The first time I came to
Bilbao in north of Spain was nearly 15 years ago. To be honest I wasn't
too impressed. This was quite a boring place back then.
But, then something happened.
An amazing transformation took place! The ugly duckling turned into
a beautiful swan. In only a decade the city of Bilbao turned from a grey
industrial town into a splendid cultural metropolis.
After that first visit I
and my family actually ended up moving here. Since I am Swedish this was
quite an exotic destination for me. Throughout the last few years I had
the joy of experiencing the transformation of the city first hand.
Many of my fellow country
men prefer to visit the South of Spain. After all, warm beaches are what
we all long for, isn't it? Going to the North of Spain might seem like
an odd goal for a vacation.
Well, let me share my top-10
reasons why I love Bilbao. This place hosts many treasures yet to be discovered
by tourists.
1.
A
city in constant change
It seems Bilbao has taken
a sacred vow to improve by the day. It is inspiring to see how no effort
is spared to enhance the beauty of the city. Some of the best architects
of the world have been contracted to partake in the urban transformation.
Even small neighbourhood areas where few tourists ever come, are being
improved and beautified.
This modern art museum is
truly awe-inspiring. It is the most known landmark of Bilbao and is located
in the heart of the city, just along the riverbank. The first thing that
strikes you is the building itself. It is like a giant vessel, covered
with gleaming titanium. Once inside there is more than 10.000 m2 of modern
art to enjoy.
If you are a cultural lover
you will be spoiled for choice. The newly inaugurated "Euskalduna Congress
and Music Centre", and the century old "Arriaga theatre" have ample programs
of dance, theatre and opera.
Bilbao is a well sized city.
It is not too big, nor too small. Put on a pair of good walking shoes and
you can get around most tourist places by foot. You have restaurants, culture
and shopping all within decent reach.
5. Relaxed atmosphere
Greater Bilbao houses about
1 million inhabitants. Even so, you can still enjoy a feeling of relaxed
atmosphere. On nice evenings, after work, people hang out with a glass
of wine or a cup of coffee at the local plaza. The children are playing
skipping rope or "hide and seek" meanwhile.
I love the old, historical
centre of Bilbao. During the last few years this area has been beautifully
restored, preserving the old charm of the century old buildings. Here you
can enjoy restaurants, tapas bars and great shopping. This part of the
city also offers a vibrant bar life at night.
7. The food
Bilbainos take great pride
in their cooking. Fresh sea food and vegetables from the fertile Basque
countryside are the basis of the local cuisine. If you are looking for
a good restaurant you don't have to look far - there are plenty. For a
"today's menu" at a neighbourhood restaurant you have to pay about 10 Euros.
8. Get to know a new culture
Bilbao is located in the
Basque Country. The region enjoys its own culture and language, unique
to the rest of Spain.
The Basque language is ancient
and no one really knows its origins. It is supposedly very difficult to
learn. You will find that all street signs are written in both Basque and
Spanish.
9. The beaches
If you long for a clean,
beautiful beach with blue water this is the place to come. The beaches
of the Basque country are still undiscovered by the great masses of tourists.
Here you can enjoy nature, sand and sea without feeling like a crammed
sardine. Sopelana and Plentzia are two beautiful beaches located close
to Bilbao. You can easily get there by city metro.
10. It is not too hot!
Can that be a reason to love
Bilbao? I would say yes! The temperature is mild and comfortable most of
the year. You can explore the city at any time of the day without having
to defy a burning sun. The temperature can rise above 30 degrees in the
summer, but then you always have a beach near. The winter is also pleasant;
you rarely need to wear winter gears.
I hope you will add Bilbao
to your upcoming vacation plans. It is truly a beautiful place to visit!
About the Author: Ingrid
Svalin is originally from Sweden but has been living and working in the
Czech Republic, Canada and Spain. Since 1997 she resides in Bilbao where
she works as a marketing director for a Spanish company. Ingrid is the
editor of the http://www.beautiful-bilbao.com/.
Here she shares all her best insider tips about the city of Bilbao - what
to do, how to get here and where to stay.
