Bilbao,
Spain - the Top-10 reasons why I love this city
San
Sebastian Travel
The
Mysteries of the Basque Country
Bilbao,
Spain - the Top-10 reasons why I love this city by Ingrid Svalin
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Bilbao Hotels
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.
2. The Guggenheim museum
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.
3. Splendid cultural life
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.
4. Friendly size
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.
6.
The
Old town
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!
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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.
