Alternative route through Bilbao
Twenty years ago, the containers of massive factories occupied the space of the Nervión riverbank now presided over by the brilliant work of aerospace category of Frank Gehry.
Though Bilbao always has been an open and dynamic capital , the new headquarters of the New York museum revealed a cultural and artistic offer increasingly flourishing (it is not without reason that the mapping that the Guggenheim displays refers to the creativity of the Biscayan capital).
With the representation of the museum's anniversary this month and the BIME festival, the month of october It is presented as the best time to discover the liveliest alternative in the city: galleries, boutique cafes, free concerts and different ways of snacking around the city. Because not only pintxos and txacolí live the tourist.
Guggenheim, the artistic totem of the city
BREAKFASTS FOR ECO-SIBARISTS
start the day with a organic latte and a carrot cake, already almost a celebrity in the city. the owners of Cinnamon (San Vicente, 3), which less than two years ago opened this coffee-coworking in one of the liveliest streets of Bilbao at sunset, they make authentic works of art with their desserts (more than recommendable to try their cinnamon rolls or their banana cake and dulce de leche ), all handmade, in addition to treating each of their customers as if they were in their kitchen.
Your brunch in five parts It is also considered one of the wonders of the neighborhood (on Saturdays reservations are recommended).
Cinnamon, the best cinnamon roll in town
Although if of brunch we talked about, probably The Riverbank _(Erribera, 20) _ is the most famous, if not massive in the city; not only for the abundance of their dishes , but because of the success of its format (together with Riverside Market , views of the estuary and the San Francisco neighborhood included).
This jazz-bar, which also offers concerts to water the appetizers and dinners in its art deco-inspired lounge, has revolutionized the anti-hangover concept thanks to your eco brunch menu , which includes items as original as mini-kebabs or mango yogurt, and is also available daily.
The riverside jazz bar
ART EVERYWHERE
After the Guggenheim , the space of Azkuna Zentroa _(Plaza Arriquibar, 4) _ is probably the best thing that has happened to art in the city. old wine warehouse (still retains its outer structure), civic, cultural and even local sports center, It is a mandatory stop at any time of the day.
This month, its reduced ticket (the exhibitions are usually free) offers access to the exhibition of the British artist margaret harrison , an expert in feminist dialectics, or to the underwater concert of one of the relief artists of the season: Nathy Peluso (since October 20) .
Azkuna Zentroa (known as La Alhóndiga)
Also, just opened 'In this place, 138 times' , the exhibition of the outstanding artist from Bilbao Ixone Sadaba in the ** Rekalde exhibition hall ** _(Alameda de Recalde, 30) _, while in SC Gallery _(Calle de las Cortes, 4) _ you can visit the 'daydreams' collective of Ana Barriga, Mikel del Río, Paco Pomet and Sebas Velasco. (until December 22) .
SNACKS WITH RHYTHM
When thirst strikes, spend some time exploring the local bars. In the Coppola _(Barraincúa 6) _ you will feel like a real star , not only for its pop decoration but for their marianitos and vermouths (yes, the pre-beer aperitif is also made in Bilbao) .
If you're short on starters, be sure to try their pizzas (the most reputable in the city) and their cocktails, the perfect excuse for a well-deserved after-dinner conversation (they hold free concerts on Sundays at 6:30 p.m.).
If you prefer a route on the go , we recommend you not to miss the **pintxos at Irrintzi** _(Santa Maria Kalea, 8) _, between Abando and the cathedral, the bar that gives the title to one of the songs by the electronic band WAS.
*** Note for the most far-sighted Travelers:** next February Michelin star Fernando Canales (Restaurant Etxanobe) will open a new location with two spaces, one of them low cost and on the same street that leads to the Guggenheim (Juan Ajuriaguerra 8). Sign it up to reserve.
The Irrintzi pinchos: obligatory stop (and beer)
NOTHING TO ENVY THE NORDICS
Of unpronounceable name, the call “Zorrozaurre Peninsula” is on the lips of every self-respecting arty inhabitant, housing proposals such as the open space .
