Bilbao - Bilbao

Bilbao (Bilbo in Basque) is a city in the Basque country, capital of the province of Biscay.

To know

More than a tourist center, Bilbao is a city devoted to business that houses the headquarters of one of the largest banking institutions in the country, the "Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria" (BBVA)

Its main attraction is the Guggenheim museum, whose inauguration in 1997 caused a sensation at an international level both for the ultramodern forms of the building that houses it, the work of the American architect Frank Gehry, and for the high costs of its construction.

The Basques consider Bilbao the capital of their country. In fact, it is the most densely populated city in the area and also the most prosperous with a respectable industrial past, especially in the field of shipyards. These are now closed like most of its steel mills, but the city has been able to recycle itself quickly as a first-rate financial center. Its prosperity is attested by the banal skyscrapers that fill its center, its airport infrastructures that bear the signature of the architect Santiago Calatrava and the stations of its subway, the work of Sir Norman Foster, another great urbanist at the turn of the 20th and the 21st century.

Geographical notes

An important maritime port and industrial center, it rises on the Nervión River, and its suburbs extend as far as the coast of the Bay of Biscay.

When to go

The climate of Bilbao is of a humid oceanic type, influenced by the warm Gulf Stream, with mild temperatures throughout the year. The sea water temperature is around 14 ° in winter and reaches 23 ° in summer. The maritime season runs from April to November, although it is not always possible to take advantage of the proximity of the sea due to the high presence of cloudy days.

The rains are more frequent in spring and autumn, with mild winters and not excessively hot summers. The climate is often variable, even with unusual rapidity.

Background

The first human settlement in the area dates back to more than 2000 years ago, on the top of the Malmasín mountain.

Don Diego López V de Haro, lord of Biscay, founded the city of Bilbao through a document signed a Valladolid, dated June 15, 1300 and confirmed by King Ferdinand IV of Castile a Burgos January 4, 1301. Don Diego founded the new city on the right bank of the Nervión estuary.

How to orient yourself

The old town or "Casco Viejo" is located on the right bank (or western) of the Nervión River. Very intimate, old Bilbao is a pedestrian area with a large number of restaurants that fill up at dinner time. Pivots on piazza Nuova (Plaza Nueva) and welcomes the cathedral.

The modern center, planned in the second half of the 19th century, is on the opposite bank and hinges on the Plaza Federico Moyúa, an elliptical square crossed by the Gran Vía, an avenue of 30 m. of amplitude, dedicated to the name of Don Diego López de Haro, recognized as the founder of the city in the thirteenth century.

The Guggenheim museum is located about 900 m. north of Moyúa square, in Abandoibarra Hiribidea street which follows the course of the Nervión river

Neighborhoods

The city is divided into 8 districts: Deusto, Uribarri, Otxarkoaga / Txurdinaga, Begoña, Ibaiondo, Abando, Rekalde and Basurto / Zorroza.

How to get

By plane

• 43.301111-2.9105561 Bilbao Airport (IATA: BIO). The airport is a white and curvilinear structure in the shape of a bird designed by Santiago Calatrava, It is operated by the airlines Lufthansa, Air France, Air Berlin, TUIfly, AerLingus, Iberia, Air Europa, Vueling and several other airlines. Easy Jet flies from London Stansted. You can also fly with Ryanair from Santander.

From Venice with Volotea direct flights twice a week. Other direct flights from Milan.

To get to the city center from the airport, take the Bizkaibus A3247 from the sidewalk outside the arrivals hall (the airport has no arrivals area). The bus leaves from the airport to the Bilbao bus terminal every half hour: at 15 and 45 minutes every hour from 06:15 to 23:15 (last departure at 0:00). The reverse route departs at: 25 and 55 minutes every hour from 05:25 to 21:55 from the bus terminal to the airport, making three intermediate stops: at Gran Via 79 Viajes Ecuador, Plaza Moyua and Almeda Recalde 11 .. A single ticket costs € 1.45. If using CreditTrans select zone 2 on the machine inside the bus.

Taxis to central Bilbao from the airport cost around € 25-30.  

On boat

Brittany Ferries has a direct ferry between Bilbao and Portsmouth, in England. It is best to book in advance, as the ferry is often fully booked in the summer.

On the train

• 43.260511-2.9276532 Bilbao Abando Indalecio Prieto Station (Estación de Bilbao Abando Indalecio Prieto / Abandoko Indalecio Prieto geltokia). It is the main train station in Bilbao.

