Bilbao Photo Gallery

Bilbao was once a dirty industrial city featuring steel factories and shipyards. The city decayed in the 1980s as the economy struggled and terrorist threats loomed. The govermment decided to overhaul the city by building the Guggenheim in the 1990s. Nicknamed the Guggenheim effect, this transformation, along with a number of other infrastructure projects, have turned Bilbao into a pleasant and good tourist destination. I came for 2 nights to explore this hidden gem that should be on the radar for architecture and urban planning enthusiasts. Besides the old town and Art Deco buildings, there are good seaside day trips and it is possible to continue exploring the Basque country all the way to France, which can easily fill a week. September 22-24, 2026
	Views from Above Check out the views of the city from Mount Artxanda. It's a short ride on the funicular up from near the old town. Etxebarria Park is also a good spot closer to the old town but at a lower elevation.
	Guggenheim While I'm not a big fan of contemporary art, the Guggenheim's bold architecture has put Bilbao on the international scene, and a lasting symbol of its transformation from an industrial wasteland. It turned out to be a worthwhile gamble for the city, which hoped the museum will trigger change.
	Bizkaia "Hanging" Bridge Located west of the city at the mouth of the Ibaizabal estuary, this 45m-high bridge was the world's first to carry people and traffic on a suspended gondola across the river. It was designed by a Basque architect and opened in 1893. I paid 11 euros to access the top deck for a great view and to watch the mechanical trolley move the gondola below.
	Mercado de la Ribera The big market in the heart of the old town has a history going back to the 14th century, when this was the main square with the church and town hall. The current reinforced concrete building was inaugurated in 1929 and extensively renovated after severe floods hit the city in 1983, and again from 2008-12 after structural deficiencies were discovered.
	Pintxos No, there don't call them tapas here. Pintxos are small bites eaten in the Basque country. After the Spanish Civil War, the practice of moving from bar to bar with a group of friends became popular. In addition to selling beer and local wine, these bars sold small bits of food on their bartops in toothpicks that go with a piece of bread.
	Mundaka Mundaka is the last stop on my 3-town day trip out of Bilbao. Just a few minutes by train from Bermeo, this fishing village is still on the Bay of Biscay coastline so there are beautiful sea views and great waves for surfing.
	Bilbao Transport Guide
	Further Reading The Guardian - Guggenheim effect: how the museum helped transform Bilbao Conde Nast Traveller - A beginner's guide to Basque Country's iconic bar snacks BBC - The Bilbao effect: How 20 years of Gehry's Guggenheim transformed the city