Known as a rather industrial port, Bilbao with determination seeks to transform into a tourist spot, demonstrating each year some new attractions.
The relatively new Guggenheim Museum Bilbao devoted to modern art is one of the main attractions in the city. It was designed by the renowned Frank Gehry who believed to be one of the best contemporary architects working on this planet. The museum's core collection is focused (but not limited) on works by Vasily Kandinsky, Paul Klee and Piet Mondrian.
The relatively new Guggenheim Museum Bilbao devoted to modern art is one of the main attractions in the city. It was designed by the renowned Frank Gehry who believed to be one of the best contemporary architects working on this planet. The museum's core collection is focused (but not limited) on works by Vasily Kandinsky, Paul Klee and Piet Mondrian.
Other landmarks in Bilbao include the Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology, the Bellas Artes Museum, the Museum of Sea, the 14th century Gothic Church of Santiago and Ensanche Park. Though, perhaps most of the visitors flock to Bilbao just to witness marvelous metro (subway), designed by Norman Foster.
Bilbao also features some good beaches and a few scenic spots. The most popular picnic site is on Monte Archanda, northward from the old town. Getxo beach is the number one spot among surfers with a 100-year-old suspension bridge and an array of noisy bars and lively bars.
From Bilbao you can reach Pamblona to attend the annual San Fermin festival famous for its Running of the Bulls. But if you prefer calmer, non-violent pastime then International Festival of Documentary and Short Film of Bilbao is for you. The festival takes place end of November, early December.
And for food-lovers Saint Thomas Day is a must. It's held on 21 December and features traditional products from the region's rural areas and displayed on more than 300 stalls stretched between El Arenal and Plaza Nueva. The point is that you can buy or taste anything you want. We recommend talo con chorizo (corn tortilla and salami) and txakoli (sweet regional white wine).
The city offers lots of accommodations. Use our directory to find the best hotel deals and head for the vacation of your life!
5 stars hotels in Bilbao
Sheraton Bilbao Hotel
Strategically located in the heart of the new business, leisure and cultural center of the city, the Sheraton Bilbao Hotel Hotel is set at the banks of the Nervion River and surrounded by the emblematic Guggenheim Museum, the brand-new Euskalduna Con
Lopez de Haro
The genuine five star hotel in Bilbao: Frank Gehry drew his first sketches of the Guggenheim Museum in one of its rooms.
Hotel Carlton
This elegant, luxurious, 5-star hotel is one of the finest and most majestic hotels in Bilbao.
4 stars hotels in Bilbao
Abando
A modern hotel situated in the financial centre of Bilbao.
Hesperia Bilbao
The new Hotel Hesperia Bilbao opened its doors in September 2005.
Ercilla
The one and only hotel truly in the commercial, social and cultural centre of Bilbao allows easy walk to offices and smart shops around, not to mention, of course, museums and art galleries.
3 stars hotels in Bilbao
Best Western Bilbao Conde Duque
The privileged situation of our Hotel, totally refurbished recently, enables our guests to enjoy all the advantages of the City Centre as well as the peace and quiet of a residential area.
Tryp Arenal
Tryp Arenal is situated in the heart of Bilbao, next to Arriaga Theater, the main train station Abando, the underground and the Guggenheim museum.
NH Deusto
Situated centrally, a short distance from the Deusto university campus and the riverbank, the hotel is convenient for reaching many major attractions by foot.
Other hotels in Bilbao
Hotel Vista Alegre
The Vista Alegre Hotel is named after the bullring, situated right next to it.
Sirimiri
Sirimiri Hotel is small familiar hotel, although it's a newly built building, it maintains the enchantment of the Casco Viejo (old area) of Bilbao.
Hotel Bilbi
Occupying a privileged spot in the old city, close to La Ribera Market and Miribilla quarter, this property offers easy access to a host of cultural and entertainment options.