I finally made it to Bilbao, having wanted to go for several years and even more after hearing Frank Gehry speak about the design of the Guggenheim Museum here and the impact it has had on the city. I was totally impressed, much more than I anticipated, with the town, the architecture, the food and the museums. I spent the two days walking the streets, seeing great art and eating wonderful food. Life is Good!!! I particularly like the blending of the old and new architecture. This is a trend that I am seeing around the world that is transforming older cities into chic, modern and contemporary places that attract both new residents and visitors.
Bilbao is a great walking city. Take a walk and check out the following:
Zubizuri Bridge: Just east of the Guggenheim, this is a pedestrian bridge across the river designed by Santiago Calatrava.
Plaza Nueva: This is a perfectly symmetrical neoclassical square in the old city of Casco Viego. It was finished in 1849 and was the former home of the Basque government. Today there are many pinxto bars and cafes. From there make sure to walk the narrow streets of the Casco Viego known as the Las Siete Calles or the Seven Streets.
If you fly into Bilbao, take note of the airport terminal that was designed in 1999 by Santiago Calatrava.
Walk along the river walk which has been totally transformed in the last several years.