• RENFE - Has intercity trains from Madrid, Barcelona, Vigo (Galicia). All Renfe trains stop at the Abando station.
• FEVE - Has regional trains for Santander (3 per day), and Leon (1 per day). They are very slow trains, which stop in almost every city they pass through. From Santander it is possible to continue to Oviedo (Asturias), is La Coruña (Galicia). FEVE trains depart from Santander station (near Abando station)
• EuskoTren - Operates a local service to San Sebastián, with connection to Irun (on the border frank-Spanish). It takes two hours to reach San Sebastián. Trains depart from Atxuri station.  

By bus

• 43.261111-2.9497223 Termibus. All buses to other provinces leave from the Termibus terminal. For example there are regular links for Santander (75 minutes), San Sebastián (60 minutes) e Madrid (arriving at the Avenida de Las Americas bus station, 4-5 hours).

Bus companies connect Bilbao with many cities in the Spain cheaper and with more trips than train companies.

The company connects Bilbao to Santander is ALSA (tel: 34 902422242), and theoretically you can get information on buses from Santander to Bilbao with the company Santandereabus. Be prepared for long waiting lines of half an hour in the only two ticket offices. It is usually best to buy the ticket the day before or print the ticket on the company's website. In addition to printed paper, you can also use the text message they send to their mobile phone as proof of purchase. In addition, it is now possible to use four automatic machines.

For Vitoria-Gasteiz, take the buses of La Unión Alavesa.  

How to get around

On foot it takes about 30 minutes to travel along the river from the Guggenheim Museum to the historic center (Viejo helmet).

By public transport

The Barik card is a good investment if you have to travel on public transport. You can save up to 50% compared to buying single tickets. It is valid on all municipal transit systems in Bilbao (Metro "Metro", short distance trains "cercanias", local bus" Bilbobus ", provincial bus" Bizkaibus ", funicular to Artxanda and others, including the Bizkaia bridge). contactless value added available in all metro stations, costs 3 euros and can be recharged at metro stations, usually in an amount of 5 euros. Single tickets cost from € 1.20 upwards.

• MetroBilbao. Tickets from € 1.4-1.6 depending on the areas covered by the trip. Daily: € 4. The Barik card (prepaid card) can be used at the beginning and end of the race. Single line within Bilbao, split into two lines after San Inazio station. Line 1 goes from Etxebarri to Plentzia; Line two from Etxebarri to Santurtzi. Trains run every two minutes at rush hour. 
• Bilbobus. City bus service. 
• EuskoTran. Ticket € 1.15 can be purchased from the automatic machines at the stops and to be stamped before boarding. Green tram from Atxuri station to Basurto. It runs along the river passing by the Bilbao Guggenheim Museum. 
• EuskoTren. The Barik card cannot be used. Train service from Atxuri station to Bermeo, Guernica/ Gernika and San Sebastian (Donostia). Some beautiful views along the route which, however, is traveled with longer times than by coaches. 
• BizkaiBus. For coaches operating outside the city limits. BizkaiBus connects the bus terminal to the airport with a stop at Plaza Moyua. 
• 43.26853-2.92624 Artxanda Funicular. The Barik card can be used in this service. Spectacular views of Bilbao. 

By taxi

• Taxi Bilbao, ☎ 34 944 448 888. This single telephone number is used by all taxis operating in Bilbao. Once called, it will be enough to wait about 5 minutes. 

