inglés
You are guaranteed to find what you’re looking for at this Spanish institution. From luxury to the everyday, El Corte inglés is likely to have it.
Address: Gran Via 7-9
Zubiarte
This is an upmarket shopping mall where you will find exclusive designs.
Address: Gran Via 7-9
la Casa del libro
A bookshop with an extensive range of books and maps, including English language books.
Address: Colon de Larreategui 41
sombreros gorostiada
Many visitors like to return from Bilbao with a chic beret, which locals call txapelas. Family-owned business since 1857, Sombreros Gorostiada has an extensive selection.
Address: Calle Victor 9


Basandere
near the Guggenheim, Basandere sells high quality traditional Basque crafts. They also sell gourmet delicacies, which are perfect gifts.
Address: Calle Iparraguirre 4
EssEnTIAl InFORMATIOn
Airport
Bilbao Airport (www.aena.es) is located six miles north-west of the city. Bizkaibus A-3247 departs from outside the main terminal to Plaza Moyua (central Bilbao) every 30 minutes from 06.00 h (06.30 h on weekends) to 23.00 h. The journey takes around 30 minutes and costs €1.50. Taxis from the airport to/from the centre of town cost approximately €20.
local transport
Bilbao has an excellent network of metros (underground) and trams. Metro tickets start at €1.30 while a single tram journey costs €1 and an all-day tram pass, €3. Bilbao’s reputation for cutting-edge design even extends even to transport. The Metro’s (www.metrobilbao.net) sleek stations were designed by acclaimed architect norman Foster.
Buy a Creditrans multi-journey travel ticket and you can travel on the metro, the trains, buses and the Euskotren. They are sold in denominations of €5, €10 and €15.
Car hire is of course possible but not advised in Bilbao’s congested, and at times hilly, streets.
Taxi
Radio Taxi Bilbao; tel: +34 944448888 Radio Taxi nervión; tel: +34 944269026 Telextaxi; tel: +34 94412121 Prices depend on distance
Post
Address: Abandoibarra 2, Bilbao, open Monday to Friday, 09.00 to 14.00, 16.00 - 1930, and on Saturdays from 09.00 – 14.00. There is another post office at Paseo de Arenal.
Pharmacy
Pharmacies are identified by the Green cross outside them. late night pharmacies operate a rotating shift. Every pharmacy in the city has a rota of which one is open late.
Dentist
Ask your hotel for the nearest dentist.
Telephone
Country code: +34 Area code: 944
Electricity
220V/50Hz


BilbaoCard
To make it easy to move around the city, the Bilbao City Council offers a card to tourists called a BilbaoCard, which allows you to use urban public transportation at low fares and take advantage of significant discounts at museums, shops, restaurants, leisure facilities, and shows, among other services. You can get up to 50 per cent off at museums only at the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum and the Basque Museum.