Bilbao archivos - Page 2 of 2 - VOLARE MAGAZINE

In many people’s eyes it’s the best museum in Bilbao: the Fine Arts Museum is one of your must-sees if you’re coming to this city. An amazing opportunity to explore the centuries-old history of Bilbao through its great masterpieces.

Neighbouring the now world-famous Guggenheim Museum, this museum houses carefully and more secretly, of course, some incredible works by unrivalled artists, which you can’t afford to miss when in Bilbao. It’s a wonderful sight to behold how delighted visitors are by the creations of these great artists.

A bit of background to the museum

The museum as we know it today was created by merging two different museums together, both founded in the early 20th century: the Museum of Fine Arts, founded in 1908, and the Museum of Modern Art, founded in 1924.

The museum was created with the aim of bringing a touch of distinction to the city, at the wish of the institutions of the time and in collaboration with prominent local figures.

Where is the museum?

The Bilbao Fine Arts Museum is located in Plaza de Euskadi, alongside one of the city’s prettiest and most iconic parks, Doña Casilda Park. It’s a stone’s throw from the Guggenheim Museum, around 10 minutes’ walk away, so you now have the perfect excuse to visit both!

The museum layout

The museum building is made up of two quite different parts. The older building is right at the main entrance, with the hall, ticket office and main staircase, built in 1945. At the very start of your visit you’ll see various exhibits adorning the entrance and the imposing staircase.

In 1970, due to the growth of the collection, the museum needed to be extended and a second, more modern, building was added. Another extension was added in the late ‘90s, with the construction of a gallery to link the two buildings.

Today, the museum is undergoing a new phase of expansion and remodelling, with Luis María Uriarte and Norman Foster at the helm. In the words of the latter, it will link the cultural heritage of the past to the museum of the future. From the new gathering space in the Arriaga Atrium, the visitor will proceed to the spacious new galleries and then discover the outdoor terrace that celebrates the museum’s unique location.

I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait to see all the surprises that this new and eagerly awaited extension will have in store for us!

The museum’s collection and exhibitions

The museum’s collection is extremely varied and extensive, consisting of a wide range of styles and covering many different periods.

There are two very different parts: the permanent exhibition, consisting of pieces held in the museum, and the temporary exhibition space. To keep up with the latest news and information on all exhibitions, here’s a link to the Fine Arts Museum website.

The permanent exhibition houses works by such significant masters within the history of art as Lucas Cranach the Elder, Maerten de Vos, El Greco, José de Ribera, Francisco de Zurbarán, Bartolomé Esteban Murillo, Orazio Gentileschi, Francisco de Goya, Joaquín Sorolla, Mary Cassatt, Paul Gauguin, Ignacio Zuloaga, Francis Bacon, Eduardo Chillida, Antoni Tàpies, Miquel Barceló, Richard Serra and Picasso, among others.

The museum is known for its important collection of works by Basque artists, which also makes it an amazing showcase and reference point in relation to the lives and times of these artists.

Museum activities

As well as the different exhibitions, the museum also runs a range of activities, and you can find out more about these on its website. Currently, and coinciding with the new extension works, a special initiative has been launched whereby for three months, young people can get involved in the process of changing the museum. What a great initiative, don’t you think?

Other kinds of activities available are the different ways in which you can explore the museum: guided tours for groups on demand, direct engagement with the works, visits led by educators to encourage participation and familiarisation with the artworks and their creators. These are just a few of the activities on offer.

Opening hours

Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Closed on Tuesdays.

These hours may be subject to change, as announced in advance on the museum’s website.

Entry to the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum

It’s hard to believe, but you can enjoy the exhibitions at this museum completely free of charge! How can you fail to include it in your itinerary?

But you should also bear in mind that this may be subject to change, so it’s a good idea to check the museum’s website beforehand.

Coffee and art

Before your next visit to Bilbao, one really good option to consider would be to take advantage of the location of the museum’s café to enjoy a delicious coffee with a view.

The museum café has large windows overlooking the Doña Casilda Park. The café is inside the museum building itself, so why not stop for a coffee and a typical Basque appetiser, with a view?

parco doña casilda bilbao — Park of Doña Casilda

Now that you know all about the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum, carry on planning your trip to this beautiful city by reading our articles on the Old Town, Semana Grande and our tips on visiting with your family.

In days gone by, the taverns of Bilbao’s Old Quarter (Casco Viejo) were the usual haunts of the txikiteros, large groups of locals singing bilbainadas together, while drinking their merry txikitos (red wine). Today, this same Old Quarter is still observing the passing of time and although it maintains its historical soul, it has caught up with the modern world thanks to the wealth of bars, restaurants, shops and businesses that catch the eye of all those who visit it.

