Museums and bicycles

Guggenheim Museum Bilbao brought the city onto the world stage when it opened in 1997.

Like many industrial cities, the 1980s wrecked the economy and the social fabric. After a huge flood in 1983, rebuilding the city was mandatory. Over the 80s and 90s, and continuing today, industrial spaces have been redeveloped as residential neighborhoods.

A lot of downtown was built in a traditional style, with most buildings 6-8 stories, except for modern offices. Newer buildings are often the same size and feel as their older neighbors.

With a river running through the heart of the city for many miles, there’s a wide range of waterfront environments, from beautiful old mansions to modern high rises on to the shipyards, industrial wastelands, and yacht clubs.