Bilbao City Breaks

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An artistic and architectural gem

Geographically speaking, Bilbao lies in the far north of Spain, on an estuary that flows out into the Bay of Biscay – but as the largest city in the Basque Country, it very much has a flavour of its own, reflecting the region’s proud and distinct identity. Formerly an industrial powerhouse whose economic growth was fuelled by the iron, steel and shipbuilding industries in the 19th and 20th centuries, it has morphed into one of Europe’s most culturally rich cities today, packed with eye catching sculptures, fascinating museums and an eclectic blend of ultra-modern and traditional architecture.

The Guggenheim Museum, designed by Canadian-American architect Frank Gehry, is an unmissable masterpiece, renowned for its futuristic titanium facade and contemporary art exhibitions inside. Right next to it, you’ll find a 12.4m-tall sculpture of a West Highland Terrier covered entirely in flowers – one of many weird and wonderful permanent art installations dotted throughout the city. When exploring the trendy La Vieja district, and when wandering the colourful streets of Casco Viejo (the old town), home to the 14th-century Gothic-style Santiago Cathedral, you’ll feel a totally different vibe. That’s the thing about Bilbao; each neighbourhood reveals a new and intriguing layer of the city’s unique character.

A crucible of Basque cuisine

San Sebastian, around 100km to the east, may be Spain’s unofficial foodie capital and one of the world’s great culinary cities, but Bilbao isn’t far behind. It’s a gastronomic gem in its own right, particularly when it comes to sumptuous seafood. Bacalao pil-pil (salted cod with olive oil, garlic and chilli), kokotxas (a hearty hake or cod stew) and txipirones (squid in its own ink) are some of the speciality dishes you’ll come across in plenty of Bilbao restaurants.

Expect to eat lots of pintxos, too. Unlike tapas dishes, which are served on plates, these Basque snacks are typically pinned to a small bread base by a toothpick, and are almost exclusively ordered at the bar. As well as lots of rustic, low key eateries, there’s also a well established fine dining scene in Bilbao, including a handful of Michelin-starred restaurants showcasing some of the Basque Country’s most exquisite cuisine. For a full-spectrum foodie experience, be sure to visit La Ribera – the largest covered market in Europe.

Surrounded by spectacular nature

Part of the beauty of a city break in Bilbao is how easy it is to get out into the wild nature that surrounds it. The city occupies a narrow valley between rolling hills and forested mountains – prime hiking and cycling territory – and while you wouldn’t necessarily think you’re near the coast when strolling through the city centre, you’re actually only 20 minutes away from some of Spain’s finest beaches. For magnificent views overlooking the city, take a trip on the funicular to the observation deck at the summit of Mount Artxanda.

Best things to do

Discover the art scene
The Guggenheim Museum may be the focal point of Bilbao’s thriving art scene, but the Fine Arts Museum is also well worth your time. You’ll find all kinds of outdoor art installations scattered across the city, particularly along the banks of the Nervion River between the Euskalduna Palace and City Hall. Look out for Puppy, Maman and Tulips in particular. For excellent photo opportunities, take a stroll across La Salve Bridge, instantly recognisable by its distinctive red arch.
Explore Casco Viejo
Casco Viejo is Bilbao’s medieval old town, home to many of the city’s grandest and most ornate buildings, most notably Santiago Cathedral and San Anton Church, both built in the Gothic style around the 14th and 15th centuries. The neoclassical Plaza Nueva (New Square) is the area's focal point, enclosed on all sides by elegant, arcaded buildings and lined with restaurants, cafes and bars – a lovely spot to nibble on some pintxos and enjoy a few drinks while soaking up the ambience. Along the river, meanwhile, is a kaleidoscope of colourful buildings that almost look like they were designed to go on a postcard.
Gorge on Basque cuisine
Whether it be txangurro (baked and stuffed spider crab), a bowl of marmitako (traditional tuna and potato stew) or a selection of pintxos accompanied by a glass of txakoli (a slightly sparkling Basque white wine), there’s no better way to immerse yourself in Basque culture than tucking into the regional cuisine. La Ribera, the largest covered market in Europe with a total area of over 10,000 square metres, is a must-visit. Find it by the river in Casco Viejo, just next to San Anton Church.