Considered the flea-market (or temporary flea market) of the city, this particular Bilbao trail , located in the former biscuit factory Artiach, defend a pioneer collaborative philosophy and conscientious consumption among its visitors, who help the participating start-ups with each acquisition. A good way to be seen and be seen in the Deusto neighbourhood. Former Artiach Factory, Ribera de Deusto (every Sunday of the month).
When it comes to second hand Bilbao is also ahead with multi-space stores, multibrand or just careful vintage-inspired Y avant-garde design.
The main ones are concentrated in the Casco Viejo: the phenomenon of the city, Arizona Vintage Clothing _(Victor Street, 2 and Ercilla, 26) _, Charade _(Calle de la Pelota, 6) _ where it is common to come across DJs and acoustic concerts, and cultured _(Alameda Urquijo, 59) _ an impeccable craft design space on the western bank of the Nervión known as San Francisco.
SAN FRANCISCO RULES
The freshest and youngest alternative to pintxo-pote (either potting , local synonym of cañeo) is found in the San Francisco neighborhood , an emerging foodie district populated by renovated taverns, charming bars and shops run by new entrepreneurs presided over by Bar Marzana 16.
The most emblematic of its premises, baptized as the mecca of the city's arty neighborhood, brings together designers, painters, musicians, actors or people simply attracted by everything that is condensed within the four walls of this bohemian Bar, that boasts prices for all pockets and traveling photography exhibitions.
the neighbors Net weight , San Francisco 1 (which is crowned with some of the best appetizers in the city) and Bihotz , Arechaga Kalea, 6 (hello craft beer from the house), are also recommended to visit.
MUSIC AS RELIGION
A concert in a church? bilborock (Muelle de la Merced, 1) hosts artistic representations from cinema, theater, dance, conferences, laboratories or (perhaps his best known facet) concerts, in an old church of the 17th century. your contest Town of Bilbao offers the showcases of emerging talent nationwide free every Thursday throughout the fall-winter season.
This edition will have as protagonists the people of Zaragoza The Bengals, the Cantabrian Los Estanques or the Madrid Camels , among others (until November 11) . On October 26, in addition, the festival BIME will offer a special showcase made in Euskadi.
BIME CITY
Precisely from the October 25 the BIME festival ahead of schedule BEC (eye, don't miss The Prodigy, Metronomy, Ride or Franz Ferdinand on Friday and Saturday) and takes to the streets to show his most democratic side: 40 live performances over two days , as an urban festival and with bands of different styles and origins.
This year Holland is the guest country, so look forward to discovering many of the bands who will be the talk of the town in the coming months not only in the Netherlands, but around the globe (don't miss out on performances by the British Sonars and Dan Croll, the French Agar Agar or the Ecuadorian Mina).
Within our borders, attention to the people of Madrid Agoraphobia (which already triumphed at SXSW) and the local Manes. The best? Free entry until complete seats.
DISCOVER NEW FLAVORS
If you thought that Bilbao's gastronomic offer only passed through the pintxos or bakalao , you're wrong. Peaceful _(Alameda de Recalde, 2) _ is one of the alternatives for the most international palates which has recently landed in the city (next to Plaza de Moyúa) and which offers dishes fused with recipes from Peru, Mexico or Asia Minor on the menu.
“In Bilbao there is a great variety and gastronomic quality, but our cuisine lacked touches from the other side of the world”, affirm the creators of the place. If you are more of a Japanese culture, be sure to book a table at KUMA _(Ercilla 8) _, the most coveted fusion in town.
A CINEMA EXPERIENCE
To complete the experience arty, stay in Caravan Cinema (Calle Correo, 1) : Bilbao's trendiest pension, in the heart of the city's Old Town, which offers rooms and apartments themed by movies. Almodóvar, Trueba, Médem or Hitchcock are some of the highlights in this peculiar accommodation. Who said that Bilbao was not a film destination?
The ultimate 'arty' accommodation