History of the Old Quarter

The Old Quarter or Seven Streets is the city’s heart and oldest hub, founded 700 years ago, when it was where people congregated to make their living from market gardening and fishing. Today it is used by thousands of travellers and tourists from all over the world and you simply can’t visit Bilbao without taking in its medieval history and vibrant street life.

Getting to the Old Quarter

As you can imagine, there are countless ways to get to Bilbao’s Old Quarter, including the metro, buses and even trams. As one of the city’s most visited areas, access is easy and straightforward, but if I had to choose a way to arrive and start enjoying its many delights, I would definitely take the train to admire the famous mosaic that welcomes us to the city.

Bilbao Abando train station is right in the city centre and has connections to the metro, several restaurants and cafes, a supermarket, souvenir shops, a bookstore, etc.

The station has several exits, one of which is directly opposite the Nervión estuary. My top tip is to make your way over the bridge that crosses it until you reach the impressive Arriaga Theatre on your right. The theatre crowns the city of Bilbao, and elegantly leads us into the 7 streets of the Old Quarter.

But if you want to land right on one of its streets, there are two metro stops: Unamuno and San Nicolás.

Things to see in the streets of Bilbao’s Old Quarter

We have already mentioned 2 of the must-see places which, while not located right in the Old Quarter, do lead into the area and reveal what we will find just before losing ourselves in its maze-like streets.

Bilbao’s 7 streets is the oldest area of the city, packed with history, restaurants, shops, fashion boutiques and businesses of all kinds. My advice if you go there is to walk without any particular aim and lose yourself in the narrow streets, although there are some unmissable landmarks to visit that you should take the opportunity to stop off at: San Antón Church, Santiago Cathedral and the Church of Santos Juanes, known for one of the city’s most popular bilbainadas.

Plaza Nueva, with its neoclassical style, is the heart of the Old Quarter, and on Sundays it also hosts a market for collectors’ items and second-hand objects.

Not forgetting the museums tucked away in the streets among the ancient buildings and squares, including the Pasos de Semana Santa, Euskal Museoa (remember to check the information on their website before planning your visit, as the museum is currently closed for a complete renovation) or the Diocesan Museum of Sacred Art in Plazuela de la Encarnación.

Stroll along Calle del Perro or Txakurraren Iturria, famed for its picturesque medieval fountain where three lions invite us to drink water from their mouths.

Where to eat in Bilbao’s Old Quarter

Pintxos, Restaurants and lots of flavour

Of the more than 40 pedestrian streets in Bilbao’s historic centre, there are 7 that are not to be missed: Carnicería Vieja, Barrencalle, Artecalle, Tendería, Belosticalle, Barrencalle Barrena and Somera. They are home to a vast array of bars and restaurants where you can sample some of the city’s tastiest pintxos (tapas).

The Old Quarter is now a perfect place to enjoy pintxos and txikitos in restaurants that have become some of today’s gastronomic icons. Here you will find some of the ones that are, in my opinion, essential:

Mercado de la Rivera. One of the largest covered markets in Europe stands directly opposite the Old Quarter. This market also has an impressive vantage point overlooking the Nervión Estuary. There, in its gastrobars, you can sample typical Bilbao delicacies such as gilda (anchovies, olives and piparra), stuffed mussels, mushroom pintxos, cod pintxos in pil pil sauce along with a wide variety of other dishes to choose whatever takes your fancy.

Bar Motrikes (C/ Goinkale 41) You must order this bar’s famous tapa of grilled txanpi with a spicy touch of picantón.
Iñakiren Taberna (C/ Barrenkale Barrena 14) A bar-restaurant with excellent and affordable home-cooked menus. The house rice is their star dish.
Bar Sorginzulo (Under the porticoes of Plaza Nueva no.12). Here you can try some of the city’s tastiest squid and cod pintxos, as well as tuna and anchovy pintxos, or patatas bravas, among many other options.
Bar-Restaureante Victor Montes (C/ Plaza Nueva 8C/ Plaza Nueva). A visit to the famous Victor Montes Restaurant is a definite must. You’ll find such a wide variety of pintxos that you won’t even know where to start. My favourite is the cod in pil pil sauce.

As well as enjoying the pintxos, you can also stay for lunch in their restaurant and try their signature dishes like the Norwegian salmon with gold dust and Piedmont truffle, or the fresh foie gras marinated for 45 hours, or the butterfly anchovies from the Bay of Biscay with Arbequina caviar. Not to mention the best acorn-fed Iberian ham with Extremadura designation of origin, the highlight of every table.