What see

Museums

• 43.2572.9241 Guggenheim Museum (Guggenheim Museum), Avenida Abandoibarra etorbidea, 2. Adults € 13.00; students under 26: € 7.50; children under 12: free. Tue-Sun, 10 am-8pm; July and August: Mon-Sun, 10 am-8pm. Closed January 1st and December 25th. Designed by Frank Gehry, it is one of the most famous buildings of modern architecture. The sinuous shapes recall the ships that were moored along the quays of Bilbao, the steel plates that cover it shine recalling the scales of fish. It also deserves to be seen because other works from other Guggenheim museums around the world are often on display.  
• 43.265988-2.9378182 Fine Arts Museum (Museum of Bellas Artes), Plaza del Museo, 2. Admission: € 6; groups, students, elderly and unemployed: € 4.5. Free admission on Wednesdays and for children under 12. Artean Package, € 13.5 (tickets to the Guggenheim Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts). Prices subject to change based on exposures.. Tue-Sat, 10 am-8pm; Sun and holidays 10: 00-14: 00; Mon: closed. January 1st and December 25th: closed. Over 6000 works of art from the twelfth century to today on display.  
• 43.257778-2.9219443 Basque Museum (Euskal Museoa), Plaza Unamuno, 4. Adults: € 3; students and groups € 1.5. Children under 10 and seniors: free. Thu: Free admission. Tue-Sat, 11: 00-17: 00, Sun 11: 00-14: 00. Mon and holidays: closed. Founded in 1921 and focused on the prehistory, archeology, ethnography and history of the Basque territory.  
• 43.2663-2.946564 Museo Marítimo Ría de Bilbao, Muelle Ramón de la Sota, 1. Adults: € 5; Students, seniors over 65: € 3.5. Children under 6: free. Winter: Tue-Fri 10: 00-14: 00, 16: 00-18: 00, Sat-Sun 10: 00-14: 00, 16: 00-20: 00; Summer: call the museum directly. Located in what used to be the Euskalduna shipyard, next to the current Euskalduna Performing Arts Center. The museum covers an area of ​​27,000 square meters, 7,000 for indoor exhibitions and 20,000 for outdoor exhibitions, the three docks, the walkway that surrounds them and the estuary.  
• 43.25558-2.9380075 Bullfighting Museum, Martín Agüero, 1, Plaza de Toros de Vista Alegre (Near Plaza Zabalburu), ☎ 34 94-444-8698, @[email protected]. €3. 
• Diocesan Museum of Sacred Art (Diocesan Museum of Sacred Art), Plaza de la Encarnación, 9-B, Atxuri, ☎ 34 94-432-0125. Admission: € 2. Students, seniors, and minors under 18 years: 1 €. Thu: Free admission. Former convent founded in 1515 by the Dominican nuns.  
• 43.25547-2.926446 Museum of Art Reproduction (Museo de Reproducciones Artísticas), Conde Mirasol (without number), ☎ 34 94-415-7673. Life-size reproductions of the works of art from the world cup. Call ahead to book a guided tour.  

Churches

• 43.256944-2.9238897 James Cathedral (Catedral Basílica de Santiago). Gothic 14th century cathedral, named after Bilbao's official patron saint. Three naves and small Gothic cloisters. The building was designated as a cathedral in 1949. Its neo-Gothic tower and main facade were designed by Severino de Achúcarro in 1800. The adjacent square (Plaza de Santiago) has a fountain designed by Luis Paret during the reign of Charles III with the inscription Por el bien público (for the good of the people).  
• 43.255-2.9233338 Church of Sant'Antonio (Iglesia de San Antón). Gothic style church from the first half of the 15th century (1422). Dedicated to San Anton in the 16th century, the building is a mixture of styles including a Renaissance portico and a Baroque tower, built in 1777. The church was built on the ruins of a former alcazar, and is shown on the Bilbao shield.  
• 43.258686-2.9138479 Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Begoña. Overlooking Bilbao, this is perhaps the most symbolic religious building in the city. Built in the 16th century by Sancho Martinez de Arego, in charge of the Iglesia San Anton. It is a basilica with three naves. During the First Carlista War, in 1835, the facade and the tower were destroyed. The presents were designed by Jose Maria Basterra and built between 1902 and 1907.  
• 43.260227-2.922810 Iglesia de San Nicolás, Esperanza, 1 (Arenal, Casco Viejo), ☎ 34 94 416 1424. The church of St. Nicholas is dedicated to the patron saint of sailors is one of the best examples of Baroque architecture in Vizcaya.  
• 43.2633-2.9277811 Iglesia de San Vicente Martir (Plaza de San Vicente), ☎ 34 94-423-1296. Gothic church built in the 16th century.  

Other places of interest

• 43.259722-2.93694412 Alhondiga. Renovated building and now called Azkuna Center / Azkuna Zentroa. It is a complex that houses a library, several bars and restaurants, a cinema and a glass-floored indoor swimming pool, worth seeing.  
• 43.267692-2.93448913 Cachorro (Puppy) (In front of the Guggenheim Museum). Flower puppy created by Jeff Koons, it is one of the most famous symbols of modern Bilbao.  
• Birthplace of Miguel Unamuno, c / La Ronda 16 (Next to Plaza Unamuno, Metro Station: Casco Viejo). 

