Bilbao
VISIT The Guggenheim
EXPLORE the Casco Viejo
After having become enamored with the Basque region via Donostia, exploring the grand industrial port city of Bilbao was spectacular. Of course, it is well know due to the Geary designed and iconic masterpiece of the 20th century the Guggenheim Modern Art Museum. The museum is really well done and houses some must see custom works from Koons to Serra that do not disappoint. The overall facade of the museum is the real star of the show. The entire theme reflects the character of the city resembling a ship and fish due to the rich ship building and fishing culture. The random light reflecting tiles that cover the structure reflect at all angles throughout the various times of day creating and incredible effect that one never forgets. There sits a stunning sculpture of a spider at the entrance by artist Bourgeois, that represents the artist's mother that starts off the modern art tour beautifully. At the rear is Puppy by Jeff Koons that is super selfie worthy.
From there we walked to the old quarter or casco viejo and browsed the many bars full of Pintxos and took in the local wines and stimulating street scene. We settled in a sweet spot close to our hotel featuring brass spigots and perfect pintxos and sat on the sidewalk for hours enjoying the many sights of bustling night life.
Spain, especially the Basque country is just fabulous and anyone traveling through Spain should absolutely put it high on their list.
The awesome entrances to the metro in Bilbao!
Gorgeous stained glass at the main train station.
This port along the bay of Biscaycity has some serious old world charm.
the Bilbao Guggenheim is a huge draw to the city and does not dissapoint
The museum is designed by Frank Gehry and takes the elements of waves, ships and Basque heritage to create its unique and potent design.
Maman by Louise Bourgeois an impressive sculpture that revolves around the artists mother.
Tulips by Jeff Koonts
Puppy by Jeff Koons
A massive installation by master of steel Richard Serra
Street art on the bridge outside of the Guggenheim.
Inside the casco viejo or old town.
FOOD FACTS: Bilbao is known for salty cod, baked spider crabs, hearty stews and pintxos but fast acclaim is growing for its growth in Biological or ecological agriculture food production. Basque ecological production is not limited to vegetables. There are ecological bakeries located throughout the region, not forgetting cider, wine or txakoli