Experience
Spain

BUCKET LIST TRAVEL : BILBAO

In the heart of the Spanish Basque Country

In the north of Spain, the Basque Country’s largest city is a modern and welcoming port city that has transformed into an international leader in urban development and architecture. Bilbao offers a different perspective on the country, combing tradition with the modern and original.

THE MOST ASTONISHING BRIDGE ON THE NERVIÓN

The Nervión river originates in the Iberian Peninsula, crosses northern Spain, and ends up in the Bay of Biscay, joining with the Ibaizabal to form the Bilbao Estuary. The river weaves through the city and allows you to see the different sides of Bilbao from various angles and viewpoints. From here, you can understand the significant transformations it has undergone in recent years. The Bizkaia (Biscay) transporter bridge is a prime example. Linking the towns of Portugalete and Getxo on either side of the Nervión, it’s one of the city’s architectural gems, testimony to its industrial and maritime nature. Designed by architect Alberto Palacio, one of Gustave Eiffel’s students, the world’s first transporter bridge made from a metal structure was opened in 1893. The bridge was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2006, one of the industrial revolution’s most remarkable constructions and iron architecture. This incredible structure combines technical creativity, aesthetics and functionality. By developing the gondola mechanism to transport people and goods and using iron mixed with steel cables, Palacio created a new form of construction that influenced the building of bridges worldwide. The bridge has never stopped operating since it was created. Taking the famous gondola ferry, on foot or in a vehicle, to travel from one side of the river to the other is an unmissable experience in Bilbao. Admire the operating mechanism of this gondola suspended from a 36-wheeled, 25-metre carriage travelling along the horizontal rails. From the walkway, over 45 metres high, there are spectacular views of the entire city and its surroundings.

Must-sees in Bilbao

The suspension bridge of Bizkaia (or Biscay)

THE GUGGENHEIM MUSEUM

An icon of the city, the Guggenheim symbolises modern Bilbao. Its massive structure, sculpted from titanium, stone and glass, was designed by American architect Frank Gehry. The unique galleries display modern and contemporary art from the most significant artists of the last four decades.

THE RIBERA MARKET

Located on the banks of the Bilbao Estuary in the heart of the old town, this impressive indoor market – the largest in Europe – spans over 10,000 m2Its Art-Deco-style windows let light flow through to three floors which house a combination of stalls selling all kinds of foods. It’s a delight for the eyes as much as the stomach.

The facade of the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum

THE FINE ARTS MUSEUM

An oasis of greenery in the city, Doña Casilda Iturrizar Park is home to the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum. The museum offers a fascinating trip through Spanish and international art history. Paintings, sculptures, drawings, engravings and decorative arts include over 6,000 works that highlight the wealth of artistic talent from the 12th century to the present day.

The Zubizuri pedestrian bridge, “white bridge” in Basque

ZUBIZURI BRIDGE

Located on the banks of the Bilbao Estuary in the heart of the old town, this impressive indoor market – the largest in Europe – spans over 10,000 m2. Its Art-Deco-style windows let light flow through to three floors which house a combination of stalls selling all kinds of foods. It’s a delight for the eyes as much as the stomach.

BILBAO CATHEDRAL

Gothic in style, the city’s cathedral was dedicated to St James the Apostle, the patron saint of Bilbao. It was built in the 15th century, but its current façade and tower were built in the 19th century. Its small internal cloister and Puerta del Ángel (pilgrims’ gate) entrance, in Flamboyant-Gothic style, are stunning.