• 43.2594-2.92514 Arriaga Theater, ☎ 34 94-435-5100. Originally inaugurated on May 31, 1890, on the site of several previous theaters, the first Teatro Arriaga burned down on December 22, 1914. The second Teatro Arriaga opened on June 5, 1919 with an ornate facade and beautiful interiors. The theater, and the square in front, are named after Juan Crisóstomo de Arriaga, composer from Bilbao. In the structure there is a tourist information office: the entrance is on the left side looking at the theater.  
• 43.2603-2.9267215 Estación de Santander (Santander station, FEVE station). Also known as La Concordia, built in the years 1898-1902 on the banks of the Nervión. Designed by the engineer Valentín Gorbeña, with the main art nouveau facade added later from a design by the architect Severino Achúcarro.  
• 43.260511-2.92765316 Estación Abando (RENFE station) (Next to the Santander station). Partly at Santander station. Even if you're not taking a train, visit the platforms, there is an impressive stained glass atrium featuring some traditional Basque work.  
• 43.254722-2.92305617 Puente de San Antón (Next to the Church of Sant'Antonio). It is considered the most emblematic bridge in Bilbao.  

• 43.255522-2.92424218 Mercado de la Ribera. Another symbol next to the Iglesia de San Antón is the Mercado de la Rivera. One of the largest covered markets in Europe, built in 1929 on the site of the original Rivera market.  
• 43.2591-2.922719 Plaza Nueva. Plaza Nueva in Bilbao was originally called Plaza de Fernando VII. Construction began on December 31, 1829 and finished exactly 20 years after December 31, 1849. This square was the seat of the Diputación de Vizcaya until July 1900, when the Diputación moved to its new home on Gran Vía. The Academy of the Basque Language (Euskaltzaindia) currently occupies the old Diputación of Plaza Nueva. On Sunday morning there is a market for books, stamps, coins and other small used items. The Plaza Nueva is surrounded by buildings and only has entrances on some sides.  
• 43.261944-2.93194420 Palacio de la Diputación. Palace located on the Grand Vía. Baroque-style monument designed by Luis Aladrén in 1897 to be the seat of the Diputación Foral de Bizkaia (Vizcaya) and inaugurated on July 31, 1900. The interior is just as rich as the exterior, with beautiful stained glass windows.  
• 43.266944-2.94472221 Palacio Euskalduna, Avenida Abandoibarra 4.  
• 43.263008-2.93498922 Plaza Moyua and Gran Vía. The Gran Vía between Plaza Abando and Plaza Moyua is the shopping street of Bilbao.  
• 43.262222-2.91944423 Parque Etxebarria. The site of a former steel mill, this park was created in the 1980s as a first step to reorient Bilbao from the industrial sector to the service sector. Wonderful views of the Casco Viejo and the Arriaga Theater. There is a prominent smokestack in the park, left over from the factory days. The park hosts a fair in August.  
• 43.264014-2.92297824 Ayuntamiento (or the Casa Consistorial or Udaletxea), Plaza Ernesto Erkoreka, ☎ 34 94-420-4200. The town hall opened in 1892. Designed by the architect Jaquin Rucoba in the neo-baroque style. Don't miss the main reception area called the Arab Hall.  

• 43.266389-2.92805625 Zubizuri. The graceful white catwalk designed by Santiago Calatrava. Above the Nervión it connects Campo Volatin and Mazarredo. Be careful, the bridge is slippery when wet!  
• 43.269031-2.94529226 El Tigre. Statue of a tiger on the top of a building in Deusto. Visible from the Euskalduna Performance Center.  
• 43.301111-2.91055627 Bilbao Airport. White, curvilinear bird-shaped building designed by Santiago Calatrava. Strangely, the arrivals hall is missing.  
• 43.2586-2.92458928 Municipal library of Bidebarrieta (Municipal de Bidebarrieta Library), Bidebarrieta, 4 (Casco Viejo, near the Arriaga Theater), ☎ 34 94-415-6930. Commanded by the El Sitio company at the end of the 19th century, this building was built by the architect Severino de Achucarro as a social hall. Now home to the city's historical archives and library.  
• 43.265914-2.93083329 Palacio de Ibaigane, Alameda Mazarredo, 23, ☎ 34 94-424-0877. Home of the Club Atletico de Bilbao, Bilbao football team. Built in the early twentieth century. Note the arched entrance. The closest metro stop is Moyúa.  
• 43.269106-2.92972230 Palacio de Olábarri (Palacete del Puerto Autónomo de Bilbao), Campo Volantín, 37, ☎ 34 94-487-1200. An interesting mix of different architectural styles. At the end of the 19th century it was the residence of the entrepreneur Bilbaino José María de Olábarri. Now the seat of the Port Authority of Bilbao.  
• 43.265136-2.94745331 Santa y Real Casa de la Misericordia, Sabino Arana, 2 (Near the Plaza del Sagrado Corazón), ☎ 34 94-441-1900. Built in the mid 19th century as a house of charity for the poor.  
• 43.2634-2.935632 Palacio Chávarri, Plaza de Don Federico Moyúa, 5.  

