Barts Best of: where do you go in the Basque Country? The best of Bilbao, Spain
If you think Bilbao, then you think the Basque Country and then you definitely think pintxos! The reason why Bilbao is known as a Spanish foodie city (you know; pintxos are those deliciously filled baguettes with a skewer through them, an original Basque dish). Or, okay, you're thinking about the Guggenheim, that is also possible. In Bilbao you will find the third branch of the world-famous museum. The first is in New York (the museum is officially called the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum), in Venice the second and in Bilbao the Guggenheim opened in 1997. Anyways: food, art, strolling, eating, more art, even more food, that is Bilbao, Spain. Where do you go in the Basque Country? Let's, on to the best of Bilbao.
Everything in one overview? Check here the map which we also use for our own trips to the city. And be sure to read to the end of this article: after all the restaurants, there are the best tips that, to be honest, you really shouldn't skip.
How to get to Bilbao? Get your plane tickets now!
The perfect place to start your pintxos tour is in the heart of the city, on Plaza Nueva, and certainly the happiest and nicest square in Bilbao. Here it is Gure Toki our favorite: recognizable by the crowds - it's not just our favorite! Dive into the corner of Gure Toki, and don't forget the neighbors, Sorginzulo, to go in; the pintxos café that is hot on the heels of Gure Toki as favorites in Bilbao. The pastrami sandwich is an absolute must here. Café Bar Bilbao, also on the square, has been a household name since 1911. The place is not to be missed: you will also find it on Plaza Nueva and the plates with bacalao pil-pil, cod fried in olive oil and garlic, smile at you from afar. Don't stay too long; Strolling through Casco Viejo and the Siete Calles (Seven Streets) is a must. Everything dates from the fourteenth century and is both impressive and cozy.
At the back of Plaza Nueva you will find a small and inconspicuous, but above all, excellent restaurant: The Jurisdictions. A classic Spanish restaurant where you sit among centuries-old green-white mosaic, the kitchen is tiny and the food is fantastic. It is a typical “botxero”, a bistro-style classic in Bilbao, and has been around since 1878, then under the name Bar Colón. The authentic character has been retained, but the menu is contemporary and certainly our favorite in the old quarter of the city. These are two tasting menus: “Gourmand” and “De Bilbao de toda la vida”. Don't leave without eating the legendary grilled shrimp!
Let's be honest: we think there are great hotels in Bilbao meh. It doesn't matter, that's not what we came for, but still: it's a shame. It NYX Hotel Bilbao by Leonardo Hotels deserves a spot on this list because of its truly awesome roof terrace with an unparalleled view of the city and its central location. Although it must be said that it is a bit of a case of 'in the land of the blind...'.
Shop for a picnic at Mercado de la Ribera – a huge one food paradise and the largest covered market in all of Europe. In the basement there is a txoko, a Basque club where (traditionally male) friends met to cook, eat, drink and solve world problems. If you are in a group of four to twelve people (or women), you can make a reservation: the cooking will be done for you. The chef takes his guests around the market and the purchases for lunch are prepared for you. Please note the opening hours - the siesta is a very very real thing in Bilbao. In a nutshell? On one side of the market you will find all the eateries (we secretly like all the authentic pintxos places mentioned in this article better than the modern versions here), on the other side the market. The latter is closed on Sundays. The rest of the week you have to be there in the morning hours.
What can we say: the old town is nice! Yes, it is quite touristy, but with an authentic Spanish twist, and many satisfied locals (read: a nice atmosphere). There are small boutiques and tempting bakeries such as Labeko Okindegia at Carniceria Vieja 4. Victor Montes and Zaharra are also nice. No ordinary pintxos, with the latter, but a mini pistol with the ingredients in between. Both on Plaza Nueva. And then on to irrintzi (Santa María 8) for more pintxos. Oh! And to Taverna Txiriboga in Calle Santa Maria, specialized in Croquetas (ham, chicken, cod or mushrooms). Stop regularly for a glass of affordable Txakoli (a lightly sparkling white wine, somewhat similar to the Spanish wine Albariño) or a zurito (a beer). Do you have to choose? Then we really shout Bacaicoa Taberna for amazing food! On a small square next to a huge staircase that is completely packed with young people when the weather is nice.
Working holiday anyone?
Can't get enough of Spain? Have you ever thought about working abroad? A once-in-a-lifetime-experience! Bee Working Adventures (hopefully) find your dream job, from marketing and customer service to sales development. And after work? Then you roll out onto the sunny terrace, full of sangria and tapas!
In any case, we think this neighborhood around the Guggenheim is very (very!) nice. Go Souvenirs (food souvenirs to be precise) shopping at the great shop La Oka. And thank us later. A few doors down Restaurante Abando, again pintxos here. Looks a bit more chic than most places, but really just another place with good wine and tasty snacks. It really is 100% authentic (and we usually like that a little bit more). Gaztandegi, still pinxtos indeed. Is that already getting annoying? Never! Nasty La Vina you go for Iberico ham on toast, and to Asador Guetaria for set tables in a not necessarily very attractive room. But make no mistake: the food makes up for everything. There is also a modern, very nice (!) wine bar: Cork is the name. And Cork likes you to do.
Did we mention that you go to Bilbao for the pinxtos? If that's your goal (of course it is), then Bar el Globo also something for you. The dark bar is not the most striking in terms of design (and that's how it should be - after all, it's all about the food), but it is cozy. Not to be missed, thanks to the red neon lighting. Or at the door line. Because yes, you might have to wait a while for a spot, but it is all worth it.
Image via Bar el Globo
Café Iruña is not the only beautiful, authentic bar in town: La Viña del Ensanche may also be there. The interior is original and most of the furniture dates from the year it was founded: 1927. The menu is a laundry list, but make it easy on yourself and go for what the bar has become famous for: Jamón Ibérico de Bellota. And although we preached strolling before, in the case of La Viña del Ensanche it pays to book a table in advance. In that case you will be seated in the classic dining room at one of the beautiful marble tables. Casa Rufo is around the corner and once again (sorry, yes again) a classic in the neighborhood.
Of course you can spend a long weekend in Bilbao without leaving the city center. Morning Guggenheim, afternoon Plaza Nueva, evening of extensive dining. Market hopping in the morning, hanging out in the park, shopping in the afternoon and extensive pinxto hopping doesn't get boring quickly. But still... Go explore the neighborhood anyway! The metro system is great and takes you to the small neighborhood, among other things Portugalete; a neighborhood right on the water that reminds us so much of Porto. ..
