bilbao zones - Bizkaia

ing

INDEX 

Jose Luis Bilbao 5 

Bilbao & Bizkaia 6 

Bizcayans 11 

Bilbao Zones 20 

Architecture 25 

Design 45 

Fashion 51 

Accommodation 61 

Gastronomy 

haute cuisine 75 

signature cuisine 83 

market cuisine 91 

eateries with charm 97 

tastes of the world 105 

“menu del día” set lunch menu 111 

bar food 117 

Museums 123 

Galleries 129 

Stages 135 

Live Music 141 

NightLive 147 

Bars & Drinks Venues 153 

Coffee´s 161 

LGBT Scene 169 

Beaches of Biscay 191 

Escapes 197 

Annual Events 205 

Getting There & Around 207 

Useful Information 216 

3

The idea behind creating this guidebook is 

not just to promote Biscay and Bilbao among 

tourists throughout Europe, but also to create 

awareness among the citizens of the continent’s 

major cities about our way of life, and to reveal 

our wonderful city, a contemporary example of 

urban regeneration admired the world over. 

Bilbao is the capital of Biscay, one of the most 

developed communities in Europe, playing a 

central role in the prosperity and development 

of the Basque Country. Visitors will discover 

a Biscay immersed in nature and culture, 

architecture and art, a province that is openminded 

and diverse, tolerant and respectful 

towards all different lifestyle choices. Biscay is 

modern and cosmopolitan but also welcoming 

and friendly, mindful of its past, whilst also 

passionate and decisive about the future. We 

invite you to set aside any stereotypes, allow 

yourself to be surprised, come and find out what 

we’re really like. We await you with open arms. 

Jose Luis Bilbao 

President of the Biscay 

Regional Council 

5

6 

BILBAO & BIZKAIA 

Since its origins Bilbao has been a 

city with a great industrial tradition. 

However, at the end of the 20th 

century the iron and steel industry 

fell into a deep crisis, forcing the 

city to rethink the basics of its 

economic development. This 

uncertainty was captured in 

an article published in 1988 by 

journalist Juan Carlos Salaverri 

in Ajoblanco magazine, a leading 

cultural reference of the time, 

entitled “Is Bilbao moving?” The 

article closed with the question: “Is 

Bilbao moving or dying?”. Twenty 

years later, we know the answer. 

The institutions of Biscay made 

a commitment to transformation, 

making Bilbao an example of urban 

regeneration and a benchmark 

model for the rest of the world. 

Bilbao has regained its dynamism 

by becoming a city of services 

and embracing environmental and 

urban recovery. The old industrial 

plots located along the banks of 

the river have been transformed 

into new and modern recreational 

spaces for residents and visitors 

to enjoy. This spectacular change 

has transformed Bilbao into an 

essential point of reference in 

the European panorama. The 

capital of Biscay is today, all 

over the world, synonymous with 

dynamism and creation, a meeting 

place for all who are interested in 

architecture, design, gastronomy, 

leisure pursuits and culture. 

Nowadays, the Greater Bilbao 

area offers broad-ranging 

proposals including film, theatre 

and shows, an opera season, 

countless art galleries, worldrenowned 

museums, trade fairs 

and congress centres. The major 

fashion labels can also be found 

in Bilbao -Carolina Herrera, 

Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Loewe...-, 

alongside the proposals of the main 

European designers, with Basque 

fashion playing a leading role 

through brands such as Mercedes 

de Miguel, Alicia Rueda, Ion 

Fiz, Skunkfunk, Loreak Mendian 

and Mirian Ocariz. Gastronomy 

is another of the distinguishing 

features of Biscay and Bilbao, 

with many illustrious restaurants 

serving contemporary cuisine and 

also cosy local establishments 

offering up the finest of Basque 

fare. Bilbao is a city that looks to 

the future, its buildings reflecting its 

unstoppable transformation -some 

designed by prestigious architects 

such as Norman Foster, Cesar 

Pelli, Rafael Moneo, Santiago 

Calatrava, Frank O. Ghery, Zaha 

Hadid and Arata Isozaki- but it is 

a city that never forgets where its 

true heart resides: on the streets of 

its old quarter. 

However, Biscay is much more 

than just Bilbao. Visitors who 

come drawn by the lure of modern, 

cosmopolitan Bilbao will also 

discover Biscay, a privileged region 

filled with natural landscapes 

and idyllic beaches. In less than 

half an hour, thanks to a modern 

public transport network, you can 

visit enchanting coastal towns 

or delve into rural Biscay and 

its natural parks and marvellous 

enclaves, with its green hills and 

the hospitality of its inhabitants 

keeping you company on your 

travels.

7 

Biscay is a province of the Basque 

Country. It covers 2,217 square kilometres 

and has 1,136,852 inhabitants. Two 

official languages are spoken in Biscay: 

Basque, the local language of the Basque 

Country itself and Spanish, the official 

language of the Spanish state. The 

capital city of Biscay is Bilbao, founded 

in 1300 by Don Diego López de Haro, 

Lord of Biscay. Biscay is the economic, 

social and cultural driving force of the 

Basque Country. 

INFORMATION: 

www.bizkaia.net 

www.bilbao.net

“Of all the places I would like to work, 

the first is Bilbao. I would love to do 

another building there “. 

Frank Gehry 

9

BISCAYANS 

Four native Biscayans give us a few good reasons to 

visit Biscay and Bilbao. 

11

ALEX DE LA IGLESIA 

Bilbao, 1965. Film director. www.alexdelaiglesia.com. President of the 

Spanish Film Academy since 2009, Alex de la Iglesia is, alongside Pedro 

Almodóvar and Alejandro Amenábar, the main reference for Spanish cinema 

worldwide. Films such as “The day of the Beast”, “Dance with the Devil” and 

“Common Wealth” have an enthusiastic following throughout Europe, Japan 

and the US. Rolling Stone magazine published an article entitled “Alex and 

Bilbao”, a highly personal view of the filmmaker on his city. Here are some 

of his recommendations: 

To Alex “Bilbao is indefinable, like the universe itself. Having said that, how 

can one tackle the hardest task that one can be asked to undertake? I mean, 

how can I talk about the capital of the world without overlooking someone? 

How can I describe the beauty that is hidden in the brownish grey tones of 

the River?” The article is entirely focused on the city’s gastronomy and its 

bars. If you want to “eat for real”, Alex suggests “Rimbombin, on Hurtado 

Amezaga. It’s got the best seafood and most attentive waiting staff I know, 

and Gure Kide, on Estraunza”. 

One of his passions are the local lamb kebabs, known as ‘pinchos morunos’: 

“I would start by saying that in Bilbao you just can’t miss the ‘pinchos 

morunos’. That’s right: char-grilled lamb, cumin and cayenne pepper: a tasty 

morsel unknown to the rest of the peninsula. The original birthplace of the 

‘pincho’, the place where the Arabs copied them from, is Iturribide Street, 

in the Old Quarter, at Melilla y Fez. The ‘pinchos’ there are a life necessity. 

Prepared by the same team of professionals, you can also stuff yourself with 

‘pincho’ kebabs at the Iruña, located in Jardines de Albia, which is somewhat 

like Madrid’s famous Café Gijón (only better)”. His other passion are ‘rabas’ 

(squid rings fried in batter), referred to in Spain as ‘calamares’. In Alex’s 

opinion ‘rabas’ are “another local product that we cannot overlook. There 

is an age-old controversy confronting the classic Artajo, on Ledesma, with 

the magnificent Gure Toki, in Plaza Nueva, and the unforgettable Serantes, 

on Alameda Urquijo. I shall dispense with odious comparisons: at all of 

these temples of culinary wisdom we can delight our stomachs with the 

best calamari on the planet, battered to perfection. And what do you think 

of the “felipadas” served up at the Alameda, beside the Alhóndiga? Or the 

“triangulos” at the Eme?”. 

To immerse oneself in Bilbao’s nightlife, Alex recommends “the legendary 

Muga run by proprietor Juancar, beside Unamuno Square, and Katu and 

Gure Txoko, on Barrenkale, and also on that same street, Txomin Barullo, 

where they have private room where you can have a bloody great dinner 

(beg your pardon)”. To top off the night, Alex recommends the “brilliant Umore 

Ona (heavy stuff). They still play the Rolling Stones there”. And, if you’re 

looking for a happy ending?: “After the hard battle, the night’s survivors end 

up in the legendary La Tortilla, in front of City Hall. What a pleasure to see 

the sunrise from behind a plate of mussels! When you leave the bar, you 

cross the bridge over the river and the impure air fills your lungs. The odd 

time I slip and fall into the river, but who cares? I’m from Bilbao”. 

13

MIRIAM OCARIZ 

15 

(Bilbao, 1968). Fashion designer. www.miriamocariz.com 

Miriam Ocariz set up her firm in 1998 and in 2002 won the L’Oreal Paris 

Award for best young designer collection. Since 2009 she has been 

distributing her designs all over the world. Her collection was selected 

to inaugurate Madrid’s Cibeles Fashion Week 2010. 

For Miriam, “Bilbao is a perfect place to spend a weekend or long 

weekend. It’s just the right size to be able to stroll around leisurely, no 

rushing, no stress”. She recommends seeking accommodation at “the 

modern hotels dotted throughout the newly developed urban districts or 

the intimate hotels and charming apartments in the Old Quarter”. For 

eating out, she reckons that in “el botxo”, as Bilbao is often referred to 

locally, “anywhere is good. Traditional restaurants thrive in Bilbao, as do 

the most contemporary culinary names”. For a drink, Miriam suggests 

“following the footsteps of the local pub-crawlers, around the streets 

of the Old Quarter, where a nice glass of red wine or the local white 

“txakoli” always goes down well”. The Old Quarter is also one of her 

favourite places to for “pintxos” (tapas), though not the only one. She 

maintains that the best bars for tapas are “in the Plaza Nueva and on 

Jardines, Perro, Santa María and Diputación streets”. For the sweettoothed 

visitor, she recommends “the truffles at Arrese, the ice-creams 

at Alaska, the nougat at Turronería Ibáñez and the sweet toast at the 

restaurant Perro Chico”. When it comes to night life, Miriam Ocariz opts 

for the venues located “on the outskirts of La Merced”. Fashion is her 

world, which makes her opinions in this area all the more valuable. 

She is decisive in her views: “Persuade is a must”. For accessories 

with a special touch, her favourite haunts are “Tokyo Story, Charada, 

Coquelot, Cloche and Trudivora”. Miriam also has her favourite hair 

salons and assures us that “at Logan and Cutter you can get whatever 

you want”. Miriam’s favourite spots around the city are “Doña Casilda 

Park, the Funicular Railway and Artxanda Park”. Lastly, in her opinion, 

the reasons that make visiting Bilbao so worthwhile are manifold: “the 

Museum of Fine Arts, the Guggenheim, the art galleries around the 

Ensanche district, the vestiges of the city’s magnificent industrial past 

and its flourishing urban development, visiting Bilbao “La Vieja”, an old 

district now revamped, with alternative shops bringing a breath of fresh 

air, and the odd art gallery, like Espacio Marzana, to boot”.

DANA GARDEAZABAL 

Bilbao, 1969. Teacher. 

Dana Gardeazabal has a degree in Sociology from New York 

State University and a Masters in Education from Manhattanville 

College, NY. Currently she teaches at Ardsley High School, 

Ardsley, New York. She has been living away from Bilbao for 20 

years, which means she gets to rediscover her own city each 

time she comes back. 

For Dana, Bilbao possesses “a beauty that lures you in at first, 

but in time wins your love”. She maintains that any time of 

year is good for a visit, although she prefers to come “at fiesta 

time in Bilbao, known as Aste Nagusia, which is mid-August”. 

For accommodation she opts for a charming little hotel outside 

Bilbao, on the Biscayan coast, Hotel El Puerto, in Mundaka. 

To eat out she also chooses one of Biscay’s nicest spots, the 

Asador Etxebarri carvery, in Axpe-Atxondo. When it comes to 

going out for tapas, or “pintxos” as they are referred to locally, 

she never strays from Bilbao’s Old Quarter, “to me, the best ones 

are found at Gatz and Xukela, and, when it comes to drinks, 

the martini cocktail served at Ander on Barrenkale”. A lover of 

sweets and chocolate, Dana is not hesitant to recommend the 

Pastelería Arrese confectioner’s, on Gran Vía, “for the best 

butter buns in the world”. At night, a compulsory visit to Bizitza, 

on Torre Street, “this café has a great charm and really good 

service; I always meet someone I know there”. Moving away 

from gastronomy, Dana Gardeazabal highlights the great dress 

sense of the natives of Bilbao. Whenever she visits Bilbao, 

she drops in to the boutique Loreak Mendian in Plaza Nueva, 

“where I buy clothes that my friends from New York just love. I 

also take the opportunity to say hi to my friend Eva, who owns 

the store”. It is clear that Dana feels at home in the Old Quarter 

and so it is not surprising that her favourite place to buy some 

fun accessories is Gili Gili, on Lotería Street: “I love the colour 

and originality of their garments and accessories”. For a haircut, 

Dana recommends La Baraque hair salon, on Carnicería Vieja, 

also in the old town. When she wants to lose herself in the city, 

she retreats to the fine arts museum “the Museo de Bellas Artes, 

specifically the room housing the permanent collection, just in 

front of the “Trembling Irons II” sculpture by Chillida”. And, lastly, 

a recommendation for all future visitors to Bilbao and Biscay: 

“Mundaka is a must-see destination, a beautiful town on the 

Biscayan cost, flocked to by surfers from all over the world”. 

17

EDUARDO SORROUILLE 

(Basauri, 1970). Artist. www.eduardosorrouille.com 

Eduardo Sorrouille is one of the emerging artists on today’s Basque art 

scene. He medium is photography, a technique which is rapidly gaining 

ground in the world of contemporary art. In 2009 the Artium Museum 

Centre in Vitoria hosted a major exhibition of his work, with over 170 

photographs, under the title “Villa Edur”. Eduardo is an expert on Bilbao 

and its people. 

When asked what Bilbao is to him, Eduardo responds that “it’s the city 

where my friends live”. For accommodation options he recommends 

several hotels, from the classic Hotel Carlton to the more modern Domine, 

Meliá, Miro and Hesperia. When it comes to choosing a restaurant, he 

can’t narrow it down to just one either. He knows a lot of places where you 

can eat really well in Bilbao and his recommendations prove just what an 

avid foodie he is. He likes the creative cuisine at Arbolagaña, located in 

the Fine Arts Museum, the traditional dishes served up at Lar on Amistad 

street, Rotterdam in the Old Quarter, and La Viña. He also points out a 

couple of Bilbao’s most singular restaurants: Casa Rufo situated inside a 

grocery shop, and Perro Chico, a legend of Bilbao’s bohemia. Although 

he claims he likes “almost all the bars in Bilbao”, he has two favourite 

haunts. Firstly, La Gallina Ciega, which he classifies as “exquisite”, and 

secondly Amor de Madre, “great vibe”. For tapas, locally referred to 

as “pintxos”, his favourites include Gatz, the bars in the Plaza Nueva, 

Bitoque, in the Albia Gardens, Globo on Diputación, and the Spanish 

omelettes at Kepa Landa in Ensanche square”. For something sweet, 

he would head to the two temples of bakery in Bilbao: “La Suiza, for 

“pantxinetas” (puffed pastry filled with crème pâtissière) and other sweet 

goodies, and Arrese for their truffles”. Being somewhat the authority 

on nightlife in Bilbao, Eduardo highlights “Public Lounge for something 

cosmopolitan, Badulake for a touch of eclectic, and Splash&Crash at the 

Hotel Domine, for cocktails”. 

When it comes to fashion, Eduardo has no misgivings: “undoubtedly 

Persuade on Villarías street, art and creation in clothes and furniture”. 

If you’re looking for fun accessories, he likes what you can find at 

“Almoneda Campos, run by the ever unusual Iñaki, and Charada in the 

Old Quarter, with Lourdes Madow, an icon in Bilbao”. For a haircut, he 

vouches for “Cutter in the Old Quarter, with Jorge, and José Ignacio 

Elejaga”. Eduardo also has a few other favourite spots around Bilbao: 

“the Marzana Gallery-Space on Marzana quay and its walkway, looking 

down on the greater Bilbao area from Artxanda, the new Iberdrola Tower, 

Isabel Madinabeitia and her auction space or the Museum of Fine Arts, 

with its magnificent collection”. Lastly, he feels that visiting Bilbao is very 

worthwhile “it’ll make you a little happier”. 

19

SAGRADA SAGRADA 

JULIO JULIO URKIJO URKIJO 

CAMINO CAMINO SAN SAN FELICÍSIMO 

FELICÍSIMO 

LDE LDE DEUSTO DEUSTO 

RIBERA 

RIBERA DE DE DEUSTO 

DEUSTO 

LFONSO LFONSO CHURRUCA 

CHURRUCA 

20 

BILBAO ZONES 

Five districts, from the old quarter 

to the newly emerged urban spaces 

around the Guggenheim Museum and 

the river, through the Ensanche district, 

all the way to the city’s highlands. 

