Bilbao’s elegant new town has an impressive spread of attractions, and it’s likely you’ll spend a lot of time here. The neighbourhood is home to several world-class museums, beautiful river views and walks, some of the best restaurants and bars in Spain, and plenty of interesting, quirky diversions.
Start at the building that made Bilbao famous: the Museo Guggenheim Bilbao. Devote plenty of time to the exterior and surrounding riverbanks. After lunch, walk through the peaceful Parque de Doña Casilda de Iturrizar before admiring the works of Spanish masters in the Museo de Bellas Arte. Walk over to the Museo Marítimo Ría de Bilbao or browse the shops around Calle Lopez de Haro. In the early evening, catch a soccer game at the Estadio San Mamés, followed by a pintxo-hopping stroll on the lively streets just east of the stadium. Be sure to stop at El Puertito and El Huevo Frito.
m Useful metro stations include Moyúa, which gets you bang into the heart of town; Abando for shopping; and San Mamés for the bus station.
U The tram runs along the length of the river with a stop close to the Museo Guggenheim Bilbao.
Q It’s a five-minute walk from the Museo Guggenheim Bilbao to the city centre.
Top SightMuseo Guggenheim Bilbao
Opened in 1997, Bilbao’s shimmering titanium Museo Guggenheim Bilbao is one of modern architecture’s most iconic buildings. The museum almost single-handedly lifted Bilbao out of its postindustrial depression and into the 21st century, boosting the city’s inspired regeneration, stimulating further development and placing Bilbao firmly in the spotlight. For many travellers, this extraordinary building is the primary reason for visiting Bilbao.
