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Guggenheim Bilbao

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    I'm going to be going to Spain for a little over a week in a while. Haven't entirely decided which parts I'll be heading to yet, but I've always wanted to see the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao. Can someone tell me if the museum is really worth the trip to Bilbao? Or is it only worth seeing if you happen to be in or near Bilbao? I've been to the Guggenheim in New York, but I definitely wouldn't head to New York just to see the Guggenheim. On the other hand, seeing Frank Gehry's renowned architecture is tempting. Please let me know your thoughts if you've been. Thank you.

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    I visited the Guggenheim Bilbao the first year it was built. I find it spectacular. I was on a ship that stopped in Bilbao, thus I didn't make a special trip to the city. But I will certainly make a special effort to see this magnificiet structure again when we return to Spain next year.

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    I'd recommend visiting the Guggenheim in Bilbao and then heading towards San Sebastian, which is only 1 and a half hours away from Bilbao by car.

    The Guggenheim is outstanding, and Bilbao is a small charming city (disclalmer: I live in Bilbao .... :), but you probably do not want to spend more than 1 or 2 days there.

    But as I said San Sebastian is pretty close, it is a gorgeous city, and has some of the best restaurants in the world (they have more Michelin stars per inhabitant that any other city in the world).

    I am attaching a picture of another nice building in Bilbao that I took last week with the phone.

      DSC02022.JPG
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    I love Gehry's masterpiece (and what it's done for the city of Bilbao), but the last time I visited the art on show was really poor and the curating even weaker. Check to see what's on, if possible, before you book your trip. After all, it's not just about the shiny building, but what it was designed to house and showcase. (It attracts a lot of school parties too, which is great on one hand, but if you like to contemplate your modern art, then the trooping past of noisy school children is a little off-putting).
    Definitely, definitely head to San Sebastian after Bilbao – I'm on the Arzak side of the fence, so if you're after the alluring combination of three Michelin stars in a contemporary setting with a warm, family welcome, this is your place. The food, service and setting shine bright. San Sebastian itself has the air of a Victorian seaside resort. Lovely place.
    If you've got more time on your hands, then a trip down into Rioja is definitely worth the journey. Visit another of Gehry's masterpieces at the Marqués de Riscal winery.
    Rioja is stunning: a beautiful rolling landscape, scattered with medieval towns and villages and every few miles a piece of striking, daring modern architecture. Oh, and great wine and great food. I spent a week in the region and loved it. A special place. Be sure to visit the Bai Gorri bodega.

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    The Guggenheim in Bilbao is spectacular. We had a private dinner and tour of the museum ( the museum was closed to the public that day ) which I enjoyed a great deal. Then we went to San Sebastian the next day. If you have ample time on your hands - spend a day roaming the vineyards in Rioja. Happy travels and much fun!

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