There are many ways to explore a city. Let's explore one of the most authentic options: aboard its modes of transport. Bilbao has a modern public transport network and there are also private systems offering unusual, and above all, sustainable tours. See how to find different views of the 2018 European City of the Year, according to the international organisation The Academy of Urbanism, and the metropolitan area on both sides of the Nervión estuary.
Sustainable transport
The Bilbao tram runs through the city from Bolueta Station to La Casilla park. A single line with sixteen stops, it gives visitors a pretty clear idea of the town and its layout. Comfort and the environment go hand in hand with this sustainable transport option that runs along the seven streets of the Old Town and stops at essential places such as the Arriaga theatre, the Euskalduna Palace, the Guggenheim Museum, the San Mamés Stadium and the fifteen modernist buildings of the Basurto hospital.
And from the sloping tracks of the cable car you can reach mount Artxanda. The reward will be some of the most impressive views of Bilbao as you travel approximately 800 metres, from Paseo Campo de Volantín Station, where you get on, to the summit, 226 metres above sea level. We recommend popping into one of the places serving traditional Basque cuisine, much frequented by the locals at weekends, to make the trip even more enjoyable.
A boat trip on the Nervión estuary
The estuary has always shaped the character of Bilbao, which was once a centre of heavy industry, but in the 21st century it has become even more important. A practical and convenient way to see and understand it is on one of the cultural boat trips around the Nervión estuary, available any time of year.
With this option, you get an overall view of the new architecture and landscapes that have revolutionised the city, on both sides of its estuary: the Deusto bridge, the walkways of Santiago Calatravaand Arata Isozaki, the towers of the development Isozaki Athea, the Euskalduna Palace and the Maritime Museum. The boat rides start on the dock at Plaza Pío Baroja, opposite the Town Hall, and options usually include trips to Zorrozaure, or a two-hour ride to Portugalete.
The Transporter Bridge at Portugalete
Not many cities can boast an iron transporter bridge, much less one still in use. Between Portugalete and Getxo, in the Bilbao metropolitan area, it is the first of its kind in the world. Its historical value alone is enough to recommend a visit to this structure, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2006.
In addition to crossing the left and right banks of the lower part of the estuary aboard the boat hanging from its structure, you can fully explore Bizkaia Bridge or the Suspension bridge by taking a panoramic lift up to a pedestrian walkway, which is located 50 metres above the ground. From there you can see the machinery in detail, and best of all, enjoy the view all the way to Abra Bay, where the river meets the sea.Another interesting thing to do in this area is to take a trip, by night or day, on the traditional Euskal Herria ferry and see other towns at the edge of the estuary, like Algorta and Santurtzi.
Gourmet boat trips with whales and dolphins
After seeing the essential elements that have transformed Bilbao into a cosmopolitan city, you might want more of these unusual experiences - so keep reading.
Whale and dolphin watching, on boats equipped with hydrophones so you can listen to the marine mammals, is an increasingly popular activity in Bizkaia province. These are educational trips along the Basque coast, designed to raise awareness of the importance of protecting dolphins, whales, sea birds, and other marine wildlife. Another option: sitting around a barbecue on a circular boat with room for nine people. Several companies offer sailboats and motorboats for hire on the Bilbao estuary. But there are more exclusive options on offer, such as a cooking demonstration by an on-board chef. In Bilbao, it's possible to have an intense culinary experience while you float by the Guggenheim!
