The Essential Guide to Bilbao

Welcome to Bilbao! If you're planning to move to Bilbao, congratulations on taking the first step towards a new adventure. While there are many things to think about before you leave, such as visas, housing, and transportation, it's important to remember that once you arrive, the fun really begins. In this article, we'll introduce you to some of the best sites, restaurants, and nightlife that Bilbao has to offer, as well as provide tips on recreational activities and making friends in Bilbao.

Bilbao, Spain, is a city rich in culture, history, and modernity. One of the most iconic sites is the Guggenheim Museum, a masterpiece of contemporary architecture designed by Frank Gehry. The museum houses a vast collection of modern and contemporary art, making it a must-visit for art enthusiasts. Another significant site is the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum, which boasts an impressive collection of Basque, Spanish, and European art from the Middle Ages to the present day. The Casco Viejo, or Old Town, is a charming area with narrow streets, traditional shops, and historic buildings like the Santiago Cathedral. For a panoramic view of the city, take the funicular up to Mount Artxanda. The city also has beautiful parks like Doña Casilda Iturrizar Park, perfect for a leisurely stroll or picnic. The Azkuna Zentroa, a multi-purpose venue housed in a former wine warehouse, offers exhibitions, concerts, and other cultural events.

The restaurant and nightlife scene in Bilbao is vibrant and diverse. The city is famous for its pintxos, the Basque version of tapas, and there are many bars and restaurants where you can sample these delicious bites. One of the most popular is Café Iruña, a historic establishment that has been serving pintxos since 1903. For a more modern take on Basque cuisine, visit Azurmendi, a three-Michelin-starred restaurant located in a futuristic glass building. The restaurant, led by chef Eneko Atxa, offers innovative dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. For drinks, head to the Bilbao la Vieja neighborhood, known for its lively bars and clubs. The Fever Club is a popular spot for music lovers, offering a range of genres from rock to electronic music. Sir Winston Churchill Pub, with its British-style decor and wide selection of beers, is a favorite among locals and tourists alike.

Recreational activities in Bilbao are as diverse as the city itself. For outdoor enthusiasts, the city offers several parks and green spaces. The Etxebarria Park, located on the site of a former steel mill, offers walking paths, playgrounds, and stunning views of the city. The nearby Pagasarri Mountain is a popular spot for hiking and mountain biking. The city's riverside promenade, stretching from the Old Town to the Guggenheim Museum, is perfect for a leisurely walk or bike ride. For water sports, head to the nearby beaches of Plentzia and Sopelana, where you can surf, paddleboard, or simply relax on the sand. Bilbao also has several sports facilities, such as the San Mamés Stadium, home to the Athletic Club Bilbao, and the Bilbao Arena, which hosts basketball games and concerts. For those interested in culture and history, the city offers a range of museums, galleries, and cultural events. The Arriaga Theatre, a beautiful neo-baroque building, hosts a variety of performances, from opera to contemporary dance.

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With over 40 years of professional experience, Balcells Group provides legal advice on immigration, business, real estate, and tax. They help individuals, companies, investors, students, entrepreneurs, highly-qualified professionals, digital nomads, and more, to enjoy successful law processes in Spain by guiding their clients every step of the way. They speak Spanish, English, Catalan and Russian.

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Balcells Group Lawyers

With over 40 years of professional experience, Balcells Group provides legal advice on immigration, business, real estate, and tax. They help individuals, companies, investors, students, entrepreneurs, highly-qualified professionals, digital nomads, and more, to enjoy successful law processes in Spain by guiding their clients every step of the way. They speak Spanish, English, Catalan and Russian.
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Insider Tips from Expats in Bilbao : Making the Most of Life and Connections

"Expats in Bilbao, Spain often join various clubs and activities to meet new people and immerse themselves in the local culture. These include language exchange groups, where they can practice their Spanish and Basque skills while helping locals improve their English. They also participate in sports clubs, such as football, basketball, or cycling, which are popular in the city.Cultural clubs are another popular choice, offering opportunities to learn about Spanish and Basque history, art, and traditions. Cooking classes are also a favorite among expats, where they can learn to prepare traditional Basque dishes. Expats also join professional networking groups, which are particularly useful for those who have moved to Bilbao for work. These groups often organize events and seminars, providing a platform for expats to connect with local professionals in their field.In addition to joining clubs and activities, expats meet people in Bilbao through social events and festivals. The city is known for its vibrant nightlife and hosts numerous festivals throughout the year, such as the Semana Grande, a week-long festival filled with music, food, and fireworks.Volunteering is another way expats meet people in Bilbao. Many local charities and organizations welcome the help of foreign residents, providing a rewarding way to give back to the community and make new friends.Lastly, expats often meet people simply by exploring the city and striking up conversations with locals. Bilbao is known for its friendly and welcoming residents, who are often more than happy to chat with foreigners and share their recommendations for the best places to eat, drink, and visit in the city," said one expat living in Bilbao .

Balcells Group Lawyers
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With over 40 years of professional experience, Balcells Group provides legal advice on immigration, business, real estate, and tax. They help individuals, companies, investors, students, entrepreneurs, highly-qualified professionals, digital nomads, and more, to enjoy successful law processes in Spain by guiding their clients every step of the way. They speak Spanish, English, Catalan and Russian.

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

Balcells Group Lawyers

With over 40 years of professional experience, Balcells Group provides legal advice on immigration, business, real estate, and tax. They help individuals, companies, investors, students, entrepreneurs, highly-qualified professionals, digital nomads, and more, to enjoy successful law processes in Spain by guiding their clients every step of the way. They speak Spanish, English, Catalan and Russian.
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"Life for expats and digital nomads in Bilbao, Spain is vibrant and culturally rich. The city offers a mix of modern and traditional Spanish lifestyle, with its cutting-edge architecture and historic old town. Expats often find the locals friendly and welcoming, making it easier to integrate and make new friends. The city is also known for its high standard of living, with excellent healthcare and education facilities.For digital nomads, Bilbao offers a strong infrastructure with reliable internet, making it easy to work remotely. There are also numerous co-working spaces available for those who prefer a more structured work environment. The city's compact size makes it easy to navigate, and public transportation is efficient and affordable.Bilbao's food scene is a highlight for many expats, with a wide range of options from traditional Basque cuisine to international fare. The city also has a vibrant nightlife, with numerous bars and clubs offering a variety of entertainment options.Despite being a bustling city, Bilbao is surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes, providing plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities. The language barrier can be a challenge for some, as Basque and Spanish are the main languages spoken, but many locals also speak English. Overall, life for expats and digital nomads in Bilbao is exciting, comfortable, and full of opportunities for cultural immersion," commented an expat living in Bilbao .

Balcells Group Lawyers
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With over 40 years of professional experience, Balcells Group provides legal advice on immigration, business, real estate, and tax. They help individuals, companies, investors, students, entrepreneurs, highly-qualified professionals, digital nomads, and more, to enjoy successful law processes in Spain by guiding their clients every step of the way. They speak Spanish, English, Catalan and Russian.

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

Balcells Group Lawyers

With over 40 years of professional experience, Balcells Group provides legal advice on immigration, business, real estate, and tax. They help individuals, companies, investors, students, entrepreneurs, highly-qualified professionals, digital nomads, and more, to enjoy successful law processes in Spain by guiding their clients every step of the way. They speak Spanish, English, Catalan and Russian.
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Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.