The Rain in Spain – Travelogue Part 3 – Bilbao

Guggenheim Bilbao - you can see the Jeff Koons sculpture Tulips, and Tall Tree and the Eye by Anish Kapoor

I am trying to hang onto that vacation glow, basking in the memory of warm sunny days spent wandering charming Spanish towns for as long as I can. We’ve been home for over a month now and the realities of day-to-day life are a little too real, but it takes no more than a glance at the vacation photos and I am transported once again to Spain’s spectacular Catalonia and Basque regions.

Come with me, won’t you, to peruse the highlights of our four days in Bilbao, the final stop on our dream vacation. Read previous posts about our adventures in Barcelona and San Sebastián by clicking on the names. 

During the planning phase of this trip we were frequently asked, “Why Bilbao?” The short answer is: to visit the  Frank Gehry designed Guggenheim Museum by – it truly is spectacular. More on that shortly. 

But there’s more to Bilbao than the Goog. This city, the unofficial capital of Basque Country, is also known for its Casco Viejo (Old Quarter), foodie scene (pintxos are big here too), other museums, and vibrant greenspace along the river and in city parks.

Another city made for walking, we explored the charming twisty-turny walkways of the Old Quarter; strolled the expansive Doña Casilda Iturrizar Park near the Fine Arts Museum; and meandered along the Nervión River. Click on the photos to enlarge them and read the captions.

Spectator of Spectators by Equipo Cronica, Bilbao Fine Arts Museum (photo: Ilise Goldberg)

​Although the Guggenheim receives top billing, Bilbao’s Fine Arts Museum – home to an important gathering of works by Basque artists and sculptors and a rotating schedule of visiting exhibitions – is quite impressive and worth a visit.

​We saw a Renoir exhibit on the theme of ‘Intimacy’ in addition to the museum’s permanent collection.

After snapping this quick shot we learned that photos are prohibited, but I think you’ll agree that this one is worth it.

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Let’s get to the main event: the Guggenheim Bilbao. It’s easy to spend a whole day here and be richly rewarded for your time. TRAVEL TIP: Purchase tickets in advance, receive a specific entry time, and you’ll be issued an audio guide – no questions about whether you want it or not. Believe me, you want this. The audio guide is extremely well done, providing juicy details about the museum’s architecture, the exhibits, and the artists – not only the permanent collection but also the special exhibits.

Abstract Expressionism was on display during our visit, a movement about which I thought I knew a few things. May I just say, WOW, mind blown (in the best possible way), this was an amazing museum experience, engaging and informative on every level.

TRAVEL TIP: Fortify yourself with a lunch break in between exploring the special exhibit and permanent collections. With three onsite restaurants - a one-Michelin star fine dining restaurant (Nerua); the elegant yet approachable Bistró; and a casual snack bar – there’s something for everyone. Highly recommend the Bistró for a gourmet meal that is delicious and not too fancy.

Photos of the artworks are not permitted, but the museum’s atrium, exterior, and outdoor sculptures/ installations are fair game. Please click on the photos to enlarge them and read the captions.

The other highlight of this part of our journey was a day-long private tour in the Rioja wine region, about an hour outside of Bilbao. We visited three wineries, had a sumptuous long lunch (with wine of course!), stopped for numerous photo ops and history lessons, and became friends with our wonderful guide Marta and driver Inaki. There are several tour companies working in this region; we enjoyed our experience with Thabuca Wine Tours.

I didn’t know much about Spanish wines before the trip and I still have a lot to learn. Luckily I’m a motivated student, and we brought home some fascinating study material. As in – sound of cork popping, luscious Rioja wine pouring into a glass … wait, what was I saying? I got distracted by my studies.

​Click on the photos to enlarge them and read the captions.

We returned from our tour to find a beautiful sunset over Bilbao, the perfect finishing touch on the final day of our vacation. An early flight the next day sent us homeward bound, back to reality, and away from a little slice of Spanish paradise. After two weeks and three cities, I was ready to sleep in my own bed, but simultaneously wanted to stay on this holiday forever. We’ll be back someday, of that I am certain. 
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What are your favorite vacation activities – tours? museums? nature? shopping? Tell us in the Comments!