Bilbao is the industrial and financial capital of the Basque Country. It is a city of contrasts. It changes from the green of its parks to the grey of its buildings, from the narrow streets of the Old Town to the wide avenues, from the classicism of the Fine Arts Museum to the innovative style of the contemporary art of the Guggenheim Museum; from the popular atmosphere, to the evening performances in the Arriaga Theatre and in the Congress and Concert Hall.
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| Bilbao Airport (The Dove) |
The White Bridge (Zubizuri) |
Bilbao is a cosmopolitan city, open to Europe. Despite its industrial character, the live rhythm of the city and the warm-hearted welcome of its inhabitants make it a place where visitors find they feel quickly integrated.
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| "New Square" in the Old Town |
"Doña Casilda" Park |
At present, business, leisure and culture are seen as symbols of the new city. The estuary, which in times past was the commercial and industrial axis, is now seen as the cultural artery. The construction of the Guggenheim Museum of Bilbao in the old port area, across the river from the University of Deusto, has served to revitalise the city, thus motivating an important influx of tourists both on a national, as well as an international scale. The Euskalduna Congress and Concert Hall, which is built in the shape of a ship, is faithful to the memory of the old ship building site upon which it stands.
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| San Antón Church (Old Town) |
"Euskalduna" Conference Centre and Concert Hall |
On the other hand, the beauty of the landscape and natural surroundings makes the Basque Country an ideal environment for excursions and travelling, both along the coast and inland.
There are cultural and artistic offers throughout the year, which range from cave paintings and artistic monuments to art galleries, theatre and musical performances, summer courses, etc.
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| "Getxo" Bay |
Vizkaya's Swing Bridge |
As an expression of the Basque culture and spirit, one must not overlook the displays of traditional culture such as the pilgrimages and the popular holidays, Basque sports, folk dancing, etc.
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Regional Library of Bizkaia |
Isozaki Towers |
FURTHER TOURISTIC INFORMATION
Telephone: + 34 - 944 710 301
Monday to Friday: 07:30-23:00
Saturday and Sunday: 08:30-23:00
www.bilbao.net
www.paisvascoturismo.net
Source of information: Deusto University's Web Page | Web Site of Bilbao's City Hall
