Bilbao: bold architecture, infectious energy

We will search in vain for the polished charm of Madrid, BarcelonaSevilla or Valencia on their way to Bilbao. Because, unlike their Spanish counterparts, Bilbao was shaped by the pain of a vanished industrial world. A turning point that the Basque city has seized with both hands. And it's a place that visitors are bound to fall in love with.

For decades, the capital of the Basque country has had the image of a working-class metropolis. The grey facades of its houses, the warehouses of its port in the centre of town and the chimneys of its factories hardly offered an attractive image.

And then, the industrial crisis that the city went through at the end of the 80s has paradoxically proved Bilbao's best chance. Because this city has energy to spare. And instead of feeling despondent, Bilbao has begun its renaissance. In 30 years, the city has become unrecognisable. " The turnaround came from a building that has become the symbol of our metamorphosis" says Kepa Olabarrieta, Director of the Bilbao Convention Bureau.

From The Artist hotel, a five-star hotel with a contemporary feel, the eye lingers on the asperities created by the stone, glass and titanium facades of the Guggenheim Bilbao. The work of American architect Franck Gehry, the structure, whose walls change colour according to the time of day and night, has firmly established Bilbao as a contemporary architectural reality since it opened in 1997. The museum has accelerated a total transformation of the city. " It's a bit like the tale of the 'ugly duckling' who became a majestic swan" joked Sergio Iriarte, a French-speaking local guide.

Bilbao has cleaned up and embellished the banks of the Nervion. In the past, this river was seen above all as a sea route for petroleum products, iron ore and coal. And it drained the waste from these industries. None of that remains today. The river is now graced with promenades where the whole of Bilbao comes to soak up the sun. And where visitors stroll before heading off to the restaurants and cafés of the old town. In the latter, you can enjoy the " pintxos", the Basque equivalent of tapas. 

The facades of the large fin-de-siècle bourgeois buildings with their characteristic bow-windows (an influence of the British trading in Bilbao) have been carefully restored, adorned in pastel colours. The result is a remarkable architectural heritage that combines historicist, art nouveau and art deco styles...

That's the Guggenheim effect. " The museum has effectively transformed our town into a popular tourist destination" says Kepa Olabarrieta. Business tourism has not been able to resist this craze for the Basque capital. Of course, Bilbao has many assets that make it a business city. It is a major decision-making centre in Spain, with a multitude of multinational companies. There are two companies that stand out because they embody Bilbao's entrepreneurial spirit: Iberdrolaone of the world's leading energy companies, and the BBVA - formerly Banco de Bilbao, now Spain's second largest bank.

But above all, Bilbao's energy is infectious. Organising a MICE event here has become chic, original and surprising. By combining infrastructure with architecture, Bilbao has created unique venues for conferences, meetings and incentive events..

Bilbao, an architectural benchmark

Anchored in the contemporary world, the basque capital is booming with structures bearing the hallmarks of stars of world architecture. Even the design of the metro bears the signature of a great architect, in this case the British Norman Foster! The urban planning of the Zorrozaurre district, built on an artificial island, was designed by the architect Zaha Hadid. It embodies the future of Bilbao.

Among the city's great architects are the Catalan Santiago Calatrava, who built the international airport and a bridge over the Nervion; the Spanish architects Federico Soriano and Dolores Palacios, who designed the Euskalduna Congress Centre and Concert Hall; the Japanese Arata Isozaki, whose twin Atea towers dominate the river; and the Argentinian Cesar Pelli for the Ibedrola tower. There's also the strange La Alhóndiga cultural centre for contemporary art. Once home to the municipal wine cellars, the structure has been renovated by designer Philippe Starck and is now buzzing with events. Its slightly cavernous hall is adorned with columns that recall the great stages of the world's civilisations...

Perfect choices for MICE conference organisers. The most prestigious and sought-after venue is certainly the Guggenheim Bilbao. But it may not be the easiest place to hold seminars or to privatise its restaurants or terrace along the Nervion. The museum can accommodate from 400 seated delegates to 800 delegates for a cocktail party. However, it is primarily open to events organised by the museum's corporate members. However, the Bilbao Convention Bureau may be able to persuade the museum's management to host an event - on an exceptional basis!

Arts, sport and conferences

But there are so many other alternatives. Culture, "La Alhóndiga is an exciting structure with a multitude of exhibition and meeting rooms.with its auditorium and terrace overlooking 19th-century Bilbao.^e century. It can accommodate up to 1,200 people for a private event. With the pleasure of mingling with the local population who come for the swimming pool, an exhibition or the library.

Ideally located in the heart of the city, just a few minutes' walk from the Guggenheim Bilbao, Euskalduna Conference Centre is a reminder of the maritime and economic vocation of the Basque metropolis, with its architecture resembling a gigantic ship. The site is actually located on former docks. A dozen meeting rooms, several auditoriums - the largest of which can accommodate over 2,000 delegates - a terrace and reception halls offer total flexibility in a prestigious structure.

Basque authenticity combined with a conference: this is also what the Convention Bureau has to offer, with the possibility of organising an event based around Basque pelota or the emblematic Athletic Club de Bilbao. The club embodies everything that makes the Basque people what they are: passionate, proud and... 100% Basque. Indeed, the club is unique in that its squad includes only players born in the Basque Country, whether Spanish or French. The huge San Mamés stadium has over 6,000 m² meeting spaces, halls and restaurants for conferences and cocktail parties for up to 3,000 people. However, these events take place without Athletic Club's star players, who are difficult to convince to attend! 

More friendly and welcoming, the Salle du Fronton Bizkaia is dedicated to another activity that embodies the Basque spirit: thea Cesta Punta (or Basque pelota). You can come here to admire the Basque pelota players with their bare hands, or to learn more about the sport. Or organise an incentive event for up to 90 people indoors.

And finally, there's the city, which you can get to know as you stroll around. In the old town (Casco Viejo) with its seven streets converging on the Plaza Nueva, the archetype of these convivial Spanish squares with their arcades and cafés that attract locals and tourists alike. Or Gran Via, Bilbao's prestigious avenue, with its luxury shops, restaurants and department stores', El Corte Ingles with its fabulous range of Basque gastronomic specialities.

Or why not finish on the heights of the city? Almost opposite Santiago Calatrava's Zubizuri bridgeA funicular links the two cities in 3 minutes the top of the Artxanda hill. It offers a 360° panorama of the city, from the old town to the emblematic buildings along the river and the districts of the future. It's the perfect way to take in the full complexity of a metropolis with an infectious energy. And to tell yourself that you'll be back.

Practical guide: https://www.voyages-d-affaires.com/bilbao-guide-pratique-20250630.html