ABANDO 

BILBAO “LA VIEJA” 

OLD QUARTER 

GUGGENHEIM 

INDAUTXU 

ENIDA ENIDA ENEKURI ENEKURI 

AVENIDA AVENIDA LEHENDAKARI LEHENDAKARI AGUIRRE AGUIRRE 

MADARIAGA 

MADARIAGA 

AVENIDA AVENIDA 

RAMÓN RAMÓN YY CAJAL CAJAL 

IRUÑA IRUÑA 

GENERAL GENERAL ERASO ERASO 

LUZARRA LUZARRA 

BLAS BLAS DE DE 

BLAS BLAS DE DE OTERO 

OTERO 

OTERO OTERO 

MORGAN 

MORGAN 

LUIS LUIS POWER POWER 

IRUÑA IRUÑA 

JON JON ARROSPIDE 

ARROSPIDE 

RIBERA RIBERA BOTICA 

BOTICA VIEJA VIEJA 

SAN SAN NICOLAS NICOLAS DE DE OLABEAGA 

OLABEAGA 

RAMÓN RAMÓN YY CAJAL CAJAL 

AVENIDA AVENIDA MADARIAGA 

MADARIAGA 

MORGAN MORGAN 

MUELLE MUELLE OLABEAGA 

OLABEAGA 

BLAS BLAS DE DE OTERO OTERO 

RIBERA RIBERA BOTICA BOTICA VIEJA VIEJA 

HERMANOS HERMANOS AGUIRRE AGUIRRE 

AVENI AVENI 

MONTEVIDEO 

MONTEVIDEO 

DE DE 

TUNEL TUNEL LA LA SALVE SALVE -- UGASKO UGASKO 

AVENIDA AVENIDA 

CHURRUCA 

CHURRUCA 

MUELLE MUELLE EVARISTO EVARISTO 

ALAMEDA ALAMEDA URQUIJO URQUIJO 

GURTUBAY 

GURTUBAY 

ABANDOIBARRA 

ABANDOIBARRA 

PS. PS. EDUARDO EDUARDO VICTORIA VICTORIA DE DE LECEA LECEA 

AVENIDA AVENIDA SABINO SABINO ARANA ARANA 

PÉREZ PÉREZ 

PS. PS. JOSÉ JOSÉ ANSELMO ANSELMO CLAVÉ CLAVÉ 

LUIS LUIS BRIÑAS BRIÑAS 

DOCTOR DOCTOR AREILZA AREILZA 

ALAMEDA ALAMEDA 

GRAN GRAN VÍA VÍA DON DON DIEGO DIEGO LOPEZ LOPEZ DE DE HARO HARO 

MARÍA MARÍA DIAZ DIAZ DE DE HARO HARO 

RODRIGUEZ RODRIGUEZ ARIAS ARIAS 

JOSÉ JOSÉ MARÍA MARÍA ESCUZA ESCUZA 

GALDÓS GALDÓS 

LICENCIADO LICENCIADO POZA POZA 

ALAMEDA ALAMEDA URQUIJO URQUIJO 

MARÍA MARÍA DIAZ DIAZ DE DE HARO HARO 

FERROCARRIL 

FERROCARRIL 

AV. AV. DEL DEL 

GENERAL GENERAL EGUíA EGUíA 

ALAMEDA ALAMEDA MAZARREDO 

MAZARREDO 

SIMÓN SIMÓN BOLIVAR BOLIVAR 

ZANKOETA ZANKOETA ZANKOETA 

ZANKOETA 

MUELL MUELL 

BA BA 

JJ 

IPARRAGUIRR 

IPARRAGUIRR 

ELCANO ELCANO 

COLÓN COLÓN 

MAXIMO MAXIMO AA 

MANUE MANUE 

PEREZ PEREZ GAL GAL 

GENE GENE 

AA 

AV AV 

PABL PABL

E CAMPA DE LOS INGLESES 

UIRRE 

LERSUNDI 

RRAINCUA 

AN DE AJURIAGUERRA 

GARCIA RIVERO 

REGORIO DE LA REVILLA 

DÓS 

AL EGUíA 

TONOMÍA 

. DEL FERROCARRIL 

O DE ALZOLA 

HENAO 

LARREATEGUI 

ALLENDE 

HUERTAS DE LA VILLA 

PASEO CAMPO VOLANTIN 

ALAMEDA REKALDE 

HEROS 

IPARRAGUIRRE 

ERCILLA 

LICENCIADO POZA 

ERCILLA RODRIGUEZ ARIAS 

ALAMEDA URQUIJO 

GORDONIZ 

ALAMEDA MAZARREDO 

ERCILLA 

COLÓN LARREATEGUI 

HENAO 

DIPUTACION 

MARQUES DEL PUERTO 

ALAMEDA SAN MAMES 

EGAÑA 

AUTONOMÍA 

LABAYRU 

GENERAL SALAZAR 

TIBOLI 

TRAVESIA TIBOLI 

PASEO URIBITARTE 

IBAÑEZ DE BILBAO 


GRAN VÍA DON DIEGO LOPEZ DE HARO 

ELCANO 


FERNÁNDEZ DEL CAMPO 

ALAM. REKALDE 

GENERAL CONCHA 

LEDESMA 


GARDOQUI 

NZA 

IRALA 

IRALA 

HURTADO DE AMEZAGA 

QUINTANA 

SENDEJA 

NAVARRA 

BRUNO 

BAILEN 

MUELLE DEL ARENAL 

LANAJA 

VDA. DE EPALZA 

LAMANA 

SAN FRANCISCO 

ARENAL 

NUEVA 

TRAV. CONCEPCIÓN 

MAURICIO ZABALA 

HERNANI 

JARDINES 

SANTA MARIA 

RIBERA 

CORTES 

CONCEPCIÓN 

CORREO 

BIDEBARRIETA 

PELOTA 

AGARRE 

PERRO 

BAR. BARRENA 

SOMBRERERI 

LOTERIA 

BARRENKALE 

TORRE 

CARN. VIEJA 

21 

LA CRUZ 

BELOSTIKALE 

TENDERIA 

SOTA 

ARTEKALE 

SOMERA 

RONDA 

MUELLE DE MARZANA 

DONOSTIA 

AVENIDA ASKATASUNA 

RIBERA 

SANTIAGO DE COMPO 

DOCTOR ESPIN 

MARTÍN 

ZABALBIDE SOLOKOETXE 

MINA DE SAN LUIS 

AVENIDA SAN ADR

22 

ABANDO 

Known as the Bilbao city enlargement, 

with the backbone being the main 

street Gran Vía de Don Diego López 

de Haro, from Plaza Circular to Plaza 

Federico Moyúa, Abando is the city’s 

main commercial and financial district. 

Stately buildings stand alongside the 

most avant-garde architecture. Must 

sees: Palacio de la Diputación Foral 

de Bizkaia (Biscay Regional Council 

Building), Plaza de Federico Moyúa, 

Chavarri Building, the art galleries on 

Juan de Ajuriaguerra,... See Routes 

section (Gran Vía). 


A once dilapidated area regenerated 

thanks to support from institutions and 

several gay and citizen collectives, 

now the Bilbao “La Vieja” district is at 

the height of urban and commercial 

regeneration. Must sees: Dos de 

Mayo Street, Bilborock, Reproductions 

Musuem,... See Routes section (Dos de 

Mayo). 

OLD QUARTER 

Bilbao’s Old Quarter (Casco Viejo) is a 

hub of shopping and catering activity, 

with well-established fashion boutiques, 

hotels and guesthouses, bars and 

restaurants, churches and historical 

and architectural treasures, squares 

and museums. Must sees: the Arenal 

riverside area, the Plaza Nueva, the 

Arriaga Theatre, the Santiago Cathedral, 

the Ribera Market,... Substantial gay 

community. See Routes section.

GUGGENHEIM 

All around the Guggenheim Museum, 

along the banks of the river, a new Bilbao 

has emerged, modern and dynamic, 

with art, culture and architecture at 

the forefront. Must sees: Guggenheim 

Museum, Euskalduna Jauregia, Zubi 

Zuri Bridge, Isozaki, Atea, Paseo de 

Uribitarte, Abandoibarra,... See Routes 

section (from City Hall to the Euskalduna 

Bridge). 

INDAUTXU 

The avant-garde Plaza de Indautxu 

gives its name to a stately district full of 

shops and restaurants, where the best 

fashions, accessories, food and drink 

can be found in abundance. Must sees: 

Plaza Indautxu, Alhóndiga Bilbao, Ercilla 

pedestrian area, Osakidetza Building,... 

To facilitate the use of the guidebook, 

we have divided Bilbao into five 

districts, each assigned a different 

colour. 

ABANDO 


CASCO VIEJO (OLD QUARTER) 

GUGGENHEIM 

INDAUTXU 

23 

ARCHI- 

TECTURE 

FASHION DESIGN 

ACCOMMO- 

DATION 

GASTRO- 

NOMY 

MUSEUMS 

GALLERIES 

STAGES 

LIVE 

MUSIC 

NIGHT 

LIFE 

BARS & 

DRINK 

VENUES 

COFFE´S 

LGBT 

SCENE 

BEACHES

ARCHITECTURE 

The opening of the Guggenheim Museum marked a starting 

point for the spectacular transformation undergone 

by the city of Bilbao in recent years. Without the committed 

support of the institutions of Biscay to the building of 

the museum, Bilbao would not have become the city we 

know today. A Bilbao that is an example of urban regeneration 

the world over, as demonstrated by its presence 

at the 2010 Shanghai World Expo and the fact that it 

has been awarded the Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize, 

otherwise dubbed the Nobel prize for cities, by Singapore 

and the Swedish Nobel Academy, commending 

Bilbao as “the best urban regeneration achievement in 

the world”. 

25 

ARCHI- 

TECTURE

26 

ALHÓNDIGA BILBAO 

Alameda Rekalde, 56. Tel.: 944014014 

www.alhondigabilbao.com 

Open from Monday to Sunday, 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. 

Metro: Indautxu. INDAUTXU. 

An old wine warehouse, designed by native Bilbao architect Ricardo 

Bastida and converted at the hands of Philippe Starck into 

an avant-garde cultural and sports centre with a surface space 

of 43,000 square metres: swimming pools, cinemas, auditorium, 

exhibition hall, media library, restaurant, design shops,... A unique 

and innovative urban space, the image of the new Bilbao.

PALACIO DIPUTACIÓN FORAL – COUNCIL BUILDINGS 

Gran Vía, 25. www.bizkaia.net 

Visits: bisitak@bizkaia.net. 

Metro: Moyua. ABANDO. 

Headquarters of the Diputación Foral de Bizkaia (Biscay Regional 

Council). Stately building designed at the turn of the 19th 

century by architect Luis Aladren in a very eclectic style made 

clear by the use of elements from several different historical 

styles, the highlights of which are the special attention given to 

the composition of the façades and the overall ornate appearance. 

Comprises a basement, mezzanine, two storeys, attic and 

roof terrace. 

27 

ARCHI- 

TECTURE

28 

AYUNTAMIENTO DE BILBAO – CITY HALL 

Plaza de Ernesto Erkoreka, 1. www.bilbao.net 

Metro: Casco Viejo. CASCO VIEJO 

Inaugurated in 1892, the building that houses the Bilbao City Council 

was designed by architect Joaquín Rucoba, who also created the Arraiga 

Theatre. Its highlights include the lavishly decorated Baroque façade 

and the busts and statues adorning it (representing illustrious figures of 

Bilbao’s society), and the capital with its crowning clock. When climbing 

the outer steps and entering the building, the first feature to catch the 

eye is the grand central stairway that leads to the most striking part of 

the city hall: the Arabic Room, a large space of unusual beauty where 

the most important public acts are held. City Hall has been extended 

with a modern annexed building.

METRO BILBAO 

The Bilbao subway is one of major works of Sir Norman Foster, 

undoubtedly one of the most innovative and momentous architects 

on the contemporary design panorama. The Metro Bilbao 

underground network was inaugurated on 11 November 1995. 

It links Bilbao with its neighbouring districts on both sides of the 

river. Its eye-catching subway entrances are popularly known as 

“fosteritos”, in honour of their famous designer. 

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30 

DOÑA CASILDA PARK 

INDAUTXU-ABANDOIBARRA. Metro: Indautxu/San Mamés. 

With almost 100 years of history (building began in 1907), the city’s 

largest park was designed in the Romantic style by architect Ricardo 

Bastida and engineer Juan de Eguiraun. Since its opening, it has evolved 

and been renovated but has always preserved the charm granted 

by its majestic duck-filled pond, flanked by traditional wafer sellers, an 

indelible image etched in the memory of every native. In recent years, 

its infrastructures have been extended and it now boasts a classic style 

carousel, a cybernetic fountain, a bandstand (‘La Pérgola’) and the Fine 

Arts Museum café, with its terraced seating, alongside an ice-cream 

stand with pavement seating. The park’s 85,000 square metres are 

home to magnolia and plane trees, flowers such as nyssa sylvatica, 

large-flower magnolias, sophoras, etc. Sculptures: tribute to Tonetti the 

clown, sculpture by Eduardo Chillida, effigy of Casilda de Iturrizar y 

Urquijo, fountain monument by Aureliano Valle.

31 

ABANDOIBARRA 

Metro: Indautxu/San Mamés. 

Abandoibarra is Bilbao’s new leisure and services area. A decaying 

industrial district along the banks of the river Nervión that underwent 

a profound transformation to become one of the city’s bastions, a gathering 

place for locals and tourists alike. The Abandoibarra district is 

home to the Guggenheim Museum designed by Frank O. Gehry, the 

Palacio Euskalduna conference centre and concert hall, designed by 

Federico Soriano, the Zubiarte shopping centre, designed by Robert 

A.M. Stern, the Paseo Uribitarte esplanade, the pedestrian bridge and 

walkway designed by Pedro Arrupe, the expansion of Doña Casilda 

Park, the Meliá Bilbao Hotel, designed by Ricardo Legorreta, the luxury 

homes designed by Luis Peña Ganchegui or the Deusto University Library, 

by Rafael Moneo. In 2011 the tallest building in Bilbao was inaugurated 

in Abandoibarra, the Iberdrola Tower, by Cesar Pelli. 

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32 

ZORROZAURRE 

Metro: Deusto/San Mamés. 

This old industrial district of Bilbao is destined to become the new 

centre of expansion for the city. 2012 is the planned kick-off date 

for the first development phase of this ambitious regeneration 

project, which has been commissioned to the prestigious British 

architect, of Iraqi descent, Zaha Hadid. Born in Bagdad in 1950, 

Hadid is considered the queen of the deconstructivist movement, 

a trend characterised by its global vision encompassing all fields 

of design, from the structure of the building to the furniture decorating 

its interior. Recently in the headlines there has been talk of 

the Zorrozaurre district potentially accommodating a major new 

museum associated to the Prado or the Pompidou.

TORRE DE IBERDROLA 

ABANDOIBARRA 

www.torreiberdrola.es Metro: Moyua. 

What is to become the tallest building in Bilbao, the Iberdrola 

Tower, is currently under construction in Abandoibarra and is to 

house a Business Centre with the conceptual design of architect 

Cesar Pelli. Building began in March 2007 and is scheduled 

for completion in 2011. There will be 50,000 square metres of 

building space comprising 41 storeys and a total height of 165 

metres, watched over by two further residential buildings of 

20,000 square metres. Next to the tower, architect Alvaro Siza 

is building the Assembly Hall of the Basque Country University, 

a four-storey building covering 9,000 square metres, expected 

to open in 2010. 

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34 

LA CONCORDIA TRAIN STATION 

Bailén, 2. Metro: Abando. ABANDO. 

The La Concordia train station, also known as Santander Station, is 

considered to be one of the most genuine pieces of Bilbao’s Belle Époque 

heritage. A modernist building erected in 1902, designed by S. 

Achucarro and V. Gorbeña, it was restored in 2007 and boasts a spectacular 

main façade. It is the main station for the narrow gauge railways 

of railway company FEVE, connecting Bilbao with the different areas of 

the Cantabrian region and the rest of the northern mainland.

35 

EL TIGRE BUILDING 

Ribera de Botica Vieja, 23. Metro: Deusto. DEUSTO. 

Building erected in 1941, designed by architect Pedro Ispizua, at the 

height of Bilbao’s industrial heyday, to house the factory, offices and 

exhibition centre of the company “Correas El Tigre”. In 1942 sculptor 

Joaquín de Lucarini was commissioned to top off the building with a 

concrete sculpture of a tiger, which was completed the following year. 

The sculpture, which is nine metres in length, is situated on the rooftop 

and over the years it has become one of the emblematic symbols of the 

city of Bilbao. Today, having undergone a full renovation, the building 

houses luxury residences. 

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36 

CASA MONTERO 

Residential building, on Alameda de Rekalde, 4. 

Metro: Moyua. ABANDO 

Casa Montero is one of the few remnants of modernist art still 

standing in Bilbao. It was built between 1901 and 1904 and was 

later declared a monument of historical and artistic heritage. It is 

popularly known as the “House of Gaudí” on account of its similarity 

with the works of the famous Catalan artist. Casa Montero is 

the work of architect Luis Aladren, who also designed the Biscay 

Regional Council Building, “La Diputación”.

PALACIO CHAVARRI 

Federico Moyua, 5. Metro: Abando. ABANDO. 

The Chávarri Building is located at the heart of Bilbao’s city enlargement, 

with the main façade on the corner of Plaza Moyúa 

stretching over to Gran Vía and Elcano street. An eclectic edifice 

inspired by neo-flamenco revivalism, it was built for the Chávarri 

family by architect Atanasio de Anduiza, according to a project 

designed by Belgian architect Paul Hankar. Some of its rooms 

were decorated by painter José Echenagusia Errazquin. 

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38 

OSAKIDETZA BUILDING 

Licenciado Poza, 13. Metro: Moyua. INDAUTXU. 

Another example of avant-garde architecture is the 

singularly outstanding building that houses the Basque 

Government’s Health Board offices in Bilbao. According 

to its creator, architect Juan Coll-Barreu, it is 

“a vitalist building that is continually transforming itself 

through reflections, the passing of light and the different 

lustres of Bilbao. It is a healthy-looking, muscular 

building. It is a democratic, transparent, friendly and 

informative structure”. The astounding glazed façade 

leaves no-one indifferent.

PUENTE VIZCAYA - BRIDGE 

Connecting Getxo and Portugalete. For details on visits, contact: 

promocion@puente-colgante.com or call 944801012 

www.puente-colgante.com Metro: Line 1: Areeta. Line 2: Portugalete. 

Popularly known as the Hanging Bridge of Portugalete (“El Puente Colgante”), 

the origins of the bridge date back to the end of the 19th century. It was 

designed for the purposes of linking up the two sides of the mouth of the river 

Ibaizabal without obstructing the passing of boats. The bridge was designed by 

Alberto Palacio y Elissague, also renowned for his participation in the building 

of the Crystal Palace in Madrid’s Retiro Park. French engineer Ferdinand Joseph 

Arnodin was responsible for the construction of the structure and Bilbao 

textile impresario Santos López de Letona was the principal guardian and financier 

of the project. Puente Vizcaya was the first metal-structured transporter 

bridge built in the world. It is located at the mouth of the river Ibaizabal, where 

Bilbao’s navigable estuary flows into the sea. The bridge was inaugurated on 

28 July 1893 and was designed to connect, with its huge iron bodywork, the 

towns of Portugalete and Getxo, one riverbank rocky and steep, the other low 

and sandy. With its construction, communications between these two summer 

seaside resorts were greatly facilitated, without disrupting sailings in and out 

of one of the most active shipbuilding river ports in Europe. In 2006 UNESCO 

pronounced Puente Vizcaya a monument of World Heritage. 

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40 

ZUBI ZURI 

Uribitarte walkway 

Popularly known as the Calatrava Bridge, in honour of the architect 

who designed it, Santiago Calatrava, Zubi Zuri links both banks of 

the river, the Campo de Volantín side with the Uribitarte walkway and 

the new urban district of Abandoibarra. Inaugurated on 30 May 1997, 

almost at the same time as the Guggenheim Museum, its spectacular 

arch-shaped design and glass floor has made it one of Bilbao’s most 

visited tourist attractions.

41 

ISOZAKI 

Uribitarte walkway 

Isozaki Atea is the latest major project completed in Bilbao. A sevenbuilding 

complex designed by Japanese architect Arata Isozkai, with 

the collaboration of Bilbao architect Iñaki Aurrekoetxea, it consists of 

a set of 23-storey twin towers, each 82 metres in height, and five 

annexed buildings. According to its creator, the structure reinterprets 

Rome’s famous Spanish Steps. In between the two glass-clad towers, 

is the Plaza Convivencia (cohabitation square) presided by the sculpture 

“Searching for Light IV” by Eduardo Chillida. 