Bilbao,
Spain - the Top-10 reasons why I love this city The first time I came to
Bilbao in north of Spain was nearly 15 years ago. To be honest I wasn't
too impressed. This was quite a boring place back then. But, then
something happened. An amazing transformation took place! .. read
more
Guggenheim
Museum Bilbao The Guggenheim Museum Bilbao,
in Spain, was built in 1997 by Frank Gehry, a Pritzker Prize winning Canadian/American
Architect. Mr. Gehry is well known for his modern architecture, much of
which seems to defy logic with its curves and bends.... read
more
Barceló
Avenida Hotel & Spa, Bilbao The Barceló Avenida
Hotel & Spa is a deluxe hotel located 10 kilometers from Bilbao International
Airport. The hotel is located in the upper part of the city, next to the
Begona Basilica and just 10 minutes by metro from the center of Bilbao
and the Guggenheim Museum. The onsite Sarasate Restaurant has a daily set
menu, a la carte restaurant and buffet. The hotel has 11 rooms for meetings,
conventions and receptions with capacity for up to 600 people. Coffee break
facilities and state of the art audio-visual equipment is available. Barceló
Avenida offers a wide range of facilities and features, such as: a Cyber
Corner, WiFi access, ample parking, SPA and Fitness Centre. The hotel features
143 spacious rooms. Each guest room has a full bathroom fitted with a thermostatic
bath and individual hairdryer, direct dial telephone, satellite TV with
pay per view and video games.
Barceló
Hotel Nervion, Bilbao The Barceló Hotel
Nervion in Bilbao is a nine-storey building located 200 metres from the
main railway station and the nearest metro station. The world-renowned
Guggenheim museum with innovative architecture from Frank Lloyd Wright
is located 300 metres from the hotel. The beach on the north coast of Spain
is 20 kilometres from the hotel. The hotel's restaurant, the Ibaizabal,
is open at all meal times and serves a mix of traditional and modern cuisine,
specializing in Basque and Italian food. At the Barceló Hotel Nervion,
Bilbao, meeting rooms are also available in the hotel for business meetings
or small private dinners. Audiovisual facilities are also available including
videoconferencing equipment. Wireless Internet access is available throughout
the hotel, for an extra fee. The hotel also has a gym and sauna, plus facilities
for guests to relax with massage treatments.
Hesperia
Bilbao The Hesperia Bilbao is a
seven-floor hotel featuring a striking, curved façade, and is set
in a central location directly opposite the Guggenheim museum, within 50
metres of the city's shops and restaurants. A shopping centre is
located adjacent to the hotel, and the world-renowned Guggenheim museum,
with innovative modern architecture from Frank Gehry and Japanese architect,
Isozaki, is 50 metres away. The hotel's main restaurant, La Ría,
serves traditional Basque fare such as Bacalao (salt cod), lamb stew and
chorizo. After dinner, guests are invited to relax in the Orilla Bar and
enjoy drinks and cocktails. The hotel houses a number of conference and
meeting rooms of varying sizes, all of which are equipped with modern audio-visual
facilities for presentations. ireless Internet access is available free
of charge in all public areas of the hotel.
Hotel
Carlton, Bilbao The Hotel Carlton in Bilbao,
a beautiful, mansion hotel designed with chandeliers and marble flooring
in its interior, located in the city center, 400 meters from the Guggenheim.
Bilbao old town is within 500 meters of the hotel. The Hotel Carlton
houses Artagan Restaurant, which serves traditional Basque cuisine and
seafood; open for lunch and dinner. Guests can relax in the hotel fitness
center which includes a well-equipped gym, steam room, sauna and a massage
room. At the Hotel Carlton, Bilbao, other amenities include a multilingual
concierge who can assist with sightseeing needs; valet parking, round the
clock room service, and babysitting services. Events, wedding and
banquet services are available on request. In the evening, guests
can relax in the magnificent lounge bar decorated with domed ceilings,
chandeliers, richly patterned rugs and marble floors; serves tapas and
specialty cocktails from a house menu and is famed for its celebrity clientele.
Hotel
Ercilla, Bilbao The Hotel Ercilla in Bilbao
is located 12 kilometres from Loiu International Airport. Located in the
heart of the business and commercial centre of the city, the hotel is close
to Guggenheim Museum, the Euskalduna Congress Centre and the International
Exhibition Centre. Its wide range of meeting rooms with the latest audio-visual
equipment make it the ideal city-centre hotel for business. Your stay will
be pleasant and comfortable, thanks to the richly appointed guest rooms.
A complete buffet breakfast with a variety of salads, cured hams and sausage
and a wide range of hot dishes surprise guests daily. The onsite Bermeo
restaurant serves the best of traditional Basque cuisine. Elegant and impeccable
service has made the Hotel Ercilla an ideal place for your business meals.
Hotel
Ercilla Lopez De Haro, Bilbao The Hotel Ercilla Lopez
de Haro is a luxury property located 11 kilometers from the Bilboa International
Airport. Opened in 1990, the Hotel Ercilla Lopez de Haro is in the center
of Bilbao and exudes great luxury and elegance. This hotel is only 100
meters from Guggenheim Museum and 500 meters from the Music Congress Palace.
