Destinations : Spain : Bilbao

About Bilbao

Bilbao is one of the largest, most vibrant cities in Spain. Bilbao, (also Bilbo), in the North of Spain, is the largest city in the Basque Country and the capital of the province of Biscay. The city is the most financially and industrially active part of Greater Bilbao, the zone in which almost half of the Basque Country’s population lives.

Bilbao is the heart of a metropolis with a population of more than a million people spread along the length of the Nervión River. It is the driving force of social and economic development and it is the main factor in the modernisation of the Gulf of Biscay. The Guggenheim Museum; the Euskalduna Concert Hall and Convention Centre; the underground, built by Norman Foster; the airport, built by Calatrava; the new tram and the projects by architects such as Arata Isozaki and Cesar Pelli are all examples of the overwhelming vitality that permeates Bilbao. Situated in the Territory of Bizkaia, the city is surrounded by fertile landscapes, with forests, mountains, beaches, and steep coasts, that make Bilbao an excellent destination for any traveller. The modern network of transport and roads brings the nearby Basque capitals like Vitoria and San Sebastian much closer.

Historically, the city has played host to many conventions and it has held business conferences in all economic and financial fields.

Sites to visit

As well as the famous Guggenheim Museum, the city acts as home for the Fine Arts Museum recognised as one of Spain’s finest art museums and recently refurbished, and the Maritime Museum on the Nervión’s banks, which recently hosted the RMS Titanic exhibition which has been touring Europe. Museums are only a part of the city's attractions.

Bilbao was briefly featured at the start of the 1999 James Bond film The World Is Not Enough.

The Bilbao Live Festival, initiated in 2006, is another measure of new interest. The Bilbao Live Festival is a rock and pop music festival that takes place in the summer in Bilbao, Spain.

Shopping

One of the options offered by the shopping centres and shops of Bilbao are the interesting antiques, typical ceramics, exquisite cakes and pastries or the latest fashions. Going shopping in Bilbao is a unique occasion for enjoying the architectural heritage of the city and whilst out you can enjoy the popular pintxos in one of the many taverns or cafés lining the streets.

The Old Quarter, Indautxi and Ensanche are the main shopping areas in Bilbao. Here you will find a wide range of products in both traditional establishments, in shops selling the latest fashions and in the modern shopping centres.

A lively street market is set up every Sunday under the arches of the plaza Nueva. People flock here to buy and exchange coins and stamps and it is a good place for buying books, plants, birds or fish. The Bolueta quarter also has a street market on Sundays where all kinds of things are sold at very reasonable prices, including music, clothes and shoes.

Eating & drinking

Gastronomy is an art in Bilbao. The capital of the Basque Country has prestigious restaurants offering dishes ranging from traditional cuisine to the most avant-garde culinary creations. Enjoy the famous pintxos (typical appetisers) in the different areas of the city.

Try the "chiquiteo" before dinner, or live the custom of drinking delicious wine and eating small appetisers in the many bars and taverns of the old quarter.

By Night

Nightlife in Bilbao is lively and fun and intense, starting when the restaurants close. The Old Town and the Abando area are packed with bars, eateries and clubs; some with authentic Basque atmosphere, some with stylish art deco interior, some with a gay presence; all of them exclusive and elegant. Bars, pubs, and clubs featuring a wide variety of styles, for all ages and budgets.

Visit the building of BVBA Bank from you can get a wonderful panorama of the full city!

Climate

Bilbao has an oceanic climate, generally mild, with not too extreme temperatures. January average temperature is 9°C and July average 21°C. Precipitation is around 1200mm per year, almost entirely rain, although every winter it snows three days on average.

Extreme heat is also common a few days each summer, mainly when strong winds from the south blow through the mountains and temperatures rise because of the foehn wind.

Hotels in Bilbao

The Best Boutique and Design hotels in Bilbao : Gran Hotel Domine,