Experience in Bilbao, Spain by Luis

What is it like to live in Bilbao? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

It's a city that has everything close to it: Coast, beaches, mountains... very recommendable landscapes. It also has a really good transport (underground, tram, buses, port (Getxo) and airport. It's worth living in Bilbao, it´s a nice place to live but, you must take into account that the weather is rainy.

What is the student lifestyle like in Bilbao?

There are many universities in Bilbao and surroundings, and also many places to go to party, or going out for doing sports. Erasmus parties are placed in centre of Bilbao (Mazarredo) most of thursdays. There are, in general, parties every thursday, friday and sunday.

How much does it cost to live in Bilbao?

Bilbao, compared to other cities in Spain may seem quite expensive, but is cheaper than Madrid or Barcelona.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Bilbao? Is there any advice you can give?

There are many different offers about accomodation, but most of them are studio or flat rentings. Prices are very variable and I have no idea about prices. Most offers and advertisements about this are posted in the boards in the universities' walls. It`s easy to find accomodation through the web too.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

The gastromy is EXCELLENT. The Basque Country is one of the best places for enjoying a great meal in Spain. I have no favourite dishes... everything is fine.

What places would you recommend visiting in Bilbao?

There are some beautiful places to visit in the surroundings of Bilbao, and of course inside the city.

The Guggenheim Museum is the most famous monument of the city. There is also some other places as the Las 7 Calles y la plaza mayor en el Casco Viejo (Old Town), El Mercado (the Market), La Alhóndiga, the Bellas Artes museum, The University of Deusto, El Teatro Arriaga, etc.

In the surroundings, the most important points are: El Puente Colgante that connects Portugalete with Getxo, el Puerto Viejo de Algorta (also in Getxo), and San Juan de Gaztelugatxe in Bakio (about 32km away from Bilbao).

PD: The photos are made by myself, in the surroundings and not more away than 30km.