Located in northern Spain, Bilbao is the capital of the Basque Country. Bilbao is an industrial port and a major industrial center. Its most popular tourist attraction is the Museum of Contemporary Art, featuring innovative modern architecture and extensive collections of renowned artists.
Food and Drink
Bilbao is world-famous for its cuisine. Traditional Basque cuisine is seasonal, placing great emphasis on the quality and freshness of ingredients. Popular dishes include ranero club cod (cod in wine), pisto a la bilbaina (onions, peppers, zucchini, tomatoes, and ham, chopped into small pieces), porrusalda (stewed meat), and fried vegetables with meat and egg.
Attractions
Old Quarter
Casco Viejo (Old Quarter) is located on the right bank of the Nervión River and is one of the most colorful neighborhoods of the city. Old Town Bilbao
The center of the old quarter was formerly surrounded by walls and consisted of three parallel streets. Later, the walls were torn down, and four streets were built, which, together with the old three, formed the old town.
Church of San Antón
The Church of San Antón was built in the Gothic style between 1546 and 1548. Its interior is decorated with works by Manuel Losada, Luis Paret, and Guiot de Bogrant.
Church of San Nicolas
The Church of San Nicolas is a beautiful church with a Baroque façade and a unique interior. It features a stunning carved altarpiece and paintings by Juan de Mena.
Basilica of Begonia
The Basilica of Begonia rises on a hill above the old town. The building, constructed in the 16th century, houses an icon of Our Lady of Begonia, the patron saint of Bilbao.
Guggenheim Museum
The Guggenheim Museum is Bilbao’s most famous museum. The museum building is considered a pioneering example of 20th-century architecture. Designed by architect Frank Gehry and completed in 1997, it features 24,000 square meters of exhibition space, displaying contemporary art collections from world-renowned artists.
Vasco Museum
The Vasco Museum is an archaeological museum with unique exhibits on the culture and history of the Basque Country. The museum is located in the heart of the old town.
