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Bilbao Maps & Attractions Guide
Bilbao maps & Attractions - Things to do
in Bilbao
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Bilbao
Attractions - Things to do
1. Guggenheim Museum
Abandoibarra Et. 2
www.guggenheim-bilbao.es |
What is it? Locals in Bilbao are divided on whether it is
a 'beauty or a beast', but the bizarre multi-million dollar
Guggenheim Museum, opened in 1997, has brought thousands of
visitors flocking to the city to be awed or floored. The massive
museum has no right angles and resembles a metallic flower, clad in
shiny titanium, sited in the former dockyard alongside the Nervion
River. It was designed by Frank Gehry. Inside, apart from
breathtaking spaces, the museum houses the works of some important
20th century artists, including Picasso, Robert Rauschenberg, Andy
Warhol, Willem de Koonig and Clyfford Still. There are also
sections displaying the work of young Basque and Spanish artists,
and rotating exhibits lent by the Guggenheim museums in New York
and Venice.
Hours of Operation: Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 8pm (also open Mondays
between June and August)
Phone:94 435 90 80 |
2. Museo de Bellas Artes
Museo Plaza 2
www.museobilbao.com |
What is it? For a more mainstream artistic experience
than that offered by the astonishing Guggenheim gallery, the Museo
de Bellas Artes in the Plaza Museo fits the bill admirably with
some valuable works on display behind an unassuming façade. The
museum's impressive collection spans art from the 12th to 20th
century, highlights being some excellent Flemish works from between
the 15th and 17th centuries. There are also works by El Greco,
Goya, Gauguin, Francis Bacon, Picasso and Velazquez. To the rear of
the building is a sculpture garden.
Hours of Operation: Tuesday to Saturday 10am and 8pm, Sundays 10am to
2pm
Phone:94 439 6060 |
3. Museu Vasco
Plaza Miguel de Unamuno, 4
www.euskal-museoa.org |
What is it? The Museu Vasco, also known as the Euskal
Museoa or Basque Museum, is in the heart of the old quarter of the
city, housed in a 17th century Jesuit cloister. The museum depicts
Basque culture, history and ethnology, and its exhibits span a wide
range of interests including: weaving, the blacksmith trade,
pastoral life and maritime matters. The displays offer the chance
to dip into Basque political and social life, using everything from
model ships to reconstructions of rooms and
gravestones.
Hours of Operation: Tuesday to Saturday 11am to 5pm, Sundays 11am to
2pm
Phone:94 415 5423 |
4. City Hall
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What is it? Bilbao's elegant city hall in the Plaza
Erkoreka Ernesto dates from 1892 and was designed by Joaquin Rucoba
with a spire and magnificent façade featuring balconies, columns
and a sweeping staircase. The highlight of the interior is the
'Arab Room', an opulently decorated chamber used for civil marriage
ceremonies. Guided tours, lasting about an hour are available;
these need to be booked in advance by
phone.
Hours of Operation:
Phone:94 445 2828 (Reservations) |
5. San Sebastian
www.sansebastianturismo.com |
What is it? The Basque region's most popular beach, La
Concha, is to be found in the genteel resort city of San Sebastian,
62 miles (100km) east of Bilbao. The town became fashionable as a
summer getaway during the reign of Queen Isabel when she took to
holidaying there in 1845. Today the town hums with boutiques,
surf-shops and nightclubs, but the elaborate boardwalk and
grandiose historic mansions lend an air of sophistication. For a
spectacular view of the sea and countryside ride the funicular to
the top of Monte Igueldo, or opt for the opposite side of the bay
where it is possible to stroll through shady woods to the summit of
Monte Urgull, topped with a statue of Jesus blessing the city. The
town's Museo de San Telmo, housed in a Dominican monastery,
displays some interesting prehistoric Basque artefacts, and a few
dinosaur skeletons. The house where Victor Hugo once lived is in
the nearby charming fishing village of Pasajes de San Juan, which
can be reached by ferry from San Sebastian.
Hours of Operation:
Phone: |
6. Vitoria-Gasteiz
www.vitoria-gasteiz.org |
What is it? British visitors are reassured by the
presence of a statue of Wellington, the 'Iron Duke', standing on
the Plaza de la Virgen Blanca in the city of Vitoria-Gasteiz, 41
miles (66km) south of Bilbao. The statue commemorates Wellington's
victory in battle here against Napoleon's forces. The main reason
for visiting this Basque city, however, is to enjoy the impressive
new contemporary art museum, and soak up some of the charm of this
green urban enclave, packed with avenues and parks. There is also
an old quarter, full of Renaissance palaces, most of which are now
art galleries and museums. The city also has two Gothic cathedrals,
one dating from the 12th century and one, modern but designed in
Gothic style, still under construction.
Hours of Operation:
Phone: |
7. Pamplona
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What is it? Hordes of tourists flock to this town in
Navarre, Northern Spain, in early July each year for the Running of
the Bulls, officially La Fiesta del Fermin. The festival, in honour
of the city's patron saint, was made world famous by Ernest
Hemingway in his novel 'The Sun Also Rises', and it has become
Spain's most popular attraction. A bust of Hemingway stands outside
Pamplona's bullring, where the 8-day extravaganza of dancing,
dashing through the streets ahead of rampaging bulls, and drinking
begins. The practice of driving bulls through the centre of
Pamplona started in the 19th century as the most practical way to
get them to the ring, and for many years the city authorities tried
to prevent the practice of running with the bulls. Aside from the
festival, though, Pamplona is worth a visit any time of year,
boasting lush parks, a splendid Gothic cathedral, huge citadel and
quaint old quarter. Pamplona is the capital of the province of
Navarre, but its roots are Basque and a large section of its
population are Basque nationalists.
Hours of Operation:
Phone: |
Bilbao Holidays guide
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Transport -Bilbao has an efficient underground metro
service covering numerous destinations in the city between 6am and
11pm (earlier on Fridays), ticketed on a zone system.
More information at the |
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