Green, mountainous countryside surrounds this colorful and extremely attractive Spanish city.
And once you’ve soaked up the atmosphere locally, you’ll find you’re perfectly located to explore the Basque Country and rest of northern Spain too.
Art on every corner
Sensational art can be found throughout the streets, around the buildings and inside the museums of this bright city. And the Guggenheim Museum is famous for a reason.
A 30ft bronze spider and a topiary puppy welcomes you to this world-class attraction, which was hailed as one of the most important buildings of the 20th century. Towering above the river, the distinctive titanium curves of the Frank Gehry-designed building played a huge part in bringing art - and those who love it - to this city.
Step into the atrium where light pours in through the large glass walls. Among the art you’ll find creations from Andy Warhol, Robert Motherwell, Yves Klein and Anselm Kiefer all in the permanent collection while ever-changing exhibitions, screenings and installations keep it constantly fresh.
A short walk from the Guggenheim is Bilbao Fine Arts Museum.Here you’ll find around 7,000 pieces, with some dating all the way back to the 12th century.
The beauty of the Basque coastline
The Basque coast is arguably the most stunning in Spain and it’s wonderfully close to Bilbao. Hop in your car and head for Playa de Laga. Before you know it, you’ll be enjoying beach side bars and a tranquil atmosphere with views of Mount Ogono from the sandy shores.
If you’re looking for adventure, you can hike up Ogono and look back out across the golden sand and glistening waters. The sea looks incredibly tempting from here, particularly when you see numerous surfboards and kayaks taking to the waves. Why not join them and cool off once you’ve made your way back down?
Spain’s culinary capital
Bilbao has brilliant places to eat, but nearby San Sebastian is known as the culinary capital of Spain - and for good reason. Here, green hillsides and curving beaches provide the backdrop as your taste buds are tantalized by delicacies.
For the real food connoisseurs, the city has several Michelin-star restaurants, but make sure you visit the pintxos – Basque tapas – which fill the streets. You may like to visit A Fuego Negro, a modern take on the region’s culinary history with several nods to American food, or more traditional places such as Ganbara and Gandarias.
Walk in the footstep of ‘The Lions’
Soccer fans will relish the opportunity to visit the home of Atletico Bilbao or, as they are affectionately known to fans, Los Leones – the Lions. A club steeped in tradition, Bilbao is one of the founding members of the Spanish league and they showcase their glorious sporting history in a modern and interactive stadium tour.
Here you can take penalties, visit the locker room and experience the pressure of the press room before going pitch side to take in the beauty of Estadio San Mames. Named the best sports building in the world at the World Architecture Festival, this impressive stadium is the perfect setting to live out your soccer dreams.
Collect your rental car at Bilbao Airport and you’ll be perfectly positioned to discover everything northern Spain has to offer. Reserve direct today.