Just a few miles from the coast of the Bay of Biscay, Bilbao, Spain, was not always the tourist destination it is today. In fact, it was only in 1997, when the Guggenheim Museum opened its doors, that Bilbao made its shining debut on the international map. However, since then, people from all over the world have flocked to this little haven of Basque country known for its contemporary art, architecture and cuisine.

The Groundbreaking Guggenheim

The famed Canadian-American architect Frank Gehry designed Bilbao’s prime tourist attraction: the Guggenheim Museum. A work of art itself, the museum’s daring and innovative façade curves at random with silver panels that catch the light and a flower-like atrium. Inside, walls and pedestals are covered in contemporary paintings, sculptures and collages from the mid-twentieth century to today. Artists featured include Andy Warhol; German artist Anselm Kiefer; and Basque masters Eduardo Chillida and Jorge Oteiza. The Guggenheim often features a large-scale sculpture at its entrance, with past works including Jeff Koons’ enormous flowering Puppy and Louise Bourgeois’ gargantuan spider, Maman. You will have the opportunity to visit the Guggenheim on an included tour as part of your Bilbao land package.

Mercado de la Ribera Market

Did you know that Bilbao’s Mercado de la Ribera Market was recognized by the Guinness Book of Records in 1990 for being the world’s largest municipal food market? Covering a surface area of 10,000 square meters over three stories, the market sits on the waterfront of the Nervión River. It is a feast for the senses with art deco windows and stained glass illuminating a vibrant palette of colorful fruits and vegetables, fresh seafood and premium cuts of meat. New spaces dedicated for Basque tapas known as pintxos have also appeared within the market, rendering it not only a must-see but a must-eat for any Bilbao sightseer. Though you may not visit this market as part of your included tours in Bilbao, you will have an opportunity to visit a local market and try pintxos - and we highly recommend this market in your spare time!