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Bilbao
Bilbao, a key city in the modernisation of the Gulf of Biscay, has seen its infrastructure and architecture change spectacularly over the past few years. The Guggenheim Museum and the new tram both bear witness to the vitality and dynamism of the city. Bilbao is very welcoming and loves children, particularly during the Carnival, the Aste Nagusia (the big week) or Christmas. Surrounded by mountains, forests, beaches and cliffs, the city has an exceptional natural environment and prides itself on raising gastronomy to an art. On the menu: cod and playful and entertaining activities for all the family!
To discover, to understand, to wonder, and enjoy oneself, to marvel…So many entertaining opportunities to be enjoyed by the WHOLE FAMILY and which can be reached from your hotel in Bilbao!
Novotel Bilbao Barakaldo
7
Bilbao has approximately 7m2 of green space per inhabitant.
1997
The December 1997 opening of the Guggenheim Museum, designed by the architect Franck Ghery, was the starting point for the real change that the city of Bilbao has undergone.
1300
The city of Bilbao was founded in 1300 by Don Diego Lopez V de Haro. The city then only had three streets and one church.
Museums & Exhibitions
Archaeology, Ethnography and Basque History Museum
It is impossible not to be interested in Basque culture when visiting the region of Bilbao. The museum, commonly known as the Basque Museum of Bilbao, offers the whole family a chance to explore the history of the Basque people, from their beginnings to today. The exhibitions cover fishing, navigation, the iron industry, and traditional crafts and explain the various life styles of the Basques. A very educational visit.
Plaza Miguel de Unamuno, 4, Bilbao – Tel.: (+34) 944155423
Tuesday to Saturday from 11.00 am to 5.00 pm. Sunday from 11.00 am to 2.00 pm.
Ria de Bilbao Maritime Museum
Bilbao and the sea are closely linked. The Maritime Museum is an essential place to understand more about the city. Several objects related to the sea are on exhibit, but children will be particularly attracted to the models of boats built in the naval workshops of Bilbao or the sea rescue systems provided by the Red Cross. The museum also has a 100 m2 educational room that is a central place for teaching the youngest ones about maritime culture.
Muelle Ramón de la Sota, 1, Bilbao – Tel.: (+34) 902131000
From July to August from Tuesday to Sunday from 10.00 am to 8.00 pm. From September to June from Tuesday to Sunday from 10.00 am to 6.30 pm. Saturday from 10.00 am to 8.00 pm.
Guggenheim Museum
From an architectural perspective, the work of Gehry is admired the world over. From a cultural perspective, the Guggenheim Museums cannot be missed when you’re in one of the few cities that houses one.. Bilbao, even more so than New York, Las Vegas, Venice or Berlin, symbolises the cultural importance. Targeting a wide and diverse audience, the museum has activities for children and families. On arrival in Bilbao, the first thing to do is to check out the Guggenheim programme!
Av. Abandoibarra, 2, Bilbao – Tel.: (+34) 944359080
From Tuesday to Sunday from 10.00 am to 8.00 pm (every day in July and August).
Zoos, aquariums, parks and gardens
Karpin Abentura
The main objective of the park is to educate and promote awareness of current environmental issues as well as to protect fauna and biodiversity. To accomplish this, the park designed an educational area where all the family can explore the evolution of species and learn about the earth from its formation up until today. This is why the park is the ideal place to get to know dinosaurs and mammoths and also lynx, bears or wolves…
Valle De Karrantza – Tel.: (+34) 944 479 206
Every day from 11.00 am to 7.00 pm (5.00 pm from November to March).
San Sebastian Aquarium
This aquarium is a real favourite! Located in the city of San Sebastian, it is really worth the detour. Filled with traditional ponds and glass tunnels where children and parents can admire tropical fish, turtles and sharks, the aquarium also has a collection of aquatic mammal skeletons such as dolphins. There is also a naval museum, which thanks to its particularly successful models offers a glimpse of the various fishing techniques used in the region. Entertaining and educational!
Karlos Blasco de Imaz Plaza, 1, San Sebastien – Tel.: (+34) 943440099
From April to June and every day in September from 10.00 am to 9.00 pm (10.00 pm on Saturday and Sunday).
Doña Casilda Park
For over a hundred years, the Doña Casilda Park has been part of the life of the inhabitants of Bilbao. Over the years it has gradually been transformed into an ideal place for a relaxing family walk. The charm of its majestic lake, its fairground attractions for children, its fountains with choreographed jets and its numerous sculptures will undoubtedly be appreciated.
Gran Via, Bilbao
Every day.
Kids’voyage’s special treats
Trophy Room and Bilbao Athletic Club Exhibitions
A real institution for sport amateurs and for football fans in particular, the Atletico Club shows the sport’s history and trophies for over 100 years of sport duels. During a visit to this legendary stadium, it is possible to explore less well-known places, and especially those that are usually a lot less accessible, such as the press room, the changing rooms and the player’s areas! Come on red and white!
Felipe Serrate, 5, Bilbao
From Tuesday to Friday from 10.30 am to 1.30 pm (2.00 pm on Saturday) and from 4.00 pm to 7.00 pm. Sunday from 10.00 am to 2.00 pm.
Euskara Interpretation Centre
A visit to the Euskara House is a chance for the whole family to learn about the Basque language. The Centre is divided into two areas: an entertaining area for tourists and another for education and reference.. Located on the first floor, the tourist area offers something for the whole family, The discovery of the language is viewed as a journey, complete with a station, a quay, vehicles, a tunnel and decorations. A journey to the heart of a language, the pride of a region.
Plaza Aois, 1, Bilbao – Tel.: (+34) 944052383
Tuesday to Saturday from 10.00 am to 7.00 pm. Mondays and Sundays from 10.00 am to 1.30.
The Memory Promenade
This “promenade” will take you by the hand and guide you through the city. Linking the La Naja, Ripa, Uribitarte and Olabeaga quays, the route will transport the whole family to the front of the Guggenheim Museum or the Euskalduna Palace. A real garden museum, the park with palm and lime trees is enhanced with sculptures and fountains and game areas for children..
Bilbao
Every day.
Good places for a family meal
Ein Prosit Bilbao
In this restaurant the best of Basque and German culture come together. The whole family can eat in an original place! Children’s menu available.
Plaza del Ensanche, 7, Bilbao – Tel : (+34) 944241311
Every day from 1.30 pm to 4.00 pm and from 8.30 pm to 11.00 pm.
Mendipe
This restaurant, five minutes from Bilbao, offers meat and fish specialities cooked on charcoal. There is an area reserved just for children.
Campa San Justo, 13, Bilbao – Tel.: (+34) 944 446 939
Every day from 11.00 am to midnight.
Yandiola
Creativity, technology and innovation accompany the cuisine of this restaurant that is located right in the centre of Bilbao. Special mention must be made of the cod-based dishes for which the restaurant has already won several awards.
Paseo del Campo Volantin, 15, Bilbao – Tel.: (+34) 944134013
Every day from 1.00 pm to 4.00 and from 8.30 pm to 11.30 pm.
KIDS' VOYAGE travel guides and NOVOTEL hotels wish you an excellent stay in Bilbao.

