Located in northern Spain, Bilbao is a city known for its industrial port and its skyscraper-filled downtown. It is also home to the world-renowned Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, which was designed by Frank Gehry. The museum is housed in a building that is clad in titanium and houses prominent modern and contemporary art.
Casco Viejo
Visiting Casco Viejo is a treat for the senses. The streets are lined with historic buildings and have a very atmospheric feel. The area is also well connected with public transportation and has a large range of accommodation options.
The most famous attractions in Casco Viejo are the Guggenheim Museum and Plaza Nueva. Plaza Nueva is also home to Bilbao's biggest market. Taking the funicular cable railway to the top of the hill allows for a great view of the city.
Another popular place to see in Bilbao is the Catedral de Santiago, one of the oldest buildings in the city. This church features a Gothic Revival-style spire. The Arriaga Theater, built in 1890, is one of the city's cultural centers. It was inspired by the Palais Garnier Opera House in Paris. The theater draws well-dressed crowds to its performances.
The Guggenheim Museum, built in 1997, is one of the most popular attractions in Bilbao. The museum features a large collection of art, including works by Picasso, Andy Warhol, and Salvador Dali. Its viewing platforms overlook the La Salve Bridge, which crosses the Bilbao Estuary.
Casco Viejo is also home to the Euskal Museoa Bilbao, a museum that documents the cultural history of the Basque region. It is housed in a lovely Baroque building.
There are many budget options for accommodation in Casco Viejo. The Hotel Tayko Bilbao is a mid-range hotel located near the Catedral de Santiago. This hotel has modern rooms, a fitness center, and free tea in the lounge. The rooms have a flat screen television and private bathroom.
Catedral de Santiago
Located in the historic district of Casco Viejo, the Catedral de Santiago is one of the oldest churches in Bilbao. Its main building was erected by 1075, but the original medieval structure was later replaced with Gothic extensions. The building is now part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site list.
The cathedral is a combination of Gothic and Romanesque architectural styles. The interior has three naves, Romanesque round arches, a Gothic cloister, and a choir stall. The cathedral was also renovated in the 19th century, and now has a Gothic Revival facade.
The museum section of the cathedral is home to a number of treasures, including the Tumbos Catedralicios and Tumbos de Tusculos. The museum also has works by Robert Motherwell and Andy Warhol. It is also home to a library, which holds valuable treasures such as miniatures.
Another museum in the city is the Guggenheim Museum. The building was designed by Frank Gehry, and opened in 1997. The museum has art by Robert Motherwell, Andy Warhol, and Louise Bourgeois. It is a must-see. Its structure has titanium and glass curved walls that reflect the waters of the Nervion River. The museum also has works by Dario de Regoyos, and a floor devoted to Basque art.
Besides the museum, you can also visit the Guggenheim Bridge. This bridge is a great way to get a panoramic view of Bilbao. You can also take a guided walking tour of the city. The tour begins in Plaza de Santiago, and you can learn about the city's history along the way.
Mercado de la Ribera
Mercado de la Ribera is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Bilbao. This market is located on the right bank of the Nervion estuary. It has one of the largest covered markets in Europe. This market offers fresh produce, seafood, and meats. It is also the place to purchase high-quality Basque culinary products.
The market has more than 60 vendors selling a variety of regional goods. There are also many bars, music venues, and restaurants located within the market.
The market was originally built in 1929. It was constructed in art-deco style. It has a lattice window design and a floral decoration. It also has a lookout overlooking the river.
The market is open from Monday to Saturday. There are stalls selling fresh produce, seafood, meats, and various regional goods. The market is located on Ribera St., between the Old Town and the Nervion estuary. The market has a capacity of more than ten thousand square meters. It was designed by architect Pedro Ispizua.
Mercado de la Ribera also has a Cafe-bar on the ground floor. It provides seating and reading space. It also uses fresh produce from the market. The cafe also offers menus and cooking classes.
