By Wendy

On a recent trip to Spain, Jack and I spent about 24 hours in Bilbao. We enjoyed walking around the city on a warm, cloudy Sunday in July, visiting the famous Guggenheim Museum and having a delicious dinner.

We caught the PESA bus from San Sebastian (about 75 minutes; 25 euros for two tickets), then a quick taxi ride to the NH Bilbao Deusto. We like the NH chain, but some hotels are better than others. This one was a good deal at around 150 euros with breakfast. The room was small but with a comfortable bed, and eventually the AC kicked in. A couple of luggage racks and a cleaner bathroom would have been nice. But the location was ideal, and after checking in we took a short stroll along the river to the Guggenheim Museum. 

You cannot help but notice the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, designed by architect Frank Gehry and opening in 1997. It’s fantastic. Take the time to walk around the perimeter and gaze at the amazing sculptures, including one of Louise Bourgeois’ spiders and giant floral Puppy by Jeff Koons. The interior design is impressive as well, and worth the 17 euro admission to access floors of international contemporary art, including Richard Serra’s giant steel structures with paths you can wander through.

About 20 minutes into the museum, I realized I lost a scarf that was tied around my purse. I didn’t see it when I retraced my steps, so decided I would ask someone before we left. Of course I forgot about this until we had exited the building, so we walked all the way around to the front to go inside again to check Lost and Found – even though we really didn’t expect it to be there. But it was! The officers asked me some details before handing over one of my favorite 2 euro scarves, folded neatly all safe and sound. Thanks, Bilbao. 

We were flying to London the next day and did not want to stay out too late, but finding a good option in the early evening hours on a sleepy Sunday in Spain can be difficult. But we chose wisely. Dinner was at Berton Goikoa, a deceptively casual place with an excellent menu and wine list. We ordered paper thin jamon, a colorful chopped salad arranged so appetizingly on the plate that a woman nearby left her table to ask us about it, an incredible silky and fresh cod dish with green peppers, and finally a cheesecake ice cream combo for dessert. 

As we walked back to our hotel in the mild night air, Bilbao reminded me of our overnight stay in Pittsburgh earlier this year. The wide river, bridges, urban architecture, mountains in the distance and shared history of mining, the cool museum and cultural options. Jack agreed and observed that Bilbao is an industrial city that wants to be an artistic one – and we think it is.