Now, I’ve had a good natter with fellow Barrie folk over a Timmies, and the general consensus when thinking of a Spanish jaunt often leans towards the sun-drenched coasts or perhaps the bustling metropolises like Madrid or Barcelona. But let me tell you, there’s a rather splendid alternative tucked away in the Basque Country that offers a distinctly different, yet surprisingly accessible, flavour of adventure, especially if you’re keeping an eye on the loonies and toonies: Bilbao. It’s a city that pulls off a rather clever trick, blending centuries of heritage with a bold, modern swagger, proving that Affordable Spain isn’t just a pipe dream, even from way over here.
Bilbao’s tale isn’t one of continuous glamour. For a good few hundred years since its founding in 1300, it was a gritty industrial powerhouse, focused on shipbuilding and iron. Fast forward to the late 20th century, and it was a city rather down on its luck, desperately needing a bit of a spruce-up. What happened next was nothing short of remarkable – a transformation so successful it bagged awards like the Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize in 2010. It went from a slightly tired port town to a vibrant, globally recognised urban success story, which, handily for us, means it offers world-class experiences without the world-class price tag often associated with such destinations.
The poster child for this reinvention is, of course, the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao. Designed by the rather brilliant Frank Gehry, its titanium curves look less like a building and more like a magnificent, beached whale or perhaps a crumpled piece of metallic art itself. It single-handedly put Bilbao back on the map for art and architecture lovers. But the modern design doesn’t stop there. You’ll find structures like the Iberdrola Tower and a sleek metro system masterminded by none other than Norman Foster contributing to the city’s futuristic look. Exploring these architectural marvels feels like a peek into the future, and the best part? It’s all part of the experience in this corner of Affordable Spain.
Beyond the steel and glass, Bilbao delights in other ways that are kind to the wallet and the senses. Wandering the atmospheric Casco Viejo, the old town, you can indulge in the local ritual of hopping between pintxos bars, sampling delicious, affordable bites. The coast is easily reachable by train in under thirty minutes, offering Atlantic waves without the southern crowds. And unlike the sweltering heat found elsewhere in Spain during summer, Bilbao enjoys a pleasant oceanic climate, making exploration comfortable. It’s this combination of cutting-edge design, rich culture, and practical affordability that makes Bilbao such a compelling option.
So, if you’re a Barrie resident with an adventurous spirit and a sensible budget, looking for a Spanish adventure that’s a bit off the beaten track but rich in stunning architecture and vibrant life, give Bilbao a serious look. It proves that experiencing world-class design and culture in Spain doesn’t require winning the lottery.
