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Overview

Why Go?

Gehry's masterpiece, the Bilbao Guggenheim—even more astonishing in person

The avant-garde food lab that is Basque cuisine—plus great wines from the vineyards of La Rioja

Outdoor pleasures: beaches, mountain trails, and the thrilling Basque sport of pelota

What To Skip

Assuming that this is like any other region of Spain—the Basque culture and language are unique

What For:

Culture Food + Wine

When To Go:

April May September October November

Hotels

Expert picks of the best places to stay in Bilbao + Basque Country

See all 10 Bilbao + Basque Country hotels ›

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Photos

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Browse our gallery of Bilbao + Basque Country images, or upload your own

  • Spain, Europe: Many classic red-wine varietals are made from the Rioja region's tempranillo grapes. By Concierge.com
  • User Photo Immensity -... By Washout
  • Spain, Europe: A wine cellar in one of the Rioja region's many wineries. By Concierge.com
  • Spain, Europe: collection at Bilbao's Museo de Bellas Artes runs the gamut from El Greco to Francis By Concierge.com
  • Spain, Europe: Ondarreta, smaller and wider than La Concha, is another of San Sebastián's main beaches. By Concierge.com
  • Spain, Europe: The approach to Bilbao's showstopping tourist attraction: the Frank Gehry–designed Guggenheim Bilbao. By Concierge.com
  • Spain, Europe: Guggenheim's outdoor artworks include a topiary sculpture by Jeff Koons, and this metal spider by By Concierge.com
  • Spain, Europe: The town of Briones in the Rioja region, one of Spain's most venerable wine-producing areas. By Concierge.com
  • Spain, Europe: The Plaza Moyúa's carefully landscaped shrubs and flower beds recall formal French gardens. By Concierge.com
  • Spain, Europe: A beautiful stained-glass mural overlooks the main hall of Bilbao's Abando train station. By Concierge.com
  • Spain, Europe: Sunset at La Concha beach, when most tourists have headed back into neighboring San Sebastián. By Concierge.com
  • Spain, Europe: The Paseo Campo Volantín, a pedestrian walkway along the Nervión River, links to the Zubizuri. By Concierge.com
  • Spain, Europe: The Guggenheim's organic shape makes it look different from every angle. By Concierge.com
  • Spain, Europe: wearing traditional garb carry the Basque flag during a demonstration in Bilbao; Basques are a By Concierge.com
  • Spain, Europe: A soaring atrium inside the Guggenheim. By Concierge.com
  • Spain, Europe: the three varieties of <i>pelota vasca</i>, one, called <i>cesta punta</i>, is better known as jai By Concierge.com
  • Spain, Europe: local men, sporting black Basque berets, taking a stroll in Bilbao's Casco Viejo ( By Concierge.com
  • Spain, Europe: La Concha, the most popular (and crowded) beach in the seaside city of San Sebastián. By Concierge.com
  • Spain, Europe: The dramatically curved Zubizuri bridge, designed by Santiago Calatrava, spans Bilbao's Nervión River. By Concierge.com
  • Spain, Europe: <i>Pelota vasca</i>, a traditional Basque sport, can be played with paddles, baskets, or bare hands. By Concierge.com

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    from Concierge.com, February 2006

Information may have changed since date of publication. Please confirm details with individual establishments before planning your trip.
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