FOLDABLE MAP &Experience OLD QUARTER AZKUNA ZENTROA GRAN VÍA GUGGENHEIM SAN MAMÉS he Old Quarter of Bilbao is like the heart of the city. It’s fa- ou are in an area of Bilbao with lots of activity, where there’s ilbao’s Gran Vía is its main thoroughfare that crosses the he “Guggenheim effect” refers to the transformation Bilbao erhaps you've arrived in Bilbao via the new “Bilbao Tmous for its religious buildings, such as Santiago Cathe- Ya mix of businesses, culture, bars, and restaurants and Bcentre of the city. Many commercial streets with elegant Thas undergone in terms of its scenery, society, and interna- PIntermodal” bus station; you’ll notice right away that dral, San Nicolás Church on the Arenal or the emblematic classical buildings live alongside more contemporary ones. buildings branch off from Gran Vía. tional influence. you’re in one of the modern areas of recreation in the city, but , which you will see on the city's without a doubt what will catch your attention is the new San San Antón Church and Bridge The centre of this area is the , the former These buildings include the Bizkaia Provincial Council Hall, an The museum that sparked this phenomenon, the Guggenheim Azkuna Zentroa Mamés stadium. “The cathedral” of the Athletic Club, it is a shield. As for civil buildings, very close to the Old Quarter is City example of Basque eclecticism in construction at the end of Bilbao Museum, is an icon in the city and its culture. It’s a must- Alhóndiga which stored and traded wine since the beginning of spectacular work by the architect César Azkárate. There you Hall, which is open to visitors, with its spectacular Arab Hall, the 19th century. It can be visited for free, but you must make see for all visitors to Bilbao. The building was designed by the last century, a work by the architect Ricardo Bastida. It is now can visit the lion Club’s museum and purchase some souvenirs and, of course, the emblematic Plaza Nueva, a popular place a reservation ahead of time. Other buildings that you will see architect Frank Gehry and is sure to leave no one indifferent with a local, national, and international Society and Contemporary in red and white. to get together with friends, full of fantastic bars and restau- as you walk along this artery are the Casas de Sota, the Hotel its curved lines and Culture Centre. Visitors can enjoy the recent architectural rants. With an unbeatable ambiance of businesses and txikit- Carlton, the Stock Exchange building, which is close to Gran shiny titanium finish. It You’ll also see that very update with the spectacular columns designed by Philippe close by are the banks eo and pintxos (small glasses of wine and small plates), the Vía, and the Casa Lezama Leguizamon, just on the opposite shares its collections La Carola Starck. From the inside of the building, you can see the glass- of the estuary, a lovely 7 calles invite you to explore. You can find fashion, décor, au- end. In Plaza Moyúa, you’ll see Chávarri Palace, with all of its with the Solomon R. bottom swimming pool spot for a stroll to see thentic shops with artisan different windows. Guggenheim Museum the work being done on or gourmet products and located on the ceiling. But the architecture in in New York and the what is now an island, Bilbao, souvenirs to remember In the same building this area offers some- Peggy Guggenheim Mu- Plaza Bizkaia Zorrozaurre, which is your visit by. you also have bars, a thing for everyone. Near seum in Venice, and has full of cultural activities world-class restaurant, the estuary are the Iso- contemporary art from urban experiences In terms of culture, the Te- and markets on the a terrace for having zaki Towers, glazed the first avant-garde Bakio atro Arriaga is a symbol weekends. On your a drink with stunning twin cube-shaped towers artists to modern day. that offers high-level pro- walk you’ll also notice views, and a store full that lead to the ZubiZuri In front of the museum La Carola, a crane that gramming on a consistent footbridge, designed by is the figure known as of Basque Design, recalls this area’s port basis. Opposite the thea- the architect Calatrava. Puppy, the dog made where you can find and industrial past. In tre is the famous Arenal The Provincial Library, of flowers, and the some designs and , which boasts pleas- that same spot is the Park located just behind the sculptures outside of Puppy handicrafts by local Itsasmuseum, a very ant urban gardens that Provincial Council Hall, the museum, such as artists. Check their interesting museum offer space for multiple has a very interesting the spider “Maman” by dedicated to seafaring activities