Car Hire Bilbao - Mini guide to Bilbao

Bilbao is the largest city in the Basque Country and commands an important postion on the bay of Biscay. An ambitious urban renewal plan, this industrial city is making an attempt to change that legacy.

The controversial Museo Guggenheim de Arte Contemporaneo is the centerpiece of the city’s renewal plan. This building, designed by US architect Frank Gehry and modeled on the shape of a fish and a ship, is loved by some and has baffled others. Nevertheless, the works of art on the inside by such artists as Picasso and Warhol are admired by the thousands who visit every year.

The Casco Viejo, or Old Quarter, contains what is left of the city’s 700-year heritage. Much of the older and more interesting buildings in the city fell to industrialization, but the city is trying to refurbish what is left. This area contains several important churches including the Inglesia de San Nicolas, the Basilica de Begona and the Catedral de Santiago.

The Casco Viejo also contains numerous bars and restaurants. One very positive thing that is often said of Bilbao is that it is home to excellent food. After dinner, the local tradition is to barhop through this area, having a small drink at each bar far into the night.

The Basque Country around Bilbao can be easily explored by car. This area is naturally beautiful and contains smaller villages that are delightful and interesting.

The ongoing spat of self determination violence from ETA Basque rebels tends to leave the tourist alone and comes and goes, but its worth keeping your eye on the news before planning your trip.

Bilbao Airport offers daily flights to many cities in Spain. It is also connected to Spain’s rail network.