We've crossed the river north back to the old town and walked past the market back to the Puente del Arenal. You can probably see the Santander station in the background, on the other bank we have just visited. Arenal bridge is the main link between the old and new towns and the nearest place to catch a bus from casco vieja. Incidentally, the bus system is called 'Bilbobus' which for some reason I find highly amusing, and have to prevent myself saying out loud every time I see it. Bilbobus - what a marvellous word. Anyway, I digress - this magnificent building is the Teatro Arriaga, Bilbao's answer to the Paris Opera, its inspiration. This ornate opera house is many Bilboans favourite building, and you can see why.

We started our tour of Bilbao in casco viejo and have returned here, so now it is time to visit some sights outside of the city itself.