Costa News Spain Breaking News | English News in Spain.
By Alfredo Clarke
From Monday onwards, tens-of-thousands of English football fans are expected to descend upon the Spanish city Bilbao during the Europa League final.
Up to 100,000 Tottenham and Manchester United supporters are expected to arrive in the Basque capital for their largest game in many years.
The game is expected to attract around 40,000 ticketless fans, who will still be looking to spend a few days in the city to explore.
The Guggenheim is a must-see, but there are so many other things to do. You can walk along the Nervion and explore the famous foodie area.
In order to avoid the crowds and do something a little different, the Olive Press decided to find ten interesting/alternative things to check out when in the city.
What about:
The Great Bilbao Wall Route This self-guided walk begins in the San Francisco neighborhood, which is situated adjacent to the Nervion river. It offers a unique cultural experience Bilbao. There’s plenty of history and art along the route. You can also find many traditional restaurants. Here is the map:
Mercado de la Ribera: The market claims to be Europe’s largest indoor food market, offering local and fresh produce as well as foods from around the globe. This market dates back to 1929. Visit it at lunch to experience the Basque culture and enjoy the finest tapas.
Doña Casilda Iturrizar Park: Often nicknamed ‘the park of the ducks’, it will certainly remind many English travelers of home, being heavily inspired by historic British designs. You’ll see a lot of lakes and birds, hence the name. It was also one of Bilbao’s first green spaces installed in 1907.
Bilbao la vieja neighbourhoodThis district in the centre of Bilbao is the center of Bilbao’s art scene, and it is also one of its most culturally diverse areas. The area has a vibrant and diverse nightlife as well as an excellent tapas scene.
Azkuna Zentroa (La Alhóndiga): This chic building, which was once a huge warehouse for wine and olive oils, was renovated in 2010 by famed French designer Phlippe Staeck with 43 supporting columns to create a cinematographic scene designed by set designer Lorenzo Baraldi. This building now serves as an exhibition and events centre. It also has a rooftop pool that offers sweeping views of the city.
Mount Artxanda Funicular: Enjoy a scenic view of Bilbao by riding the funicular to the top. This ride is available from 7:15 to 22:00.
El bosque de Oma ( painted forest): This forest, located just 30 minutes away from the city, is composed of painted trees that create optical illusions. It was created in the 1980s and sits within a national forest. The park is open daily from 10:00 until 18:00. The perfect place to take a short walk to escape the city.
You can also take a canoe on the Nervion, which is a great way to explore the city from a new perspective. While you are at it, get some exercise and admire the many monuments along the river. Book in advance, as the river may be crowded during match week. There are many companies that offer this trip, but one of them is called
Bilborock: The 17th century church has recently been renovated into a vibrant venue that hosts all kinds of music, a cinema and a theatre. Each week, there are different music performances. Weekends are particularly vibrant.
Bar Basque This stylish bar, housed in a beautiful Art Nouveau-style building, offers over 400 liquors. It specialises in Basque gin & tonic. This is the ideal pace to relax and unwind before an important European final.
The Puente de Vizcaya: It is the only bridge and only building in the Basque Country included on the UNESCO patrimony list. The 1893 gondola was designed by Gustave Effel’s student and is still used to transport cars, food, and passengers 24 hours per day. The walkway is open between 10am and sunset.
Beautiful weather?: Getxo beach is perfect for swimming or learning how to surf.
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