Bilbao is located on the shores of a very narrow estuary, about 15km south of the Bay of Biscay and is about a 20 minute Metro ride from the Getxo port where our cruise ship docked.

After getting off the ship we made our way to the Neguri metro station where we caught a train to take us into the city of Bilboa.

The first site we visited was the Guggenheim Museum, which was designed by famous architect Frank Gehry and its organic shapes are truly breathtaking. Covered with over 33,000 sheets of titanium making it look more like a giant sculpture. Jeff Koon’s Puppy, which sits at the front by the main entrance and Louise Bourgeois’ famous spider sculpture, Maman – just like the one in front of the Ottawa Museum of Art.

From here we strolled along the Nervion River and crossed over it using the Zubizuri bridge, also known as the Calatrava Bridge after the architect who built it. The bridge is an arched structure, white and slender, resembling a sailboat ten metres above the river. Its glass surface has generated much controversy, so today what you walk on is a non-slip mat.

Again we followed the river for a short distance to the Casco Viejo (Old City). Casco Viejo forms the medieval old quarter, a lively riverside district with modern shops and traditional taverns lining the Seven Streets. We walked by La Ribera market – one of the largest indoor markets in Spain and gazed at the Santiago Cathedral, a 14th-century landmark with a dramatic Gothic spire. From here we walked to the Arriaga square to see the beautiful Teatro Arriaga which was inspired by the Paris Opera House and then made out way back to the metro to return to Getxo for some exploring.

Off the train we made our way back through a small park to the main promenade along the waterfront. Here we strolled admiring all of the beautiful architecture.