Events and parties

What to do

• Open air concert at the Kiosko del Arenal (El Arenal Parque) (In front of the Plaza Arriaga). In the summertime. The stadium was built in 1923 and renovated in 1985. 
• From the first Saturday after August 15th for nine days it is Nagusia auctions / Semana Grande, city festival (la fiesta). An interesting time to come, but be prepared for lots of noise, music, street theater and events, with fireworks in the evening. Details at the tourist office in Arriaga Theater.
• Walk through the seven streets of the Old Town (Viejo helmet).
• Go up the Mallona stairs from Plaza Unamuno to Parque Etxebarria to enjoy fantastic views.
• Take the Artxanda funicular, always for the views.
• Walk along the river.
• Walk through the Doña Casilda Iturrizar park, admiring the ponds and gardens, next to the Museum of Fine Arts.
• Rent a kayak or boat from Bilbobentura (nautical company on the bank of the Nervion river).
• Flea market, Via Dos de Mayo. The first Saturday of each month. There are antiques, books and second hand clothes. 

Shopping

Clothing and shoes

• Hazel, Rodriguez Arias 4, ☎ 34 944 793 325. 10A: 00-20: 00. Nice shoes, simple but unique and very affordable clothes. 
• Falstaff, Colon de Larreategui 29 (Abando), ☎ 34 944 233 598. 10:00-20:00. Trendy clothes for trendy women of all ages. 

How to have fun

Night clubs

On weekend nights a lot of people congregate in the eastern Casco Viejo bar area, grab a drink from one of the bars and hit the streets before heading to the nightclubs.

• Jamon Jamon Bar, c / Luis Power 3, Deusto (Deusto metro station), ☎ 34 944 47 65 94. Simple neighborhood bar. Good ham sandwiches (bocadillo). Freshly baked baguettes, freshly sliced ​​Iberian ham and the friendly service of Luis and Nekane. Familiar place not trendy but with an authentic atmosphere. 
• Cafe Nervión, c / La Naja 7. Wonderful view of the river. 
• Lamiak, c / De la Pelota (Viejo helmet). Comfortable coffee house, with a chocolate cake to die for. 
• Three spectacular decorated bars (owned by the same owners) are:

• Cafe Iruña, c / Colon de Larreategui 13. With its arabesque motifs and antique moldings it is a sight to behold. If you go at night, you can also get some coupons shish kebab (among the few available in Bilbao). 
• Cafe La Granja (In Plaza Circular, in front of the BBVA tower). 
• Cafe Boulevard (In the Arenal, in front of the Arriaga Theater). 

• Kafe Antzokia, San Vicente 2, ☎ 34 94 424 46 25. Former theater converted in 1995 into a multipurpose venue. Known for promoting Basque culture, both as an artist exhibition venue and for clientele. With a rich calendar of concerts by Basque and international groups, it also functions as a night club at the weekend. Run by a cultural association aimed at promoting the use of the Basque language, it also houses a restaurant, a Basque school and a community radio station. 
• Juantxu Bar, c / Licenciado Poza, 39. 
• Dakar, C / Heros, 13, ☎ 34 94-424-9756. Night karaoke and Spanish dance music. 
• Galeon, Alda. Mazarredo, 25, ☎ 34 94-423-1462. Maritime style setting with a little mermaid statue at the entrance. The interior decoration is reminiscent of those of a ship. 
• Gran Casino Nervión, C / Navarra, 1, ☎ 34 94-424-0007. Two bars and a restaurant on site. Formal / semi-formal dress is required. 
• The Mutua, C / Ercilla, 2, ☎ 34 94-423-1154. It serves breakfast during the day, and reopens at 11:30 pm for the night. 
• Otxoa, C / Lersundi, 8, ☎ 34 94-424-1848. 
• Panko. Very elegant place selling bread, pinxtos and meals. Good selection of regional wines 

Where to eat

Very popular are the Pintxos, which is nothing more than the Basque name of what the rest of the Spaniards who loves tapas, although the former are more elaborate.

