Free Walking Tour Cosmopolitan Bilbao

Have you ever wondered why Bilbao is full of various architectural styles?

The Cosmopolitan Bilbao that we enjoy today isn’t even nearly the same as it looked like 100 years ago. Naturally, that is the consequence of a whole series of circumstances.

To begin with, the whole area of El Ensanche (an expansion area of Bilbao constructed for the bourgeoisie) is original from the 19th and 20th centuries. At that time, Bilbao was still an industrial city. But there is one problem. In 1973 the financial crisis arrives to Spain.

In 1984. Athletic Club de Bilbao wins a historic double of League and King's Cup. This is the point where thousands of citizens celebrate the victory in the street and watch the champions tour the river in a barge. But bear with me, cause this time wasn’t the only massive demonstration of the year.

With the aggravation of the crisis, the most important shipyard of the city, Euskalduna, plans the dismissal of the half of its employees. That provokes waves of protest in the city. Unfortunatelly, it results with dozens of wounded and an worker shot and killed by the Police. In 1985, Euskalduna is completely closed.

Eventually, what it all boils down to is the metamorphosis of Bilbao.

It starts through various projects, among the most prominent, Metro Bilbao and Bilbao Ría 2000. In 1995, the Metro designed by Norman Foster is officially inaugurated, although its lines will be expanded during the following years. Two years later, the Guggenheim Museum of Bilbao, designed by Frank Gehry, opens the doors to the public.

Since then, Bilbao has become a touristic city, whose main attraction is the monumental museum made of titanium. After the successful realization of the museum construction, Bilbao still continues to grow and offer astonishing architectural attractions.

Are you ready to see all of them?

Don’t get left behind and join our Guides for the intriguing Free Tour of Cosmopolitan Bilbao. Maybe you are curious about the old town? Have a glance at our Free Tour Antique Bilbao.