√ Bilbao (Spain): information on the city, what to visit and what to do Bilbao?

Bilbao

Coat of arms of the city Bilbao (Spain)

Population: ~ 1.000.000

Time difference to London - Time zone GMT/UTC: 1 hour (+/- changes due summertime/daylight saving)

Climate, weather: Coastal cool and humid, mild tempuratures throughout the year. Rain is more frequent in the spring and fall. The average tempurates are around 20º C (68º F)in the Summer and 8º C (48º F)in the winter.

► Basic information on Spain

The largest city in the Basque County (País Vasco) and one of the most important comercial places of the north of Spain.

The city offers wonders like the Arenal bridge and the San Nicolas de Bari Barroque Church.

Up the 'la colina' to the panoramic terrace of Begoña and the orillas de Nervion market.

The historic center offers the Diputation Palace, the Provicial Museum, the Casilda Iturriza Park and the fantastic Fine Arts Museum.

Bilbao (Spain) - Things to See:

Guggenheim museum

Bilbao, the British Spain

When we talk about great cuisine, Bilbao becomes an unavoidable date. Basque gastronomy has some of its temples here, but the "poteo" (a small glass of wine here and there with delicious "pintxos" or tapas) will get us close to one of the city''s biggest charms: its people and its manners.

For those who love going shopping, Bilbao offers a wide range of personal, distinct quality shops.

A loook at the city´s origins

This is an interesting route for discovering medieval Bilbao.

Its cobbled streets, cantons, charming squares and corners bear witness to the intense commercial and port life that made the city grow:

Over 500 years of history are still present in the city walls, the Gothic Cathedral of Santiago, the New Square, the emblematic San Antón Church and the ancient ruins it stands on, and the busy Ribera Market.

Time seems to have come to a standstill in these urban surroundings that are full of vitality.

Museum Guggenheim

Designed by the North American architect Frank O. Gehry and opened in 1997.

The building itself is an extraordinary combination of interconnecting shapes. Orthogonal blocks in limestone contrast with curved and bent forms covered in titanium.

Provides a permanent Collection and temporal exhibitions.

Portugalete

Portugalete is a port city lying to the west of Bilbao in the province of Vizcaya in Spain.

The city is also famously known for the Puente Colgante, a unique river crossing. The car ferry is suspended from a frame by wires attached to wheels on tracks above the cabin and moves from from one side of the River Nervión to the other via a traction system. The first transporter bridge in the world was opened in 1893.

Santurtzi

Santurtzi is situated in the metropolitan area of Bilbao (Basque Country), Santurtzi is perhaps best known for having one of the busiest ports in Europe.

The Great Port of Bilbao and for its “grilled sardines” which one can taste everyday in a popular restaurant on the harbour.

Santurtzi 2

Santurtzi’s geographical situation permits practically all sports to be practiced. Paddle, tennis, squash, swimming etc. can be practiced in Santurtzi’s sports arena, one of the most outstanding in the entire province of Bizkaia. Rowing is one of the most traditional sports of the town and you can also go surfing or skiing in the beaches and mountains nearby. There is a new golf course in La Arboleda, only 6km away from Santurtzi.

In addition to suburban train connections and comfortable non-stop bus routes to Bilbao and other municipalities along the Left Bank, the town also has an international airport less than 15kms away and connected to the town by a highway.

Santurtzi has an intense nightlife, especially at the weekends, starting at 8pm. There are numerous possibilities: bars, pubs, and clubs featuring a wide variety if styles, for all ages and budgets. Most of them are located in the centre of Santurtzi: the streets Capitán Mendizabal and Juan XXIII.

More information and interesting Web-Sites regarding Bilbao:

► www.bilbao.net

Official Homepage of the city administration of Bilbao

► www.guggenheim-bilbao.es

Guggenheim Museum Bilbao

► www.bilbaoport.es

Port of Bilbao

► www.torosbilbao.com

Bullring Vista Alegre Bilbao, tickets, museum, photo gallery

► www.museomaritimobilbao.org

Bilbao River Maritime Museum - The Museum‘s mission is to bring the sea to the people by means of an all-round experience, working on the dissemination of maritime heritage linked to the Bilbao River and its surroundings.

► Ad a link regarding to Bilbao

► Information on Spain