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What to do to have fun in Bilbao?
December 27 2021
Located in the north of Spain, in the autonomous community of the Basque Country, is Bilbao, a municipality in Biscay famous for being the site of the Guggenheim Museum and the large spider that protects its exterior. However, Bilbao offers innumerable activities and corners that are worth a weekend visit or even a short vacation. Stay at ILUNION, our hotel in Bilbao, and discover all the secrets that this capital keeps.
Essential in your visit to Bilbao
Whether you have planned a getaway or spent a few days in Bilbao, there is one thing you can be sure of: Bilbao has a lot to offer. For this reason, we suggest you save your time and select a hotel near Bilbao Stadium like ILUNION Bilbao.
Delve into its streets to get to know the old town
Also known as Siete Calles or Zazpi Kaleak, Bilbao's Casco Viejo is the old core of the city. In the past, Bilbao was safeguarded by an imposing wall and several towers, so today you can breathe its magical medieval air.
In addition, the presence of free tours in the Old Town of Bilbao is abundant, so you will always have the opportunity to join these free visits. Through them, you will not only get to know such emblematic places as the Cathedral of Santiago, the Ribera Market, and the Arriaga Theatre, but you will also have a first contact with the city and its people.
The usual thing in these small excursions is to leave a tip to the guides, around €5.
Explore the Mercado de la Ribera, the largest in Europe
This covered market considered the largest in Europe, is located on the old site where merchants used to conduct their trade. So visiting the market is not only a historical approach to the city, but also an artistic one. Its wonderful stained glass windows and sophisticated façade is some of Bilbao's attractions. Without forgetting the fresh products that are for sales, such as fish and fruits and vegetables, or delicious pasta.
Ascend to the Basilica of Our Lady of Begoña
There are many religious buildings that you can find in Bilbao; however, this basilica has special importance for many people from Bilbao and fishermen. But, we have to warn you: accessing the Basilica of Our Lady of Begoña means going up the Calzadas de Mallona, routes made up of more than 350 steps. Of course: each one of them deserved.
If you decide to go to the top, we invite you to access the interior of the building and contemplate this work of art beyond its majestic façade. You can rest later at the Bilbao hotel where you are staying.
Excursion to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe
Better known for being the scene of several scenes from Games of Thrones, this enclave is one of the most iconic points on the Basque coast. This islet, connected to the peninsula by a bridge, has a hermitage dedicated to Saint John and dating from the 10th century —although some researchers date it back to the 9th century.
Its scenic beauty is the ideal place to take pictures, where you can also enjoy the Bilbao breeze.
Do not leave without trying the pintxos
If you are also one of those travelers who enter the culture of a new town through the stomach, trying Bilbao's pintxos is one of the essential activities on your trip. Stop at its bars and enjoy a route of the tastiest pintxos. To do this, point out the neighborhood known as Siete Calles on your map, where numerous churches are also located.
If after all the experiences that Bilbao offers you need to rest comfortably to wake up with recharged batteries, we recommend choosing a hotel in Bilbao with the best possible location; In this way, you can take advantage of 100% of your stay and time in this beautiful town. In this sense, ILUNION Bilbao is not only located in an unbeatable location but also offers you delicious Basque pintxos, a cafeteria, and a restaurant. Are you going to miss it?
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Essential in your visit to Bilbao
Whether you have planned a getaway or spent a few days in Bilbao, there is one thing you can be sure of: Bilbao has a lot to offer. For this reason, we suggest you save your time and select a hotel near Bilbao Stadium like ILUNION Bilbao.
Delve into its streets to get to know the old town
Also known as Siete Calles or Zazpi Kaleak, Bilbao's Casco Viejo is the old core of the city. In the past, Bilbao was safeguarded by an imposing wall and several towers, so today you can breathe its magical medieval air.
In addition, the presence of free tours in the Old Town of Bilbao is abundant, so you will always have the opportunity to join these free visits. Through them, you will not only get to know such emblematic places as the Cathedral of Santiago, the Ribera Market, and the Arriaga Theatre, but you will also have a first contact with the city and its people.
The usual thing in these small excursions is to leave a tip to the guides, around €5.
Explore the Mercado de la Ribera, the largest in Europe
This covered market considered the largest in Europe, is located on the old site where merchants used to conduct their trade. So visiting the market is not only a historical approach to the city, but also an artistic one. Its wonderful stained glass windows and sophisticated façade is some of Bilbao's attractions. Without forgetting the fresh products that are for sales, such as fish and fruits and vegetables, or delicious pasta.
Ascend to the Basilica of Our Lady of Begoña
There are many religious buildings that you can find in Bilbao; however, this basilica has special importance for many people from Bilbao and fishermen. But, we have to warn you: accessing the Basilica of Our Lady of Begoña means going up the Calzadas de Mallona, routes made up of more than 350 steps. Of course: each one of them deserved.
If you decide to go to the top, we invite you to access the interior of the building and contemplate this work of art beyond its majestic façade. You can rest later at the Bilbao hotel where you are staying.
Excursion to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe
Better known for being the scene of several scenes from Games of Thrones, this enclave is one of the most iconic points on the Basque coast. This islet, connected to the peninsula by a bridge, has a hermitage dedicated to Saint John and dating from the 10th century —although some researchers date it back to the 9th century.
Its scenic beauty is the ideal place to take pictures, where you can also enjoy the Bilbao breeze.
Do not leave without trying the pintxos
If you are also one of those travelers who enter the culture of a new town through the stomach, trying Bilbao's pintxos is one of the essential activities on your trip. Stop at its bars and enjoy a route of the tastiest pintxos. To do this, point out the neighborhood known as Siete Calles on your map, where numerous churches are also located.
If after all the experiences that Bilbao offers you need to rest comfortably to wake up with recharged batteries, we recommend choosing a hotel in Bilbao with the best possible location; In this way, you can take advantage of 100% of your stay and time in this beautiful town. In this sense, ILUNION Bilbao is not only located in an unbeatable location but also offers you delicious Basque pintxos, a cafeteria, and a restaurant. Are you going to miss it?