Café Lago (C/ Correo 13). It features mouth-watering pintxos, including its speciality: squid with onions.

El Gure Toki (C/ Plaza Nueva 12). It offers a menu of pintxos, dishes representing Basque nouvelle cuisine and wines from the most renowned designations of origin.
Bar SantaMaría (C/ Andra María Kalea 18). Here you’ll find delicacies such as a grilled monkfish pintxo, sirloin brochette, cod with roasted peppers, etc., all costing around €2.80 each.
Restaurante La Palma (C/ Kosta Kale 3). This is one of the new restaurants in the Old Town where you will find traditional Basque food with a contemporary twist.

Restaurante El Berton (Jardines K., 11). It offers a broad variety of hot pintxos made on the spot, such as the potato omelette, figs with goat’s cheese or a portion of Iberian ham.

So now you know, if you’re in Bilbao and you feel like enjoying a drink and a bite to eat, you can’t leave without trying the classic pintxo-pote.

Enjoy all that Bilbao’s Old Quarter has to offer, its restaurants, its shops, its people, its museums, churches and curiosities, this area of Bilbao boasts so much history that you absolutely can’t miss it. Take note: which iconic district has Bilbao’s liveliest atmosphere? That’s right, the 7 streets – so don’t miss them!

Planning a trip to Bilbao? We want to offer you a soundtrack for your trip. We have put together a playlist specially created for the Basque Country to give you a glimpse of the music they are listening to there. Local musicians only!

For more information on Bilbao and its beautiful region, we got in touch with Maren, a singer songwriter from Bilbao. We asked her a few questions about what she thinks of your upcoming destination and to find out if she had any recommendations for you.

Hi, Maren. First I’d like to thank you for accepting this interview and to congratulate you on the success of your first album, which has been out for more than a year now. How have the last few months been?

It has been a roller coaster really. Incredible things have happened and I’m really grateful. I am lucky enough to do what I love and finding that we are reaching out to more and more people is what really makes me happy.

Once the tour is over, are you planning to record a second album?

Yes and no, hahaha! It seems too soon. An album needs to rest. Unfortunately, we live in the era of immediacy, and nothing lasts long. I would like to think about a new album further down the road, and in the meantime carry on releasing songs that evolve in this period between one album and the next.

Apart from through your mother tongue, how do you think the city of Bilbao has inspired your music?

I think Bilbao has inspired me in many ways. Growing up near a city, big/small, ancient/modern, surrounded by nature… There are many aspects and I think that it’s inevitable that you will connect with it in one way or another.

And talking of Biscay, we would love to hear your recommendations for the area. We know you have done a lot of road trips in a van, for example. Which places nearby Bilbao are unmissable if you are renting a car or a van?

We are lucky enough to be surrounded by beautiful places. I lived in the Urdaibai area for many years, which I think is the most beautiful area of Biscay. Laga beach, the Mundaka waves, Gaztelugatxe…

I love going in the van to see the sunset on Barrika beach, near Bilbao. In Kobetamendi, there is a camper van area and from there you can see the lights of Bilbao. We like to go there on New Year’s Eve with the van. We eat our grapes (a Spanish tradition) and watch the fireworks, haha.

atardecer playa barrika — Sunset at Barrika beach

Can you give us your top three restaurants and your top three bars in Bilbao and the surrounding area?

Talking of Urdaibai, I would recommend Portuondo which has a brewery and restaurant. The views are incredible. In Bilbao, I would recommend La Gavilla and La Viña del Ensanche to try the local cuisine, pintxos…

As for bars, the “Happy River” is really cool. Just opposite it, on the other side of the estuary, is the market, Mercado de la Ribera, where you can find various bars and a great variety of pintxos. I was suggesting before that you see the sunset in Barrika from your van. Another way to enjoy it is by going for a drink at the Golfo Norte.

What is your favourite local dish?

I can’t choose just one, haha! I love gildas (a pintxo made with pickles, anchovies, green olives and chilies), tuna with tomato, marmitako (a Basque fish stew)… Ah! When you visit Bilbao, don’t forget to try bollo de mantequilla (a bun cut in filled with buttercream).

As a musician and fine arts student, where would you go to hear a concert without knowing what is on? Which museums or galleries would you say are must-sees?

There is usually a lot on and there are very cool places like the Cotton Club or Kafe Antzoki. Bilbao has incredible museums like the Guggenheim which is a must-see. Walking along the banks of the estuary and strolling upon Frank Gehry’s building is amazing. Although it seems like the building will steal the show, Bilbao’s Fine Arts Museum has an incredible collection and is therefore regarded as one of the country’s top museums.

