Last month I went to Bilbao for a week end. Only 1 hour and a half away from Paris by plane, the city is a real architecture museum for itself.
It is well known for its huge Guggenheim Museum that you cannot miss. It is even said that the museum saved the city from total decline when it was inaugurated 20 years ago. But it would not be fair to describe Bilbao only by talking about the Guggenheim Museum. The whole city offers impressive and eclectic architecture pieces. From modernist façades to functional buildings, from Baroque to Basque styles, the general impression is that of a dynamic city that has naturally embraced regular changes and the result looks just amazing.
Take a walk along the Nervion River and you will be able to contemplate the beautiful reflections of the buildings in the still water. Everything is within walking distance, from the beautiful train station to the Euskalduna Palace, or from the Doña Casilda Park to Moyúa Square.
One place that particularly amazed me was the Azkuna Zentroa, a cultural center with many possible activities: a roof top glass bottom pool, a library, a gym, a museum, and a roof top bar with the best mojitos I had had in a while…
Being in Bilbao also means being in the Basque Country, one of the most beautiful regions in Spain. And the “autonomous community” has many beautiful sea shores to offer. Since we were just there for a couple of days we decided to pick one of these amazing places: San Juan de Gaztelugatxe. It is now known for hosting the shooting of Game of Thrones (the home land of Daenerys Targaryen aka Dragonstone for the fans). The place is mind blowing and worth the 35 min drive from Bilbao’s city center. Regarding car rental you can easily rent one just for the day. Sixt has an agency on Plaza Euskadi.
Where to sleep:
Looking for a place to sleep? I have the right address for you. The Barcelo Bilbao Nervion is your perfect home in the city. Ideally located on the right bank of the river, next to the City Hall and between 2 of the main bridges: Campo Volantin Bridge (Zubizuri) and Ayuntamiento Bridge. It is only about 10 minutes from the Guggenheim Museum by feet and very close from all the shopping areas and pintxos bars.
The hotel designed in a very modern and urban style is inspired from the city of Bilbao, the mosaic wall in the lobby being a perfect reference to it. The bedrooms that spread out over 7 different floors are sophisticated, fully equipped and cozy. The double sided mirror in the bathroom adding a futuristic touch to it 🙂
The breakfast is excellent with a huge choice and some different special dishes every day. But you might also want to have a drink in the bar close to the lobby. Last but not least you will want to try the typical pinxtos and Ibaizabal, the hotel restaurant offers delicious ones!
If you want the top class view, ask for one of the 2 corners suites located on the 6th and 7th floor of the hotel! But half room offer a city view anyways so no worries.
So wait no more and go check out your future homestay in Bilbao : https://www.barcelo.com/es/barcelo-hotels/hoteles/espana/bilbao/barcelo-bilbao-nervion/
Enjoy 🙂
