| Page Views: 3,684 Last Visit to Bilbao: - I Live Here | Bilbao, Capital of the World by timtregenza - last update: Mar 19, 2007 |
It is hard to describe Bilbao. Spanish, but not Spain, Euskadi, but not Basque. True to its geography, it has always looked north, to the UK and Ireland and the industrial and trading States. Although in the heart of the Basque Country, the strength of feeling on this issue is not as strong as in Donostia. Maybe this is because people in Bilbao see themselves as Bilbaoinos rather than Spanish or Basque. The change in the city over the last decade is marked. The city has gone from decaying industrial landscape to hip, intellectual tourism based on the flagship Guggenheim. Bilbao repays time spent exploring, from the Casco Viejo to the corners of the Guggenheim, there is much to see. The food is arguably the best in Spain, and ranges from simple Pintxos (tapas) to high quality dining. For me though, the simpler the better. And if you can get out and explore the coast, then another treasure trove awaits... |
Casco Viejo The original 7 streets of Bilbao are in the Casco Viejo. The Casco still has the feeling of a city within a city, and is the centre of radicalism in the city. |
| Tram passing Athletic Club ground at San Mames |
Transport Bilbao has an integrated transport system that is the envy of other cities. Trams, Metro, Buses, and Trains all run to form a working network at a reasonable price. Don't drive in Bilbao unless you have to! To see the surrounding countryside however, you may well need a car (e.g. to get around the coast or La Rioja |
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| Pros: | "Great food, drink, nightlife, football, culture" | | Cons: | "Weather not as good as other parts of Spain" | | In A Nutshell: | "Bilbao is more than Spain" |
timtregenza's Bilbao Travel Tips
 Comments for timtregenza about Bilbao | | | | |
ViajesdelMundo Sun Mar 29, 2009 01:46 UTC
Gracias for all your tips; I have noted a few, as we will be staying near Andorra in a timeshare for first wk of May and definitely will get to Bilbao to see the Guggenheim----(I actually dated Frank a couple times in the mid-'60s!) | bnanno Fri Sep 5, 2008 11:07 UTC
You may want to visit the newly restored Mendibile Jaureguia, which houses the HQ of Bizkaia Txakoli (Basque wine). You may ring up to ask as they have wine tasting on certain days and a very decent restaurant (all the time). | Aihan Wed Jun 25, 2008 10:04 UTC
"Azak" was the first Ecological Restaurant in Bilbao. Now Azak offer us the World’s best Wines and Cheeses. The subtle flavours, a pleasure for your senses. Taste it in a very kind and friendly ambience. | Tximeleta Mon Mar 3, 2008 14:58 UTC
The staff are really friendly, i remember this dark- haired girl serving coffees at the bar, she was so pleasant..! :) |
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