Experience in Bilbao, Spain by Nerea

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

Living in Bilbao is great. The size is perfect because it isn't huge, but it isn't super small. The best thing about Bilbao is that in each part of the city there are completely different atmospheres and bars or shops for any kind of preferences. So you will always find your place. The coast is really close as well, so you can enjoy a nice walk on the beach while you see the surfers whenever you want to.

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What is the student lifestyle like in Bilbao?

The student lifestyle has to improve in Bilbao definitely. There is not a lot of party during the week. The most entertaining activities start on Thursday, specially in the old part of the city, which has the perfect atmosphere for students.

How much does it cost to live in Bilbao?

It's not as expensive as Barcelona or Madrid of course. But is not as cheap as Salamanca or any city of the south. The rent may be a little bit high (not very high, actually) but drinking a beer and eating a pintxo is very cheap. And of course you can go walking anywhere so you can save in transport.

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

It's not difficult at all. First of all, it's important to live in an area that you like. The old town is great, but some parts can be very noisy during the weekends (there are a lot of things going on down there) and the structure may be quite old. So you should take that into account. But as an Erasmus student, I guess that you'll have lots of better things to do than being at home during the weekends.

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

The food is awesome, seriously. Eat meat and fish. Enjoy pintxos. There is a bar in the old town called Irrintzi where they have really good pintxos.

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What places would you recommend visiting in Bilbao?

I guess you've all realized I really like the Old Part of Bilbao. It's really beautiful; the atmosphere, the houses... it's charming. Don't miss the Guggenheim of course. Once every month they make this great party inside the museum called "Art After Dark". It's another way of visiting it.

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Is it good to eat out in Bilbao? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

It's great to eat out in Bilbao. I try to do it during the week, as the menu is quite cheap everywhere. For example the restaurant "El Perro Chico" has a great quality food for 13 euros a daily meal. On the weekends I prefer eating a good and big "bocata" in "Jaunak" bar.

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Is the nightlife good in Bilbao? Where is it nice to go?

The nightlife is great. For me the perfect plan is to start in the Old Part, in "Somera" street, where there is a lot of young people drinking beer and enjoying. "Barrenkale" street is as well a good place, where there are some rock music bars. Around 2-3 am, bars in the old street close so you can rather go to "Antzokia", which is a multi-use space with a great atmosphere and different kinds of music.

What advice would you give to future students heading to Bilbao?

Enjoy the city, the pintxos and drink a beer on the street. Enjoy the beach, the nightlife, the ancient culture of the Basque Country and learn a few words in Basque! Everyone is welcome in Bilbao!