If we wanted to buy local design or artisan craftworks, what shops would you recommend we visit?

I would suggest you stroll around the shops and markets in the Zorrozaurre area on a Sunday morning. You will find really amazing things: vintage clothes and objects, artists’ and crafts stalls, restored furniture or even an exhibition, concert or performance. It is an area to get lost in and where you can find very original spaces.

Which district or park would you go for a walk in? Perhaps to see the sunset.

I think the best place to go for a walk at sunset would be near the estuary. If you have a car or van, I recommend going towards one of the beaches at the end of the day and watching the sunset.

If you could choose one of Volotea’s destinations to go on holiday tomorrow, which would it be and why?

Wow! I wouldn’t really know which to choose. I like so many places. I would love to go to Naples. I have never been to Italy and I am dying to visit it.

Volotea celebrates its 10th anniversary! To celebrate this important milestone, we invite you to retrace the company’s 10 years through the discovery of 10 Volotea bases.

On 5 April 2012, a new low-cost airline made its first flight from Venice to Cagliari. Since then, Volotea aircraft have crossed European skies, transporting more than 40 million passengers and connecting more and more cities: today we have over 100 destinations in 16 countries with a map of 360 routes, and keep growing.

Volotea cities are the heart and essence of flying so, to celebrate our anniversary, we thought we would introduce you to some of our operational bases.

We invite you to leave with us on a journey back in time to discover 10 cities that have made the history of the company. 10 bases, one per year, the year of their inauguration.

2012: NANTES

The charming old town, the relaxing green spaces and the dynamic cultural life will win you over as soon as you set foot in Nantes.

This lively city located along the Loire estuary is full of tourist attractions and art displays; the many works of art and museums have in fact contributed to giving new life to the city, renewing its industrial heritage.

Unmissable experiences in Nantes:

Cycle along the green line to discover one of the most “bike-friendly” cities in France
Spend an evening at the Hangar à bananes, one of the many bars, restaurants and displays overlooking the Loire
Discover the installations on the Estuaire Trail between Nantes and Saint-Nazaire
Taste Muscadet wine in the city bars or exploring the vineyards in the Nantes region
Immerse yourself in culture visiting the city’s main monuments and museums, like the Castle of the Dukes of Brittany, the Cathedral, and the Museum of Fine Arts

2013: PALERMO

Palermo will cast a spell on your senses: eclectic, chaotic, fragrant, colourful, with a fascinating millenary history that peeps out on every corner, Palermo is a continuous discovery. Its rich cultural heritage, its exotic, lively personality, its fantastic gastronomy, and its paradise beaches near the city are just some of the things that make Palermo one of the most surprising destinations in Italy.

Unmissable experiences in Palermo:

Visit the Cathedral and the catacombs
Try the street food and Sicilian specialties
Take a swim in the many dream beaches along the Palermo coast
Explore the Teatro Massimo and the entire historic centre

2014: ASTURIAS

Asturias is famous as a true paradise for lovers of nature and active life: lush natural parks, long wild beaches where you can surf or relax in the sun, mountains to explore where you can do some fantastic trekking… But those looking for a culture break will not be disappointed by Asturias: the cities, the charming small villages and the traditional museums are unmissable, as well as the rich local gastronomy. You will always be warmly welcome!

Unmissable experiences in Asturias:

Visit the three main cities of the region: Oviedo, Gijón, and Avilés.
Unwind in one of the stunning local natural parks , where time seems to have stood still
Try the local specialities in one of the charming seaside villages, such as Llanes or Cudillero
Surf the waves at one of the endless local beaches, like Peñarronda.

2015: VERONA

Ever since Shakespeare chose it as the setting for his famous tragedy of Romeo and Juliet, Verona has earned a reputation as the romantic city par excellence. Indeed, this Unesco World Heritage city will conquer anyone’s heart, thanks to a well-preserved historic centre, a Roman Arena where unmissable operas are staged, a splendid province where rolling hills give unique wines to the world. And who wouldn’t like to sip a spritz while lazily watching life from one of the city’s magnificent piazze?

Unmissable experiences in Verona:

Attend a concert in the dreamy Verona Arena
Enjoy a break from exploring the historic centre in Piazza delle Erbe, the beating heart of the city
Declare eternal love to your partner (or to yourself) under Juliet’s balcony
Have a delicious aperitif and taste the excellent local wines, such as Lugana or Valpolicella
Take a trip to Lake Garda, with its Mediterranean climate, its spas, and the charming villages scattered along its shores

2016: TOULOUSE

Lively Toulouse, France’s fourth largest city, is known as “the pink city” for the colour of its buildings, which take on a particularly striking hue in the light of sunset. The beautiful Vieux Quartier, the historic centre, seamlessly flows into the more modern and busy part of Toulouse, a cutting-edge research hub as well as an important university city. The diverse urban landscape has a beautifully melancholy air when viewed from the old bridges over the Garonne.