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42 

CASA DE JUNTAS DE GERNIKA 

Allende Salazar, s/n. GERNIKA-LUMO 

Tel.: 946251138 www.jjggbizkaia.net 

Schedules: From June to October: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 

p.m. – Rest of the year: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.. Open 

every day. Located in Gernkika town centre, well signposted. 

The Gernkika “Casa de Juntas” is built on an elevation with far-reaching 

views of the Gernika-Mundaka river. The first Councils of the Basque 

Lords were held here from the 15th century until the “fuero” charters 

were abolished in 1877. The Casa de Juntas was built between 1826 

and 1833 under architect Antonio Echevarría in the neoclassical style. 

The collection of historical buildings comprises the Jury Box, the Tree 

of Gernika and the Casa de Juntas council building. Echevarría proposed 

to build these in a rectangular, symmetrical, rational shape with 

the church-parliament in the centre and pavilions destined to house 

archives and armouries in the wings (never completed). The churchparliament 

was designed to be elliptical in shape. The Casa de Juntas 

is a key example of neoclassicism in the Basque Country, successfully 

resolving a project entailing two conflicting functions: a church and a 

parliament building.

EUSKALDUNA JAUREGIA. See Stages section. 

MUSEO GUGGENHEIM BILBAO. See Museums section. 

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DESIGN 

The Bilbao of today is one of Europe’s design capitals, 

a metropolis avidly venturing into new trends in contemporary 

furniture. 

45 

DESIGN

46 

TOKYO STORY 

Arbolantxa, 6. Tel.: 944790393 - 656732712. www.tokyostory.biz 

Metro: Abando. ABANDO. Furniture, interior design, furniture rentals, 

antiques... A quirky place.

47 

GLOBAL-BILBAO 

Paseo de Uribitarte, 15. Tel.: 944244477. www.global-bilbao.com 

Metro: Abando/Moyúa. GUGGENHEIM. Contemporary furniture and 

equipment. Exclusive distributors of the top European trademarks. 

DESIGN

48 

BOFFI ESTUDIO 

Muelle la Merced, 4. Tel.: 944156756 

Metro: Casco Viejo. BILBAO LA VIEJA. The latest in kitchens and bathrooms. 

Vouching for design in a district that is in the throes of regeneration.

URBANA 15 

Elkano, 15. Tel.: 944795678 

www.urbana15.com 

Metro: Moyúa. ABANDO. Latest trends in furniture 

and accessories. 800 square meters at the 

heart of Bilbao’s golden mile. 

KARTELL 

Alameda Mazarredo, 77. Tel.: 944232491 

www.kartell.it 

Metro: Moyua. GUGGENHEIM. Sells the Italian 

brand Kartell. Everything to do with designer 

chairs. 

IMATRA 

Viuda de Epalza, 13. Tel.: 944157690. Metro: 

Casco Viejo. CASCO VIEJO. Particular de 

Costa, 12-14. info@imatrabilbao.com. Metro: 

Indautxu. ZABALBURU. 

www.imatrabilbao.com 

Meeting point between art, architecture, design 

and technology. 

MOBILARTE 

Ibáñez de Bilbao, 8. Tel.: 944245044 

www.mobil-arte.com 

Metro: Abando. ABANDO. Over 20 years bringing 

design to Bilbao. 

ATICO 90 

Juan de Ajuriaguerra, 10. Tel.: 944231910 

www.atico90.es 

Metro: Moyua. ABANDO. Interior Design-Decor-Furniture. 

MOSEL 

Gran Vía de Don Diego López de Haro, 53. 

Tel.: 944417835 www.mosel.es 

Metro: Indautxu. INDAUTXU. In Bilbao, Mosel 

is synonymous with design. 

49 

DESIGN

FASHION 

Bilbao, considered to be a city of British influence in its 

way of dress, has also undergone a transformation in its 

relationship with fashion, with an increasingly significant 

presence of new designers and brand names, a blend of 

styles that give Bilbao a touch of colour and modernity, 

a cosmopolitan image of a city that is constantly on the 

move. 

51 

FASHION

52 

PERSUADE 

Villarías, 8. Tel.: 944238864. Metro: Abando. 

ABANDO. Men’s and women’s fashion 

in an exclusive space. An international-scale 

fashion landmark. Styles by the 

top designers: Issey Miyake, Balenciaga 

or Yohji Yamamoto. Also, a home decor 

shop.

MARTITZ 

Telesforo Aranzadi, 1, Bilbao. 

Tel.: 944 702 914 

www.martitz-shop.com 

Metro: Moyua. ABANDO. Men’s and 

women’s fashions. London in the heart 

of Bilbao. Informal yet elegant British fashion. 

53 

FASHION

54 

SKUNKFUNK 

Plaza Nueva, 2. Tel.: 944152 859. Metro: 

Casco Viejo. CASCO VIEJO. Skunkfunk 

outlet. Bailén, 21. Tel.: 944150622. Metro: 

Abando. BILBAO LA VIEJA. www. 

skunfunk.com. 

Guys and girls fashions. One of the world’s 

top emerging young fashion brands is from 

Biscay. SKUNKFUNK designs are sold in 

over 1,000 shops across four continents.

LOREAK MENDIAN 

Máximo Agirre, 23. Tel.: 944273447. Metro: 

Indautxu. INDAUTXU. Plaza Nueva, 

2. Tel.: 944273447. Metro: Casco Viejo. 

CASCO VIEJO. www.loreakmendian. 

com. Guys and girls fashions. A wellknown 

brand of “street” fashion. Created 

15 years ago in San Sebastian, Loreak 

Mendian have 12 shops distributed 

around the Basque Country, Spain, France 

and Australia. 

55 

FASHION

56 

TRAKA BARRAKA 

Dos de Mayo, 3. 

Tel.: 944168358 - 639177485 

Metro: Casco Viejo/Abando. 

BILBAO LA VIEJA 

www.trakabarraka.blogspot.com 

Online sales: trakabarraka@trakabarraka.com. 

Girls fashions. Fun and colourful 

signature designs. Clothes and complements 

with a primitive art touch. Also 

clothes from other brands: La Casita de 

Wendy, Brunet,...

BELAZA GALLERY 

Plaza Arrikibar, 5. Tel.: 944106275 

www. belazagallery.com Metro: Indautxu. 

INDAUTXU. Guys and girls sportswear: 

Lacoste Stealth, Fred Perry, Ben Sherman, 

Adidas Originals, Le Coq Sportif,... 

Exhibits. 

57 

FASHION

58 

CARDENAL 

Banco de España, 1. Tel.: 94 415 75 86. 

www.cardenalbilbao.com 

Metro: Casco Viejo. CASCO VIEJO. 

Men’s fashions. Fred Perry, Ben Sherman, 

Munich, Anthony Morato,...Thousands of 

different looks for the elegant man.

SERIE B 

Lotería, 2. Tel.: 944 155 404 

Metro: Casco Viejo. CASCO VIEJO. Rodríguez 

Arias, 22 (Entrance on Máximo 

Aguirre). Tel.: 94 640 00 81. Metro: Indautxu. 

www.serieb.biz INDAUTXU. 

Young designers, clothes, shoes and accessories. 

For him and her. “Because if 

nobody’s looking at us, we’re invisible”. 

59 

FASHION

ACCOMMODATION 

Hotels from all categories and for all budgets. Excellent 

value for money. In Bilbao one can stay at a five-star 

hotel for just 100 euros. 

61 

ACCOMMO- 

DATION

62 

HOTEL CARLTON***** 

Plaza de Don Federico Moyúa, 2. Tfno.: 944162200. 

www.hotelcarlton.es. Metro: Moyúa. INDAUTXU. 

Classical hotel - 5 stars 

The Carlton Hotel is one of Bilbao’s emblematic 

buildings. Designed by architect Manuel M. de Smith, 

it is located in the central Plaza de Don Federico 

Moyúa and opened its doors in 1926. It has been 

declared a Monument of Architectural, Artistic, Historical 

and Cultural Heritage. Ava Gardner, Federico 

García Lorca, Albert Einstein and Alphonso XIII 

have slept in its rooms. It has a 250-square-metre 

Imperial Suite and its facilities include the restaurant 

Artagan, yet another symbol of high-end Basque 

cuisine. The Carlton housed the headquarters 

of the Basque Government during the Spanish Civil 

War. 

SILKEN GRAN HOTEL DOMINE***** 

Alameda Mazarredo,. Tlfno.: 944253300 

Hotel moderno. www.hoteles-silken.com 

Modern hotel – 5 stars 

The Gran Hotel Domine Bilbao, facing the Guggenheim 

Museum, was inaugurated in July 2002, with 

actress Sofía Loren and mayor of Bilbao Iñaki Azkuna 

cutting the inaugural ribbon. Designed by Javier 

Mariscal, it houses a selection of furniture that represents 

the most emblematic facets of 20th century 

design. The Hotel Domine has been conceived 

not just as a place to stay, but also as a colourful 

micro-cosmos for anyone wishing to drop in for a 

coffee, a drink in the avant-garde Splash & Crash 

bar, or for a meal at the hotel restaurant, Beltz the 

Black.

63 

ACCOMMO- 

DATION

64 

HOTEL MIRO**** 

Alameda Mazarredo, 77. Tfno.: 946611880 

www.mirohotelbilbao.com 

Boutique Hotel - 4 stars 

The Miró Hotel Bilbao is the city’s first boutique hotel. 

Designed by fashion designer Antonio Miró, it 

is located between the Guggenheim and the Fine 

Arts Museum. It is an urban, functional, avant-garde 

hotel. Vogue magazine defined it as “a gathering 

place for lovers of art, music and good company”. It 

houses its own collection of contemporary art. 

HOTEL HESPERIA BILBAO**** 

Paseo Campo de Volantín, 28. Tfno.: 944051100. 

www.hesperia-bilbao.es. Metro: Abando. 

GUGGENHEIM.Modern hotel - 4 stars 

Hotel Hesperia Bilbao is on the banks of the River, 

in a strategic and very well connected location, between 

the Guggenheim Museum and the Old Quarter. 

Opened in 2005, it stands out due to its colourful 

façade and closeness to the Zubi Zuri Walkway, by 

architect Santiago Calatrava and Isozaki Atea, two 

symbols of the new Bilbao.

65 

ACCOMMO- 

DATION

66 

HOTEL PETIT PALACE ARANA*** 

Bidebarrieta, 2. Tfno.: 944156411. www.petitpalacearana.com. 


Modern hotel - 3 stars 

The Petit Palace Arana hotel, which recently underwent 

a complete renovation, is Bilbao’s oldest 

hotel and is located at the entrance to the Old Quarter, 

beside the Arriaga Theatre. The hotel’s characteristic 

building, typical of Basque architectural 

style, houses 64 rooms with balconies contrasting 

with the stone walls and wooden beams of its cosy, 

modernist interior. Since 1850 many celebrities 

have graced its rooms, from both social and artistic 

circles. An anecdote often told is that the Petit Palace 

Arana was the setting for the romance between 

King Baudouin of Belgium and Queen Fabiola before 

they were wed. 

BILBOROOMS 

Víctor, 3. Tfno.: 944793591. www.bilborooms.com 


Charming guesthouse 

Modern and welcoming guesthouse located in the 

heart of Bilbao’s Old Quarter, in an area of great 

historical and cultural interest, and a lively shopping 

scene. It is surrounded by a multitude of tapas bars 

and well-known

67 

ACCOMMO- 

DATION

68 

HOTEL EMBARCADERO**** 

Avenida de Zugazarte, 51 – GETXO 

Tfno.: 944803100 

www.hotelembarcadero.com 

Metro: Areeta. Boutique Hotel - 4 stars 

A stately home built in neo-Basque style in the year 

1900. Rooms with a sea view and a garden where 

you can enjoy an aperitif in one of the most majestic 

enclaves in Biscay. Located in Getxo, with excellent 

transport connections to Bilbao, it has 27 rooms decorated 

with the glamour of the 20s and equipped 

with the technology of the 21st century. Building renovated 

in 2005. 

HOTEL ATALAYA 

Itxaropen, 1 - MUNDAKA 

Telf.: 946177000 

www.hotel-atalaya-mundaka.com 

Small charming hotel. 

Cosy family hotel located in Mundaka, within the Urdaibai 

Nature Reserve, a Mecca for surfers from all 

over the world. A house with a gallery and garden 

built in the early 20th century by architect Marcelino 

Arrupe, father of the superior general of the Jesuits, 

Pedro Arrupe. Deemed by the “Hotels with Charm” 

guidebook published by El País newspaper as “the 

best on Biscayan coast”.

69 

ACCOMMO- 

DATION

70 

HOTEL MELIA BILBAO***** 

Lehendakari Leizaola, 29. Tel.: 944280000 

Modern hotel. 5 stars. www.melia-hotels.com 

Metro: San Mamés. GUGGENHEIM 

Located in the new Abandoibarra district, beside the 

Euskalduna Concert Hall and Conference Centre 

and just a short walk from the Guggenheim Museum, 

the Hotel Melia Bilbao, masterpiece of Mexican 

architect Ricardo Legorreta, is one of the symbolic 

buildings of contemporary Bilbao. On the sixth 

floor, evoking the idea of a huge bathtub, an original 

transparent swimming pool emerges, overhanging 

the façade. Worth a visit just to see its spectacular 

atrium. Its luxurious facilities include restaurant Aizian, 

among the Basque Country’s finest. 

APARTMENT BDA 

Calle San Francisco. 

info@bilbaodesignapartment.com 

www.bilbaodesignapartment.com 

Recently renovated apartment, with shared kitchen 

and living room. Fully equipped with all functional, 

modern amenities. A unique space, more intimate 

than a hotel, stylishly decorated and ideal for 

spending a week or a few days in Bilbao. Designer 

apartments right next to the most lively and creative 

parts of the city.

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ACCOMMO- 

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72 

HOTEL LÓPEZ DE HARO***** 

Orueta Apezpikuaren Kalea, 2-4. 

Telf.: 944235500 

www.hotellopezdeharo.com 

HOTEL HUSA 

SPA JARDINES DE ALBIA**** 

San Vicente, 6. Telf.: 944354140 

hotelhusaspajardinesdealbia.com 

HOTEL BARCELO 

NERVIÓN 3/4/5* 

Paseo Campo de Volantín, 11. 

Telf.: 944454700 

www.barcelonervion.com 

HOTEL BARCELO 

AVENIDA**** 

Avenida Zumalacárregui, 40 

Telf.: 944124300 

www.barcelo.com 

HOTEL BILBAO JARDINES** 

Jardines, 9. Telf.: 944794210 

www.hotelbilbaojardines.com 

PENSIÓN ITURRIENEA 

OSTATUA 

Santa Maria, 14 

Telf.: 944161500 

www.iturrieneaostatua.com

HOTEL EL PUERTO 

Portu, 1 – MUNDAKA 

(Bizkaia) 

Telf.: 946876725 

www.hotelelpuerto.com 

HOTEL HIGH 

TECH TAMARISES*** 

Calle de Bilbao, s/n 

GETXO (Bizkaia) 

www.httamariseshotel.com 

HOTEL HUSA 

BAHIA DE PLENCIA*** 

Calle de Erribera, 29, 

PLENTZIA (Bizkaia). 

Telf.: 946775734 

HOTEL MENDI GOIKOA 

Barrio San Juan 

AXPE-ATXONDO (Bizkaia) 

Telf.: 946820833 

www.mendigoikoa.com 

GRAN HOTEL DURANGO**** 

Carretera de Gasteiz, 2 

DURANGO (Bizkaia) 

Telf.: 94 621 75 80 

www.granhoteldurango.com 

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DATION

74 

Restaurant prices in this guidebook are approximate. Although 

all the restaurants featured are good quality eateries, we use a 

star system to classify the proposals we consider to be of special 

gastronomic interest. 

€ - 20 euros 

€€ Between 20 and 40 euros 

€€€ Between 40 and 60 euros 

€€€€ + 60 euros 

⁎ ⁎ ⁎ Not to be missed 

⁎ ⁎ Excellent 

⁎ High standard

HAUTE CUISINE 

In Bilbao, as in the rest of European capitals, haute cuisine 

is characterised by the use of top quality products, 

exquisite presentation and creative cookery. All of this 

is accompanied with impeccable service and luxurious 

surroundings. One point to highlight is the excellent eateries 

at a number of the city’s hotels, such as the Hotel 

Carlton, Gran Hotel Domine and Hotel Ercilla. 

75 

GASTRO- 

NOMY

76 

ZORTZIKO 

Alameda Mazarredo, 17. Tel.: 944239743 

www.zortziko.es 

Closed Sundays and Mondays. Metro: Abando. ABANDO. €€€€ ⁎ ⁎ ⁎ 

Prestigious chef Daniel Garcia combines traditional Basque gastronomy 

with avant-garde cuisine. Excellent wine list. We recommend dining in 

the wine cellar, reservation necessary. One Michelin star.

ETXANOBE 

Euskalduna Jauregia - Avenida Abandoibarra, 4. Tel.: 944421071 

www.etxanobe.com. Closed Sundays. Metro: San Mamés. 

GUGGENHEIM. €€€€ ⁎ ⁎ ⁎ 

Fernando Canales, chef and proprietor, blends taste, produce, tradition 

and creativity into one sole concept. Located on the third floor of the Palacio 

Euskalduna, the Etxanobe restaurant boasts one Michelin star. 

77 

GASTRO- 

NOMY

78 

GURIA 

Gran Vía de Diego López de Haro, 66. Tel.: 944415780 

www.restauranteguria.com Closed Sunday evenings. 

Metro: Indautxu/San Mamés. ABANDO. €€€€ ⁎ 

For over fifty years, Guria has been synonymous with 

haute cuisine in Bilbao. Cod is the star dish at this highly 

renowned restaurant. Stately English-style premises located 

at the heart of Bilbao’s main street, Gran Vía.

AIZIAN 

Hotel Meliá Bilbao - Lehendakari Leizaola, 29. 

Tel.: 944280039. www.restaurante-aizian.com 

Closed on Sundays. 

Metro: San Mamés. GUGGENHEIM €€€€ ⁎ ⁎ 

The Asua family is an institution in the world of Basque 

cuisine thanks to its long-standing experience in their 

Andra Mari and Aretxondo restaurants in Galdakao. 

Their latest culinary venture is Aizian, the restaurant in 

the Hotel Meliá Bilbao, a modern eatery where young 

chef José Miguel Olazabalaga fuses traditional Basque 

cuisine with his own highly vanguard creativity. One of 

Biscay’s greatest restaurants. 

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ZALLO BARRI 

Juan Calzada, 79 - GERNIKA (Biscay). 

Tel.: +34 94251800. www.zallobarri.com. €€€ 

At this stylish minimalist restaurant, chef Iñigo Ordorica offers a successful 

fusion between signature cuisine and classic Basque recipes, a 

mastery he acquired throughout his broad experience at several prestigious 

restaurants.

GORROTXA 

Alameda de Urquijo, 30. Tel.: 944434937. 

www.gorrotxa.es 

Closed Sundays. Metro: Moyúa. 

