Facts for Kids

Bilbao is a vibrant city in northern Spain, located in the Basque Country. 🌍

It's the largest city in this region with about 345,000 people living there. Bilbao is known for its stunning landscapes and the beautiful Nervión River that runs through the city. The city has a mix of old and modern buildings, making it exciting to explore! One famous landmark is the Guggenheim Museum, which has a unique design. 🌟

Bilbao is also known for its warm climate and friendly people, so it's a great place to visit or learn about! 🏙

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Bilbao is famous for its delicious Basque cuisine! 🍽

️ One popular dish is "pintxos," which are tasty snacks served on small pieces of bread, often topped with fresh ingredients like seafood or vegetables. 🥪

People enjoy walking from bar to bar, tasting the different pintxos available. Another Basque favorite is "bacalao al pil-pil," a codfish dish cooked with garlic and olive oil. 🐟

Bilbao also hosts a fantastic food market called "Mercado de la Ribera," where locals shop for fresh produce, meats, and cheeses. So, when in Bilbao, your taste buds are in for a treat!

Bilbao has a strong economy that started with industries like shipbuilding and ironwork. ⚓

Today, it's more focused on services like tourism, finance, and education. Many large companies, such as the energy giant Iberdrola, have their headquarters in Bilbao. 💼

The city is also famous for its banking services. With numerous banks and lending agencies, people come to Bilbao to manage their finances. Additionally, tourism plays a big role as visitors love to explore its art, food, and history! So, Bilbao's economy is diverse and full of opportunities!

Bilbao was founded in 1300 by a man named Don Diego López de Haro. 🗓

️ The city started as a small town that grew into an important port for shipping goods like iron and steel. 💼

Over the years, Bilbao became a center for industry and trade. In the 19th century, many factories were built, creating jobs for many people. 🚢

However, by the late 20th century, the economy shifted, and the city reinvented itself by focusing on art and tourism. Today, Bilbao is a charming mix of its rich history and modern developments! 🏭

Bilbao takes education seriously and has many schools and universities! 📚

The University of the Basque Country is one of the largest and offers a variety of studies, from engineering to art. The city also has international schools where children can learn in different languages. 🏫

Many students enjoy field trips to places like the Guggenheim Museum to learn about art. In Bilbao, education is not just about books—it's about exploring and discovering the world around you! 🌏

So, you're never too far from a great learning experience!

Bilbao's architecture is a fantastic mix of traditional and contemporary styles. One must-see building is the Guggenheim Museum, designed by architect Frank Gehry. 🤩

Its curvy, shiny exterior looks like a giant ship! The historic Old Town, called "Casco Viejo," is filled with narrow streets and stunning buildings, like St. James' Cathedral. 🏛

️ Another unique feature is the Puente Colgante, a swinging bridge that connects two parts of the city. 🌉

Bilbao’s architecture tells the story of how the city has changed over time, and it's fun to see both the old and the new!

Getting around Bilbao is easy and fun! 🚍

The city has a modern metro system that can take you to many important places quickly. You can also use trams, buses, and even ferries to cross the Nervión River! 🛳

️ Many locals like to ride bicycles or walk to enjoy the beautiful streets and parks. For a unique experience, try the Funicular de Artxanda, which takes you to a hilltop viewpoint with stunning views of the city and countryside! 🌄

So, whether you want to move fast or take your time, Bilbao has transportation options for everyone!

Bilbao is a city full of exciting culture! 🎨

One of its highlights is the Guggenheim Museum, which showcases modern art and attracts visitors from all over the world. The city also hosts a unique festival called Bilboko Aste Nagusia, celebrated every August, where there are parades, fireworks, and lots of fun activities. 🎉

Traditional Basque music and dance are very important to the culture, too. You might hear the lively sounds of txistu (a Basque flute) during celebrations! 🎶

So, when you visit Bilbao, you won't run out of fun things to see and do!

Bilbao has many exciting tourist attractions to explore! 🗺

️ The Guggenheim Museum is a must-see for art lovers, while the charming Old Town, or Casco Viejo, is perfect for shopping and tasting pintxos. Another exciting place is the Azkuna Zentroa, a cultural center that hosts events and exhibitions all year round. 🎭

If you love the outdoors, visit Mount Artxanda for breathtaking views! 🎢

Don’t forget to check out the beautiful parks like Doña Casilda Iturrizar Park, where you can play and relax. Bilbao is filled with fun adventures just waiting for you! 🥳