20 THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN BILBAO

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The jewel of northern Spain is a small but proud city, where food is a serious matter and in which art stands out wherever you look. It has a complicated personality (of those that leave no one indifferent), corners full of history and a more vibrant news than ever. But above all, ahivalahostia, how beautiful Bilbao is. If you plan to visit the capital of Vizcaya you are in the right place, since we are going to tell you the best 20 things to see and do in Bilbao.

1. Let's start with the great protagonist of the city, although he doesn't get rid of his detractors. For us, there is no museum of modern and contemporary art more eclectic than the Guggenheim museum, without a doubt an unforgettable visit in Bilbao. It rises to the left bank of the estuary and, if the structure, the work of the charismatic Frank Gehry, already impresses, wait to enter and let you conquer by his works. Admission is € 16. Close Mondays. More info.

2. That Bilbao eats wonderfully is no secret, so if you want explore local cuisine and taste the best pintxos in the city, you can drop yourself in the hands of Patrizia de Bilbao Food Tour or take a look at this tour.

3. If you prefer to go to your air (see that the Patri is the cane, eh) we recommend these plans: go pintxos in the Gure Toki or in the Sorginzulo from Plaza Nueva. Eat one of the city's star dishes: the cod pil pil. And end with a Carolina, a puff pastry tartlet covered with meringue with sheets of egg yolk and chocolate, in Don Manuel.

4. You can't miss the historic helmet from Bilbao. It is best to get lost by him, although trying to pass through its 7 streets (Somera, Artecalle, Tendería, Belosticalle, Carnicería, Barrencalle and Barrencalle Barrena). Do it at your leisure or with this free tour of the historic center (it's free but leave a tip!).

5. To have the best views of the city, go up to Artxanda viewpoint. It can be reached on foot, although for the most lazy there is the famous funicular (costs € 1.75 one way or € 3.25 round trip).

Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao

6. If your visit to Bilbao falls endomingo, approach the antique market in the Plaza Nueva. It is usually very lively, and you can often find chollazos.

7. Although if there is a market that you have to live, without discussion is the La Ribera Market. Its building is impressive, even more inside, and it is full of stalls where you can buy fresh produce and others where you can pick up some odd pintxo, accompanied by a txacolí, of course.

8. Do you want to relax and immerse yourself in the countryside without leaving the city? Walk through the Doña Casilda Park, one of the lungs of the city and an ideal plan after a busy morning.

9. Another perfect place to disconnect is the Bilbao estuary. Its atmosphere at sunset is very cool.

10. One of the most peculiar buildings in Bilbao is the Azkuna Zentroa (also know as The Alhondiga). It is a cultural center where you will find a library, a cinema and even a glass bottom pool. Although its most significant signal is undoubtedly its columns: there are 43 and all different.

La Ribera Market, Bilbao

11. Ok, Bilbao has no beach, but you will find playazos like Azkorri, The wild or PlentziaAbout 30 minutes from the city! Also, if you always dreamed of learning to surf, the coast of Bilbao is a paradise to do so.

12. Do you love immersing yourself in the history of cities and knowing their mysteries? Alegends tour You can take out that researcher you have inside. Also this is free!

13. The Basilica of Our Lady of Begoña, the amatxu from Bilbao, it is worth a visit. We recommend you go to Andra Mari street, near the building of the Stock Exchange, where you will find a star on the ground. From there you can take a photo of the Basilica.

14. Do not miss the Santiago's cathedral, in gothic style.

15. Do you freak out festivals? In Bilbao the BBK Live festival, with pop-rock groups and which takes place in July. This year (2018) there are bands like Gorillaz, Chemical Brothers or Florence and the Machine. Tickets cost € 60 per day (€ 155 the bonus for the 3 days of the festival).

Santiago Cathedral in Bilbao

16. Botxo (that's what Bilbao calls its own inhabitants) is a lot of Botxo, and if you want to live a 100% authentic experience, go to a Athletic match in San Mamés.

17. Approach the Portugalete suspension bridge, also known as the Biscay Bridge, between the towns of Getxo and Portugalete, north of Bilbao. It was built to join the two banks of the estuary of Bilbao without having to interrupt naval traffic, through a hanging boat. The price to move from one side to another is € 0.45 (€ 0.70 from 22:00), although you can also climb to the top of the catwalk for € 8 (audioguide for € 2). More info. You can buy it in advance here (includes guided tour).

18. If you like theater and want to attend a play while you're in Bilbao, the Arriaga Theater It is your site, one of the icons of the city.

19. Does a rainy afternoon catch you (in Bilbao? How strange ...) and you don't know what to do? Two great schedules: visit the Museum of Fine Arts and the Basque Museum, where you can learn more about the culture of Euskadi.

20. If, after knowing the main things in Bilbao, you still have time, make a joyride to visit some wonder of the Basque Country. You don't have a car? Do not worry, you can approach San Sebastian by bus or sign up for an excursion to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe (if you are a fan of Game of Thrones you cannot miss it).