INDAUTXU. €€€€ ⁎ 

JOLASTOKI 

Avenida de los Chopos, 21 - GETXO 

(Biscay). Tel.: 944912031 

www.restaurantejolastoki.com 

Closed Sunday evenings, Mondays and 

Tuesday evenings. 

Metro: Aiboa. €€€€ ⁎ 

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SIGNATURE CUISINE 

The future of Basque cuisine can be found slaving over 

the stoves of Biscay’s best restaurants. Names like Martínez 

Alija, Álvaro Garrido or Eneko Atxa are destined to 

take over from the gurus of Basque nouveau cuisine, legendary 

names such as Arzak, Subijana or Berasategi. 

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84 

GUGGENHEIM 

Guggenheim Bilbao Museum - Avenida 

Abandoibarra, 2. Tel.: 944239333 

www.restauranteguggenheim.com 

Closed Sunday evenings, Mondays all day 

and Tuesday evenings. Metro: Moyua. 

GUGGENHEIM €€€€ ⁎ ⁎ ⁎ 

The Guggenheim Bilbao is home to one 

of the best and most innovative gourmet 

teams, directed by Josean Martínez Alija, 

who all the critics agree is set to become 

one of the most reputed chefs on the international 

culinary scene. The combination 

of Martínez Alija’s culinary talents and the 

breathtaking Frank Gehry design, make 

the Guggenheim restaurant something 

unique the world over.

MINA 

Muelle Marzana, s/n. Tel.: 944795938. 

www.restaurantemina.es 

Closed on Sundays and Monday and 

Tuesday evenings. Metro: Casco Viejo. 

BILBAO LA VIEJA €€€ ⁎ ⁎ 

If you go to Mina, get ready to be surprised. 

Get ready for a unique menu and an 

endless array of flavours. Radical yet coherent. 

Young head chef Álvaro Garrido 

has made his restaurant a gastronomic 

landmark of the highest standard. 

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86 

AZURMENDI 

Barrio Legina, s/n - LARRABETZU (Biscay). 

Tel.: 944558866 www.azurmendi.biz 

Closed evenings Monday through Thursday €€€ ⁎ ⁎ ⁎ 

From the kitchens of the Azurmendi, Eneko Atxa has made 

a leading name for himself on the gastronomy scene. After 

obtaining the Michelin star for Azurmendi, he has embarked 

on new adventures in the kitchens of two other great restaurants: 

Kalaka in Bilbao (Lersundi, 3. Tel.: 944235695), and 

Villa Magna By Eneko Atxa, in Madrid.

GAMINIZ 

Ibaizabal, 212 - ZAMUDIO Technology Park (Biscay) 

Tel.: 944317025. 

www.gaminiz.com 

Closed all day Sunday and evenings Monday through 

Thursday. €€€ ⁎ ⁎ 

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ARBOLAGAÑA 

Museo de Bellas Artes - Plaza del Museo, 

s/n. Tel.: 944424657. Closed on Mondays 

and Sunday evenings. Metro: Indautxu. 

GUGGENHEIM €€€ ⁎ 

YANDIOLA 

Alhóndiga Bilbao - Alameda Rekalde, 

27. Tel.: 944133636. www.yandiola.com. 

Metro: Indautxu. INDAUTXU €€€ ⁎ 

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MARKET CUISINE 

Restaurants offering fresh seasonal products, guaranteed 

quality traditional cuisine, without turning their 

backs on innovation. 

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92 

GURE KIDE 

Particular de Estraunza 4-6. 

Tel.: 944421129-944415004 www.gurekide.net 


Metro: Indautxu. INDAUTXU. €€€€ ⁎ 

A classic of Bilbao gastronomy, formerly by the name of 

Goizeko Kabi, Gure Kide strikes an ideal balance between 

traditional Basque dishes and more progressive 

proposals. Its creations, all based on age-old Biscayan 

recipes, always have a touch of modernity. Excellent 

service.

LOROÑO 

Alameda Recalde, 53. Tel.: 944211183. 

Metro: Indautxu. INDAUTXU. €€ 

Traditional cuisine in a smart and modern 

eatery, owned by journalist Josu Loroño. 

Excellent soups and stews. One of the 

best traditional restaurants in Bilbao. 

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94 

ETXEBARRI 

Plaza San Juan, 1 - AXPE-ATXONDO 

(Biscay). Tel.: 946583042 

www.asadoretxebarri.com 

Closed on Mondays. 

One Michelin Star for the best basque brasserie. 

Evening meals on Saturdays only. €€€€ ⁎ ⁎ ⁎ 

LAR 

Amistad 3. Tel.: 944244802 

www.restaurantelar.com 

Closed on Sundays. Metro: Abando. ABANDO. 

€€€ 

EGILUZ 

Perro, 4. Tel.: 944150242. Closed on Wednesdays. 


€€ 

VIEJO ZORTZI 

Licenciado Poza, 54. Tel.: 944419249 

www.viejozortzi.com 

Closed on Sundays. Metro: San Mamés. 

INDAUTXU. €€€ ⁎

PORRUE 


Metro: Moyua. GUGGENHEIM. €€€ 

BOROA 

Barrio Boroa - Caserío Garai, 11 

AMOREBIETA-ETXANO (Biscay) 

Tel.: 946734747. www.boroa.com 

Closed on Sunday nights. €€€ ⁎ ⁎ 

EL PUERTO-ZABALA 

Aretxondo, 20. Puerto Viejo Algorta 

GETXO (Biscay). Tel.: 944912166 

www.elpuerto-zabala.com 

Metro: Algorta. €€€ 

ENEPERI 

Barrio de San Pelaio, 80 

BAKIO (Biscay). Tel.: 946194065 

www.eneperi.com 

€€€ 

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EATERIES WITH CHARM 

Singular eateries, from the traditional Basque country 

house to the smallest six-table café, from the avant-garde 

New York style restaurant to the French style bistro. And 

without neglecting the most important thing, the food. 

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98 

PERRO CHICO 

Arechaga, 2. Tel.: Tel.: 94 415 05 19. Closed on Sundays and Monday 

lunchtime. Metro: Casco Viejo. BILBAO LA VIEJA. €€€ ⁎ 

One of the most charming restaurants in Bilbao. Celebrities from the 

world of cinema and culture have graced its tables with their presence, 

from Brad Pitt to Oliver Stone or Frank O. Ghery. Located in an old art 

gallery, Perro Chico serves truly excellent cuisine. Highly recommendable 

for an evening meal.

99 

ATEA 

Paseo de Uribitarte, 4. Tel.: 944005869. www.atearestaurante.com. 

Closed on Sundays. Metro: Abando. GUGGENHEIM. €€ ⁎ 

Bilbao’s most fashionable restaurant. A new gastronomic concept that 

indulges every detail, offering creative dishes and an extended wine list 

at affordable prices. Excellent service. Takeaway option also available. 

GASTRO- 

NOMY

100 

ANDRA MARI 

Barrio de Elexalde, 22 - GALDAKAO (Bizkaia). Tel.: 944560005 

www.andra-mari.com Closed on Mondays. €€€€ ⁎ ⁎ 

Since 1964 Andra Mari restaurant has been serving cuisine inspired 

by the best traditional Biscayan recipes, it is a classic of Basque 

gastronomy. Located in the town of Galdakao, in a traditional Basque 

country house, it offers an exquisite menu cleverly combining tradition 

with innovation, making it a place of pilgrimage for avid foodies. 

One Michelin star.

101 

ORIOL 

Hotel NH Palacio Oriol - Avenida Cristóbal Murrieta, 27. SANTURTZI 

(Biscay). Tel.: 34.94.4934100. 

www.nh-hoteles.es/nh/es/hoteles/espana/santurce-bilbao/nh-palacio-de-oriol.html 

Closed on Mondays and Sunday evenings. Metro: Santurtzi. €€ 

Under the guidance of Víctor Gómez, head chef at La Pérgola in the 

NH Villa de Bilbao Hotel, chef Iñaki Ruiz and his young team cook 

up innovative market cuisine based on the traditional flavours of the 

best Basque gastronomy. 

GASTRO- 

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102

KIKARA 

Iparraguirre, 23. Tel.: 944236840 

www.kikara.com. Closed on Sundays. 

A space designed for a modern diner 

whose interests go beyond the purely 

culinary. Metro: Moyua. GUGGENHEIM. 

€€€ 

CASA RUFO 

Hurtado de Amezaga, 5. Tel.: 944432172. 

Closed on Sundays. Metro: Abando. 

ZABALBURU – Located inside a grocery 

shop. €€€ ⁎ 

LA ALDEA 

Doctores Carmelo Gil, 12. Tel.: 944211028. 

Reservation necessary. Metro: Indautxu. 

ZABALBURU. €€ 

BORNE 

General Castillo, 3. Tel.: 679623741. 

Metro: Casco Viejo/Abando. 

BILBAO LA VIEJA.€ 

Located beside Dos de Mayo street, this 

is a small and charming venue frequented 

by a young crowd in search of elaborate 

vegetarian dishes. Friendly service. Perfect 

for a romantic dinner. 

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TASTES OF THE WORLD 

Biscay is not just about Basque cuisine. You can also 

find several prime examples of the best international 

cuisine, proof of the multicultural nature of Bilbao, a city 

wide open to the world. 

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106 

À TABLE 

Dos de Mayo, 18. Tel.: 944 154 766 

www.restauranteatable.com 

Booking required. Metro: Casco Viejo. 

BILBAO LA VIEJA. €€ 

French cuisine at a restaurant located right at the heart of 

Bilbao’s Soho, on Dos de Mayo street. Goose liver mousse 

with Armagnac, duck magret stuffed with foie, confit of duck 

leg and gratin dauphinois,... are just some of the dishes served, 

offering a different interpretation of traditional French 

cuisine. Every first and last Thursday of the month features 

“dinner in the dark”, booking required. 

BASCOOK 

Barroeta Aldamar, 8 

www.elizegiaitor.wordpress.com 

Metro: Abando. ABANDO. €€ 

A new culinary concept in Bilbao city centre, in what used to 

be an old coal and salt warehouse. Well-renowned

à table 

bascook 

lla argentina garufa 

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108 

MILAGROS 

Carretera de Barrika a Sopelana, 1 - 

BARRIKA (Bizkaia). 

Tel.: 946770235. €€ 

Privileged location, very close to the 

sea. Excellent Mexican and Asian 

cuisine in a singular location. Booking 

required at weekends. Young crowd. 

Also bar/nightclub. Terrace service in 

summer.

EIN PROST 

Plaza del Ensanche 7. Tel.: 944241311 

Open every day. Metro: Moyua. 

www.thate.com. ABANDO. German 

cuisine. Also sausages and mixed cold 

meats. (La Moderna. Colón de Larreategi, 

20). €€ 

INDIAN-GANDHI 

Amistad, 6. Tel.: 944233934. Metro: 

Abando. ABANDO. Indian cuisine. € 

MAO 

Ibáñez de Bilbao, 11. Tel.: 944236818. 

www.restaurantemao.com 

Metro: Abando. ABANDO. Modern Asian 

cuisine. Open every day. €€ 

DE BOCA MADRE 

Manuel Allende, 5. Tel.: 9441035 52. 

ww.debocamadre.com 

Metro: Indautxu. INDAUTXU. Mexican 

cuisine. Closed on Mondays and Sunday 

evenings. €€ 

PASSERELLA 

Alameda Urquijo, 30. Telf.: 944440346. 

www.restaurantepasserella.com. 

INDAUTXU. Primer restaurante italiano 

de Bilbao. No cierra. €€ 

PARRILLA ARGENTINA GARUFA 

Alameda Urquijo, 30. Tel.: 944440346 

www.restaurantepasserella.com 

Metro: Indautxu. INDAUTXU. Bilbao’s top 

Italian restaurant. Open every day. €€ 

AJI COLORADO 

Barrenkale, 5. Tel.: 944152209 


Peruvian cuisine. € 

109 

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110

“MENU DEL DÍA” 

SET LUNCH MENU 

For a more modest dining option, some restaurants offer 

highly recommendable set lunch menus on weekdays. 

Diners can select two courses plus dessert from a set 

menu for just a little over 10 euros. 

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112 

LASA 

Diputación, 3. Tel.: 944240103 

www.restaurantelasa.net 

Closed on Sundays. Metro: Moyúa. ABANDO. €€ 

Located in Bilbao city centre, Lasa offers one of 

the best set lunch menus. For an economical price, 

from Monday to Saturday at lunchtime, diners can 

choose from a range of homemade meals and dessert. 

A-la-carte option also available.

KASKO 

Santa María, 16 . Tel.: 944160311 

www.restaurantekasko.com 

Metro: Casco Viejo. CASCO VIEJO. €€ 

In the Old Quarter, el Kasko stands out from among 

the other restaurants in the area due to its more 

creative dishes. Set menu price higher on weekends. 

Also open for evening meals. 

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114 

SUA 

Marqués del Puerto, 4. Tel.: 944232292 

www.sua.es. Closed Monday evenings. Metro: 

Moyúa. ABANDO. €€ 

An exquisite venue for one of Bilbao’s most innovative 

kitchens. The set menu, available Monday 

to Friday, allows diners to choose between a-lacarte 

dishes for 16 euros, excluding beverage. At 

weekends, a-la-carte only. City centre.

GARIBOLO 

Fernández del Campo, 7. Tel.: 944 22 

3255. Metro: Abando. ZABALBURU. A 

charming restaurant offering excellent 

vegetarian food. €€ 

OLD SHANGHAI 

Ledesma, 10. Tel.: 946005991-946005992. 

Open every day. Metro: Abando. ABANDO. 

Excellent Asian cuisine. €€ 

AMBIGÚ 

San Vicente, 5. Tel.: 944242343. Closed 

on Sundays, evenings Monday through 

Thursday and Saturday lunchtime. 

www.ambigubilbao.com 

Metro: Abando. ABANDO 

Creative cuisine. €€ 

ROTTERDAM 

Perro, 6. Tel.: 944162165. Metro: Casco 

Viejo. CASCO VIEJO. Traditional Basque 

cuisine. €€ 

SAIBIGAIN 

Barrenkale Barrena, 16. Tel.: 944150123 


www.saibigain.com. 


Traditional home-style cooking. €€ 

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BAR FOOD 

In Bilbao, like in the rest of Biscay, it’s possible to eat 

superbly well without ever having to sit down at a table. 

There is a strong tradition of going out for tapas, locally 

known as “pintxos”, mini portions capable of tantalising 

even the most demanding of palettes. Traditional “pintxos” 

are mixed with other more innovative creations, 

authentic “miniature haute cuisine”. And excellent wines 

to go along with them. 

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BITOQUE 

Rodriguez Arias, 32. Tel.:944418830 

www.bitoque.es Metro: Indautxu. INDAUTXU. 

Alameda Mazarredo, 6 Tel.: 944236545. 

Metro: Abando. ABANDO. 

Winner of the 2009 Best Bar Award. 

Also a restaurant serving creative cuisine.

XUKELA 

Calle del Perro, 2. Tel.: 944159772 

www.xukela.com 


Sausages and mixed cold meats, pâtés, smoked 

meats, salads and cheese in an attractive, busy 

venue. Excellent vermouth. 

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120 

LA VIÑA DEL ENSANCHE 

Diputación. 10. Tel.: 944155615 

www.lavinadelensanche.com 

Metro: Abando. ABANDO. One of Bilbao’s emblematic bars. 

Excellent mixed cold meats. Also delicatessen.

GURE TOKI 

Plaza Nueva 12. Tel.: 944158037 

Metro: Casco Viejo. CASCO 

VIEJO. Amazing “pintxo” tapas 

bar. 

IZARO 

Alameda Urquijo, 66. 

Tel.: 944411048 www.barizaro. 

com 

Metro: Indautxu. Winners of the 

2009 state-wide Spanish omelette 

competition. 

GATZ 

Santa Maria, 10. Tel.: 

944154861. Metro: Casco Viejo. 

CASCO VIEJO. Famous for its 

black pudding omelette and its 

cod “pintxos”. 

IRRINTZI 

Santa María, 8. Tel.: 944167616 

www.irrintzi.es 


VIEJO. Pintxos & Friends. 

EME 

General Concha, 5. Tel.: 

944434298. www.baremebilbao.com 

Metro: Moyua. INDAUTXU. Legendary 

“triángulos” (half sandwiches), 

one of Bilbao’s culinary 

delights. 

EL MUSEO DEL VINO 

Ledesma, 10. Tel.: 944247216. 

Metro: Abando. ABANDO. A 

special venue in central Bilbao. 

The best wine list in the 

city. Sausages and mixed cold 

meats, cod and veal cutlets. And 

to drink?... just wine! 

121 

VICTOR MONTES 

Plaza Nueva, 8. 

Tel.: 944157067 

www.victormontesbilbao.com 

Metro: Casco Viejo. 

CASCO VIEJO. 

Also a restaurant and delicatessen 

(La Alacena de Víctor 

Montes). 

EL GLOBO 

Diputación, 8. Tel.: 944154221 

www.barelglobo.com 

Metro: Moyua. ABANDO. 

Elaborate “Pintxos” (tapas). 

ESTORIL 

Plaza Campuzano, 3. 

Tel.: 944411033. Metro: Indautxu. 

INDAUTXU. El mejor vermouth 

de Bilbao. Exquisite “pintxos” 

(tapas). 

BERTON 

Jardines, 11. Tel.: 944167035 


VIEJO. Smoke-free zone. Much 

frequented. Restaurant. 

TXIRIBOGA 

Santa María, 13. Tel.: 944 157 

874 

Metro: Casco Viejo. Famous for 

its croquettes, calamari and club 

sandwiches. 

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122

MUSEUMS 

The Guggenheim Museum and the excellent permanent 

collection at the city’s Museum of Fine Arts have placed 

Bilbao firmly on the world art map. 

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MUSEUMS

124 

MUSEO GUGGENHEIM BILBAO 

Avenida Abandoibarra, 2. 

Tel.: 9443590 00 

www.guggenheim-bilbao.es 

Closed on Mondays. Metro: Moyúa. GUGGENHEIM 

The Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, designed by US architect 

Frank O. Gehry is a magnificent example of the 

most avant-garde architecture of the late 20th century. 

Opened on 19 October 1997, the building has become 

a symbol of the new Bilbao and the driving force behind 

a city in constant transformation. Art and architecture 

come together to offer the best museum experience. 

Outstanding sculptures by Richard Serra. World-renowned 

restaurant. Gift shop and café 

MUSEO DE BELLAS ARTES 

(FINE ARTS MUSEUM). 

Plaza del Museo, 2. 

Tel.:944396060 

www.museobilbao.com 

Closed on Mondays. Metro: Indautxu. GUGGENHEIM 

Museum founded in 1908, designed by F. Urrutia and 

E. Segurola. The Bilbao Fine Arts Museum collection 

comprises over eight thousand pieces, including paintings, 

sculptures, works on paper and applied arts, 

an outstanding heritage that comprises a chronology 

from the 12th century to the present day. The collection 

conserves relevant objects of ancient, modern and 

contemporary art, with a special interest for Spanish 

and Flamenco painting, alongside a healthy selection 

of Basque artists. Classical film series are screened at 

the Film Archive. Excellent restaurant (Arbolantxa). Gift 

shop and café.

