Visiting Spain? Avoid tourist traps in Barcelona, or Madrid… Go HERE instead
- Cecily's Perspective
- Jun 16, 2019
- 6 min read
Updated: Jun 3, 2020
Out of the blue I received a phone call from my Step-dad informing that he would be arriving in the North of Spain within the next 24 hours. Whilst living abroad in France I hadn’t seen any of my family back home for what seemed like ages. Quickly putting my geography skills to test, trying to map out how long of a trip it would be and having high hopes to reconnect with a loved one, it seemed pretty feasible to get my hands on a budget airline ticket and be in a new country the next morning. This is one of the MANY things I absolutely love about Europe! I packed a very small backpack attempting to avoid those sneaky baggage fees that usually pop up and surprise me at the check-in counter. I can proudly say I didn’t hand over one penny to those sneaky snakes on this trip. *pats self on back
Finally on the plane I was glad to say goodbye to the gloomy skies of Paris (where I currently reside) and I knew that once I arrived the lush green Cantabrian and Pyrenees Mountains would be surrounding me. The sun gave me a big warm hug once I exited the plane and stepped onto the makeshift metal framed staircase that was hastily set up by the airport runway workers. I found my stepdad waiting for me near the entrance of the airport, and I jumped into his arms to give him a tight squeeze. It was great to see him again and on top of that we were both visiting a new city we’ve never explored. JACKPOT!
As we made our way out of the simple and naturally lit airport I felt the welcoming ambience that I feel typically comes along with visiting any hispanic country. As some of you may know I am Puerto Rican, and I grew up in a hispanic household. So maybe this feeling comes from my familiarity with the beautiful language and culture. Overall (or regardless), I do think the Spanish people tend to have a very lively and amiable aura to them. The delicious first meal I had at a tapas bar was paired with a friendly older man who was our waiter. Sparking genuine conversation with us, I couldn’t help but want to stay there for the rest of the afternoon. He spoke to us as if we he had known each other for years. He wasn’t afraid to crack a joke or two with us— two completely strangers. The mentality of believing that strangers are just friends you haven’t met yet, is something that is present throughout the whole city of Bilbao. It was refreshing after constantly being surround by almost the complete opposite mindset over in Paris (HEY! no shade to the city of lights…).
Reunited with my Step-Dad in Bilbao, Spain
MUNCHING and EATING
c'mon guys we all know this is obviously the most important aspect of visiting a NEW place
Like many other cities in Spain, Bilbao is known for it’s seafood as it located quite close to the water. As you walk on the beach you know that the Paella you will be eating for dinner in a few hours
was freshly caught that morning. If you’re a sucker for fresh seafood this is the place for you. Since I am a vegetarian it was bit tricky and I often had to opt out for simple yet tasty salads. I did cave once or twice to try a sample of flavorful paella and croquetas de bacalao (which I absolutely recommend you get your hands on). And do NOT get me started on dessert! The beautifully tiled plazas and streets are lined with cute little bakeries displaying
amazingly scented Spanish baked goods suitable for breakfast dessert or snack time! Being that I am a sugary rather than salty kind of girl, if it was up to me i’d be walking in those pastelerias (the word for Bakery in Spanish) for breakfast, lunch, AND dinner. All of the bakeries I tried over the course of the two days smelled heavenly as I walked in. However, one of my favorites was called Pasteleria Martina de Zuricalday, if your in town I can not recommend it enough! I tried everything from cakes to pies, churros donuts and sweet empanadas filled with guava…. yes all under 24 hours #noregrets. My mouth is watering just writing this.
VIBES, PEOPLE, and ATMOSPHERE
The friendly vibe and the sights alone will make you glad you chose to come visit. Despite the fact that Bilbao is the 5th largest city in Spain you’ll still get tranquil vibes whilst walking through the streets that have so much to offer. Visiting a new city let alone a new country can be intimidating, especially if you don't speak the language. The people here will make you feel right at home no matter where you come from, and it seems like everyone in this city is genuinely just there for an overall good time. No snarky or arrogant attitudes from waiters or locals who are fed up with tourist, no high paying scams from taxi drivers, and those pick pocketers who try to take advantage of clueless visitors aren't really lurking around either. Nearly everyone there seems to have each others best interest in mind. Whether you need to ask for the nearest coffee shop or need help finding the road where your hotel is located, people around seem happy to help a stranger out. Maybe that's just due to the fact that(in my opinion) the quality of life increases at least by 50% when you're surrounded by Earth's natural wonder, mother nature. Dang! I would wake up with a smile everyday on my face if I got the great views and access to the rare thing I don't get much of nowadays called FRESH AIR(non-existent in Paris). But hey! Each location comes with its pros and cons. Amiright? To add to all of that, you don’t only have the mountains but also loads of surrounding nature sights(waterfalls, hiking trails, etc) whilst still having the great benefits and accessibility of an urban city (easy access to great restaurants, nightlife, and public events). What more can you ask for?
PLACES YOU HAVE TO SEE!
Attractions and Sights
I visited in Summer 2019, mid June to be more specific and the weather was impeccable a slight breeze and shining sun were present. However, if you’re planning to take a plunge into the water unfortunately the closest beach is about 20kms away. If you rent a car and you are staying in the city for more than 2 days unlike me. That adds a thousand new great opportunities to the equation because the Basque Country(region of Spain that Bilbao is located in) has truly so much to offer. If ou're planning on renting a car this is the best way to see amazing nature locations that are only a around 30-40 min drive from Bilbao. For example you have this place where scenes of Games of Thrones was shot(I don't watch this show but more than half the world seemed to hype it up not too long ago, so that makes it relevant right?)
Gaztelugatxe, Spain
Basque Country Side
To get the best views of the actually city of Bilbao head up to ‘Monte Artxanda’. It’s accessible by a small tram train (€ small fee but so worth it) that takes you up the side of the small mountain. The tallest peak of this mountain is situated in between the city itself and the ocean so you get the best of both worlds! You’ll get beautiful photos taken on the top of the hill with the whole city displayed behind you. On the other side of the mountain you’ll get to see the water and it’s waves crashing on the sides of stunning cliffs. I highly recommend you stop at one of the pasteleria’s or super markets before heading up to this sight that way you can have a delicious picnic with unforgettable views.
Top of the Viewpoint
If you are an artsy fartsy gal or pal, you can’t go to Bilbao without at least taking a quick glimpse at the Guggenheim Museum. It being smack DAB in the center of the city, it is as if the rest of the buildings and establishments bow down to this magnificent structure. Yes, the exterior of the building is architecturally astonishing from the outside but the artwork on the inside is equally just as impressive. The exhibits are interactive, and the paintings are stunning which is why it is in my opinion definitely worth a visit.
Looking over the water towards the Guggenheim Museum
As you can see there are plenty of things to do to keep yourself occupied in this quaint city. Of course my go to activity was picking up some ice-cream and walking by the Nervión River(Runs right through the city).
Well there you have it. Overall, if your looking for an authentic Spanish Vacation look at Bilbao as a great alternative to Barcelona, and Madrid. Which can be overflowing with tourists, scams/ tourists traps(overpriced restaurants, pick pockets, overcrowded beaches), etc. Don’t get me wrong these cities are definitely worth seeing during your lifetime but if you want to hear the locals speak the beautiful native language, and pay the same prices as the locals do whilst avoiding the downsides of an overcrowded city you now know where to book your next vacation.
If you want get a more all inclusive insight into the city and its experiences watch my vlog: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XgysG6C5utM&t=364s
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