While staying in San Sebastián in northern Spain earlier this year we did a side trip to Bilbao. We caught a local bus and drive through some pretty Basque countryside for about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Bilbao is the largest city in the Basque Country. It was founded in the early 14th century by Diego Lopez V de Haro and became the commercial hub of the area because of its port activity.
It became heavily industrialised in the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. Now it is a busy service city and is famous for the Guggenheim Museum which attracts visitors from all over the world.
The bus dropped us at the edge of the newer part of the city. It is a mix of architectural styles…gothic, Art Deco, Art Nouveau, Neo-Gothic and contemporary.
The river is lined with attractive buildings and looked impressive on a sunny spring day.
The Guggenheim Museum is spectacular…more on that in the next post. The photo is a bit ordinary, the light was in precisely the wrong place.
There is a busy pedestrian mall in the centre of the city lined with shops and cafes.
Much more interesting is the old part of Bilbao. It is mostly a pedestrian area and the narrow streets are full of wonderful old buildings with interesting shops and cafes.
Best of all are the pintxos bars. As in San Sebastián we wandered and selected our delicious pintxos from several different establishments. I could get used to this way of eating.
On the way back to the bus station we passed an amazing building which seems to be an exhibition area, library and shopping centre. It looks like an old building which has been completely renovated inside.
I like the entrances to the subway system.
We enjoyed our visit to Bilbao, mostly because of the old city. The newer part of town is OK, but we preferred San Sebastián and were very happy that we chose that as our base in the area.
More on the Guggenheim in the next post.
The old part of Bilbao looks very inviting…thanks for the Virtual stroll!
By: Sue on August 16, 2018
at 8:59 am
The old city is great. We were very happy to wander through the area.
By: Debra Kolkka on August 16, 2018
at 12:29 pm
😊
By: Sue on August 16, 2018
at 1:01 pm
Very beautiful post. A much-needed reminder of all the beauty in the World; with its abundance of creativity, Joy in the visual results and the minds behind it all. There IS Peace! Grazie tanto!
By: Catherine Rowley on August 16, 2018
at 11:41 am
Travelling opens our eyes to all kinds of wonderful things.
By: Debra Kolkka on August 16, 2018
at 12:30 pm
Haven’t been to the Basque region – so thanks for the delightful tour of Bilbao. Cheers to your love for the Old City – so I’m confident I would love that!
By: aFrankAngle on August 16, 2018
at 11:57 am
We liked the old part of the city much more than the newer areas.
By: Debra Kolkka on August 16, 2018
at 12:30 pm
Bilbao has changed a lot over the past twenty years or so. It used to be quite ugly and unkept. Which shows what good local government can do to a city. They can be proud of their efforts, because, as you discovered, a visit to the town is a real pleasure. But then… San Sebastián IS San Sebastián 😉😉😉
By: Mulino Dominillo on August 16, 2018
at 1:59 pm
The local government has done a great job. It is clearly a city that would be a good place to live in.
By: Debra Kolkka on August 17, 2018
at 8:29 am
Like you, I’m always more interested in the historical parts of cities and towns and most of Europe does such a good job of maintaining them. I’m reminded sadly of the insensitive destruction of Brisbane’s heritage in the late 70s and early 80s…. The government of the time and the Dean Brothers had a lot to be ashamed of…!! Jx
By: Jan Williams on August 16, 2018
at 8:51 pm
The old part of Bilbao is lovely. We were pleased to find it. Brisbane allowed many of its historical buildings to be destroyed.
By: Debra Kolkka on August 17, 2018
at 8:31 am
Enjoyed your photos of the old town and noticed those lovely lady statues in the pedestrian mall. Will wait to see the next post on the Guggenheim.
By: Dianne Cant on August 16, 2018
at 8:52 pm
The pedestrian mall was lovely. We enjoyed a coffee there.
By: Debra Kolkka on August 17, 2018
at 8:31 am
Such a beautiful post! Thank you for sharing xx
By: thefrankpassport on September 8, 2018
at 4:04 pm
Bilbao was an interesting place to visit.
By: Debra Kolkka on September 8, 2018
at 9:06 pm