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MUSEOS 

MUSEUMS

126 

EUSKAL MUSEOA-MUSEO VASCO 

Plaza de Miguel de Unamuno, 4. Tel.: 944155423. 

www.euskal-museo.org. Closed on Mondays and public 

holidays. Metro: Casco Viejo CASCO VIEJO 

Nestled in a Baroque style building, the Basque Museum 

shows the historical and cultural evolution of the 

Basque people from their prehistoric origins. This initiative 

of the Biscay Regional Council and the Bilbao 

City Council has been around since 1921. It is currently 

undergoing renovations. 

BISCAY ARCHAEOLOGY MUSEUM 

Calzadas de Mallona, s/n. arkeologimuseoa@bizkaia. 

net. www.bizkaia.net. Metro: Casco Viejo. CASCO 

VIEJO. A five-storey building covering 3,000 square 

metres, located facing the Basque Museum. 

MARITIME MUSEUM 

Muelle de Ramón de la Sota, 1. Tel.: 902131000. www. 

muesomaritimobilbao.com. Closed on Mondays, Tuesdays 

and Wednesdays. Metro: San Mamés. GUGG- 

ENHEIM. Museum designed to display the maritime 

heritage connected with the River of Bilbao and its 

surroundings. 

ATHLETIC CLUB MUSEUM 

San Mamés Football Stadium. Felipe Serrate, s/n. (Doors 

26-27 to the Main Stands). Tel.: 944411445. www. 

athletic-club.net. Metro: San Mamés. INDAUTXU. Trophy 

Room and Exhibition Hall of the Athletic Football 

Club of Bilbao, the city’s star football team. Its main 

symbol of identity is that the team is formed exclusively 

with Basque players. Despite this, Athletic is, alongside 

Real Madrid and Barcelona, the only club that has 

always stayed in the premier league. Considered by 

the French sports newspaper L´Equipe to be: “a unique 

case in the history of football”.

DIOCESAN MUSEUM 

OF SACRED ART 

Plaza de la Encarnación, 9B 

Telf.: 944 320125 

www.eleizmuseoa.com 

Closed on Mondays. CASCO VIEJO 

GERNIKA PEACE MUSEUM 

Foru Plaza,1 – Gernika-Lumo 


Telf.: 946270213 

www.museodelapaz.org 

The Gernika Peace Museum is a themed museum dedicated 

to the culture of peace. Inspired by the tragic 

bombing of Gernika on 26 April 1937. 

EUSKAL HERRIA MUSEUM 

Palacio Alegria. Allendesalazar, 5 

Gernika-Lumo (Bizkaia) 

Telf.: 946255451 

www.bizkaia.net/euskalherriamuseoa/ 

The purpose of the Euskal Herria Museum is to help 

capture the historical, political and cultural significance 

its surroundings and also to portray the characteristics 

of the Basque people. 

FISHERIES MUSEUM 

Torre Ercilla – Bermeo (Bizkaia) 

Telf.: 946881171 

Closed on Mondays. Museum exclusively dedicated to 

showing visitors the sphere of activity, livelihood and 

work of the “arrantzaleak” or Basque fishermen. 

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MUSEUMS

128

GALLERIES 

Though numerous art galleries can be found dotted 

around every corner of the city, it is on Juan Ajuriaguerra 

street, beside the Guggenheim Museum, where Bilbao’s 

most important art venues can be found. 

129 

GALLERIES

130 

BILBAO ARTE 

Urazurrutia, 32. Tel.: 944155097 

www.bilbaoarte.org 

Closed Mondays, Saturday afternoons and public 

holidays. Metro: Casco Viejo. 


In addition to its Exhibition Room, Bilbao Arte is 

a centre of artistic production, run by the Bilbao 

City Council, with the sponsorship of the Biscay 

Regional Council. It provides young creators 

with the resources and infrastructures necessary 

to develop their own artistic proposals: rental 

spaces, printing and serigraphy workshops, digital 

imaging, sculpture, photography, film studio, 

documentation centre and projection rooms.

SALA REKALDE 


www.bizkaia.net/salarekalde 

Metro: Moyúa. GUGGENHEIM 

The Rekalde Room is a space for exploring the 

knowledge, reception and dissemination of the 

different contemporary arts. Funded and run by 

the Biscay Regional Council. 

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GALLERIES

132 

VANGUARDIA 

Alameda Mazarredo, 19. 

Tel.: 944237691-646 464 995 

www.galeriavanguardia.com 

Closed Saturdays and public holidays. 

Metro: Moyúa. GUGGENHEIM 

Contemporary art since 1984. Since it opened, 

it has focused its attention on the dissemination 

and commercialisation of the latest contemporary 

art and trends. 

ESPACIO MARZANA 

Muelle Marzana, 5. 

Tel.: 944167580- 653724940 

www.espaciomarzana.net 

Closed Saturdays and public holidays. Metro: 

Casco Viejo. BILBAO LA VIEJA. Espacio Marzana 

focuses its programming on promoting new 

and emerging artistic proposals, without overlooking 

consolidated artists. 

EPELDE Y MARDARAS 

Jardines, 10 - 3º izquierda. 

Tel.: 656701729-944153998 

www.epelde-mardaras.com 

Metro: Casco Viejo. CASCO VIEJO. Gallery located 

in stately rooms in the Biblao old quarter. 

First Basque art gallery to open an online art 

store.

WINDSOR KULTURGINTZA 


www.windsorkulturgintza.com 

Metro: Moyúa. ABANDO. Exhibitions of contemporary 

Basque art. 

SALAS DE EXPOSICIONES BBK 

Calle Elkano, 20. Tel.: 944015628 

Metro: Moyúa. ABANDO. Gran Vía, 32. 

Tel.: 944017494. www.bbk.es 

Metro: Moyúa. ABANDO 

AMASTE 


www.amaste.com 


Moyúa. ABANDO. Contemporary art. 

PHOTO GALLERY 20 

Juan de Ajuriaguerra, 20. Tel.: 944236072. 

Closed Sundays. Saturdays, booking required. 

www.photogallery20.es 


Moyúa. ABANDO. Art gallery specialised in exhibiting 

photography collections. 

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GALLERIES

134

STAGES 

Bilbao is a highly attractive destination for all performing 

arts lovers. Some of the top performers from the international 

scene have graced its stages, from leading opera 

singers to big names in music and theatre. 

135 

STAGES

136 

ARRIAGA THEATRE 

Plaza del Arriaga, s/n. 

Telf.: 944 79 20 36 - 944 16 35 33 

www.teatroarriaga.com 

CASCO VIEJO 

On 31 May 1890, at 8 p.m. the curtain came 

up on the inaugural performance at the Arriaga 

Theatre. Since then, it has hosted performances 

by the most important artists and companies on 

the international stage. An impressive building, 

designed by Joaquín de Rucoba, it is the pride 

and joy of Bilbao. Latest renovations: 1986.

ARTERIA TEATRO CAMPOS ELÍSEO 

Bertendona, 5 

info@arteria.com 

www.arteria.com 


Built between 1901 and 1902, designed by architects 

A. Acebal and J.B. Darroguy, the Campos 

Theatre is one of the rare examples of modernist 

architecture in the Basque Country and 

it is classified as a Monument of Cultural Heritage. 

Impressive façade. Reopened in 2010 after 

a complete overhaul, it offers a varied range of 

entertainment and also houses a café and restaurant. 

137 

STAGES

138 

EUSKALDUNA JAUREGIA 

Avenida Abandoibarra, 4. 

Tel.: 944035000 

www.euskalduna.net 

Metro: San Mamés. GUGGENHEIM 

Inaugurated on 19 February 1999, designed by architects F. Soriano 

and D. Palacios, the Euskalduna Concert Hall and Conference Centre 

is a singular building, one of the flagships of the new 21st century 

Bilbao. Its main hall hosts a regular international opera season, 

as well as dance, music and theatre stage performances. Top class 

celebrities from the world of musical theatre, singer-songwriters like 

Sting, Lou Reed, Norah Jones or Rufus Wainwright. The Euskalduna 

has received the Apex Award for the World’s Best Congress Centre.

SOCIEDAD FILARMÓNICA 

Marqués del Puerto, 2. Telf.: 944232621 

www.filarmonica.org Metro: Moyúa. ABANDO. 

The Bilbao Philharmonic Society was founded 

in 1896. Some of the most important musicians 

of the 20th century have performed in its auditorium, 

which boasts a great beauty as well as 

impressive acoustics. 

SALA BBK 

Gran Vía, 19-21. www.bbk.es. 


A space for urban, modern, open-minded culture. 

Billings managed by the Arriaga Theatre. 

Seats 430. Funded by the financial entity, BBK. 

LA FUNDICIÓN 

Francisco Maciá, 1. Telf.: 944753327 

www.lafundicion.org Metro: Deusto. DEUSTO. 

La Fundición is Bilbao’s major alternative venue. 

An essential window for new trends. 

BASAURI SOCIAL ANTZOKIA 

Nagusia, 2 - BASAURI (Bizkaia). 

Telf.: 944666390 - 944666393 

www.socialantzokia.com. Metro: Etxebarri. 

Regular theatre, dance, music and cinema billings. 

TEATRO BARAKALDO 

Juan Sebastián Elcano, 4 

BARAKALDO (Biscay). Telf.: 944780600 

www.teatrobarkaldo.com Metro: Barakaldo. 

Venue specialised in contemporary theatre. Flamenco 

season. 

139 

STAGES

140

LIVE MUSIC 

As in the all major European cities, Bilbao is home to 

many small concert venues, providing a complementary 

alternative to the mega-concerts held in the major auditoriums. 

141 

LIVE 

MUSIC

142 

KAFE ANTZOKIA 

San Vicente, 2. Tel.: 944244625 

www.kafeantzokia.com 


A gathering place for the Basque-speaking community 

in Biscay. Old cinema converted into gig 

venue, bar and nightclub. Lunches served in the 

daytime. Located in Bilbao city centre, beside 

Plaza Jardines de Albia. 

SANTANA 27 

Santana, 27. Tel.: 944598617 - 690 237 569 

www.santana27.com www.fever.es 

Metro: Bolueta. BOLUETA 

Santana 27 is a multidisciplinary venue that 

offers rock, pop, heavy metal, reggae, Latin and 

hip-hop gigs, etc. It is also home to the disco club 

Fever, a restaurant, café, dance academy...

143 

LIVE 

MUSIC

144 

AZKENA 

Ibáñez de Bilbao, 26. Tel.: 944154551 

www.azkena.com 


Varied line-up from metal to electronic, from 

American rock to Spanish hip-hop, and of course 

Basque rock too.

BILBOROCK 

Muelle Merced, 1. Tel.: 4151306 

www.bilbao.net/bilborock 

Metro: Casco Viejo. BILBAO LA VIEJA 

Old church converted into gig venue. 

BILBAINA JAZZ CLUB 

Navarra,1. Tel.: 944235158 

www.bilbainajazzclub.com 


The temple of jazz in Bilbao. Thursdays at 10 

p.m. 

ROCK STAR LIVE 

Polígono Megapark - BARAKALDO (Biscay). 

Tel.: 944459295 www.salarockstar.com 

Metro: Ansio. 

Varied line-up. There is second gig venue under 

the same name located at Gran Vía, 89. 

PLATERUENA 

Landako Etorbidea, 4 A - DURANGO (Biscay). 

Tel.: 946 030 300 - 946 030 100 

www.plateruena.net 

Landmark venue for contemporary Basque music. 

ONDARROAKO KAFE ANTZOKIA 

Iparragirre, 10 behea - ONDARROA (Biscay). 

Tel.: 946834141 

www.kafeantzokia.com 

145 

LIVE 

MUSIC

146

NIGHTLIFE 

147 

In recent years, nightlife in Bilbao has come to reflect the 

dynamism that is infused into all aspects of the city. NIGHT 

LIFE

148

LE CLUB 

Muelle Marzana, 4. 

Tel.: 944167111 

www.leclub.es 



On the banks of the river, facing the 

La Ribera market. Great music at 

this three-storey venue. Each floor 

of the venue showcases a different 

music style: the first floor is for rock 

and 80s pop music, the second floor 

is for both local and international 

house music, and the attic is for hanging 

out and relaxing to some excellent 

chill-out and chillhouse sounds. 

Fridays and Saturdays till 5.50 a.m. 

Sunday mornings from 11.30 a.m. 

149 

NIGHT 

LIFE

150 

THE IMAGE CLUB 

Sabino Arana, 56 - BERANGO (Biscay). 

Tel.: 946682866 

www.theimageclub.com 

Metro: Berango. 

OTXOA PUB 

Heros, 9. Tel.: 944241848 

Metro: Moyúa. ABANDO. From Monday to Sunday, 

from 7 p.m. to 3 a.m. The proprietor of this 

well-known venue is José Antonio Nielfa “La 

Otxoa”, gay icon of Bilbao. 

CONGRESO CLUB 

Uribitarte, 8 bajo. Tel.: 944247382 

www.congresoclub.com Metro: Abando. 

ABANDO. Weekend House and Tech-House 

sessions. From 1 a.m. Admission free till 2 a.m. 

CONJUNTO VACIO 

Muelle de la Merced, 4. Tel.: 944 158 338 

www.conjuntovacio.net 


From midnight to 4 a.m. Saturday mornings and 

public holidays, from 8 a.m. to noon.

COTTON CLUB 

Alameda Gregorio de la Revilla, 25. 

Tel.: 944104951 Metro: Indautxu. INDAUTXU. 

Also a gig venue. Monday to Thursday from 4.30 

p.m. to 3 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays from 6.30 

p.m. to 6 a.m. 

EL BALCÓN DE LA LOLA 

Bailén, 10. Tel.: 946086720. BILBAO LA VIEJA. 

Fridays and Saturdays from midnight to 5 a.m. 

Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Metro: Abando. 

Also a gig venue. 

BULLIT GROOVE CLUB 

Dos de mayo, 3. Tel.: 944163036 

www.bullitgrooveclub.com 

Metro: Casco Viejo/Abando. BILBAO LA VIEJA. 

Very 70s aesthetic and decor. A landmark club. 

CAOS CLUB 

Simón Bolivar, 10. 

Tel.: 944103878 

www.myspace.com/caos_club 

Metro: Indautxu. INDAUTXU 

Electro-house, Electronic jazz, Minimal-house,... 

Well-known resident DJs. Thursdays, Fridays 

and Saturdays, till 4 a.m. 

151 

NIGHT 

LIFE

152

BARS & DRINKS VENUES 

Sipping a gin and tonic or martini in a designer bar or on 

a sun-kissed terrace by the sea need not be a merely 

fanciful notion 

153 

BARS & 

DRINK 

VENUES

154 

MARZANA 16 

Marzana, 16. Tel.: 944150137 


All the charm of an old tavern, located beside 

restaurant El Perro Chico. Cosy lounge perfect 

for a chat, a game of chess or a tasty salad 

or sandwich. Excellent view of the river. 

Young, casual crowd.

SPLASH & CRASH 

Hotel Domine - Alameda Mazarredo, 61. 

Tel.: 944253300. www.hoteles-silken.com 

Metro: Moyúa. GUGGENHEIM. The Gran 

Hotel Domine’s bar and nightclub stands out 

thanks to its avant-garde design by Javier 

Mariscal. Excellent cocktail bar. Live blues 

and jazz gigs. 

155 

BARS & 

DRINK 

VENUES

156 

GOLFO NORTE 

Itsagane, s/n - SOPELANA (Biscay). 

Tel.: 946774600. 

An ideal venue when the weather’s nice. 

Open-air terrace with stunning sea and 

mountain views. Very popular with surfing 

crowd.

MUGA 

Calle de María Muñoz 8. 

Tel.: 944 162 781 

An historic meeting place in the Old Quarter. 

25 years with the best people, rock and delicattessen 

sandwiches. 

157 

BARS & 

DRINK 

VENUES

158 

LA REINA DEL ARENAL 

Sendeja, 3. Tel.: 944130016 

www.lareinadelarenal.com 

Metro: Casco Viejo. CASCO VIEJO. Minimalist, 

warm, cosy, really very homely. Restaurant. 

PUBLIC LOUNGE 

Henao, 54. Tel.: 944052824 

www.public-bilbao.com 

Metro: Moyúa. GUGGENHEIM. 

Exquisite atmosphere. Beautiful people. Signature 

cuisine restaurant. 

KAMIN CAFÉ 

Manuel Allende, 8. Tel.: 944444121 

Metro: Moyúa. INDAUTXU 

NASCH 

Simón Bolívar, 11. Tel.: 944106186 

Metro: Indautxu. INDAUTXU. Also a nice restaurant, 

serving casual meals. Young, modern vibe.

RESIDENCE 

Barrainkua, s/n. Tel.: 944052666 

www.residencecafe.com 

Metro: Moyúa. ABANDO. Also gig venue. Beer 

and whiskey menu.. 

AMBIGÚ 

San Vicente, 5. Tel.: 944242343 

www.ambigubilbao.com 

Metro: Abando. ABANDO. Also gig venue and restaurant 

serving creative cuisine. 

LUZ DE GAS 

Pelota, 5. Tel.: 944790823 


Great drinks. Bar design characterised by its Japanese 

influence. 

EL PEÑÓN 

Playa Atxabiribil, 82 - SOPELANA (Biscay) 

Tel.: 946760786 www.elpenondesopelana.com 

Metro: Larrabasterra. A venue of reference on the 

Biscayan coast. 

159 

BARS & 

DRINK 

VENUES

160

COFFEE´S 

There are still many traditional coffee houses and tearoom 

establishments to be found around Bilbao. Perfect 

places for a lively debate or leisurely chat, these are 

gathering places for several generations of local “bilbaínos”. 

161 

COFFE´S

162 

CAFÉ GARO 

Alameda Urquijo, 6. Tel.: 94416 9735 

Metro: Abando. ABANDO. Professionals and beautiful 

people. Modern vibe. Excellent breakfasts and salads.

CAFÉ NERVIÓN 

La Naja, 7. Tel.: 944169189 

Metro: Abando. BILBAO LA VIEJA. This place has a special 

charm. Overlooking the river. Sandwiches, rolls and 

salads. 

163 

COFFE´S

164 

PASTELERÍA NEW YORK 

Buenos Aires, 15. Tel.: 944232517 


The lounge of the New York bakery has a special 

charm. Ideal for reading the newspaper over 

breakfast or meeting up with friends for a chat. An 

oasis of peace in the heart of the city.

CAFÉ BOULEVARD 

Paseo del Arenal, 3. Tel.: 944153128 


Located near the Arriaga Theatre, this long-standing 

café was completely renovated in 2010. The basement 

is home to the avant-garde pub Le Boulevard Nouveau, 

which specialises in drinks and cocktails. All the rage. 

