This is the first suspension bridge in the world, or pendent ferry, becouse people and vehicles entering in the cabin, which is pendent on the cables transferred to the other side of the river.It is posible to cross the bridge on the walk, using elevator, but cost 7€. Using the cabin cost only 35 cents pro person..
We didnt have much time an parking in that area can take edges so we left the car in a parking next to the bridge (not expensive). Elevator!! Take the elevator and go walking over!! It was great, but also very hot. Better to visit when it is not so sunny.
Due to short time, I was not planning to visit this bridge during the couple of days I spent working in Bilbao.However, when coming back from Guggenheim museum, the taxi driver was so proudly talking about it that convinced me to stop to see the Vizcaya Bridge.Actually it was nice to have stopped there. The bridge is a unique. It was designed by Alberto Palacio, one of the Eiffel´s disciples and it was inaugurated in 1893. Thats´why the pillars reminds me of the structure of the Eiffel tower. The Vizcaya bridge is the oldest in the world of its kind.The locals call it the "puente colgante", the hanging bridge, but actually it´s not exactly that. It´s a bridge that links 2 small towns on the border of the Nervion River in Bilbao, and it has a structure that rolls from one side of the river to another, transporting 6 cars and around 80 people (I guess). During the day, it travels every 8 minutes.I din´t visit the top, but it´s possible to take a lift in the pillars and visit there, where I suppose it has a nice view of the Port.
I was not sure about the visit when the Informaction tourist officer give me this piece of advice. I thank her! This red metallic Bridge it's a masterpiece. Declared UNESCO Heritage Site.Built in 1893 by the Architect Alberto de Palacio, it is the oldest river crossing bridge. A sort of "shuttle" is hanging on transporting cars, bikes and people from a riverside to the other. If you don't suffer of vertigo and feel dizzy, don't miss the experience, take the lift to join the top level , then walk and cross the river on the footbridge. The sight is amazing: you can see the Cantabrico sea and the river. I was there in a wonderful sunny chilly winter day and I'm not ready to forget the experience: it was fantastic!That day, a guy did a bridge jumping : I couldn't believe my eyes!The ticket is 7€ ,if you own the Bizcaia Card, entrance is included.From the Center of Bilbao It's a little trip : 30 minutes tube run from Abando- Plaça Circular. You can take the 2 line and get off at PORTUGALETE , or take the line 1 and get off at LAS ARENAS on the East riverside then 10 minutes walk to reach the brigde.
This transporter bridge is of historical interest and well worth a trip across the river. it's only 35cents and if you engage with local people they are very proud to tell you all about it .We weren't sure how to buy the ticket from the machine and about five people offered to help us. I can't think of many large cities where help and kindness are so readily available
Great value - cross a world heritage designation bridge for less than a Euro or walk over the high gantry via the lift for seven euro. See the old town at portugalete then stroll over to the beach at Getcho. A day that will be remembered for a long time.
The charge for walking across the top level is a bit steep at 7 euros, but, wow, it is just incredible up there. We spent ages walking back and forth, snapping photos. Really fantastic views.And it is so cool when the car is moving, you can feel it, hear it, see it, thrilling.Do it.The cost includes a ride back in the car, too.
A pleasant surprise and a way of getting from one side of a river to the other in a way you won't have seen before. The bridge represents the areas industrial past & heritage. On the east side it is complimented by a small well presented garden area with cafe. There has been a lot of investment in this stretch of river and the area is worth a visit.
This century old bridge is always fun to watch and travel on (by foot, bicycle or car). You will have to travel far to find one like it.
We parked near the bridge (reasonable tariff) and travelled over to getxo just for the trip but found that getxo has a nice prom and small beach so we stopped for a swim and relax before walking back over the top of the bridge, yikes, for a spectacular view. We went up into town just to use the outdoor escalators as we don't have those in the UK! Stopped for beer and raciones to complete the day. Definitely worth seeing the bridge it is an amazing example of pioneering architecture with a fascinating history.