It is one of the most modern stadiums in Spain and its capacity is 53,331 seats. The new San Mamés opened its gates in 2013 and is one of the most beautiful football “arenas” in Europe. From the outside it looks like Bayern Munich’s stadium. It has also hosted rugby matches and concerts. It is located next to the Nervión River and has a hospital and several hotels nearby. You will also find restaurants.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT TO ESTADIO DE SAN MAMÉS
*** BUS: A3122, A3336, A3411, A3414, A4
*** TRAIN: C1, C2
*** METRO: L1, L2
BILBAO: THE COLORFUL CITY OF ART
Welcome to one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. It is considered the city that can combine art with haute gastronomy and nature with special architecture. All areas of Bilbao will offer you an unimaginable beauty in terms of images and atmosphere. The picturesque neighborhoods, the wonderful restaurants, the unique museums, the beauty of the old town, the particularity of the architecture of the buildings, the combination of the traditional with the modern element, will offer you an unforgettable travel experience.
Currency: Euro
Calling Code: +34
Nearest airports from city center: Bilbao Airport (12km), Santander Airport (96km), San Sebastian Airport (120km), Biarritz Airport (145km), Tarbes Airport (294km), Oviedo Airport (303km), Zaragoza Airport (307km).
TOP – 10 SIGHTSEEING
*** GUGGENHEIM MUSEUM (Address: Abandoibarra Etorb., 2, Abando, 48009 Bilbao, Bizkaia)
It is one of the most beautiful museums in Europe with exhibits of modern and contemporary art. This is where your museum visits should start.
*** DOÑA CASILDA ITTURIZAL PARK (Address: Abando, 48009 Bilbao, Biscay)
The public park will give you the opportunity to spend a few hours relaxing. See the pond with ducks and waterfowl and the oasis of greenery.
*** PLAZA NUEVA
For most it is the starting point for your first walks in the city. It’s kind of like a meeting point. The neoclassical style square dates from 1821.
*** BEGOÑAKO BASILIKA (Begoñako Andra Maria Kalea, 38, 48006 Bilbo, Bizkaia)
It dates from the 16th century. The church is dedicated to the patroness of Bizkaia, Panagia Begoña. It is Gothic and Baroque architecture.
*** BILBAO FINE ARTS MUSEUM (Museo Plaza, 2, Abando, 48009 Bilbo, Bizkaia)
It opened at the beginning of the 20th century and has works of art by leading artists. You will find paintings and exhibits from the Middle Ages to the most modern era.
*** PUPPY (Mazarredo Zumarkalea, 66, Abando, 48009 Bilbo, Bizkaia)
It is the “guardian” of the Guggenheim Museum with a cloak of tens of thousands of flowers. It is 12.4 meters tall and weighs 16 tons.
*** SAN ANTON ELIZA (Erribera Kalea, 24, Ibaiondo, 48005 Bilbo, Bizkaia)
The church is dedicated to San Antón and dates from the 15th century. It is one of the landmarks of the city.
*** SANTIAGO CATHEDRAL (Done Jakue Plazatxoa, 1, Ibaiondo, 48005 Bilbo, Bizkaia)
It is one of the most imposing cathedrals in Europe and not only in Spain. It is dedicated to the Apostle James, has Gothic architecture and dates from the 17th century.
*** ARTXANDA VIEWPOINT (Enekuri Artxanda Errepidea, 70, 48015 Bilbo, Bizkaia)
If you want a panoramic view of Bilbao, then this is the right spot. From above you will have the opportunity to see all the sights of the city.
*** BASQUE MUSEUM (Unamuno Miguel Plaza, 4, Ibaiondo, 48006 Bilbo, Bizkaia)
Opened in 1921, it is a museum where you will learn everything about the ethnic history of the Basque Country.
ΤΗINGS TO DO
*** Itsasmuseum Bilbao Maritime Museum! It is worth visiting without a second thought.
*** Centro Azkuna is a modern leisure and cultural center.
*** Arriaga Theater is a place of culture worth watching a show.
*** Plaza Moyúa is one of the most beautiful squares in the city.
*** Mercado de la Ribera is one of the largest food markets.
*** Bizkaia Bridge is a trademark of the city and one of the most photographed spots in Bilbao.
FOOD AND DRINK
There are many restaurants and hundreds of pintxos bars, as tapas are called in the Basque Country. Enjoy pintxos with wine. You must try foie gras, salt cod, txuleta (grass-fed beef), txipirones, marmitako, kokotxas, txangurro, bacalao al pil pil, bacalao a la Vizcaína and idiazabal cheese. Bilbao has many restaurants with excellent cuisine. Of course you can try the local paella.
WHERE TO STAY
You can find relatively good value hotels in the city center. However, there are hotels in every neighborhood of the city for all budgets.
FUN AND SHOPPING
*** It is worth a walk to the historical food market Erriberako merkutua.
*** Bilbao’s Gran Vía is one of the most famous shopping areas of the city.
*** Zubiarte shopping-zentroa is a great place for your shopping.
*** Centro Comercial Zubiarte is worth a visit for your shopping.
*** Centro Comercial Bidarte and El Corte Inglés Gran Vía de bilbao are two other places for your shopping.
*** Las Siete Calles are among the most famous places in Bilbao for your shopping.
HOW TO GET AROUND
The most beautiful way to get around the city is on foot, by metro or by bus.
CITIES NEAR BILBAO
Major cities close to Bilbao are Vitoria Gasteiz (65km), San Sebastian (101km), Santander (105km), Pamplona (155km).