165 

COFFE´S

166

CAFÉ LA GRANJA 

Plaza Circular, 3. Tel.: 944230813 

www.cafesdebilbao.net 

Metro: Abando. ABANDO. Built in the style 

of a Parisian café in 1926. Set lunchtime 

menu. Primarily drinks venue at weekends. 

CAFÉ BILBAO 

Plaza Nueva, 6. Tel.: 944151671 

www.bilbao-cafebar.com 

Metro: Casco Viejo. CASCO VIEJO. Nestled 

in one of Bilbao’s favourite spots. Since 

1911. Excellent bar for “pintxos” (tapas). 

SUA 

Marqués Del Puerto, 4. 

Tel.: 944232292 www.sua.es 

Metro: Moyua. Closes Monday nights. 

ABANDO. Restaurant by night, pleasant 

café by day. 

EL TILO 

Paseo del Arenal, 1. Tel.: 944150282. Closes 

at 8 p.m. Metro: Casco Viejo. CASCO 

VIEJO. Small, cosy café radiating a feel of 

the old Bilbao. Beside Arriaga Theatre. Take 

note of opening hours. 

167 

CAFÉ IRUÑA 

Berastegi, 5. Tel.: 944 237 021 

www.cafesdebilbao.net 

Metro: Abando. ABANDO. Established in 

1903, a popular meeting-place for natives 

and tourists alike. Set lunchtime menu and 

delicious “pincho moruno” lamb kebabs. COFFE´S

168

LGBT SCENE 

Bilbao is an open-minded welcoming city for lesbian, 

gay, bisexual and transgender people. Although most 

of its gay scene is concentrated in the Old Quarter and 

Bilbao “La Vieja” districts (bars, saunas, shops, etc.) the 

Zabálburu district is also of interest. For further information 

contact: 

ALDARTE (www.aldarte.org) 

BIZIGAY bizigay@gmail.com) 

EHGAM (www.ehgam.org) 

ERRESPETUZ (errespetuz@hotmail.com) 

EUSKAL HARTZAK (euskalhartzak@gmail.com) 

HEGOAK (www.hegoak.com) 

MASS MEDEAK (www.mass-medeak.blogspot.com) 

QUEER EKINTZA (www.queerekintza.blogspot.com) 

169 

LGBT 

SCENE

170 

OLD QUARTER 

CAFÉS, BARS & NIGHTCLUBS

LAMIAK 

Pelota, 8. Tel.: 944159642. One of the 

most emblematic gay venues in Bilbao. 

A two-storey café, by day ideal for a coffee 

and a chat, a game of chess or a slice 

of delicious chocolate cake. By night 

it becomes a pleasant yet lively drinks 

venue. Mixed. 

BIZITZA 

Torre,1. Tel.: 944165882. Located just 

steps away from Lamiak, Bizitza is another 

must-see venue for any visitor. Wide 

range of teas, coffees and liqueurs. Attentive, 

personal service. Mixed. 

171 

LGBT 

SCENE

172 

LA MARINA 

Nueva, 2. Tel.: 944150045. This time-honoured 

bar has been converted into a unique new venue 

where you can listen to some music whilst 

nibbling on some “pintxos” or enjoying cocktails. 

As the day progresses, it transforms into a fun 

nightclub. + Girls.

SÉPTIMO CIELO 

Pelota, 4. Tel.: 944 735 502. A small venue that 

is gradually making its mark on Pelota street 

thanks to its busy terrace space. Mixed. 

173 

LGBT 

SCENE

174

CONVENTO 

Esperanza, 14. Great drinks. 

Open Fridays and Saturdays from 9 p.m. to 3 

a.m. Mixed. 

EKKLESIA 

C/ Hernani, 3 

KEY 

Cristo, 13. 

www.asierbilbao.es 

Show times: Fridays at 1 a.m. 

Saturdays at 1a.m. and 3 a.m. 

A classic in Bilbao’s nightlife, located near City 

Hall. Performer Asier Bilbao is the master of ceremonies 

at this legendary venue for the city’s 

gay community. 

LA MERCED 

Ribera, 16. 

EL BALCÓN DE LA LOLA 

Bailén 10. 

DISTRITO 9 

Alameda de Recalde, 18. 

175 

LGBT 

SCENE

176 

OLD QUARTER 

ACCESSORIES

ES COLLECTION BILBAO 

Torre, 7. Tel.: 944795837. www.escollection.es. 

Underwear and swimwear 

for men. +Guys. 

SEXO ARTE ESPACIO ERÓTICO 

Belosticalle, 26. Tel.: 946412383. 

www.sexoarteonline.net 

Closed Sundays. 

Lingerie, erotic gift items, exhibitions,... 

+Girls. 

177 

LGBT 

SCENE

178 

OLD QUARTER 

HAIR SALONS 

LOGAN 

Santa María, 11. Tel.: 944790874. www.logan.es 

Hair styling, extensions, cuts, body piercing, rings, 

scarring, adult toys,... Mixed.

LA BARAQUE 

Carnicería Vieja, 18. Tel.: 944160807 

www.labaraque.net 

Hair styling, extensions, rastas, dreadlocks, fibre, 

wool, plastics... “Between the lot of us we’re 

sure to find a style for you. At La Baraque we are 

all different, all creative”. Mixed. 

179 

LGBT 

SCENE

180 


CAFÉS, BARS AND NIGHTCLUBS 

THE SANTU BEAR 

Dos de Mayo, 8. Tel.: 944 159496 - 635 008 058. 

www.santubear.es 

Bilbao’s bear sanctuary. + Guys.

HEAVEN 

Dos de Mayo, 4. Nightclub. 

+ Guys. 

181 

LGBT 

SCENE

182 



MYKONOS 

General Castillo, 4. Dance club. + Guys.

BADULAKE 

Hernani, 10. Tel.: 944158193. www.badulake.net 

Café-Theatre. Mixed. 

183 

LGBT 

SCENE

184 



NEW HIGH 

Naja, 5. Boys’ club. 

ENIGMA 

Luis Iruarrizaga, 7. Tel.: 944790789. A classic 

in the area. Dance music. Much frequented. 

+Guys. 

SILDABIA 

Lamana, 1. Tel.: 946790342. Open Thursday 

through Sunday. Modern scene. DJs. +Girls.


BOOKSHOPS 

ANTI LIBURUDENDA 

Dos de Mayo, 2. Tel.: 944150375 

www.anti-web.com 

Specialised in urban culture, comics, 

film, etc. 

185 

LGBT 

SCENE

186 

ZABALBURU 

SAUNAS 

EGO 

Plaza Zabalburu, 2. Tel.: 944700777 

www.saunaego.es 

A venue for guys. Very liberal, uninhibited atmosphere. 

Turkish bath, Finnish sauna, labyrinth, 

dark room, etc.

ELEMENT 

Particular de Costa, 8-10. Tel.: 944052303 

www.element.es 

Very popular on Sundays. 

187 

LGBT 

SCENE

188 

AMERICAN´S 

Nicolás Alkorta, 5. Tel.: 944703492 

The latest on the gay scene. 

ZARZAMORA 

Padre Lojendio, 5. Telf.: 944152106. 

Closer to Plaza Circular than to Zabálburu. 

FANTASÍAS 

Nicolas Alkorta, 7 (ground floor). 

LA PERA 

NIolás Alkorta, 5 (ground floor).

ZABALBURU 

SEX-SHOPS 

FANTASIAS 

General Eguía, 21-23. 

Closer to Plaza Circular than to Zabálburu. 

189 

LGBT 

SCENE

190

BEACHES OF BISCAY 

The Bay of Biscay and its coastline is one of the most 

beautiful in Europe. When the good weather rolls in, a 

trip to some of the wonderful beaches of Biscay is highly 

recommendable. 

191 

BEACHES

192

GORRONDATXE 

GETXO. www.getxo.net. Metro: Bidezabal. 

Length: 844 metres. Swimming, sun, beach 

tennis, surfing, boogie boarding, walking. 

Surrounded by nature. Beach bar. Nudist 

area. 

BARINATXE 

GETXO-SOPELANA. www.sopelana.net. 

Metro: Larrabasterra. Length: 852 metres. 

Swimming, sun, beach tennis, surfing, boogie 

boarding, volleyball, kite flying, paragliding, 

concerts, climbing, windsurfing, beach 

football, walking, nudist races. Nudist area. 

ARRIETARA-ATXABIRIBIL 

SOPELANA. www.sopelana.net. Metro: Larrabasterra. 

Length: 826 metres. Swimming, 

sun, beach tennis, surfing, boogie boarding, 

walking. Bars and restaurants. Young vibe. 

MEÑAKOZ 

Length: 400 metres. Swimming, sun, beach 

volleyball, surfing, boogie boarding, walking. 

Cove surrounded by nature. Beach bar. Nudist 

area. 

MURIOLA 

BARRIKA. Length: 176 metres. Swimming, 

sun, climbing, surfing, boogie boarding, walking. 

Cove surrounded by nature. Beach 

bar. Nudist area. 

193 

BEACHES

194

PLENTZIA 

PLENTZIA. Metro: Plentzia. Length: 356 

metres. Swimming, sun, beach tennis, surfing, 

boogie boarding, beach volleyball, kite 

flying, canoeing, kids’ games, open-air concerts. 

Family beach in urban setting. Bars 

and restaurants. 

GORLIZ 

GORLIZ. Metro: Plentzia. Length: 842 metres. 

Swimming, sun, beach tennis, jet skis, 

canoeing, kids’ games, horse races, windsurfing, 

sailing. Family beach. Bars and restaurants. 

LAIDA 

IBARRANGELU. Length: 812 metres. Swimming, 

sun, beach tennis, windsurfing, sailing, 

walking. Family beach surrounded by 

nature. Bars and restaurants. 

LAGA 

IBARRANGELU. Length: 574 metres. Swimming, 

sun, beach tennis, surfing, boogie 

boarding, walking. Family beach surrounded 

by nature. Beach bar. 

KARRASPIO 

MENDEXA. Length: 462 metres. Swimming, 

sun, beach tennis, sailing kite flying, walking, 

scuba diving, open-air concerts, beach 

football. Family beach in urban setting. Bars 

and restaurants. 

195 

BEACHES

196

ESCAPES 

Bizkaia is much more than just Bilbao: idyllic beaches, 

nature, traditions,... Getaways to a little piece of paradise, 

just round the corner from the city. 

197

198 

ARRATIA NERVION: 

URDUÑA 

Urduña is the only municipality of 

Biscay with the official title of “city”, 

and is an exclave of Biscay in the 

province of Álava. Its strategic location 

as a transit point from the 

central tableau to the coast was a 

determining factor in the importance 

the city has held throughout history 

in military as well as in commercial 

terms, as attested by the remains of 

Roman roads and settlements found 

in the area. 

The streets retain their medieval 

pattern and preserve countless 

and notable buildings which reflect 

the city’s past splendour: Customs 

House (three-storey Neoclassical 

building with rectangular plan), the 

Baroque Town Hall building, the Jesuit 

church and school, the church 

of Santa María 

(a church-fortress built in the 15th 

century), Plaza de los Fueros... The 

BUSTURIALDEA: 

PAINTED FOREST OF OMA 

The work of sculptor and painter 

Agustín Ibarrola in the municipality 

of Kortezubi, in the Urdaibai Natural 

Reserve, the Painted Forest establishes 

a striking relationship between 

art and nature. The composition 

of figures painted on the bark of 

Monterrey pine trees fills the forest 

with a magical feel, changing perspective 

as you walk along. 

monumental old town, the largest in 

Biscay, was declared a historicalmonumental 

ensemble in 1997. 

Still standing among the remains of 

the old city walls is one of the seven 

gates that provided access to the 

city, “Portal Oscuro”, located 

next to the Town Hall. Also worth 

noting are the stately Renaissance 

buildings of Palacio Ortés de Velasco 

and Palacio Mimenza, the Baroque 

Palacio Díaz de Pimienta, the 

Baroque Sagrada Familia church 

and the shrine of Our Lady of La 

Antigua, patron saint of the city, built 

in the 18th century on a pre-existing 

shrine of which the Gothic ogival 

arch entrance is preserved under a 

Renaissance portico. 

Fore more information en 

www.urduna.com 

Fore more information in 

TURISM OFFICE OF MUXIKA

DURANGALDEA: 

URKIOLA NATURAL PARK 

Situated on the mountains of the 

Duranguesado area, the Park 

spreads over the municipalities 

of Abadiño, Dima, Durango, 

Izurtza, Mañaria, Atxondo and 

Aramaio (Álava) covering an 

area of 5768 hectares. 

URKIOLA SHRINE 

Located in the town of Abadiño, 

it is one of Biscay’s oldest shrines. 

A place of pilgrimage where 

ancestral rites are performed, 

in particular on 13th June 

during the feast of San Antonio 

de Padua, invoked to help find 

love and lost property. On the 

feast of San Antonio Abad on 

17th January, the saint’s bread 

is blessed and given damp to 

livestock. Both rites are part of 

the traditional Basque culture. 

Tradition has it that if you walk 

around the large stone standing 

at the entrance to the shrine, a 

Fore more information 

www.abadiano.org 

EZKERRALDEA: 

BIZKAIA BRIDGE 

The Bizkaia transporter bridge 

connects Portugalete with the 

town of Getxo. Built in 1893, its 

height was determined by the 

need to allow large ships upriver. 

It spans one hundred and 

sixty metres linking both banks 

of the estuary. 

199 

meteorite according to some, it 

will help you find a spouse. 

Mythology, traditions and customs 

These vast and awe-striking 

landscapes fed many legends, 

such as the Lady of Anboto 

-also known as Mari-, who 

dwells in the mountain bearing 

the same name. This deity represents 

mother earth and controls 

the weather, springs and 

crops and punishes pride, lying 

and stealing. Her two sons, 

Atagarri and Mikelatz, represent 

good and evil. 

According to the legend, Mari’s 

cave is on an imposing vertical 

cliff face on the eastern face of 

Mount Anboto.

200 

ENCARTACIONES: 

BALMASEDA 

Situated on the foothills of Mount 

Ordunte, the town of Balmaseda 

sits on rugged terrain on the banks 

of the Cadagua river. It was the first 

Villa (town) founded in the Señorío 

of Biscay. Making the most of its excellent 

location between the mountains 

and the river and being a transit 

point on the trade routes between 

Castile and Biscay, Balmaseda became 

an important commercial hub. 

At the beginning of last century, the 

arrival of La Robla railway line and 

of industrialisation revitalised the 

town with a booming timber and metal 

industry. 

LEA ARTIBAI: 

LEKEITIO 

Lekeitio is a town traversed by the 

Lea river, which discharges into 

Isuntza and Karraspio beaches. It 

was built on the slopes of Mount 

Otorio and Mount Lumentza, which 

offers imposing panoramic views 

of the town. Just off the beaches is 

San Nicolás island, only accessible 

at low tide. 

This fishing port town, which boasts 

a monumental old quarter of cobblestone 

streets, is packed with 

remarkable buildings. Among them, 

the Basilica of the Asunción de Santa 

María. In a late Gothic style with 

some modifications made in the 19th 

century, the plan consists of three 

naves varying in height, topped by 

ribbed vaults. The central nave is 

supported on elegant flying buttres- 

PUENTE VIEJO OR DE LA MUZA 

(OLD BRIDGE) 

A symbolic element of the town, the 

bridge was part of the city walls during 

the Middle Ages and had to be 

crossed as part of the trade route to 

Castile. Its origin dates back to 

the 13th century when it served as a 

lookout post as well as a toll collection 

station at this strategic location 

on the wool trade route. 


www.balmaseda.net 

ses. The interior contains a Flemish 

Gothic altarpiece dating from the beginning 

of the 16th century. 

Other notable buildings are the Jesuit 

school, the Turpin tower, the Baroque 

Uriarte palace, the Oxangoiti 

palace and the Santo Domingo convent 

in Renaissance style. 

Other places to visit include the 

Marea Errota tide mill and the shipyard 

on the marshes of the Lea river 

and the Santa Catalina lighthouse. 

Continuing along the port we come 

across the 18th century hermitage 

of San Juan. 


www.lekeitio.com

201

202 

URIBE KOSTA: 

GETXO 

The municipality encompasses the neighbourhoods of 

Las Arenas, Algorta, Neguri and Santa María de Getxo. 

Getxo offers a blend of atmospheres, from the flavours 

of a small town to the sophistication of a modern city. If 

to this we add ten kilometres of coastline with 

magnificent beaches (Las Arenas, Ereaga, Arrigunaga, 

Azkorri-Gorrondatxe), it can unmistakably be claimed 

that Getxo offers an unbeatable range of activities for 

visitors. The town’s ancestral relationship with the sea 

makes it a privileged spot for water sports. 


www.getxo.net

203

204 

ANNUAL EVENTS 

Biscay hosts several annual cultural, social and gastronomic 

events, a perfect combination of the tradition and 

dynamism of the Basque Country, one of Europe’s most 

innovative regions. 

ASTE NAGUSIA 

BILBAO 

The Bilbao Annual Festival. 9 days, 

from Friday to the following Sunday, 

in August. Organised by the Festival 

Associations and the City Council. 

Public “fiestas” congregating visitors 

from all over the world. Concerts, 

theatre, bullfights, circus, fireworks... 

The city, and all of Biscay, hits the 

streets for Aste Nagusia, especially 

in the Arenal district and all over the 

Old Quarter. 

www.astenagusia.com. 

BBK LIVE 

BILBAO 

Three days of open-air concerts with 

groups like REM, The Police, Red 

Hot Chilli Peppers, Metallica, Depeche 

Mode, Pearl Jam,... 

www.bilbaobbklive.com. 

ZINEBI 

BILBAO. ZINEBI is Bilbao’s International 

Documentary and Short 

Film Festival, a class-A event. Held 

in November in the Arriaga Theatre 

and in a range of other cinemas 

around the city. 

www.zinebi.com. 

KALEALDIA. BILBAO 

Bilbao Festival of Street Performance 

and Street Art. Held in July on 

the Gran Vía and in the Old Quarter. 

www.bilbao.net. 

SANTO TOMAS MARKET 

BILBAO 

On 21 December in the Arenal district 

and Plaza Nueva, farmers from 

all over Biscay bring their fares to 

Bilbao. Thousands of Biscayans gather 

in Bilbao from first thing in the 

morning. One of the most important 

festivities of the year. 

MONDAYS IN GERNIKA 

GERNIKA 

Every Monday of the year a farmer’s 

market is held in Gernika, gathering 

producers from all over the Busturialdea 

district and visitors from 

every corner of Biscay. This is one 

of the few traditional markets still regularly 

held in the Basque Country. 

The market is located in the Plaza 

de Gernika town square on Don Tello 

Street, close to the train and bus 

station. The market building covers 

over 4,960 m2 of trading space. 

www.gernika-lumo.net.

GETXOPHOTO 

GETXO 

Promoted by the Begihandi collective, 

GETXOPHOTO was born in 

2007, a festival dedicated to photography, 

understanding it in the sense 

of knowledge, communication 

and of course, esthetical enjoyment. 

GETXOPHOTO is for –without 

forgetting what’s habitual– the exploration 

of formats, materials and 

unconventional exhibition spaces. 