Unmissable experiences in Toulouse:

Stroll through the alleys of the Carmes district
Enjoy a show in one of Toulouse’s cultural institutions: La Cave Poésie or the Cineteca, both on rue du Taur
Enjoy local delicacies and wines and go shopping in the elegant Saint-Etienne district
Like Nantes, Toulouse also has its own space dedicated to giants: the Giant Machines in the Montaudran district
At sunset, take a relaxing walk along the banks of the Garonne and admire the incredible view over the Dôme de la Grave!

2017: BILBAO

If you are an architecture fan, Bilbao is undoubtedly a must. With its avant-garde museums, including the incredible Guggenheim, and futuristic buildings, the city has focused on new architectural trends and culture to recycle its industrial past. We feel you should also know that some of the best chefs in the world have opened their restaurants here, and the beaches near Bilbao are spectacular. Already looking for a plane ticket to the Basque Country, are you?

Unmissable experiences in Bilbao:

Marvel at the Guggenheim’s stunning titanium building and admire its collection of modern art
At lunchtime, take a tour of the different bars in the picturesque Casco Viejo to do some “picar” (nibbling) on pintxos and txacoli (the local sparkling wine)
Treat yourself to a dreamy boat ride along the Ría, the urban estuary where the river meets the sea
If you visit the city in early July, don’t miss the huge BBK music festival, where world-famous musicians perform every year

2018: ATHENS

Athens, the birthplace of democracy, is one of those cities you absolutely must visit once in a lifetime. Not only because of its incredible historical heritage, which is a real draw for tourists from all over the world, but also for its irresistible atmosphere: Athens knows it has a lot to offer, but it doesn’t seem to give too much importance to its own beauty. It is precisely this informal and somewhat anarchic air that made us fall in love with her. Trust us on this.

Unmissable experiences in Athens:

After making a stop at the Acropolis, discover the most authentic Athens by following the advice of our local experts
Greek cuisine is a true explosion of flavours; try its most distinctive dishes in Plaka restaurants
Discover the hipster soul of Athens and its vibrant cultural and nightlife in more alternative neighbourhoods, like Metaxourgeio
Enjoy the view of the city from the top of Mount Lycabettus, preferably at sunset
Depart from here to discover the wonderful Greek islands, such as Mykonos or Santorini

2019: CAGLIARI

The capital of Sardinia is a delightful town on a human scale, perfect for a break from the island’s paradise beaches but also to enjoy a cultural weekend any time of the year. In the charming fortified district of Castello you can take a walk through history and enjoy splendid views of the city, while in the port area you will be greeted by the salty air and typical trattorias serving gorgeous fish dishes. A few kilometres from the town centre, the lovely coastline is particularly lively in the summer months, while the lagoon areas are the home habitat of pink flamingos and many other bird species.

Unmissable experiences in Cagliari:

Enjoy the view of the city and its surroundings from one of its seven hills
Treat yourself to a delicious aperitif at Saint Remy fortress
Immerse yourself in the history of Sardinia with a visit to the National Archaeological Museum
Spend the afternoon swimming and the evening lounging around at Poetto beach
Watch the diverse aquatic fauna in Molentargius Park

2020: NAPLES

Could its proximity to Mount Vesuvius be the reason why Naples releases so much energy? Or is it the influence of its three millennia of history, which have seen a succession of invasions, attacks, and natural disasters, forging the character of this city so strongly? Whatever the explanation, no one can remain indifferent to the chaotic but absolutely irresistible personality of this city that assaults its visitors’ senses. The smells of Neapolitan gastronomy, the noises of traffic and street vendors, the colours of the hanging clothes and the Nativity figurines, the view of its gulf, one of the most beautiful in the world… Naples is not a destination, it’s a state of mind that cannot be described. One you need to experience.

Unmissable experiences in Naples:

Take a leisurely stroll through the alleys of the historic centre, a World Heritage Site
Prepare your stomach for the local street food: pizza, sfogliatelle, babà, cuoppo, and so on and so forth. And of course don’t forget na tazzulella e cafè!
Explore the city from an alternative point of view from underground Naples
Plan a trip to Pompeii and the beautiful islands in the Gulf of Naples

2021: LYON

The home city of the Lumière brothers is not only pilgrimage site for cinephiles, but for all art lovers. With over 20 spectacular museums, gorgeous UNESCO-protected neighbourhoods, and cultural offerings for all tastes, elegant Lyon bewitches beauty lovers. Good food also has its home here: your mouth will water constantly in the gourmet capital of France.

