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| Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao |
What was once seen as an industrial blot on the Spanish landscape, Bilbao has transformed itself into an exciting, and vibrant city. The Guggenheim Museum was undoubtedly the catalyst to Bilbao's renewal and the city is now a bustling place to see with an excellent range of bars, restaurants, shops and architecture.
Bilbao [known locally as Bilbo] can be found on the eastern side of the north coast of Spain, about 70km west of San Sebastian. The airport is located just 9km north of Bilbao. There are many attractions worth visiting in this interesting city, and we have shown below our top 6 ideas that will keep you occupied during your break.
Bilbao [known locally as Bilbo] can be found on the eastern side of the north coast of Spain, about 70km west of San Sebastian. The airport is located just 9km north of Bilbao. There are many attractions worth visiting in this interesting city, and we have shown below our top 6 ideas that will keep you occupied during your break.
Old Town - Casco Viejo
To understand more about the history of Bilbao, visit Casco Viejo dating back to the 14th century. To take in all the streets in this district will take you a full day, so take a decent map of the area and take your time. As you wander round, you will see different coats of arms of the former owners above the entrances to some of the old houses.
On the outskirts the 18th century, octagonal designed, Igelsia de San Nicolas de Bari [patron saint of sailors] is worth a visit, especially to see the altarpiece and the ornate belfry. This is usually open Monday-Saturday 10:30-13:00 and then 17:30-19:30
In the centre of Casco Viejo you will find you will find the Gothic Catedral de Santiago [St James - the patron saint of Bilbao] with its tower rising above the rooftops of the surrounding buildings. Outside you will find a square with an elegant fountain. This is usually open Monday-Saturday 11:00-13:00 and then 17:00-19:30
If you like museums, then how about the Museo Vasco where you will be able to look at artefacts dating back to the Iron Age including a wild boar that has been carved from stone. You will also be able to see displays of tools, model ships and gravestones. There are also interesting sections on Basque sports, weapons and heraldry. This museum used to be known as the Museum of Archaeology and Local History and is normally open Tuesday-Saturday 11:00-17:00 and Sunday 11:00-14:00 and is wheelchair accessible. There is an entrance fee and guided tours are available, but may need to be pre-booked.
When you feel like a break, head to the Plaza Nueva where you will be in an arcaded square full of pavement cafes and if you visit here on a Sunday you will be able to see the plant, animal and antiques markets here.
Visit Casco Viejo in the evening and the place with be alive with locals who come here for the nightlife, tapas bars and to just stroll around the streets looking in the designer shops or listening to the many buskers.
On the outskirts the 18th century, octagonal designed, Igelsia de San Nicolas de Bari [patron saint of sailors] is worth a visit, especially to see the altarpiece and the ornate belfry. This is usually open Monday-Saturday 10:30-13:00 and then 17:30-19:30
In the centre of Casco Viejo you will find you will find the Gothic Catedral de Santiago [St James - the patron saint of Bilbao] with its tower rising above the rooftops of the surrounding buildings. Outside you will find a square with an elegant fountain. This is usually open Monday-Saturday 11:00-13:00 and then 17:00-19:30
If you like museums, then how about the Museo Vasco where you will be able to look at artefacts dating back to the Iron Age including a wild boar that has been carved from stone. You will also be able to see displays of tools, model ships and gravestones. There are also interesting sections on Basque sports, weapons and heraldry. This museum used to be known as the Museum of Archaeology and Local History and is normally open Tuesday-Saturday 11:00-17:00 and Sunday 11:00-14:00 and is wheelchair accessible. There is an entrance fee and guided tours are available, but may need to be pre-booked.
When you feel like a break, head to the Plaza Nueva where you will be in an arcaded square full of pavement cafes and if you visit here on a Sunday you will be able to see the plant, animal and antiques markets here.
Visit Casco Viejo in the evening and the place with be alive with locals who come here for the nightlife, tapas bars and to just stroll around the streets looking in the designer shops or listening to the many buskers.
Museo de Bellas Artes
With enough exhibits to keep the most ardent art enthusiast happy, the Museum of Fine Arts is in the newer part of Bilbao in the Parque Dona Casilda de Iturrizar. With over 6,000 pieces on display from the 12th century to today's date. Look at works by artists such as Velazques, Ribera, Goya and El Greco that are exhibited alongside paintings by modern Basque artists as well as drawings and sculptures. The museum is open Tuesday-Sunday 10:00-20:00 and there is an admission fee. The building is wheelchair accessible.
Dona Casilda Park
To get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, head to Dona Casilda Park located next to the Museo de Bellas Artes. At the centre of the park is a large pond around which you can sit for a while on one of the many park benches that line the walkways. That are also lots of palm trees and grass areas, together with various water displays and monuments. An ideal, and pretty place to catch your breath before continuing on your exploration of Bilbao.
Mercado de la Ribera
For somewhere different to visit, how about the Art Deco building known as Mercado de la Ribera located by the river? This is one of the largest indoor food markets in Europe . Don't expect a dark and dreary interior. Quite the opposite. The building incorporates lots of light and stained glass window and covers approximately 10,000 square.
Arxanda Fenicular
For panoramic views of Bilbao, head for the Arxanda Fenicular found in Plaza Fenicular. For a small fee, you will be whisked off up Mount Arxanda and at the top you can spend a while looking around the park or have a snack in one of the many restaurants [although these can by quite expensive]. The fenicular runs around every 15 minutes.
Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao
Undoubtedly, the jewel in Bilbao's crown must be the Guggenheim Museum that brings architecture and art together in one building. Bilbao was the first European city to take up a franchise of the New York Guggenheim and a building of titanium, limestone, glass and steel was developed and is possibly seen at its best from the opposite side of the river when it takes on the guise of a ship or a flower.
Opened in 1997, you will see by the main entrance the famous 12 metre tall Puppy designed by Jeff Koons. This was supposed to be a temporary exhibit, but due to is popularity has now become a permanent fixture. The topiary structure is based on a West Highland white terrier puppy, and is formed by a variety of flowers and is one of the most photographed sights in Bilbao.
You will notice that the exterior of the Guggenheim is made up of gleaming tiles shaped like giant herring scales. Over 60 tonnes of titanium was used for the facade and amazingly the thickness of this is only 3mm making the building literally glisten when the wind blows and the sun hits the tiles.
Inside you will firstly enter the Atrium which is some 60m high and is your starting point to wander around the rest of the museum and also a place to display larger works of art. Some of the most popular galleries to see include the Snake and The Matter of Time which comprise mazes of steel around which visitors can walk. Galleries 103 and 105 house permanent works of arts by Picasso and Miro, to name just two.
Allow plenty of time when you visit the Guggenheim Museum as there is not only the inside to wander round, but you can also take a look around the exterior, and you can also take time out to have a meal in the restaurant. Opening hours are 10:00-20:00 daily in July and August and then Tuesday-Sunday in September to June. It is closed on December 25 and January 1 and closes at 17:00 on Christmas Eve and New Year' Eve. Entry fee is approximately 11 euros per adult and children are free [check child ages], and the entrance fee includes an audio guide.
Opened in 1997, you will see by the main entrance the famous 12 metre tall Puppy designed by Jeff Koons. This was supposed to be a temporary exhibit, but due to is popularity has now become a permanent fixture. The topiary structure is based on a West Highland white terrier puppy, and is formed by a variety of flowers and is one of the most photographed sights in Bilbao.
You will notice that the exterior of the Guggenheim is made up of gleaming tiles shaped like giant herring scales. Over 60 tonnes of titanium was used for the facade and amazingly the thickness of this is only 3mm making the building literally glisten when the wind blows and the sun hits the tiles.
Inside you will firstly enter the Atrium which is some 60m high and is your starting point to wander around the rest of the museum and also a place to display larger works of art. Some of the most popular galleries to see include the Snake and The Matter of Time which comprise mazes of steel around which visitors can walk. Galleries 103 and 105 house permanent works of arts by Picasso and Miro, to name just two.
Allow plenty of time when you visit the Guggenheim Museum as there is not only the inside to wander round, but you can also take a look around the exterior, and you can also take time out to have a meal in the restaurant. Opening hours are 10:00-20:00 daily in July and August and then Tuesday-Sunday in September to June. It is closed on December 25 and January 1 and closes at 17:00 on Christmas Eve and New Year' Eve. Entry fee is approximately 11 euros per adult and children are free [check child ages], and the entrance fee includes an audio guide.
If you have decided that you would like to take a city break in Bilbao, you will need a hotel in which to stay. We have shown 2 below which are very close to the Guggenheim Museum and are ideally located for you to explore the city.
Miro Hotel Bilbao
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| **** Miro Hotel Bilbao |
Located opposite the Guggenheim Museum and just 20 minutes walk to Casco Viejo, the 4 star Miro Hotel is a boutique, designer hotel with just 50 rooms. Choose from a standard room, single room, junior suite or master suite and you will be welcomed by facilities including direct dial telephone, satellite TV, free WiFi, DVD player, CD player and iPod dock, safe, mini-bar, air-conditioning and en-suite bathroom with hairdryer.
You can also benefit from the hotel's steam room, massage service, cardio fitness machines and hydromassage bath. If you would like to explore more of the city you can hire a bicycle from reception.
You can also benefit from the hotel's steam room, massage service, cardio fitness machines and hydromassage bath. If you would like to explore more of the city you can hire a bicycle from reception.
Silken Gran Domine Hotel
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| ***** Silken Gran Domine Hoel |
Located opposite the Guggenheim Museum the 5 star Silken Gran Domine Hotel is significantly larger than the Miro Hotel. there are 145 rooms of which 13 are single, 122 rooms are double and there are 10 suites all benefitting from en-suite bathroom with hairdryer, direct dial telephone, TV, mini-bar, radio, stereo system, internet and safe.
Probably the most striking feature of the hotel is the foyer with its 24 hour reception desk. There is an outside sun terrace offering wonderful views of the city below that is decked with sun loungers and parasols. Other facilities include a sauna, steam room and massage service. Again, you can hire a bicycle from reception.
Probably the most striking feature of the hotel is the foyer with its 24 hour reception desk. There is an outside sun terrace offering wonderful views of the city below that is decked with sun loungers and parasols. Other facilities include a sauna, steam room and massage service. Again, you can hire a bicycle from reception.
If you would like to visit Bilbao, just give us a call on Freephone 0800 5 677688 or on 01582 421117 from a mobile. Alternatively you can complete our enquiry form, setting out your requirements and we will get back to you.
Author : Gail Hewitt, Corona Holidays
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