, renowned worldwide for its seafood and pintxos.<\/span><\/p>\nChoosing this route also means experiencing a path that has historically been important for maritime trade and the connection between regions.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n
Monuments and Must-See Places in Bilbao<\/b><\/h2>\n
Bilbao also offers a rich variety of landmarks that reflect both its historical legacy and its vibrant contemporary life. From iconic modern structures to historic corners that tell stories from the past, these are the places you can\u2019t miss when you pass through here on your way to Santiago.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n
The Guggenheim Museum<\/b><\/h3>\n
The <\/span>Guggenheim Museum<\/b> is a symbol of the city\u2019s transformation towards modernity. Designed by architect <\/span>Frank Gehry<\/b>, this stunning <\/span>contemporary art museum<\/b> is famous worldwide for its innovative titanium architecture. Its shape mimics the forms of ships and waves, reflecting the city’s maritime past.<\/span><\/p>\nIt houses works by renowned international artists and is an indispensable cultural landmark.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n
Plaza Nueva and the Old Town<\/b><\/h3>\n
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Plaza Nueva is a <\/span>neoclassical square<\/b> filled with bars and restaurants where you can enjoy the famous Bilbao pintxos. The surrounding area is a<\/span> maze of narrow streets<\/b> full of history, old shops, and more traditional bars, offering a glimpse into the local life of the past.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n
Santiago Cathedral and its Connection to the Camino<\/b><\/h3>\n
Yes, there is also a <\/span>Santiago Cathedral<\/b> here. It is located in the Old Town, and as you can imagine, it is one of the most important pilgrimage sites on the Northern Way. Although more modest than its namesake, this <\/span>Gothic cathedral<\/b> is a key site for pilgrims passing through Bilbao, offering a space for reflection and spirituality.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n
The Zubizuri Bridge and Do\u00f1a Casilda Park<\/b><\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.mundiplus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Puente-Zubizuri-Mundiplus.jpg\")
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The Zubizuri Bridge, designed by <\/span>Santiago Calatrava<\/b>, is another architectural gem you can find here. This <\/span>white pedestrian suspension bridge<\/b> gleams over the Bilbao estuary, connecting Campo de Volant\u00edn with the Ensanche. Nearby is the <\/span>Do\u00f1a Casilda Park<\/b>, a green oasis in the city centre, perfect for a relaxing stroll or a picnic outdoors.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n
The Ribera Market<\/b><\/h3>\n
Located by the estuary, the <\/span>Ribera Market<\/b> is the <\/span>largest covered market in Europe<\/b> and a gathering point for food lovers. With its lively atmosphere, it offers all kinds of local fresh products, from seafood to vegetables and meats, as well as a variety of stalls where you can taste Basque cuisine on the spot.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n
The Bilbao Fine Arts Museum<\/b><\/h3>\n
The <\/span>Bilbao Fine Arts Museum<\/b> is one of the most important cultural institutions in Spain. It houses an extensive collection of art spanning <\/span>from the 12th century to the present day<\/b>, including masterpieces by artists such as El Greco, Goya, and Picasso. In addition to its permanent collection, it organises temporary exhibitions that highlight different artistic movements and emerging artists. <\/span><\/p>\nIts <\/span>classical architecture<\/b> contrasts harmoniously with the modern structures of the city, offering a space for reflection and artistic admiration that is a must for any visitor.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n
Azkuna Zentroa<\/b><\/h3>\n
Previously known as <\/span>Alh\u00f3ndiga Bilbao<\/b>, Azkuna Zentroa is a <\/span>multifunctional centre<\/b> that combines <\/span>culture, leisure, and sport<\/b> in one place. Designed by famous architect <\/span>Philippe Starck<\/b>, the building is an artwork in itself, with a glass fa\u00e7ade and metal structures giving it a cutting-edge look. <\/span><\/p>\nInside, you\u2019ll find a library, exhibition halls, a gym, cinemas, and a rooftop with gardens and panoramic views of the city.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n
The Artxanda Funicular<\/b><\/h3>\n
To enjoy the best panoramic views of the city, the <\/span>Artxanda Funicular<\/b> is a must-visit. This funicular takes you <\/span>from the city centre to Mount Artxanda<\/b>, at an altitude of 267 metres, offering spectacular views of the estuary, the Guggenheim Museum, and the city skyline. <\/span><\/p>\nAt the top, you\u2019ll find a viewpoint perfect for photography, as well as picnic areas and walking trails.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n
Bilbao Cuisine: A Taste of Tradition<\/b><\/h2>\n
Bilbao\u2019s cuisine is a <\/span>window into the soul of the Basque Country<\/b>, offering intense flavours and culinary traditions that date back centuries. <\/span><\/p>\nThe <\/span>pintxos<\/b> are much more than Basque tapas; they are an institution and a reflection of the local passion and creativity for food. Served in bars and taverns, these small bites can be as simple as a skewer of olives and anchovies or as elaborate as a miniature haute cuisine dish.<\/span><\/p>\nYou\u2019ll find a <\/span>wide range of restaurants<\/b> serving both traditional Basque dishes and innovative plates that fuse global influences with local products. <\/span><\/p>\nFor pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago, Bilbao offers numerous options to enjoy nourishing and comforting meals that replenish the energy needed to continue the journey. Many restaurants and bars are used to hosting pilgrims and offer daily menus at reasonable prices, which include local dishes like cod al pil-pil and porrusalda (leek soup).<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n
Tips for Your Visit to Bilbao<\/b><\/h2>\n
To make the most of your time in Bilbao, it\u2019s important to keep a few practical details in mind that can make your trip more comfortable and enjoyable. Here are some tips on the best time to visit, how to get around the city, and what to expect from the local weather.<\/span><\/p>\n\n- The best time to visit is between <\/span>May and October<\/b>, when the weather is warmer and rainfall is less frequent. During these months, the city comes alive with various festivals and cultural events. The most notable is <\/span>Semana Grande in August<\/b>, which features concerts, fireworks, and cultural events that attract both locals and visitors.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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\n- The city has an <\/span>efficient public transport system<\/b> that includes the metro, tram, and buses.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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\n- \n
\n- The metro is especially useful for quickly getting around the city and its surroundings, with lines connecting the city centre to the suburbs and nearby beaches.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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\n- The tram, on the other hand, offers a scenic way to explore the city centre and reach landmarks such as the Guggenheim Museum and the Old Quarter.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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\n- \n
\n- The climate is oceanic<\/b>, meaning it can be quite humid and variable. Rain is common throughout the year, so it is advisable to <\/span>carry an umbrella or a waterproof jacket<\/b>, regardless of the season.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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\n- In summer, temperatures are typically mild, around 25\u00b0C, but evenings can be cool, so it\u2019s advisable to bring a long-sleeved item of clothing.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n
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\n- During the winter, temperatures are cooler but rarely extreme, so a good coat, scarf, and gloves will be sufficient to keep you comfortable.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Bilbao, the capital of Biscay, is a city that embodies a fascinating blend of modernity and tradition. Known for its cutting-edge Guggenheim Museum, this city is a prime example of how culture and art can transform an industrial city into a thriving tourist and cultural hub. But it\u2019s not just modernity; its roots run deep […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":116704,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[541,523,536,534],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-116787","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-sitios-iconicos-en","category-pueblos-y-comarcas-en","category-camino-a-pie-en","category-blog"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mundiplus.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/116787","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mundiplus.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mundiplus.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mundiplus.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mundiplus.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=116787"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.mundiplus.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/116787\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mundiplus.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/116704"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mundiplus.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=116787"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mundiplus.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=116787"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mundiplus.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=116787"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
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