An Ideal Weekend In Bilbao
In the north of Spain and one of the main cities in the Basque Country, Bilbao offers so much to do that a weekend will seem like a very short time. An excellent excuse to return! Although the Guggenheim Museum is the highlight of the Bilbao territory … let yourself be surprised by the hundreds of attractions it has for you.
First day in Bilbao
Before starting you should know that to get to know Bilbao in a weekend … you have to walk a lot! So wear comfortable clothes, have a map handy and let the adventure begin. For the first day we recommend the following route:
The tour begins in the Casco or Old City, where all the historic buildings are located, located between narrow streets and old squares. To get there you can take the metro (lines 1 and 2) or the train (Puente del Arenal station). The churches of San Nicolás and Santos Juanes, the Cathedral of Santiago and the Plaza Nueva stand out.
Continuing towards the Nervión river you will come across the estuary. If you walk along the shore you will end up in very interesting places such as the University of Deusto and the City Hall. From the Arenal Bridge in the direction of the Guggenheim Museum you will pass through 3 bridges: the Town Hall, Zubizuri and the Princes.
And you have reached the main tourist attraction of Bilbao! This contemporary art center opened in 1997 is one of the most visited not only in Spain but also in Europe. As soon as you arrive, the design of the building will attract your attention. Already inside you will be able to see various exhibitions (from the homonymous museum located in New York) both temporary and permanent. The rooms gather local, national and international art objects.
When you have fulfilled your duty to visit this museum, you can continue your journey: nearby is the Doña Casilda park, perfect for resting your feet a bit and breathing fresh air. A few streets away is the Euskalduna Conference Center.
Have you recharged your energies? Then continue a little longer, with the sunset in the sky, and stroll along the Gran Vía de Bilbao (or Don Diego López de Haro avenue). It is 1.5 kilometers long and in addition to offices it offers shops, cafes and restaurants.
Second day in Bilbao
After a good night’s sleep and a rich breakfast, a full day’s journey awaits you on the outskirts of Bilbao. Just 30 minutes from the center is Getxo, easily accessible thanks to metro line 1 (to the Bidezabal and Algorta stations). The beautiful beach landscape at the mouth of the Nervión River is the main attraction, as well as the port where you can eat more than well.
If you do not stay all day in Getxo, we recommend that you go to the other bank of the Nervión, where the towns of Santurtzi and Portugalete are located. How? Crossing the suspension bridge. Back in the city center, some good pintxos in the Jardines de Albia (on Ledesma street) or a varied snack on García Rivero street.
Alternative for the second day in Bilbao
If you do not want to leave the city center or you do not like the beach and the tranquility very much, you can choose to visit these places:
In the San Mamés football stadium, this sport is not only practiced, but it also has facilities for other disciplines. It is, in turn, a venue for concerts. From there you can see the Ramón de la Sota pier and the Euskalduna bridge. If you go through the latter, you can visit the palace of the same name, a center for shows and conventions, home to the Bilbao Symphony Orchestra.
To end the afternoon, visit the Holy and Royal House of Mercy, founded in 1774 with the aim of assisting those most in need. It is in the old part of the city and has romantic-style gardens full of century-old trees of 40 different species. It is freely accessible during the day.
Did you imagine so many attractions in Bilbao? It’s not just a great museum! Spend a weekend in this city and you will be delighted with it.