Unmissable experiences in Lyon:

Get lost in the corridors of the Musée des Confluences as you go on a journey through the history of humanity
Try typical Lyonnaise cuisine in the local bouchons
Find the many street art works scattered around the city
Witness the evocative performances of the Festival of Lights, held every year in early December

And the Volotea cities continue to increase: the latest arrival is Lille, the new base we opened in 2022. We invite you to discover all the cities you can reach with our flights and keep getting inspired, discovering, travelling!

Fancy trying some traditional Basque recipes, like pintxos or Txakoli? Want to enjoy the city’s beauty and natural parks, or breathe in the Cantabrian sea air as you discover some really special fishing towns? Are you itching for a deep dive into a unique culture? Bilbao Bizkaia is the place for you!

As temperatures drop and days draw in, the calmer and more relaxed side of Bilbao Bizkaia begins to reveal itself, and there are some more chilled-out activities for you to get up to.

If you’re a #FoodLover, here’s something you should know: the bars of Bilbao Bizkaia are brimming with pintxos, the delicious mini gems in our culinary crown. You should also know that our traditional food is based on recipes handed down from generation to generation, and uses the finest produce our little hamlets have to offer, as well as the catch of the day hauled in at the ports. All of that is combined with our passion for good food and sharing it with family and friends. That’s why tucking into some pintxos and local favorites is one good way to get to know Bilbao Bizkaia.

If cities are your thing and you’re an #UrbanLover, you’ll love the contrasts that a city like Bilbao has to offer: the combination of tradition and cutting edge, the bustling streets and quiet corners, the variety of ways you can spend your free time, and the culture and tranquillity of the natural environment surrounding the city.

Enveloped in a ring of green mountains and forests, Bilbao combines peaceful urban parks with the rhythm of a cosmopolitan city, the footprints of its industrial and mining past with modern architecture, wide open avenues with narrow medieval streets, the past with the future, ground-breaking cultural offerings with deep-rooted traditions, and experimental cooking with traditional dishes.

The city is also a modern open-air museum, home to artistic buildings and sculptures created by well-known local and international artists, so it’s perfect for #ArtLovers. Enjoy getting acquainted with our culture – there are a number of events and spaces for you to visit. Awaiting you are, amongst others, the Guggenheim Bilbao Museum or the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum, each with an engaging catalogue from different periods of art history. There’s stuff to get up to all year round at either the Palacio Euskalduna, the Teatro Campos Elíseos, the Teatro Arraiga or in the extraordinary Azkuna Zentroa, with columns designed by Phillipe Starck.

If you’d rather disconnect and let your #NatureLover side out, Bilbao Bizkaia is over 83% forests and fields, and the green mountains extend all the way down to meet the blue sea. It’s a unique natural environment bursting with life, and it’s home to a wide variety of natural landscapes where you can go hiking, cycling along cycle routes, horseback riding, climbing, spelunking, or even be a shepherd for a day. We just ask you enjoy this natural environment with the same love and respect that we in Bizkaia have for it.

If you’re a #SeaLover and you prefer the blue over the green, Bizkaia has 150 kilometres of coastline comprising a series of enormous, wave-defying cliffs, wide bays, immense sandbanks at the feet of verdant mountains, fishing ports harbouring ancient traditions, and small coves where you can relax in some untouched nature.

From Muskiz to Ondarroa, there’s an enormous variety of the most enticing activities along our coastline, from visiting beautiful fishing towns and discovering unique locations such as San Juan de Gaztelugatxe to tasting and buying all manner of freshly-caught delicacies… And there are all kinds of sports on offer on the 28 beaches of the Bizkaia coastline, such as surfing, canoeing, and paragliding… Alternatively, uncover incredible sandy areas and stroll along the coastline, which holds back the assault of the Cantabrian sea.

And if you’re a #BasqueLover looking for a special connection to our culture, you’ll know that mythology is also part of our day to day life (all the more so if you come on the right dates), and you can encounter traces of legendary beings familiar to our ancestors almost anywhere in the city: There’s Mari, the mother goddess who spends her time between Anboto in Urkiola Natural Park and Zeanuri’s Supelegor cave in the middle of Gorbeia Natural Park; the Basajaun, who lives in the depths of the forests; the galtzagorris, little pixies who often appear in Kortezubi near the prehistoric cave of Santimamiñe in the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve; or the lamias, half women, half duck or fish, who often dwell close to the sea, such as in Elantxobe, or in streams further inland.

