🇪🇸 The most worthwhile places to visit in Bilbao 📌

🌉 Bilbao: A Must-Visit Detour (Even for Camino de Santiago Hikers) Though I walked the Camino Frances, a detour to Bilbao was 100% worth it. This city blends art, history, and natural beauty—here’s why it’s unforgettable: 🏰 1. Gaztelugatxe: A “Game of Thrones” Icon Top of the list? This tiny island, famous as Dragonstone in Game of Thrones. A day hike here is non-negotiable—climb the stone steps, cross the iconic bridge, and soak in views that feel straight out of a fantasy. (More details in my last post!) 🎨 2. Guggenheim Museum: Architecture as Art Bilbao’s crown jewel isn’t just a museum—it’s a masterpiece. Frank Gehry’s design is mind-blowing: floating canopies, cliff-like curves, ship-inspired shapes, and “flying fins” that catch the light. No wonder it’s called one of the 20th century’s greatest buildings. Ground floor: Richard Serra’s The Matter of Time—eight massive steel sculptures that twist and loop. Walking through them? Disorienting, awe-inspiring, and unforgettable—exactly as described: “a dizzying sensation of space in motion.” Upper floors: Rotating exhibits of Picasso, Miró, and more. During my visit, the Picasso show was sprawling—some rooms held just one piece, making it feel intimate. (Side note: Yayoi Kusama’s mirror room? Colorful, but not my cup of tea. 😂) Outside: A 12m flower-covered puppy guards the entrance (flowers refreshed May/October) and a 9m spider sculpture looms nearby. Their size? Staggering in person. 🖼️ 3. Bilbao Fine Arts Museum A 5-minute walk from the Guggenheim, this underrated gem rivals Madrid’s collections. It spans medieval to contemporary European art, with works by Goya, El Greco, Van Dyck, Bellotto, Gauguin, and Francis Bacon. More pieces than the Guggenheim, and equally impressive. 🏘️ 4. Casco Viejo: Old Town Charm The city’s heart, built around seven medieval streets. It’s vibrant, not run-down—colorful buildings, cozy pintxo bars, vintage shops, and hidden cafes. Wander, snack, and soak up the centuries of history. 🌊 5. Nervion Riverbank Stroll along the water, especially near the old town. Mornings are quiet, evenings buzz with locals—perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring. 🌉 6. Arriaga Theatre & Zubizuri Bridge Arriaga Theatre: A 19th-century neo-baroque beauty, modeled after Paris Opera. Renamed to honor Juan Crisóstomo Arriaga, Bilbao’s “Spanish Mozart.” Zubizuri Bridge: A stunner of modern design. Its white curves, glass-brick walkway, and sleek lines make it more art than infrastructure. As they say, it’s “a challenge to the ordinary”—and it works. 🌟 Why Bilbao Stands Out Whether you’re a hiker detouring from the Camino or a traveler chasing culture, Bilbao delivers. Art, history, and nature collide here—making it far more than just a “side trip.” #BilbaoMagic #SpainTravel #ArtAndHistory #CaminoDetour