and encounters. programming,as you're glazed façade that is full Louise Bourgeois, the Tulips by the creator of Puppy, Jeff Koons, culture. sure to find an activity of literary inscriptions in The Red Arches on the bridge by Daniel Buren, and Tall Tree & If gastronomy is your or event that interests multiple languages. The Eye, by Anish Kapoor, close out a large-scale museum space. Not far off, you’ll see thing, you can’t pass up you. If, by chance, you’re plan- the Euskalduna Palace building. Its name comes from the a visit to La Ribera Mar- ning on taking the metro, old shipyards, but today it is a conference centre, exhibit hall, ket, the largest covered METROPOLITAN AREA the entrance to some sta- and cultural events centre with lots of activity (the operas market in Europe. It has tions may catch your eye: organized by ABAO are held here). Of special interest is its thousands of products OF BILBAO they resemble a glass rusted structure that recalls a ship and its exterior lampposts that make up the city's culinary identity and form the basis for seashell. They are the Provincial Council Hall that form a promenade of the dishes you can enjoy at any of the plethora of restaurants work of architect Norman metallic trees. in this area. here is a term that was coined to describe the towns that Foster, and are known by To round out your visit to Tsurround Bilbao that, together with the city, constitute an The city's culture is also reflected in museums such as theDi - locals as “Fosteritos”. the area, you should know unparalleled economic force and area of tourism interest. It is ocesan Sacred Art Museum or the Reproductions Museum. Now you can relax in the elegant Albia Gardens. Along one side, that you’re close to some called “El Gran Bilbao”. And don't forget the Basque Museum or the Easter Procession you have a row of restaurants, one of which is the emblematic of the legendary “poteo” It comprises the two banks of the estuary. The right bank and Museum. Café Iruña. From here, you can browse any of the Spanish or streets, that is, streets where people go from bar its buildings represent the stately and bourgeois character of Near the Mallona Steps is the Archaeology Museum. These international fashion, décor, pastry, gourmet, or Basque design shops. to bar, enjoying a good Flysch the area, with towns such as Areeta (Las Arenas), Neguri and stairs, which start in Plaza de Unamuno, pass by a cemetery wine like Txakoli from Algorta in Getxo. On the left bank are largely industrial towns whose original gate still stands. Bizkaia, accompanied by Itsasmuseum Bilbao such as Barakaldo and Sestao, or those with a seafaring tradi- Azkuna Zentroa Pedro Arrupe Footbridge and Iberdrola Tower any number of excellent tion like Portugalete and Santurtzi. pintxos. These two banks are joined by the magnificentBizkaia Bridge, In the immediately surrounding area, you’ll see contemporary Doña Casilda Park If you’re interested in the Basque language, you can cross the known as the Hanging Close by is the Fine Arts Museum, another gem with collections buildings hinting at this city's transformation over time, estuary to the San Ignacio neighbourhood and visit the Basque Bridge, which you can of Basque art and pieces by classical painters. With 100 years of including the glazing on the Plaza Bizkaia, headquarters Language Information Centre, a leader in the study of this cross on the lower history, it is one of the most important collections in Spain. for government agencies, and the irregular cube shape of language at the heart of the identity of the people of the Basque gondola, or by walking This environment gave rise to what is known as the “Art District”, the Osakidetza Building Country. across the high-flying (the Basque Government’s a circuit of art galleries footbridge with spec- ministry of health). and museums. You can tacular views. take a walk down the Starting in Plaza Zabalburu, “Paseo de la Memoria” On the right bank, visit you can walk down a series of with sculptures by artists the picturesque Old commercial streets. Get lost in Port of Algorta, with one of the most famous pastry such as Dalí, Chillida, its naval houses and or chocolate shops, and try a Koons, Burgeois, Kapoor, traditional taverns, “carolina”, a traditional sweet Novatt, Choliet, Valdés, Portugalete or climb up to the from Bilbao. They are named There are two stations with train themed architecture that and Garraza. Usategi viewpoint. La Ribera after the daughter of the you’ll want to be sure to visit to take in their unique features. The relaxing and expansive You can also see the pastry chef who created them.