There are some especially legendary figures in Bilbao Bizkaia, such as Olentzero and Mari Domingi. Both live year-round in Izenaduba, the magic hamlet where all members of Basque mythology meet to make some very txiki (small) homemade delicacies. On 24 December each and every year, Olentzero and Mari Domingi head out into the streets of all the towns of Bizkaia with their loyal galtzagorris (goblins), where they have colourful and cheerful parades with music and traditional songs (though they have to hide again soon after, because this is the night that gifts and dreams are shared all across Bizkaia).

Another deep-rooted Christmas tradition is the Santo Tomás market, which takes place on 21 December. This traditional Christmas fair is celebrated far and wide throughout Bizkaia, though the biggest can be found in Bilbao. The Paseo del Arenal and the Plaza Nueva in Bilbao’s Old Quarter fill with stands offering our best baserris, crucial ingredients for our gastronomy’s most typical Christmas recipes: capons, vegetables, pulses, chestnuts, doughnuts, honey, Idiazabal and Karrantza cheeses, folk art… It’s all the best bits of Bizkaia’s rural world in the centre of the city.

Whether you’re a Food, Urban, Nature, Sea or Basque Lover, come and see what Bilbao Bizkaia has in store for you this winter!

This iconic building is the emblem of the city. You have probably booked your trip to Bilbao planning to visit the Guggenheim, an essential destination for modern art lovers.

Tourism has grown exponentially in our city since the end of the 90’s when the decision was made to open the museum.

And hey, there’s a reason for that you know.

Just the building alone is stunning, from wherever you look at it you’ll be awestruck. Frank Gehry, the building’s architect called it a giant titanium boat, like the identity of Bilbao: highlighting its industrial heritage which centred on iron and shipbuilding. Our Guggenheim is a symbol of our urban evolution, the pride of the city.

And if you’re talking to anyone from Bilbao, there are three sacred subjects that it’s best not to make fun of: the Virgin of Begoña, Athletic Bilbao football club and the Guggenheim.

EVERYTHING THAT LIES WITHIN THE GUGGENHEIM

Outdoor art installations

Even without entering the museum you can enjoy the iconic works of art surrounding the Guggenheim.

You can meet Puppy, Jeff Koons’ floral White Terrier puppy who greets visitors at the entrance or admire Mamá, the gigantic guardian spider (no less than ten metres!) by Louise Bourgeois, who protects the museum from the other side.

A spectacular permanent collection

If the exterior inspires passion, the interior of the Guggenheim is equally impressive: the museum’s own collection is the best reason to visit. Among well-known pieces such as Andy Warhol’s One Hundred and Fifty Multicolored Marilyns and Yves Klein’s iconic intense blue paintings, you’ll find others that will amaze you such as Richard Serra’s work The Matter of Time.

The Matter of Time is an installation formed by different toruses of steel, which form an almost labyrinthine circuit, which the sculptor invites you to enter and leave, discovering shapes, colours, sounds and nuances. Walking through it is one of the things you simply must do if you visit Bilbao.

Personally, if I had to choose just one of the museum’s works, it would definitely be Anselm Kiefer’s work Sunflowers. The flowers in this painting appear to be enormous, not only because of the size of the work but also because of the perspective: they are of gigantic dimensions that contrast with the lifeless body resting on the ground. The colour is also highly significant; the absence of light makes the work more intimate and makes you reflect about the vulnerability of the inert man.

Although, clearly, our response to each work is highly personal and can be different from what the artist was seeking to evoke, this is what makes it truly interesting. That’s why the best thing to do is to come to the museum, let yourself be carried away and experience it all for yourself.

A jam-packed calendar of temporary exhibitions

If you want to be up-to-date and know about the exhibitions that are currently on, it’s always a good idea to look at the website. The programme of events is very dynamic and changes often, but whenever you come, I’m sure there’ll be something interesting on.

Other ways of enjoying the museum

When the situation allows, an event called Art After Dark is held. One Friday a month, the museum would open its door from 10 pm to 1 am for a night of art and music, during which you can admire the exhibitions with music from some of the best DJs in the country in the background.

Also on the agenda are contemporary art courses for adults, children’s workshops with creative experiences, talks, guided tours and other events that will not only give you an in-depth knowledge of the museum but also help you see it from another perspective.

You can buy your tickets to the museum online by clicking on this link so you don’t have to queue to enjoy the Guggenheim.

