Welcome to another monthly mini-guide! This time, I’m all about Bilbao. Let’s discover everything it has to offer!
The classic go-to: Casco Viejo
I’m aware that this might seem a bit unspecific, but believe me, it’s a completely conscious decision. I think the Casco Viejo, also known as the Siete Calles, is a place you absolutely must visit.
The Casco Viejo is the historical heart of Bilbao. Its central hub is Plaza Nueva, surrounded by arcades and full of pintxo bars.
During the day, the neighborhood has a pleasant buzz with locals and shoppers moving through the streets, and in the afternoon and evening it fills with people looking for pintxos and cañas Even so, it retains that traditional vibe, with streets that seem to have stood still in time. Definitely one of my favorite things to do in the city, and a must if you’re spending a weekend away in Bilbao. Also, this has something to do with our next foodie section!
The foodie haven: ruta de pintxos
Again, it might seem a bit vague that I don’t mention a specific type of food, when in reality I could highlight dishes like marmitako or bacalao a la bilbaína. But there is a good reason for this: what I most associate with Bilbao in terms of food are its pintxos. And, by the way, a lot of them are in bars all through the Casco Viejo.
If you are spending a weekend away in Bilbao, I highly recommend enjoying its incredible food culture through a pintxos route. To be more specific, I have selected five that I think you should try:
- Baster: Be sure to try their tortilla de patata, a classic done perfectly.
- Gure Toki: Try their pintxo with quail egg, potatoes, and cheese, delicious and award-winning.
- El Globo: Gratinado de txangurro. This pintxo combines tradition and creativity and should be your first choice!
- Irrintzi: You should try the Chupa-chups de bacalao con txupito de ajo blanco, a signature of the house.
- La Viña del Ensanche: I recommend the pintxo mini-sartén with egg, foie, mushrooms, and mashed potatoes, irresistible and very filling. Right now, the bar is being renovated, but it’s reopening again in November.
The walker’s dream: Parque de Doña Casilda
The Parque de Doña Casilda is a very pleasant spot in Bilbao, perfect for taking a walk and relaxing for a while. Its paths lined with trees, ponds with ducks, and fountains create a calm and welcoming atmosphere. One of the most charming corners is the Kiosko de Música, a glass pavilion originally built for open-air concerts, which still stands out as a special feature of the park today. It’s ideal for enjoying alone, with a partner, or with friends, and sometimes there are small events or markets. So check that out if you’re going!
The can’t miss spot: Guggenheim Museum
For this section, I’m going with the Guggenheim Museum, although I was tempted to include it in The Walker’s Dream as well because walking through it and experiencing it truly feels like a dream. It’s also very close to Parque de Doña Casilda, so you can maybe kill two birds with one stone!
Located along the Nervión River, the Guggenheim is one of the most important contemporary art museums in the world. It was inaugurated in 1997 and designed by Canadian architect Frank Gehry. Its structure, made of titanium, limestone, and glass, is as spectacular on the outside as the art it holds within.
In addition to its temporary exhibitions, the museum also features a permanent collection where the work of Louise Bourgeois stands out. And why mention her? Because right outside the museum you will find her impressive sculpture “Maman,” a giant spider that will undoubtedly leave you speechless.
You can explore the museum in about 2 to 3 hours, depending on how much time you want to spend inside, making it a perfect plan for a weekend away in Bilbao. The general admission is €12, and if you have a student card, you can get your ticket for half the price.
The perfect city for a weekend
Bilbao is a city that’s perfect for visiting on a long weekend, but it’s true that there’s much, much more to see. Tell us, what other places have you visited? Remember we’ve got many more mini-guides.