This is one of its main identity signs. 

It is not about decorating the city but 

cutting it to tell stories through especially 

chosen images. From walls to 

shops windows, parks or buildings, 

we imagine the city as a live exhibit 

space, a great open frame, where 

one can enjoy photography walking 

along the street. Usually held on 

sept/oct. 

www.getxophoto.com 

GETXO INTERNATIONAL 

JAZZ FESTIVAL 

GETXO 

Metro: Algorta. Getxo hosts a highly 

successful jazz festival, welcoming 

major names from the international 

jazz scene. The municipality of 

Getxo has a vast musical tradition, 

also hosting yearly blues and folk 

festivals. 

www.getxo.net/jazzgetxo 

ANIMA BASAURI 

BASAURI 

International Animated Film Festival. 

Held in April at the Antzokia 

Social Theatre and other venues 

around Basauri and Bilbao. 

www.animabasauri.com 

205 

MUSIKALE 

International Busking Festival. Held 

in the month of September in a number 

of districts throughout Biscay: 

Leioa, Erandio, Basauri and Sestao. 

With the sponsorship of the Biscay 

Regional Council. 


EASTER IN BALMASEDA 

BALMASEDA 

Traditional Live Stations of the 

Cross, performed by the locals. 

www.viacrucisbalmaseda.com

206

GETTING THERE & AROUND 

Bilbao offers visitors a modern transportation infrastructure 

that connects it with the rest of Europe atransport 

system also makes it easy and comfortable to get around 

the capital and its metropolitan area. 

207

208 

AIRPORT 

Bilbao airport provides 

connections to many other 

Spanish cities and to major 

European capitals from where 

to connect to intercontinental 

destinations. 

The airport is located in the 

municipality of Loiu, 12 km from 

Bilbao, and is easily accessible, 

connected with the A-8 highway 

which runs west to Santander 

and east to San Sebastián, 

Irún and France; and with the 

AP-68 to Logroño, Zaragoza, 

Barcelona, Burgos and Madrid. 


Tel.: 902 404 704 

www.aena.es 

GETTING TO THE AIRPORT 

BY TAXI 

The journey between the airport 

and Bilbao is 15 minutes by 

taxi. 

Tel.: 944 800 909 

BY CAR 

The fastest route to reach the 

airport from the centre of Bilbao 

by car is via Alameda Recalde 

street and over the La Salve 

bridge. On the other side of 

the bridge a turnoff to the left 

provides access to the Artxanda 

tunnel, with exit on the Txorierri 

Corridor, a freeway with clear 

indications to the airport. 

BY BUS 

Airport bus services are provided 

by the company 

Bizkaibus, route 3247. 

Departs from the Termibús bus 

station in Calle Gurtubay 1, with 

stops at Calle Gran Vía 79, 

Plaza Moyúa and 

Calle Alameda Recalde 11. 

Hours of operation 

From 5.25 to 21.55, 

at 30 minute intervals. 

Tel.: 902 222 265

BUS 

Termibús, the bus terminal 

for all the regular bus lines, is 

located in Bilbao and can be 

accessed from Luis Briñas, 

Gurtubay and Pérez Galdós 

streets. 

A touch screen at the Termibús 

provides information regarding 

bus companies and routes 

with origin and destination 

at this station, while arrivals 

and departures information is 

displayed on a TV monitor and 

electronic panel system. The 

station also has a left-luggage 

office, parcel transportation 

service and WiFi hotspot. 


Tel.: 94 439 50 77 

www.termibus.es 

209 

ROAD 

The province of Biscay boasts 

an excellent road infrastructure 

that connects it with the 

major Spanish cities: the 

Madrid-Burgos freeway, the 

A-68 Burgos-Vitoria-Bilbao 

highway, the N-634 road, the 

Bilbao-Santander Autovía 

del Cantábrico A-8 freeway, 

the Bilbao-Irún (France) A-8 

highway, and the A-2 Bilbao- 

Zaragoza-Barcelona highway. 

GETTING TO THE TERMIBÚS 

BY METRO 

San Mamés station 

BY TRAM 

Sabino Arana stop 

BY RAILWAY 

San Mamés station 

(RENFE Cercanías) 

BY BUS 

Several Bilbobus and Bizkaibus 

routes.

210 

RAIL 

Bilbao’s Abando Indalecio Prieto 

rail station (Estación del Norte) 

is located right in the centre of 

the city on Plaza Circular, on the 

corner of Gran Vía and Hurtado 

de Amézaga streets. It has a 

Metro Bilbao entrance and direct 

access to the various RENFE 

Cercanías railway lines (Santurtzi, 

Muskiz, Orduña). 

Next to the station is the 

Concordia (FEVE) station for 

commuter, regional and long 

distance trains (Balmaseda, 

Santander, Carranza Valley, 

León). 

Outside the station are three 

Bizkaibus bus stops servicing 

the towns of the Left Bank 

(Ezkerraldea), Busturialdea and 

Duranguesado areas; and five 

Bilbobus bus stops servicing all of 

the city’s districts. 

The station is part of the Basque 

Y project incorporating the High 

Speed Train that will connect the 

three Basque capitals. 

RENFE 

www.renfe.es 

Customer service number: 

Information, reservations and 

sales: 902 24 02 02 

Internet sales information: 

902 10 94 20 

FEVE 

Tel.: 94 425 06 15 

www.feve.es

SANTURTZI-PORTSMOUTH 

FERRY 

A ferry service links the town of 

Santurtzi to the English city of 

Portsmouth. 

INFORMATION 

Santurtzi Tourist Information 

Office: 

Avda. Cristóbal Murrieta, s/n. 

Santurtzi. 

Tel.: 94 483 94 94 

P&O Ferries (Bizkaia) S.A. 

Cosme Echevarrieta, 1 

Tel.: 902 020 461 

www.poferries.com 

bilbao.reservation@poferries.com 

GETTING TO THE PORT 

211 

BY BUS 

Bizkaibus. Direct route A-3151 

from Plaza Jado in Bilbao. 

Tel.: 94 448 40 70 

902 222 265 

BY RAIL 

RENFE Cercanías Line C-1 to 

Santurtzi station. 

Tel.: 94 487 92 22 

BY ROAD 

A-8 highway direction Santander, 

taking the “Santurtzi-Puerto” exit

212 

METRO 

Since its inauguration, 

the Metro Bilbao network, 

designed by Sir Norman 

Foster and his team, has 

become the backbone of the 

Bilbao metropolitan area with 

a Y-shaped configuration that 

runs along both banks of the 

river, converging in Bilbao. 

The moderation and sobriety 

of materials draws attention 

for its originality, combining 

functionality and aesthetics. 

Access to the metro is provided 

by “fosteritos”, unique steel 

and glass structures that stand 

attractive while blending with 

the urban landscape. 

CREDITRANS 

Creditrans is a travel card 

which can be used for travel 

on all transport operators 

integrated in the system: Metro 

Bilbao, Bilbobus, Bizkaibus, 

La Salve Bridge lift, Artxanda 

Funicular, Bizkaia Transporter 

Bridge and Bilbao Tram. 

The amount of each trip is 

subtracted from the credit 

remaining on the card, and the 

ticket is valid for transferring 

between operators. 

Creditrans cards can be 

purchased from ticket vending 

machines, newsstands and 

tobacco shops. 

INFORMATION 

Metro Bilbao 

Ibaigane, 17 

Areeta-Las Arenas 

Also at San Inazio, 

Casco Viejo and Ansio 

stations 

Tel.: 94 425 40 25 

info@metrobilbao.net 

www.metrobilbao.net

BIZKAIBUS 

Bizkaibus is a regional bus 

network linking Bilbao with all 

other towns in Biscay. In Bilbao, 

buses depart from a number 

of locations: Termibús bus 

station (Gurtubay, 1), Abando 

Station (on Calle Hurtado de 

Amézaga), Calle Bailén and 

Calle Henao. 

INFORMATION 

Tel.: 902 22 22 65 

infobizkaibus@bizkaia.net 


BILBOBUS 

Local bus network serving all of 

the city’s neighbourhoods. 

www.bilbao.net/bilbobus 

213 

TAXI 

Bilbao is a relatively small 

city without excessive traffic 

congestion, which has allowed 

the taxi service to become 

a fast, comfortable mode of 

transportation around the city. 

Taxis are white with a red stripe 

and a rooftop light indicates if 

the taxi is available or occupied. 

Radio Taxi Nervión 

Tel.: 94 426 90 26 

Tele Taxi 

Tel.: 94 410 21 21 

Radio Taxi Bilbao 

Tel.: 94 444 88 88

214 

TRAM 

The modern tram service was 

put into operation on 18th 

December 2002. Of sober 

design, the tram harmonises 

with the variety of architectural 

styles of Bilbao. 

The tram operates at 5 and 10 

minute intervals connecting the 

neighbourhoods of Atxuri and 

Basurto. 

attcliente@euskotren.es 

Information 

Tel.: 902 543 210 

www.euskotren.es 

EUSKOTREN 

Bilbao-Bermeo Line 

(Durangaldea area: Amorebieta, 

Gernika, Bermeo…) 

Bilbao-Donostia/San Sebastián 

Line (Durangaldea area: 

Amorebieta and Durango) 

Information 

Tel.: 902 543 210 

attcliente@euskotren.es 

RAIL 

RENFE provides a suburban 

rail commuter network 

(Cercanías) with three lines: 

Santurtzi and Muskiz, in the 

Encartaciones region, and 

Orduña in the Arratia-Nervión 

area. 

Information 

www.renfe.es 

FEVE 

(narrow gauge railways) links 

the Bilbao-Concordia station 

with the Encartaciones area 

(Balmaseda, Karrantza…). 

Information 

Tel.: 94 425 06 15 

www.feve.es

BICYCLE 

A bicycle loan service is offered 

for cycling trips within the 

municipality of Bilbao. 

The loan period of up to five 

hours is available from May to 

November from 9.00 to 20.00 

hours. 


BILBAO TURISMO OFFICE 

www.bilbao.net/bilbaoturismo 

KADAGUA RAILWAY 

This historic railway dating 

from 1929 is equipped with all 

modern comforts. The route 

departs from Bilbao, traversing 

the Mena Valley and the 

source of the Kadagua river, 

visiting Medina de Pomar and 

Balmaseda. 

215 

BILBAOCARD 

To make it easier for visitors to 

get around the city and ensure 

an enjoyable time, Bilbao 

Turismo issues the BilbaoCard 

Tourist Card which allows 

tourists to use the local public 

transport system at reduced 

fares and take advantage 

of significant discounts at 

museums, shops, restaurants, 

leisure facilities, performances 

and other services. 

Where to buy the BilbaoCard: 

Bilbao Turismo Offices 

Plaza Ensanche, 11 

Tel.: 94 479 57 60 

Bilbao International Airport 

(Departure Terminal) 

Tel.: 94 471 03 01 

Abandoibarra Etorbidea, 2 

Plaza Arriaga, s/n 

(Ground floor of Arriaga Theatre 

building) 

Albergue Bilbao Aterpetxea 

Ctra. Basurto-Kastrexana, 70 

Tel.: 94 427 00 54

216 

USEFUL INFORMATION 

BILBAO VISITOR 

INFORMATION OFFICES 

BILBAO TURISMO 

Plaza Ensanche, 11 

Tel.: 94 479 57 60 

Fax: 94 479 57 61 

informacion@bilbaoturismo.bilbao.net 

Opening hours: 

Mon-Fri: 9.00-14.00 and 16.00- 

19.30 

Tourist, cultural and leisure 

information on Bilbao,Biscay 

and the Basque Autonomous 

Community 

Guggenheim Tourist 

Information Office 

Avenida Abandoibarra, 2 


Tue-Fri: 11.00-18.00 

Sat: 11.00-19.00 

Sun: 11.00-15.00 

Summer opening hours: 

Mon-Sat: 10.00-19.00 

Sun: 10.00-18.00 

Arriaga Theatre Tourist 

Information Office: 

Plaza Arriaga, s/n 

(Ground floor, Arriaga Theatre) 


Mon-Fri: 11.00-14.00 and 

17.00-19.30 

Sat: 9.30-14.00 and 

17.00-19.30 

Sun: 9.30-14.00 

Summer opening hours: 

Mon-Sun: 9.30-14.00 and 

16.00-19.30 

Bilbao International Airport 

Tel.: 944 710 301 

Fax: 944 711 240 

aeropuerto1@camaranet.com 


Mon-Fri: 7.30-23.00 

Sat-Sun: 8.30-23.00 

Tourist Information Telephone 

Number 

Tel.: 944 710 301 

Hours: 

Mon-Fri: 7.30 to 23.00 

Sat-Sun: 8.30 to 23.00 

CONSULATES 

Consular Corps of Bilbao 

Gran Vía 13, 6º, Dpto. 604 

(Edificio Albia) 13, Dpto. 3 

48001 Bilbao 

Tel.: 94 470 64 26 

Consulate of Austria 

Club, 8 48930 

Las Arenas - Getxo 

+34 94 464 07 63 

Consulate of Belgium 

Paulino Mendivil 8, 1º 

48930 Las Arenas 

Getxo 

+34 94 464 48 40 

British Consulate 

Alameda Urquijo 2, 8 º 

48008 Bilbao 

+34 94 415 76 00 

Consulate of Denmark 

Uribitarte 8, 6º 

48001 Bilbao 

+34 94 479 08 35 

+34 94 424 64 09 

+34 629 10 14 37 

Consulate of Finland 

San Vicente 8 

Edificio Albia II Bajo A 

48001 Bilbao 

+34 94 423 90 36 

Consulate of France 

Iparraguirre 26, 5ºDcha. 

48011 Bilbao 

+34 94 425 51 80 

Consulate of Germany 

San Vicente, 8 

(Edificio Albia) 13, Dpto. 3 

48001 Bilbao 

+34 94 423 85 85 

Consulate of Greece 

Alameda Recalde 27, 2º 

48009 Bilbao 

+34 94 423 97 39 

Consulate of Iceland 

Calle Las Mercedes 25 bajo 1bis 

48930 Las Arenas 

Getxo 

+34 94 431 50 13 

Consulate of Ireland 

Elcano 5 1º Dcha 

48011 Bilbao 

+34 94 423 04 14 

Consulate of Italy 

Ercilla 14, 2ºA 

48009 Bilbao 

+34 94 423 07 72 

Consulate of the Netherlands 

Alameda Mazarredo 9, 1º 

48001 Bilbao 

+34 94 435 45 52 

Consulate of Norway 

Gran Via 17, 5ª pl.-dpto. 4 

48001 Bilbao 

+34 94 415 16 66 

Consulate of Portugal 

Elcano 7, 1º 

48011 Bilbao 

+34 94 435 45 40 

Consulate of Sweden 

Calle Henao 4, 4ºD 

48009 Bilbao 

+34 94 435 65 70 

Consulate of Brazil 

Barroeta Aldamar 6, 5º 

48001 Bilbao 

+34 94 424 07 32 

Consulate of Chile 

Campo Volantin 29, 1º Centro 

48007 Bilbao 

+34 94 446 73 02 

+34 94 446 46 84 

Consulate of Colombia 

Alda. Mazarredo 47, 6º, 

oficina 6 

48009 Bilbao 

+34 94 423 05 39 

Consulate of Mexico 

Gran Vía 40-bis, 5º dcha. 

48009 Bilbao 

+34 94 423 89 37 

consulado@consulmexhonbilbao.net 

www.consulmexhonbilbao.net 

Consulate of Venezuela 

Hurtado de Amezaga 27, 9º 

48008 Bilbao 

+34 94 444 49 66

Consulate of Philippines 

Teofilo Guiard 2, 1º 

48011 Bilbao 

+34 94 442 38 92 

Consulate of South Africa 

Las Mercedes 31 4º dpto 2 

48930 Las Arenas Getxo 


+34 94 464 11 24 

+34 94 480 03 28 

CITIZEN SAFETY 

MUNICIPAL POLICE 

Luis Briñas 14 

48071 Bilbao 

Tel:94 420 50 00 

ERTZAINTZA. SOS - DEIAK 

Tel.:112 

Tel.: 94 444 14 44 

NATIONAL POLICE 

TELEPHONE NUMBERS: 

091 

94 470 90 00 

217 

HEALTH CARE 

Bilbao has an extensive health care infrastructure 

covering the needs of citizens 

through the Basque Health Care Service 

(Osakidetza), or any of the private health 

care centres. 

Visitors from other countries should ensure 

they have health cover through national 

health schemes with reciprocity agreements 

(E-128 or European Health Insurance 

Card from European Union countries 

and Liechtenstein, Iceland, Norway and 

Switzerland), or through private medical 

cover. The E-128 or European Health 

Insurance Card allows holders to have a 

doctor assigned to them and covers any 

hospital emergency in public hospitals. 

Osakidetza Emergencies 

Mª Diaz de Haro, 53 

48010-Bilbao 

Tel.: 94 410 00 00

218

BILBAO BIZKAIA OPEN MIND 

Published by: 

Diputación Foral de Bizkaia / Dirección General 

de Promoción Turística - Regional Government 

of Biscay / Directorate General for Tourism 

Promotion 

Layout and Typesetting: Simple Comunicación 

Photographs: 

Mari Luz Vidal, main photography production. 

Pablo López Muñoz (p. 12) 

Yosu Arregi (p. 14) 

Kepa Kareaga (p. 15) 

Eduardo Sorrouille (p. 18, self-portrait) 

Héctor Basabe (pp. 24-27-29-30-31-32-35-36) 

Archivo de Fotos de la Diputación Foral de Bizkaia 

(p. 39-197-200-202) 

Marcos López (p. 204) 

Deposito Legal es BI - 1401 - 2010 

© Diputación Foral de Bizkaia, Bilbao, 2010 

All text, photographs and maps in this Guide 

remain the property of the Diputación Foral 

de Bizkaia / Regional Government of Biscay. 

Reproduction of text, photographs, maps and 

visual elements is expressly prohibited without the 

prior written consent of the Diputación Foral de 

Bizkaia. 

All rights reserved. 

