Bilbao, Spain

A city not especially known throughout the world, yet universally known throughout Spain and the Basque country, is Bilbao. A dirty, loud, bustling city, Bilbao has both everything you need and dont need, in a somewhat charming yet rugged, gritty atmosphere. Bilbao is shaping up though, with expansion and renovation; Bilbaos own Guggenheim Museum, a new airport terminal, and a new metro system as well. Bilbao is a great place to visit if you enjoy, or wish to enjoy a different city experience.

Getting there and around

Travel

ing to Bilbao is easy, and it also means you get to travel through the spiffy new terminals of Sondica, or la paloma, (the dove) designed by Santiago Calatrava, a renowned architect throughout the world. Its a beautiful structure, which the native of Bilbao is quite fond and proud of.

Since Sondica is not far from the city center, its a quick and easy bus ride to and from the terminal. Weekdays, the airport bus runs every half hour, and on weekends it runs at hourly intervals. Its cheap as well!

Getting around Bilbao is done both on foot and by taxi. We would suggest other alternatives which are available, but its not the cleanest city in the world, so if you cant get to where youre going on foot, its best to take a taxi.

Where to go

There are lots of sites worth visiting in Bilbao; theres surely something to strike your interest. Bilbao is Spains biggest port city, so the shipyards and the villages which surround them are a must see. It is loud, and it is smelly, but its undoubtedly fascinating the way sea commerce works and coalesces into something quite grand.

The new subway system, designed by Norman Foster, is not only a pleasure to ride, but to view as an artistic accomplishment. The entrances are wonderful in and of themselves.

Bilbaos Guggenheim is also a must see. Built and completed recently, the external titanium structure is a marvel; you can actually get a spectacular view of the building from La Salve Bridge. The museum houses some amazing art exhibits, some of the worlds best; all encompassed in beautiful interior design, a highlight being the 55 meter tall atrium.

Another museum worth a visit is the Fine Arts Museum, which is home to a great collection of works from the 12th century to the present day. A money-saving idea is to visit the Museum on a Wednesday, when admission is free. Or you can obtain a combined access ticket to both the Guggenheim and Fine Arts Museums for a discounted price.

Close by to the Guggenheim is a large waterfront center, with parks, shops and flats. Its a great place to take a stroll or even find a place to eat. While walking along the riverside, youll come across the Casco Viejo (Old Quarter), which will most-likely be teeming with life and excitement, emanating from the cafs and bars. You can also stop into some of the boutiques, and maybe find a souvenir to take along with you. In the Casco Viejo you can also visit the Artxanda, which you can ride up and see a magnificent view of all of Bilbao.

You can also visit Bilbaos Teatro Arriaga, a beautiful opera house modeled after Pariss Opera House.