Bilbao Highlights & the Guggenheim Museum
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Port
Bilbao, Spain
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Activity Level
Moderate
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Excursion Type
City Tour,Local Sightseeing,All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$89.95
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
4½ Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
Bilbão, whose iron ore mines were first discovered by the Romans, was founded in 1300. Today is in the throes of a spectacular transformation as urban projects and avant-garde architecture (such as the ultra-modern Guggenheim Museum) contrast sharply with Bilbão's medieval heart.
In the modern part of Bilbão, you will drive past the Gardens of Albia, the Church of San Vicente and the Palace of Chavarri.
The nucleus of this industrial port city is the Old Town, where the narrow streets are lined with Renaissance, Baroque and Modernist buildings. Stroll through this area as your guide points out the Cathedral of Santiago, the Gothic Church of San Anton and the Plaza Nueva (New Square).
In the Abandoibarra district, you will find the famous Guggenheim Museum. Step inside to explore the impressive permanent and temporary exhibits, all housed within a love-it-or-hate-it architectural environment that symbolizes the urban and economic revitalization of Bilbão.
Notes:
The Guggenheim Museum is unguided. To enhance your experience, download the audio guide app and bring your own earphones. Wear comfortable walking shoes. Large bags cannot be taken into the Guggenheim Museum and must be checked at the entrance. Photography or video filming is not allowed inside the Guggenheim Museum. Exhibits within the Guggenheim are subject to change without notice. Most stores in the Old Town are closed on Sundays and over lunchtime. Tour requires approximately two hours of walking and standing. Wear comfortable walking shoes. Tour does not operate on Mondays.