Friday and Saturday nights are the best days to eat pintxos, because typically these are the days when the premises fill up.

Moderate prices

• Aritz, Calle Zugastinobia 4. Once one of the best "pintxos bars" in Bilbao, quite out of the way (almost tucked away in a small one-way street away from the main thoroughfares). Ask and you will be given directions. It is worth the walk as they have won pintxo contests for years. Closed in February 2008 and reopened the following summer with what appears to be new management, with less emphasis on its award-winning pintxos. However, it is worth going to this street, because in any case there are dozens of other pintxos bars. 
• Restaurante Kasko, c / Santa María, 16, ☎ 34 94 416 0311. This restaurant claims that their pintxos are a miniaturization of the Basque cuisine culture. The pintxos are very well and appetizingly presented on the bar counter. The staff speaks English, sometimes there is live piano bar music. It can get busy at times. 

Average prices

• Bilbao Cafe bar, Plaza Nueva, 6, ☎ 34 94 415 16 71. 
• Charley Bar, Plaza Nueva, 8, ☎ 34 94 415 01 27. 
• Fernando, Plaza Nueva, 12, ☎ 34 94 415 05 64. 
• Víctor, Plaza Nueva, 2, ☎ 34 94 415 1678. 
• El Globo, c / Diputación, 8, ☎ 34 94 415 42 21. 
• La Viña del Ensanche, c / Diputacion, 10, ☎ 34 94 416 53 58. 

High prices

• Agape, c / Hernani, 13, ☎ 34 94 416 05 06. 
• Batzoki Bilbao, c / Tendería, 17. 
• Bath House, c / Lehendakari Aguirre, 13/15 (Deusto), ☎ 34 94 448 39 80. Traditional Basque cuisine. 
• Harrobia, viejo helmet; c / del Perro, 2, ☎ 34 944 134 013. Modern Basque cuisine. 
• Matxinbenta, c / Ledesma 26, ☎ 34 94 424-8495. Mon-Sat 8: 00-23: 30. Basque food, specialties that include fresh tuna in spicy tomato sauce and piperada. Reservation required. 
• Zortziko, c / Alameda de Mazarredo 17, ☎ 34 94423-97-43, 34 944 23-63-96. Tue-Sat 9: 00-23: 30. Traditional Basque dishes such as pigeon breast or marinated sea bass. Formal setting with late Victorian decor, often booked days in advance. When booking it must be expressly requested if you want to dine in the wine cellar. 

Where stay

Moderate prices

There are many cheap pensions in the old town (Viejo helmet).

• Albergue Bilbao, Ctra Basurto-Kastrexana, 70, ☎ 34 94 427 00 57. Youth hostel with 48 rooms including 22 doubles. It is actually a bit far from the center but well connected by public transport. 
• Bilbao Akelarre Hostel, Morgan 4-6 (Located in the historic district of "Deusto University"), ☎ 34 94 405 77 13. €17-21. The first private youth hostel in Bilbao. A few minutes walk from the Guggenheim Museum. 
• Ganbara Hostel, Prim 13, ☎ 34 94 405 39 30. The only hostel in the area of ​​"Seven Streets": the exact heart of the historic center of Bilbao. This makes it the ideal spot for anyone who wants to feel the pulse of city life: it is close to most of the museums and monuments, the centers of cultural activities and the hubs where nightlife explodes. 

Average prices

• Pension Iturrienea Ostatua, Address: Calle Santa Maria, nº 14 - 48005 Bilbao (Old Bilbao), ☎ 34 944 161 500, 34 944 164 228. Located in an old restored building, the Iturrienea Ostatua guesthouse is more like an art gallery than a hospitality establishment and is therefore suitable for those who love furnishings and atmospheres of the past. 
• NH Palacio de Oriol, Avda. Cristobal Murrieta, 27, 48980 Santurtzi, ☎ 34 94 4934100, fax: 34 94 4837890. The hotel occupies a building built in 1902 enjoying an excellent view of the D'Abra bay. 
• 43.307277-2.8939231 Holiday Inn Express Bilbao, Zarandoa Kalea 5, ☎ 34 944 86 82 40. From 64 € (December 2020). Rather modern hotel close to Bilbao airport and only 10 km from the city center. 

