Saturday, April 5, 2025 – Photo of the Day – Bilbao, Spain

Where in the World Are We?

We are in Bilbao, Spain.

BILBAO, SPAIN
The capital of leisure in Galicia
Whether it’s the flow of its boundary-pushing architecture, the delights of its finger food tapas, or the sweeps of gorgeous shoreline nearby, Bilbao is a city that places a premium on aesthetics. The relentless drive to all things beautiful may be a reaction to the city’s industrial past, but it has led this Basque city to emerge as a new beacon of artistry. American architect Frank Gehry’s masterpiece of flowing metal is the shining standout here, a perfect harmony of smooth titanium and glass, and a thrilling piece. Inside the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, world-class exhibitions are exhibited in the bright, expansive interior – which practically begs you to explore more.

The city has a gorgeous historical presence, too. Casco Viejo – the medieval area – is its historic core, and home to the original seven streets and cathedral, dating back to the 14th century. Tall banks of coloured buildings rise on either side as you walk, dwarfed by a tide of pretty facades, overflowing flower boxes, and intricate rail balconies. Plaza Nueva is Bilbao’s neoclassical square, with a procession of arches around you. In this most elegant setting, morning flea markets regularly overtake it, offering opportunities to pick through piles of coins, dusty books, and rusted antiques on the hunt for bargains.

The titanic Mercado de la Ribera market looms tall by the river. Explore and eat through an endless pile of Basque pintxos – the local take on tapas. Cocktail sticks will quickly stack up as you gorge on plump olives, organic cheeses, and feather-thin slices of curled hams, while orbiting Europe’s largest covered market. UNESCO has described the Vizcaya Bridge as a perfect blend of beauty and function. It is an unusual but spectacular piece of industrial architecture. The world’s oldest, gigantic transporter crane is still in use today, swinging cars and passengers from one side of the gaping Nervion River’s mouth to the other.

SIGHTS
• Guggenheim Museum Bilbao
• Azkuna Zentroa Alhóndiga
• Bilbao
• Museum of Fine Arts of Bilbao
• Plaza Nueva
• Bilboko Donejakue katedrala
• Erribera Merkatua
• Begoñako Basilika
• Casilda Iturrizar Parkea
• Teatro Arriaga
• Bilboko Itsas Museoa
• Zubizuri Bridge
• Puppy Sculpture

SHOPPING AND CUISINE
Bilbao’s main commercial street, Gran Vía, is part of the Ensanche, a stylish and cosmopolitan district, noted for its eclecticism. It is the city’s zone with the most shops and stores. A first-rate shopping district, where you will find everything you are looking for. Location: Gran Víade Don Diego López de Haro. Zubiarte Shopping Mall: Zubiarte is a unique urban shopping center in central Bilbao. This impressive brick, stone, and glass shopping centre was designed by US architect Robert Stern, and has been recently remodeled. It is composed of different buildings connected through gangways and staircases. More than 75 stores for fashion, accessories, sports, and perfumes…
Also, it includes 8 cinemas, a supermarket, and a wide variety of restaurants.

Today’s Excursions – Bilbao Walking Tour
A drive along the banks of the Nervión and through the industrial outskirts of this key town in the Basque region exposes
stunning landscapes of green mountain surroundings and captivating historical facts about this city’s rich past. Its 19th-century
iron manufacturing and shipbuilding heritage is seen in the landmarks you’ll pass along Grand Via. However, it’s where you’ll
arrive next that’s credited for Bilbao’s current popularity with visitors and art enthusiasts, the Frank Gehry-designed
Guggenheim Museum was built in 1997.

With its futuristic design and curved titanium-clad shapes, this magnificent architectural masterpiece creates awe and interest
from visitors worldwide. It has helped transform Bilbao into a modern center for art and design. Here, you’ll leave the bus and
explore the mind-boggling architecture and design before taking a fascinating walk to the town’s Old Quarter. Admire the
Gothic and Renaissance influences you’ll pass; look out for public art displays. Today, there’s art everywhere in Bilbao thanks to
Guggenheim’s arrival in the Basque Country.

The Old Quarter, or what locals call Casco Viejo, is the historical center of Bilbao, but there’s nothing ancient about the energy
and vibrancy you’ll sense here. The latticework of cobblestone streets is full of architectural gems, quirky shops, and pintxos
bars.

Dinner was in the Atlantide Restaurant