Bilbao is the ultimate destination for culture vultures in Spain. It features several first class museums exhibiting impressive collections of art masterpieces spanning several centuries.
Bilbao's old quarter is full of perfectly preserved medieval houses and churches. Moreover, its Arriage Theatre and Palacio de Congresos y de la Musica are must-see places for enthralling musical performances and concerts.
The colossal Guggenheim Museum is the city's newest attraction and draws quite a crowd comprised of both fans and critics alike. Its metallic and titanium facade is the site's key attraction for many visitors. However, if you do decide to get inside, you will find plenty of enchanting exhibits as well as impressive collections from the great artists of the 20th century such as Picasso, Warhol and Rauschenberg to name a few.
If you want to see more of Picasso as well as El Greco, Goya and Gauguin then you cannot miss the precious exhibits of Museo de Bellas Artes. There are more than 6,000 art works housed in the museum and some of them date back to the 12th century. You may also want to check out sculptures expertly arranged at the garden located at the back of the building.
As mentioned earlier, Teatro Arriaga is the place to visit for operas, plays and concerts. This ornate and magnificent theatre has been offering locals and visitors with some of the most compelling performances in Spain since 1890. Bilbao's newest musical destination is the Palacio de Congresos y de la Musica, a massive building that can host an audience of 2,000 and is a major venue for ballets, concerts and conferences in the city.
The city's plazas are also some of the most scenic locations in the area. They are usually surrounded by beautiful old buildings, open air cafes, restaurants and boutiques. The plazas are also a bustling hang-out area, making it a perfect place for people watching or socializing with the locals.
Plaza Moyua is one of the most charming with its central fountain and impeccably manicured gardens. The Palacio de Chavarri nearby is also worth checking out. Plaza Nueva's old-world charm and historical atmosphere makes it another tourist favorite. Dine in one of its many quaint restaurants al fresco and enjoy the view.
There is also Plaza de Miguel de Unamuno. It is surrounded by several of the city's museums making it a perfect rest stop for museum-hopping visitors. If you happen to visit during summer, it is a must-visit site if you want to join the locals in the celebration of the Semana Grande Festival. Finally, if you want to check out the Bilbao's tallest skyscraper, Plaza Circular is your next stop. Instead of historical buildings and lovely gardens, it is surrounded by modern glass and steel buildings.
An often overlooked Bilbao attraction is the Universidad de Deusto. Universities may not be a regular tourist attraction but this one features striking period chapels and gorgeous gardens making it worth your time.
Finally, your Bilbao jaunt is not complete without visiting the huge Plaza de Toros de Vista Alegre or simply the Bullring. This massive attraction has a capacity of 15,000. During major fiesta celebrations, it is usually jam-packed full of excited and animated crowd. If you happen to be visiting when a big bullfight is on, make sure to drop by and witness a spirited and breathtaking performance that will surely make your trip memorable.
Sunee is author of this article on Hotels in Thailand. Find more information about Phuket Hotels here.
No comments:
Post a Comment