Bilbao is the heart of a metropolis with a population of over one million. Since the city was founded over 700 years ago, Bilbao has been and continues to be the main driving force of social and economic development and the predominant factor behind the modernisation of Bizkaia province.

There are many interesting venues for sightseeing in Bilbao: The old town/Casco Viejo, the grand old buildings of the Ensanche district, the new Bilbao spearheaded by the Guggenheim Museum, and many other buildings designed by the most prestigious architects.

Nor must we forget the promenades along the waterfront, the museums and the many restaurants and bars where we can sample the most traditional or the most up to date Basque food or our pintxo snacks, true jewels of gastronomy in miniature.

Outside Bilbao city centre, but nevertheless still accessible by metro, you can take a stroll around the elegant houses of Getxo, or visit the old fishing harbour. Portugalete and the Suspension Bridge over the estuary, recently declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, with its splendid panoramic views.

Only a few kilometres up the coast we find the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve and the historic town of Gernika. The spectacular mountains towards the Duranguesado hinterland. And, only an hour from Bilbao city centre, we have the beautiful city of Donostia-San Sebastián, and also La Rioja Alavesa, with a wealth of wineries to visit.

   
See the following web sites for further information:

http://www.bilbao.net/bilbaoturismo/

http://www.visitbilbao.info/

http://www.euskadi.net/turismo/sit_c.htm

Bilbao Tourist Offices

    * Plaza Ensanche, 11 Tel. 94 479 57 60
    * Aeropuerto Internacional de Bilbao (terminal de salidas) Tel. 94 471 03 01
    * Abandoibarra Etorbidea, 2 (Junto al Museo Guggenheim)
    * Plaza Arriaga, s/n (Bajos del Teatro Arriaga)