DISCOVER THE BEST FOOD NEAR THE GUGGENHEIM

I recommend you take a minimum of 3-4 hours to enjoy the museum experience to the full. Your visit will probably coincide with a meal time so here are my recommendations for where to go.

Breakfast at Sua San

If you want to fill yourself with energy before your museum visit, I suggest a good brunch a stone’s throw from the entrance to the Guggenheim. At Sua San you can enjoy some of the best eggs Benedict in the city, choosing between a classic version on an English muffin or more modern alternatives, like on a bagel with avocado and salmon. It’s open every day and brunch is served until 10:30.

An aperitif at Crazy Horse

If you got up at the break of dawn to get to the museum early and fancy a drink when you get out, my recommendation is that you cross the river by the Deusto bridge and head to the Crazy Horse, which opens at noon. It has, without doubt, the terrace with the best views of the Guggenheim museum and you can choose from their large selection of beers and enjoy the city’s most photogenic vistas.

Lunch at La Despensa del Etxanobe

La Despensa del Etxanobe is Michelin starred chef Fernando Canales’ most informal offering in the centre of Bilbao. OK so maybe you came to Bilbao for its culture, but feast on its food too! This sophisticated restaurant serves up classic Basque meals with an original, avant-garde flair and you can sample Canales’ most iconic dishes such as his famous lasaña fría de anchoas (cold anchovy lasagne). You can choose from different menus depending on your budget.

A drink at Sixty One Lobby Bar

If you’re longing for a glass of wine or a cocktail at a stylish venue, the Domine hotel bar is the perfect choice. A canny selection of drinks, exquisite service and super comfortable surroundings for after an intense day in the museum. The ideal location for chatting about your visit and the works that most appealed to you.

Dinner at Odoloste

Finally, if you finish at the museum late and it’s nearly time for dinner, I strongly recommend you head to Odoloste. Odoloste, which means black pudding in Euskera, specialises in pork. A lush menu at a very competitive price which offers super-tasty meals such as talo-tacos de carrillera (pork cheek tacos), hongos y papada ibérica a la carbonara (mushrooms and Iberian pork dewlap carbonara) or croquetas de talos con txistorra (corn tortilla croquettes with chorizo). To top it all off and cool down, don’t forget to order an helado de limón y albahaca con pesto dulce (lemon, basil and sweet pesto ice cream).

If these gastronomic suggestions have made your mouth water, we’re waiting to welcome you with arms open wide. Our city is culture, spectacular food, stunning views, great people and lots of nature – one of the most complete getaways for 2021.

If that weren’t enough, the folks at Volotea have made this hot Spotify playlist to play while you’re planning your adventure, on the road to our city or editing the photos you took during your break. Because travel is a full-on experience that you can enjoy before, during and after.

Have you had the chance to visit the Guggenheim museum yet? Look at the Volotea flights to Bilbao and grab a snack in the city of pintxos!

New architectural and artistic trends, incredible cuisine, a delightful old town and a unique identity are just some of the things that await in one of the most fascinating cities in northern Spain: Bilbao.

Despite being the Basque Country’s main port city, Bilbao has shrugged off its industrial reputation and transformed its urban fabric by firmly embracing culture. The Guggenheim Museum, designed by Frank O. Gehry, has become the symbol of the city and houses one of the most popular modern and contemporary art exhibitions in the world. Many other internationally renowned architects have also left their mark here, from Santiago Calatrava and his Zubizuri bridge, with its unusual sail shape and spectacular glass deck, to Norman Foster and his state-of-the-art metro station.

A stroll through the bustling streets of the Casco Viejo – Bilbao’s old quarter – gives you a great chance to admire iconic buildings and sights such as the Santiago Cathedral, the Plaza Nueva and the Basilica of Begoña. It’s also well worth wandering into some of the many markets, particularly the Ribera, where you can soak up the cosmopolitan atmosphere and enjoy the fascinating blend of old and new that’s so typical of Bilbao. Other musts include a boat tour along the Ría – the urban estuary where river meets sea – and a trip to explore the breathtaking local beaches (we highly recommend Sopela, Ereaga and Plentzia) that sit just a stone’s throw from the city and are great for everything from sunbathing to surfing.

No cultural renaissance would be complete without a celebration of local food, and with Basque cuisine being one of the most popular in the world, the city naturally boasts endless options to suit all tastes and budgets. From Michelin-starred restaurants to tiny bars serving up pintxos (typical Basque tapas), every corner of Bilbao is bursting with flavour.

Thanks to the mild temperatures carried by the Gulf stream, Bilbao gives visitors a warm welcome all year round. The best time to head to this part of the Basque Country is May to October, when you’re less likely to get caught out by the rain.