Although Bilbao may not be a touristy spot like the Costa del Sol, it has its own quiet charm and history.

Bilbao is a seaport city set on the Nervión River, near the Bay of Biscay. The chief point of interest here is the Casco Viejo or Old Quarter, on the right bank of the Nervión. Here you'll find the sights that Bilbao has to offer: the Gothic Church of Santiago which dates from the 14th century, the elegantly arcaded Plaza Nueva, the stunning Teatro Arriaga.

You'd never guess that a 1983 flood devastated the area from the restored gothic-style buildings that line the narrow streets. It's in these streets that you'll find the best bars and restaurants.

Military buffs will remember that Bilbao was the capital of a short-lived autonomous Basque state that was under Loyalist control during the Spanish civil war (1936-39).

Though typically quiet, the town of Bilbao rocks the house in August during the Semana Grande, a major annual bullfighting event in Bilbao. Tourists and locals mingle in the open-air bars to dance and drink in the streets all night long. Those who've experienced the Semana Grande compare it to Mardi Gras, with a wild and friendly atmosphere to match the famous Fat Tuesday.


Bilbao is very traveler friendly with the local authorities investing heavily to make it one of the top destinations in Northern Spain. One of the main attractions in the city is undoubtedly the Guggenheim Museum although there are a number of other historic buildings and places that will surprise you, these include the Biblioteca Municipal de Bidebarrieta ( Bilbao's Municipal Library ) located in a historical building with a large collection of books and temporary exhibitions. One of Spain`s top football clubs are from Bilbao located in the impressive San Mamés stadium which has a capacity of around 40,000 spectators. There is also the Palacio de Congresos de Musica and well known music and conference center hosting regular major concerts with top names of the music business. The Mercado Antiguo Lavadero ( Bilbao`s Old Market ) is well worth visit and is located in a historic laundry house.

There is an excellent selection of Hotels in Bilbao and around the city, the pick of which would suerly include the highly rated Gran Hotel Silken Bilbao This trendy, design hotel is full of fun features, in the same spirit as its world-famous neighbour – the Guggenheim Museum. It was designed by the renowned artist, Javier Mariscal. The Gran Hotel Domine looks out over the shining steel structure of the Guggenheim Museum – one of the most recognisable buildings in the world. The contemporary design of the hotel follows the innovative spirit of the gallery, with its unique angled windows, curved atrium and tall pebble sculpture.

For shear elegance the Hotel Carlton is up there with the best. This elegant 5-star hotel is one of the citys most emblematic buildings and dates from 1926. It boasts a central position in Plaza de Federico Moyúa and an elegant restaurant. The hotel was designed in 1919 and is an architectural delight. Wander through the grand interiors and admire fabulous details such as the wide staircase and a beautiful domed ceiling with stained-glass details.Bedrooms are luxuiuriously spacious and may feature classical or contemporary design. Beds are king-size and you can browse the wireless internet for free.

Another beautifull and friendly is the Ercilla Lopez de Haro This is a genuine five star hotel in Bilbao: Frank Gehry drew his first sketches of the Guggenheim Museum in one of its rooms. It has ever since been related to the museum and chosen by every distinguished visitor to the city: from Jane Fonda to the Dalai Lama, along with Gwyneth Paltrow or Lenny Kravitz, have made this hotel their home in Bilbao.