Bilbao,
the largest city in the Basque region of northern Spain is an urban centre with
typically moderate temperatures and scenic surroundings. The home of the
world famous Guggenheim Museum, the city is a centre for fine arts but hosts
many other museums as well. Several
local tour companies offer personal tours of local museums, sights, and even
the surrounding countryside. These can
be a great way to learn some of the local customs and stories. In the Old Town, called Casco Viejo, tourists
will find narrow streets, quaint taverns, shops, ancient churches and monuments
reflecting the area s history and culture.
Basque cuisine is considered some of the best in Spain and there are
ample restaurants to allow you an opportunity to find out for yourself. Join the 354,000 or so residents and see what
really great Spanish cuisine is all about.
For those who love the water and sun, several beaches line the crystal
clear waters and provide ample recreation for adults and children alike. Some areas are frequented by strong currents
so do ask around before heading out for a day of swimming. The city has made an effort in the
last 25 years to attract more tourists, focusing on renewing older parts of the
city, construction of several new hotels and creating new areas for shopping
and dining. If you ve been to Bilbao
before but not recently, it may be worth another visit.