Bilbao Sightseeing 2 - Along the Gran Via
Exit the Casco again back over Arenal bridge and you are
now heading for the centre of Bilbao The main artery of Bilbao is the Gran
Via. It runs right through the heart of the city. It stretches from Abando,
opposite the old city right up to Plaza Sagrado Corazon at the San Mames end.
Each end has a landmark to help you. At the Abando end is a tall monument to Don
Diego Lopez, the founder of the new city. He’s perched on a tiny little plinth
in the plaza circular as the traffic whirs round him. At the San Mames end is
the very large and imposing statue of Christ the Sacred Heart one of Bilbao’s
best known landmarks and visible from all around.
Walking up from the Abando end you pass many fine buildings
and lots of shops, including El Corte Ingles, the world famous department store
and dozens of upmarket fashion shops. Halfway up on the left is the Casc Matero
a striking piece of Basque architecture, now serving as government offices.
Soon, you’ll come to the Plaza Moyua which is smack in the centre of the Gran
Via and thus the centre of Bilbao. This is the square you use to get your
bearings from for all directions. The city radiates out in all directions from
here. Needless to say it is also a metro stop. The plaza itself is very pretty,
large and circular, adorned by a fountain in its centre and lots of colourful
flowerbeds. It’s a lovely place to sit in the sunshine and watch Bilbao life go
on all around you. It also contains the 5 star Carlton Hotel the city’s most
famous. Everybody can direct you to the Carlton and it makes a fine meeting
place.
Heading on down towards the Statue of Christ on your right
is the delightful Dona Casilda Park. The park is the city’s largest, greenest
area with lovely gardens, walkways, pergolas and large pond. Many fiestas are
held here. It also a nice
place to relax from the noise and traffic of the streets. It also contains the
excellent art gallery, the Museo de Bellas Artes. From end to end though the
Gran Via contains some of Bilbao’s finest buildings, many of them now banks and
department stores. Be sure to look up as you walk along to enjoy the fine
architecture!
Back down at the Plaza Circular in Abando is La Granja a
massive old style café, have a drink, enjoy the décor, the buzz of conversation
and life passing by outside. Just to the right off Aband is Ledesma Street
(Ledesma exit from Abando metro stop ). This street is packed with bars and
eateries and throbs by night. You’ll never go hungry in this area! Just down
from Ledesma are The Albia Gardens, a beautiful place to take a break. On one
corner, nearest Abando, is the Café Irun, one of Bilbao’s oldest, packed day and
night and also a bit of an artist’s hangout. Diagonally across on the other side
of the park is the Café Gardens with possibly the largest outside area to sit
down, admire the gardens and enjoy life. Also by the Albia Gardens is the
Cafe Antzokia in Calle San Vicente which combines drinks and cultural activities
and performances. It is also one of Bilbao’s top music venues featuring both
local and international acts. Also does a great lunch.
Bilbao Sightseeing
1 >> Take a Stroll
Through the Casco Viejo.
Bilbao Sightseeing
2 >> Stroll Along the Gran
Via, the heart of Bilbao (this page).
Bilbao Sightseeing
3 >> Wander Along the River
to the Guggenheim.
Bilbao Sightseeing 4 >>
Cross the River to the Deusto University District.
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