Bilbao is the capital of a Basque province Bizkaia, located on the territory of the Northern Spain. That rich city is attracting with modern architecture, a vast cultural offer and the best in the world restaurants. What definitely you have to see while staying in the Basque Country?
Bilbao is referred to as the capital of good design. There is nothing strange in that, as since the 90’s of the 20th century in the city were erected a few quite unusual buildings designed by the best architects in the world. The building-symbol is the Museum of Guggenheim, located by the bank of the river Nervion, designed by Frank Ghery. Even if you are not into modern architecture, make sure to go there. We also recommend visiting local culture centre, that was transformed into modern building from an old wine storage by Philippe Starck and freaky metro stations invented by Alhódig Bilbao and Norman Foster.
Very intriguing is the oldest part of the city, the Old Town (Casco Viejo). It is the heart of the city, in which not only monuments are situated, but also hotels, restaurants, shops by Gran Via and museums, for instance, Museo de Bellas Artes. That district is sometimes called “Seven Streets” (Las Siete Calles), as from Plaza Nueva, by which is situated the cathedral Santiago, there are stretching out radiantly the seven oldest, urban streets. On the outskirts of the city there is worth visiting, made of steel bridge Vizcaya, that made it to the UNESCO World Heritage List.
What should you taste in Bilbao? Definitely traditional snacks pinxos, that are available in every eatery in the city. It is worth to go pub crawling, for instance, on the street Heros, and try the most snacks you can, drinking sparkling, white dry wine txakoli or red one crianza. Interesting spot is Mercado de la Ribera, a market, where you can not only buy fresh products, but also grab something to eat in one of numerous eateries. In cafes make sure to ask for dessert etxeko biskotxa with almond-pudding cream. Where to eat? Great recommendations have restaurants Blueizar, Nido Bilbao oraz Arandia de Julen.