219

ENIDA ENEKURI 

220 

AVENIDA LEHENDAKARI AGUIRRE 

SAGRADA 

JULIO URKIJO 

CAMINO SAN FELICÍSIMO 

LDE DEUSTO 

RIBERA DE DEUSTO 

LFONSO CHURRUCA 

WALKING TOURS 

Four routes that will give you 

an idea of just why Bilbao is 

one of the top tourist destinations 

among Europeans 

AVENIDA MADARIAGA 

RAMÓN Y CAJAL 

GENERAL ERASO 

LUZARRA 

IRUÑA 

BLAS DE OTERO BLAS DE OTERO 

MORGAN 

JON ARROSPIDE 

SAN NICOLAS DE OLABEAGA 

RAMÓN Y CAJAL 

AVENIDA MADARIAGA 

LUIS POWER 

IRUÑA 

MORGAN 

RIBERA BOTICA VIEJA 

MUELLE OLABEAGA 

BLAS DE OTERO 

RIBERA BOTICA VIEJA 

HERMANOS AGUIRRE 

AVENI DE MONTEVIDEO 

TUNEL LA SALVE - UGASKO 

AVENIDA 

MUELLE EVARISTO CHURRUCA 


GURTUBAY 

AVENIDA SABINO ARANA 

PÉREZ 

ABANDOIBARRA 

PS. EDUARDO VICTORIA DE LECEA 

PS. JOSÉ ANSELMO CLAVÉ 

LUIS BRIÑAS 

ALAMEDA DOCTOR AREILZA 

RODRIGUEZ ARIAS 

JOSÉ MARÍA ESCUZA 

GALDÓS 


MARÍA DIAZ DE HARO 



GENERAL EGUíA 

MARÍA DIAZ DE HARO 


AV. DEL FERROCARRIL 

ZANKOETA ZANKOETA 

SIMÓN BOLIVAR 

MUELL 

J 

IPARRAGUIRR 

ELCANO 

MAXIMO A 

PEREZ GAL 

GENE 

A 

BA 

COLÓN 

MANUE 

AV 

PABL

E 

E CAMPA DE LOS INGLESES 

GUIRRE 

LERSUNDI 

RRAINCUA 

UAN DE AJURIAGUERRA 

GARCIA RIVERO 

GREGORIO DE LA REVILLA 

DÓS 

RAL EGUíA 

UTONOMÍA 

. DEL FERROCARRIL 

O DE ALZOLA 

HENAO 

LARREATEGUI 

L ALLENDE 




HEROS 

IPARRAGUIRRE 

ERCILLA 




GORDONIZ 


ERCILLA 


HENAO 

DIPUTACION 



EGAÑA 

AUTONOMÍA 

LABAYRU 

GENERAL SALAZAR 

TIBOLI 






ELCANO 



ALAM. REKALDE 

GENERAL CONCHA 

LEDESMA 


GARDOQUI 

NZA 

IRALA 

IRALA 


QUINTANA 

SENDEJA 

NAVARRA 

BRUNO 

BAILEN 


LANAJA 


LAMANA 

SAN FRANCISCO 

ARENAL 

NUEVA 



HERNANI 

JARDINES 

SANTA MARIA 

RIBERA 

CORTES 

CONCEPCIÓN 

CORREO 

BIDEBARRIETA 

PELOTA 

AGARRE 

PERRO 

BAR. BARRENA 

BARRENKALE 

221 

SOMBRERERI 

LOTERIA 

TORRE 

CARN. VIEJA 

LA CRUZ 

BELOSTIKALE 

TENDERIA 

SOTA 

ARTEKALE 

SOMERA 

RONDA 


DONOSTIA 

AVENIDA ASKATASUNA 

RIBERA 

SANTIAGO DE COMP 

DOCTOR ESPIN 

MARTÍN 


MINA DE SAN LUI 

AVENIDA SAN ADR

AVARRA 

BRUNO 

BAILEN 

L ARENAL 

LANAJA 

LAMANA 

EPALZA 

ARENAL 

NUEVA 



SANTA MARIA 

RIBERA 

HERNANI 

SAN FRANCISCO 

CORTES 

CONCEPCIÓN 

JARDINES 

CORREO 

BIDEBARRIETA 

PELOTA 

AGARRE 

PERRO 

BAR. BARRENA 

SOMBRERERI 

LOTERIA 

BARRENKALE 

TORRE 

CARN. VIEJA 

LA CRUZ 

BELOSTIKALE 

TENDERIA 

SOTA 

ARTEKALE 

SOMERA 

RONDA 


DONOSTIA 

IDA ASKATASUNA 

RIBERA 



DE COMPOSTELA 

ZABALBIDE 

DON CLAUDIO GALLASTEGUI 

Museo D 

de Arte 

e Igle 

la Enca 

ATXURI

DOS DE MAYO 

Como en otras capitales europeas, 

diversos colectivos han 

convertido una zona en decadencia 

como la calle Dos de Mayo en 

una de los barrios más dinámicos 

de la ciudad. La comunidad gay, 

con el apoyo de las instituciones 

municipales, así como el gran 

número de jóvenes artistas y diseñadores 

que se han instalado 

en el barrio, son los responsables 

de la transformación de lo que hoy 

se denomina el Soho bilbaíno. Imprescindible 

acercarse el primer 

sábado de mes, día en el que se 

celebra “Los sábados de Dos de 

Mayo”, un mercado donde es posible 

encontrar auténticas gangas. 

Un recorrido por este enclave especial 

de Bilbao La Vieja nos permite 

conocer un Bilbao secreto, 

que no aparece en las guías, con 

tiendas de moda, librerías, bares y 

restaurantes. 

Moda y diseño: 

Jóvenes artistas y diseñadores 

han convertido la calle Dos de 

Mayo en un referente de las últimas 

tendencias. Un ejemplo es 

Traka Barraka (Dos de Mayo, 3 - 

Alameda de Urquijo, 59) con sus 

originales propuestas de ropa y 

complementos. También venta 

por internet. El arte y el diseño se 

dan la mano en Garabat (Dos de 

Mayo, 19), una Galería-tienda de 

ilustración, con exposiciones, venta 

de originales y reproducciones, 

designer toys, libros...Taller del 

Soho (Dos de Mayo, 4. tiendaestudio 

creativo de decoración 

y diseño. Dspacio-laborARTorio 

(Dos de Mayo, 14) tienda-galería 

de arte. Cerca de Dos de Mayo se 

encuentra el Studio Bilbao Boffi 

(Muelle Merced, 4), con su mobiliario 

contemporáneo de cocina y 

baño. 

Librerías: 

Anti Liburudenda (Dos de Mayo, 

2), especializada en cultura urbana, 

comics, cine,...Litterae Mundi 

(Dos de Mayo, 16) librería intercultural. 

Restaurantes y bares: 

En la calle Dos de Mayo y su entorno 

existe una atractiva y variada 

oferta gastronómica, desde la 

cocina creativa del Ágape (Hernani, 

13) a la vegetariana del Borne 

(General Castillo, ) pasando 

por la cocina vasco-francesa de À 

Table (Dos de Mayo, 18). El barrio 

de Bilbao La Vieja es uno de los 

más animados las noches de los 

fines de semana: Burton Bar (Dos 

de Mayo, 16.), un local ideal para 

tomar una copa y escuchar buena 

música. Bullit Groove Club (Dos 

de Mayo, 3), con una estética y 

decoración marcadamente 70’s, 

el Bullitt siempre ha sido un referente 

de música y entretenimiento 

en la noche bilbaína. Badulake 

(Hernani, 10): diferentes ambientes 

según la hora. Abierto desde 

las 21:30 h. Recomendable ir a 

partir de la una de la madrugada. 

Café Nervión (La Naja, 7). Un clásico. 

Excelentes desayunos y bocadillos. 

Un lugar con un encanto 

especial. 

Metro: 

CASCO VIEJO 

(OLD QUARTER) 

ABANDO

ARTE 

ZARREDO 

HENAO 

UIRRE 

HENAO 

ERCILLA 

HEROS 

ELCANO 


SELMO CLAVÉ 



ERCILLA 


MAXIMO AGUIRRE 

UEZ ARIAS 

GARCIA RIVERO 

ALAMEDA DOCTOR AREIL 

AN VÍA DON DIEGO LOPEZ DE HARO 


LEDESMA 

DIPUTACION 



IPARRAGUIRRE 

OZA 


GARDOQUI 




ELCANO 


GREGORIO DE LA REVILLA 


RIBERA 

BAILEN 



MANUEL ALLENDE 

LANAJA 

LAMANA 

HERNANI 

GENERAL CO 

EGAÑA 

ALAM.

GRAN VÍA 

La Gran Vía de Don Diego López 

de Haro es la principal arteria 

comercial y financiera de Bilbao. 

Como en todas las grandes avenidas 

de las principales capitales 

europeas, en la Gran Vía el lujo 

está presente a cada paso, tanto 

en las tiendas de moda - Carolina 

Herrera, Loewe, Louis Vuitton, 

o la joyería Suarez-, como en el 

señorío de alguno de sus edificios 

-la sede del Banco Bilbao 

Vizcaya Argentaria, el Palacio de 

la Diputación Foral de Bizkaia, el 

Hotel Carlton, la Casa Montero o 

el Palacio Chavarri. Con gran vida 

comercial, podemos encontrar 

tiendas de las marcas de ropa , 

así como galerías tan conocidas 

como El Corte Inglés o Fnac. Un 

paseo por esta emblemática calle 

es ya de por sí un espectáculo, 

por su bullicio durante todo el día, 

por la elegancia de los bilbaínos 

y bilbaínas y por algunos rincones 

especiales que hacen que la 

experiencia resulte inolvidable. El 

plan ideal es recorrer la calle en su 

totalidad e ir descubriendo a cada 

paso sus innumerables atractivos. 

A un paso, en la limítrofe calle Ercilla, 

los amantes del arte pueden 

disfrutar con “Las Meninas”, una 

serie de eculturas del artista Manolo 

Valdés. 

Unas recomendaciones 

gastronómicas: 

para comer hay mucho y variado 

donde elegir, desde la alta cocina 

del restaurante Guria, a los platos 

tradicionales de Metro Moyúa 

(Gran Via, 40. Telf.: 944249273. 

www.metromoyua.com) o 

Monterrey (Gran Via , 6. Telf.: 

944248490). Reponer fuerzas, en 

locales como La Viña del Ensanche 

o Lekeitio (Diputación,1. Telf.: 

94 4239240 / 944241641. www. 

restaurantelekeitio.com). Para los 

más golosos, un helado en la heladería 

Alaska (Marqués del Puerto, 

10. Telf.: 944159701) o una visita 

a la Pastelería Arrese (Gran Vía, 

24. Telf.: 944234052. www.arrese.biz), 

una institución en Bilbao 

desde 1852. Sería imperdonable 

abandonar la ciudad sin haber 

degustado sus exquisitas trufas 

de chocolate y nata, los pasteles 

de arroz o los clásicos bollos de 

mantequilla. Para los aficionados 

a los cocktails, imprescindible un 

gin-tonic en el bar Jaime (Gran 

Vía, 86. Telf.: 944422492) o un 

vermouth en La Antigua Cigarrería 

(Astarloa, 5. Telf.: 944248973). 

Sin desviarse mucho de la Gran 

Vía, una parada obligada en el bar 

La Gallina Ciega (Máximo Aguirre, 

29), la coctelería de moda en 

Bilbao. 

Unos datos imprescindibles para 

los amantes de la historia: denominada 

Gran Vía de Don Diego 

López de Haro en honor del fundador 

de la ciudad, Don Diego 

López de Haro, Señor de Bizkaia. 

Fue diseñada en 1876 y tiene una 

anchura de 50 metros y una longitud 

de 1,5 kilómetros. Comienza 

su recorrido en la Plaza Circular y 

finaliza en la Plaza del Sagrado 

Corazón. En la mitad de la calle se 

encuentra la Plaza Elíptica o Plaza 

de Federico Moyúa, el centro 

neurálgico del Ensanche bilbaíno. 

Metro: 

ABANDO 

MOYUA 

INDAUTXU 

SAN MAMÉS

A 

RA 

NO 

BAILEN 


LANAJA 


LAMANA 

ARENAL 

NUEVA 


MAURIC 

SANTA MARIA 

RIBERA 

HERNANI 

SAN FRANCISCO 

CORTES 

CONCEPCIÓN 

JARDINES 

CORREO 

BIDEBARRIETA 

PELOTA 

AGARRE 

PERRO 

BAR. BARRENA 

SOMBRERERI 

LOTERIA 

BARRENKALE 

TORRE 

CARN. VIEJA 

LA CRUZ 

BELOSTIKALE 

TENDERIA 

SOTA 

ARTEKALE 

SOMERA 

RONDA 


RIBERA 



ZABALBIDE 

DON CLAUDIO GALLASTEGUI 

ITURRIBIDE 

Museo D 

de Art 

e Igle 

la Enc 

ATXURI

CASCO VIEJO 

(OLD QUARTER) 

Bilbao’s old quarter, known as 

the “Casco Viejo”, is a favourite 

gathering place among native Biscayans. 

Its churches, monuments 

and stately homes are witness to 

an intense commercial and cultural 

life. A stroll through its narrow 

streets and pretty squares reveals 

the most authentic Bilbao, full 

of singular nooks and crannies, 

with long-standing establishments 

coexisting alongside the modern, 

cosmopolitan facet of Bilbao. To 

venture into the Old Quarter is 

to get lost in the heart of the city, 

with its pedestrian streets, full of 

shops, bars, restaurants and history. 

An amble along Santa María 

street is highly recommended, 

one of Bilbao’s most colourful, distinctive 

areas. When it comes to 

Fashion and Restaurants, several 

interesting recommendations can 

be made. 

Don’t miss: 

Sombreros y Boinas Gorostiaga 

(Víctor 9) one of the oldest 

and most characteristic shops 

in Bilbao, this hat and beret emporium 

has dressed the heads of 

the locals for over 150 years. Bar 

Los Fueros (Fueros 6) excellent 

grilled prawns. Turronería Heladería 

Ivañez (Correo 23) artisan 

ice-creams and traditional nougats 

since 1860. Alma de Cacao (Bidebarrieta 

9) a chocolate paradise. 

Cafés Panchito (Lotería, 3) 

takeaway coffees and beverages 

and also sales of teas, coffees and 

accessories. 

Squares & places of interest: 

Bilbao’s Old Quarter is popularly 

known as Las Siete Calles (The 

Seven Streets) in reference to 

the city’s earliest streets dating 

back to the 14th century. La Plaza 

Nueva (New Square) is a favourite 

spot among Biscayans. Nowadays 

it is a lively commercial enclave, 

filled with fashion boutiques, bars 

and restaurants. When the weather 

is fine, the square fills up with 

terraces. On Sunday morning the 

square hosts a market, with stalls 

selling birds, old coins, minerals, 

stamps, old books and all sorts 

of curios. The Arenal is one of 

Bilbao’s recreational areas. One 

of its highlights is the “Kiosko de 

Música”, a bandstand with a cafébar 

in the lower level. Every Sunday 

it is the venue for the concerts 

performed by the Bilbao Municipal 

Band. The Arenal riverbank hosts 

a busy flower market every Sunday. 

Buildings: 

Arriaga theatre (Information in 

Stages section). Bidebarrieta 

library (Bidebarrieta, 4) one of 

Bilbao’s architectural gems. Palacio 

Ion (Pelota 10) is currently 

a centre with an immense cultural 

and social life. La Ribera Market, 

on the banks of the river Nervión, 

Considered to be the largest indoor 

public food market in Europe. 

San Antón church and bridge 

are located right next to it, as is 

the Conde de Mirasol pedestrian 

bridge over the river. 

Metro: 

CASCO VIEJO 

(OLD QUARTER)



QUINTANA 

TIBOLI 


A SALVE - UGASKO 

SENDEJA 

MUELLE CAMPA DE LOS INGLESES 





LERSUNDI 

ARENAL 


HENAO 

LA CRUZ 

SOMBRERERI 

CORREO 

JUAN DE AJURIAGUERRA 

BARRAINCUA 

NAVARRA 


LEDESMA 

ERCILLA 

HEROS 

LOTERIA 

HENAO 


ABANDOIBARRA 

TORRE 

BIDEBARRIETA 

JARDINES 

NUEVA 

PERRO 

SANTA MARIA 

TENDERI 



IPARRAGUIRRE 

BELOSTIKALE 

ERCILLA 

CARN. VIEJA 

BARRENKALE 

BAR. BARRENA 

PELOTA 

GARDOQUI 


ARISTO CHURRUCA 


DIPUTACION 

RIBERA 

BAILEN 

MUELL 




ELCANO 

AVENIDA 

LANAJA 

PS. EDUARDO VICTORIA DE LECEA 

HERNANI 

LAMANA 

ELCANO 

MAXIMO AGUIRRE 

SAN FRANCISCO 


CORTES 



IPARRAGUIRRE 


PS. JOSÉ ANSELMO CLAVÉ 

ALAMEDA 

CONCEPCIÓN 


GARCIA RIVERO 

ODRIGUEZ ARIAS 

TRAV. CO 

UIJO 

BRUN 

G 

G 

DOCT 

M

FROM CITY HALL TO THE 

EUSKALDUNA BRIDGE 

A favourite among visitors to Bilbao 

is the route along the banks of 

the river. Perfect on foot or cycling 

(free municipal bike rental) on both 

sides of the river. Ideally, start out 

at Paseo Campo de Volantín and 

Avenida Universidades and come 

back along the Abandoibarra side 

and the Paseo de Uribitarte walk. 

Typically, you will cross paths with 

many other walkers, joggers and 

runners. To take this walk is to 

immerse oneself in some of the 

best late 20th - early 21st century 

architecture, where stately buildings 

like the Bilbao City Hall or 

the prestigious Deusto University 

rub shoulders with some of the 

emblems of the new Bilbao, the 

Isozaki Atea twin towers, the Euskalduna 

Conference Centre and 

Concert Hall, the Guggenheim 

Museum, the Iberdrola Tower 

or the Deusto University Library, 

major works by outstanding 

contemporary architects: Arata 

Isozaki, Frank O. Ghery, Cesar 

Pelli or Rafael Moneo. Art, architecture 

and leisure come together 

to create a universe that seduces 

both locals and visitors alike. 

Guggenheim and urban art: 

The Guggenheim splays its tentacles 

along the entire Uribitarte 

Walk and into Abandoibarra. 

Several urban sculptures certify 

the importance of art in the new 

Bilbao: “Mama”, by Louise Bourgeois, 

located right behind the 

museum; “Puppy”, by Jeff Koons, 

a spectacular dog covered 

in flowers placed at the entrance 

to the Guggenheim; “The tall 

tree and the eye”, by Indian artist 

Anish Kapoor, placed in the northern 

pond of the museum, beside 

the river and “Searching for Light 

IV”, by Eduardo Chillida, located 

between the Isozaki Atea twin 

towers. On the opposite side of 

the river, beside City Hall, we can 

find the sculpture entitled “Ovoid 

variant of the sphere’s inaction”, 

an impressionist work by basque 

artist Jorge Oteiza. Art is also pre- 

sent in the artistic intervention of 

French artist Daniel Buren on the 

La Salve bridge, transforming its 

main vertical support into a grand 

gateway into the Biscayan capital. 

Excursions: 

Bilboats (Pantalan Pio Baroja, 

s/n) offers guided cultural tours 

of the river by boat. Another interesting 

excursion opportunity is to 

head up to Artxanda mountain. 

Full of green open recreational 

spaces and boasting spectacular 

views of the city. Highly recommended 

for a morning excursion, 

or to take lunch at one of the many 

traditional Basque restaurants in 

the area. Get there by Artxanda 

Funicular Railway (Castaños, s/n), 

not one-hundred metres from the 

Zubi Zuri bridge, on the Campo 

de Volantín Walk. 

Metro: 

ABANDO 

DEUSTO

222

bilbao zones - Bizkaia

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