The cafe also features an assortment of rations and a children's menu. The cafe also hosts live music concerts, and they invite upcoming national and international bands.
Azkuna Zentroa
Located in Bilbao, Azkuna Zentroa is an innovative multipurpose cultural and leisure centre. Built in the 1970s, the building used to be a wine warehouse. Today it is a cultural and leisure center that hosts exhibitions, movies, concerts and children's workshops. It also has an auditorium, cinema, multipurpose hall and swimming pool.
Its unique interior architecture features forty-three columns that were specially designed by the architect Philippe Starck. In addition to this, the building also has a transparent floor. These columns have been transformed into artworks and are now used to create a cross-cultural art experience.
The building also has a number of restaurants and bars. Some of the best places to eat include the Hola Bar, which is a cosmopolitan restaurant, and the Bar El Eme, which is a hole-in-the-wall style restaurant.
The building is also surrounded by a park that is popular with both locals and tourists. The park has tree-lined paths and fountains. There is also a pond with ducks. It is a beautiful oasis in the heart of Bilbao.
Azkuna Zentroa also has a cinema, and it regularly hosts free exhibitions and movies. It is also home to the Cines Golem, which shows independent films.
Azkuna Zentroa was originally known as La Alhondiga Bilbao. It opened to the public in stages between 18 May and 24 October 2010. The interior design was redesigned by Philippe Starck, and his work was commissioned by Bilbao City Council.
Artxanda Funicular
Located in the city of Bilbao, Spain, the Artxanda Funicular is a funicular railway that takes passengers to the top of Mount Artxanda. The ride takes around three minutes and provides spectacular views of the city. The Artxanda Funicular can be a relaxing activity for the whole family.
The Funicular de Artxanda is an iconic symbol of Bilbao, Spain. This funicular railway links the downtown area to the top of Mount Artxanda. It has been in operation since 1915 and offers visitors sweeping views of the city. The railway takes passengers from the lower boarding station to the top in around three minutes.
Besides offering panoramic views of the city, the Artxanda Funicular has a park and sports complex. There are also several restaurants at the top. The funicular is open daily, and the return trip costs around 3.25 euros.
The Funicular de Artxanda has two trains. One train goes up in the opposite direction, while the other one goes down. Both trains run every fifteen minutes. The trains run from seven am to ten pm.
Upon reaching the top of Mount Artxanda, passengers will find a park and a picnic area. There are also walking and hiking trails. This is one of the most popular lookout points in Bilbao. There are also several restaurants and bars. The top station also has a hotel.
The funicular railway has been in operation since 1915 and is the longest in Spain. The railway was built by a Swiss company that specialized in Alpine trains. Originally, the idea of building a funicular was to make the mountaintop accessible to locals.
Guggenheim Museum
Located in Bilbao, Spain, the Guggenheim Museum is one of the most visited museums in the world. This art museum is the brainchild of Canadian architect Frank Gehry. He designed the building to reflect Bilbao's maritime and naval history. He used cliffs, towers, flying fins, and flowing canopies.
The museum's architecture is sculptural, expressionistic, and has a sense of urbanity. Guggenheim Bilbao's design incorporates titanium-laden structures, which look like ships. It has an atrium that is soaring and curved.
The museum has a large permanent collection of art from all over the world. It's also home to a library with a computerized catalogue and a bookstore. It also offers events and services to visitors.
The museum features works by artists such as Mark Rothko, Picasso, Joana Vasconcelos, and Van Gogh. It also hosts temporary exhibitions. The collection includes works from traditional paintings to innovative sculptures. The museum also features an exterior sculpture park that is free.
The museum is located along the Nervion River. Visitors can take the funicular railway to the park, Mount Artxanda. This is a quick and easy activity. There is also metered parking on the street.
The museum has an annual membership plan that allows regular visitors to enjoy priority access to events and exhibitions. There are also discounted admissions for people with disabilities. The museum also offers two restaurants, a bookstore, and a library.