Providing easy access by highway, the hotel is near the train station and
well connected to Sondica Airport. Experience the best of Basque
cuisine in the onsite restaurant. The Club Nautico Restaurant, with its
first-class china, cutlery and glassware, adds distinction and delight
to the service elevating the Basque cuisine to new heights. Informal dining
is also available at the Ambigu. The Hotel Ercilla Lopez de Haro
is minutes to popular shopping and entertainment venues. The elegant and
personalized décor in all the rooms and suites appeals to even the
most discerning traveler.
Hotel
Spa Husa Jardines de Albia, Bilbao The Husa Jardines de Albia
Hotel in Bilbao is set in the centre of this cosmopolitan city. It is a
modern building with a grand marble and glass entrance set only 300 metres
from the striking Gehry-designed Guggenheim Museum. The Husa Jardines de
Albia has a spa tub and fully-equipped fitness centre. Business facilities
include conference rooms, accommodating up to 100 people, and complimentary
wireless Internet access throughout the hotel. Complimentary newspapers
are available at the front desk, as are safe-deposit boxes to store valuables
throughout your stay in Bilbao. Husa Jardines de Albia Hotel, Bilbao, offers
The Zuria Restaurant and its menu of Basque dishes, served in a contemporary
dining room. The cafeteria serves a breakfast buffet and room service.
Silken
Indautxu Hotel, Bilbao Hotel Silken Indautxu rises
from the financial district in Bilbao, Spain. Local attractions include
the Fine Art Museum, Arriaga Theatre, and Guggenheim Museum, the famous
Frank O. Gehry-designed center for modern art. Hotel Silken Indautxu features
several dining and refreshment options. Restaurante Etxaniz creates specialty
Basque entrees with fresh local ingredients. The restaurant's dining space
features hard wood flooring, linen-covered tables and a chandelier that
extends from an expansive ceiling. Meanwhile, Cafeteria Indautxu offers
expedient dining service, serving snacks and light lunches in a contemporary
setting. Additionally, El Muelle Piano Bar presents live music and
special weekend entertainment. Hotel Silken Indautxu presents a morning
breakfast buffet. Beyond its dining amenities, Hotel Silken Indautxu offers
an on-site car rental and laundry center.
The Guggenheim Museum Bilbao,
in Spain, was built in 1997 by Frank Gehry, a Pritzker Prize winning Canadian/American
Architect. Mr. Gehry is well known for his modern architecture, much of
which seems to defy logic with its curves and bends. Unlike many architects,
he completed construction of the museum on time and within the original
budget.
The curvatures of the museum
were created using a combination of titanium, limestone and glass. The
artwork protected from heat damage by the glass curtain walls that were
built throughout the structure. The entire museum took three years to complete;
it was started in October of 1994, and was first open to the public on
October 19, 1997.
Built beside the Nevion
River, water reflects beautifully off the glass walls of the building that
looks more like the sculptures it houses, rather than a functional museum.
Even the entrance makes one commend the architect's vision in making the
building an extension of the modern art inside.
Design of the Guggenheim
was created using computers due to the mathematical complexity of each
curve. The resemblance of the museum to a ship was deliberate, due to the
port status the town holds. If you look closely at the glass walls, you
will note that they look like scales of a fish, and this fish design, which
can be found in much of Gehry's work, is carried throughout the structure.
Though the magnificence of
the museum itself will leave you spellbound, do not forget the brilliance
of the artwork within and on the grounds of the building. Many of the exhibits
change periodically, giving visitors incentive to come often, though there
are permanent exhibits as well. The museum is easy to navigate, which many
be surprising considering the complexity of the exterior.
Gehry's creativity can be
seen inside the structure, as visitors enter the atrium. Gazing up, your
eyes will be drawn to the skylight, which resembles a metal flower, allowing
natural light to bathe the room. A canopy covered terrace, glass elevators,
a sculptural tower, curving walkways, and stair turrets are also featured
in the interior design. The hours spent exploring this modern museum will
be well worth the visit.
Not far from this impressive
structure, still along the banks of the river, lies the Sheraton Bilbao
Hotel. The hotel offers a variety of ways to relax, with an outdoor heated
pool, sauna and fitness centre for your pleasure. The Café Chillida
and Aizian Restaurant both serve Basque cuisine, designed to delight even
the most discerning palette. Each room is equipped with modern conveniences,
allowing you to enjoy your experience to the fullest.
The Sheraton Bilbao Hotel
is within easy access to Dona Casilda Park, where the Museum of Fine Arts
resides, as well as the Euskalduna Conference and Concert Hall, making
this the perfect choice to stay during your visit to Bilbao, Spain.
1.
A
city in constant change
