Is Bilbao worth a visit?
 

other then the Museum is there much elese in Bilbao? How long should one stay?

One full day should cover the museum and the town.

thanks Michael
nela

I got shot last time I posted this but IMHO skip Bilbao, it was an industrial city like detroit, the guggenheim is fine and of course the surrounding basque country side is beautiful,but there are certainly prettier areas near there, Vitoria,Rioja, San sebatian....

thanks again

Well, I was born in Bilbao, so I may not be too objective...It really depends on what you´re looking for. The old town and the cathedral are a delight, the Plaza Nueva (New Square, although 300 yrs old) surrounded by lovely bars and a great atmosphere, the funicular train to Artxanda, with great views of town, the stroll by the river passing by the Gug museum, the great metro system that takes you to the beaches and to the Hanging Bridge (www.puentecolgante.com), unique in the world, in 20 minutes, the Gran Vía (High Street), with the great shopping and beautiful buildings, the outstanding food...

sorry, www.puente-colgante.com

A couple of years ago I spent five nights in Barcelona, and four in Bilbao. Last summer I spent a week in Santander and an entire day in Bilbao. That alone should answer your question.

For me, there is more to see and do in and around Bilbao than there is in Barcelona which to me is a bland, flashy, trying too hard to be "it" kinda city. Bilbao is a place that's evolved far more naturally. Of course the Guggenheim has speeded things along, but large parts of it are the result of an entirely natural evolution.

For me, simply walking around the streets, looking in the various shops, bars, and restaurants is enough to occupy a good few days. Take the bus to Santander, and San Sebastian, you will not be bored!

Bilbao is a fascinating city in a region noted for fine food. It's situated on a scenic coast surrounded by beautiful mountains and is a convenient base for visiting places between San Sebastian and Santander. I've been there several times and it's one of my favourite places in Spain.

Downtown Bilbao is vibrant and very classy. I think the "industrial" label is no longer appropriate. However a day or two would be plenty. Head east over to San Sebastian which is the best on the north coast in my opinion. [See my writeup at Marshlands.blogstream.com]. Don't over look the smaller villages along the coast. Mikelg put me onto a great day and evening in Lekeitio between Bilbao and San Sebastian. Use the busses to get between towns they are great. Try the one hour ride down to Pamplona. It's my favorite part of Spain and san sebastian may be my favorite city in all ov Europe.

thank you all.
We are plannig a trip to Spain in early Oct. : Barcelona, MadrId, Granada .
Bilbao was not on 'our list" but just a few days ago we saw a program on the Museum and .....

Unlike Mikel, I am not from Bilbao, or Euskal Herria, and can be objective. Having spent considerable time in the Basque country the last dozen years, I have witnessed the evolution of the city from its days as an industrial dumping ground (thanks to Franco), into one of Spain's most vibrant and wealthiest cities, equaling, and in some cases surpassing, San Sebastian-Donostia in its cuisine. It's a lively city both day and night, with an excellent transportation system, great hotels and new green spaces. It’s also the home of some of the Basque countries best creative talents, including music.

The Guggenheim was only the beginning of this transition, which will continue for years to come as Bilbao becomes on of Spain’s key destination cities for business and tourism. Giving this city short sift is being rather shortsighted.

Given your original itinerary, I would consider Bilbao too far out of the way.

thanks Michael,
it is an hour flight from Barcelona ( about 90 euros return) so we may consider changing our plans to include a day or two in Bilbao.
(We have a week in Barcelona)

Is there another way to Bilbao from Barcelona? train, bus, how long?

The train takes forever, and the bus is close to 8 hours, with stops. Driving is actually quicker than taking the bus, if you want to drive that many hours in one day.

thanks Robert,
nela

There are two daily trains from Barcelona to Bilbao: a day train which takes all day, and an overnight train. Bilbao station is right in the centre of the city. The night train includes Gran Clase sleepers, single or two-berth compartments with showers, etc (www.renfe.es).

I don't know why you want to spend a week in Barcelona, there is really very little to do after a few days spent there. I really detested the place, it had no charm, and I will never return.

You're better to spend four nights in Bilbao, and explore the Basque countryside, and seaside.

M Kingdom,

I think you and I must be the only people in the Universe that dislike Barcelona. I have been there 3 times, have really tried to find the "charm" and excitement about it and haven't succeeded. I much prefer the north of Spain.

My experience with Bilbao is limited to a couple of days but I really enjoyed my time there.

I had originally planned to stay in Bilbao for two nights but skipped town after the first. I think its a matter of personal preference as we prefer quaint and cozy to ultramodern.

I loved the museum, the bridges and the old town but I just didn't 'bind' with the city. After spending the first full day we thought it was enough.

Best decision we ever made as the Basque coast and countryside are a semi-hidden treasure. The additional day was well spent driving slowly along the coast. The food and views are outstanding and can rival any major destination in the world.