High prices

• 43.262555-2.9348982 Carlton, Plaza Moyua 2, ☎ 34 94 416 22 00, fax: 34 94 416 46 28, @[email protected]. 
• 43.26742-2.941953 Melia Bilbao, Lehendakari Leizaola 29, ☎ 34 94 428 00 00, fax: 34 94 428 00 01, @[email protected]. From 65 € (December 2020). Check in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00. 5 star hotel. 
• Miró Bilbao, Alameda Mazarredo 77, ☎ 34 94 661 18 80, fax: 34 94 425 51 82, @[email protected]. 
• Barceló Nervión, Camp Volantin 11, ☎ 34 94 445 4700. 
• Conde Duque, Volatin field 22, ☎ 34 94 445 6000. 
• Abba Hotel, Calle Rodriguez Arias 66, ☎ 34 94 441 3100. It is part of a 4 star hotel chain and here you can find a rare 3 star Abba hotel. Quite close to the bus stop, the metro and the Guggenheim museum. Very expensive breakfast. 

Safety

With a rate of only 33.4 crimes per 1000 inhabitants, i Basque country they have one of the lowest crime rates in Europe.

The crime rate can, however, vary significantly between rural and urban areas, even if urban areas are not yet particularly dangerous. Avoid the San Francisco area anyway. Violent crime is extremely rare, but classic precautions will keep you out of trouble.

While some may advise not to wear any symbol of the Spain, the reality is that the vast majority of Bilbains will not even notice it, it is also true that a small minority could be annoyed. As a precaution it is also best to avoid referring to the Basque Country by calling them "Spain".

Take into consideration that the inhabitants of the Basque Country are divided between those who support independence or autonomy from Spain and consider themselves mainly or totally Basque and others who, on the contrary, consider themselves primarily or exclusively Spanish. Within these currents, there are further subdivisions of opinion ranging from one end to the other, particularly from supporters of the terrorist group ETA to those who supported General Franco's fascist regime (although the vast majority of people fall back in intermediate positions between these two extremes).

These political issues have dominated life in the Basque Country for generations and still manage to find space in the local media. Even some bars will have a decidedly nationalist Basque clientele (such bars usually have posters and slogans posted on the walls), where pro-Spanish views will be unwelcome, but which are still perfectly safe places to go and really interesting for anyone who would like to. learn more about the Basque identity. When talking to strangers, keep these divisions in mind and try not to offend anyone.

How to keep in touch

Internet

Currently there are about twenty areas of Bilbao covered by wi-fi. The first area was the Plaza Nueva in the historic center. The well-known project "proyecto Bilbao 39.net". aims to install a hot-spot in every barrio of the city by 2012. No registration is required to access the network.

Around

City of Biscay

• Balmaseda - Charming city one hour from Bilbao.
• Guernica (Guernica y Luno in Spanish, Gernika-Lumo in Basque) - Basque fortified city, bombed by the Nazis during the Spanish Civil War. He inspired Picasso when he painted his picture Guernica, exhibited in the Reina Sofia Museum in Madrid.
• Mundaka - Medieval port and famous place for surfers.
• Sopelana - Town close to the beach.
• Portugalete - Charming city accessible via the Transporter Bridge from Getxo.
• Plentzia - City near the beach.
• Getxo - Pleasant walk along the coast from the bridge to Sopelana. More than 10 km long.
• Gaztelugatxe (San Juan de Gaztelugatxe) - Small islet located between Bilbao and Bermeo with a hermitage built in a scenic position in the center.

Cities of the other provinces

• San Sebastián - Beautiful seaside town with bars and kiosks full of tasty Pintxos (Tapas).
• Santander - Seaside town.
• Vitoria (Vitoria-Gasteiz) - The Basque capital, a splendid historic center.

Useful information

Consulates

• FranceFrance, Calle Iparraguirre 26 - 5 ° Dch (48011), ☎ 34 94 425 51 80, fax: 34 94 423 88 12, @[email protected]. 
• GreeceGreece, Alameda Recalde 27, ☎ 34 94 423-9739, fax: 34 94 424-8192. 

Other projects

• Wikipedia contains an entry concerning Bilbao
• Commons contains images or other files on Bilbao

Usable : the article respects the characteristics of a draft but in addition it contains enough information to allow a short visit to the city. Use i correctly listing (the right type in the right sections).