Green City Guide: Bilbao

Bilbao, the capital of Euskal Herria, better known as the Basque Country, is tucked up on Spain's rugged northern coast - but don't head there expecting flamenco and sangrias, as it’s a world apart from its southern neighbors.

Explore

Bilbao, known as the botxo, "the hole", by locals due its location in a mountainous valley, is split through its middle by the Nervion River. On the eastern banks lies the historic Casco Viejo – the 15th century old town with a maze of cobbled, narrow streets that hide markets, pixtos’ bars and independent stores. 

To the west of the river lies the modern Bilbao. Within the Ensanche district you'll find pedestrianised shopping streets, art galleries, stylish bars, and many of the city's top tourist attractions, including the Guggenheim Museum.  

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Attractions

Bilbao has spent the last decade transforming old industrial districts into parks, open air art galleries, and riverside promenades. This redevelopment included the construction of the Frank Gehry designed Guggenheim Museum, which opened in 1997 and became Bilbao's postcard icon image overnight. 

The museum itself is a work of art, and inside are three levels of avant-garde modern art, with permanent exhibitions featuring works from Dali, Cezanne and Pollock as well as displays from leading Basque artists and regular touring exhibitions.  

The Bilbao Fine Arts Museum is also well worth a visit as it features paintings, sculptures and drawings covering art in the Basque region from 12th century to the present day.  

If you want to learn more about Basque culture, however, forget about the stuffy Basque Museum, and instead head to ‘the cathedral’ - the San Mames Stadium, home of Athletico Bilbao Football Club. Here you can take a tour around the stadium and delve into 106 year history of the the ‘rojiblanco’ (red and white).  

Bilbao's other top sport is Basque Pelota a fast paced ball game with several versions. These include games using short paddles, long, curved bats or just their hands (mano) to strike to ball.

For panoramic views of the red roofs that blanket the city take a ride on the Artxanda Funicular - a cliff railway that takes you up the steep slopes to the east of the city.

Shopping

Bilbao has no shortage of stores in the ensanche, but don't forget to explore the gift shops and unusual stores that are dotted around Casco Viejo’s narrow streets as it's around here that you'll find independent music stores and Euskadi language tees.

Bilbao's eco-friendly shop, Ekodenda is also located in the old town on Calle Pelota - here you'll find eco-friendly clothes, products and magazines and fashion store SkunkFunk, which sells bamboo and soy bean fiber clothes can be found in Calle Nueva.

If you arrive during siesta and find the shops all closed, or can't afford the admission for the Guggenheim, just check out the excellent murals and street arts around Casco Viejo.

Food and Drink

Organic restaurants and cafes are yet to emerge in Bilbao, but food doesn't come much fresher than at the Seaside Market in the Old Quarter. Three floors and over 180 stores sell fresh fish, meat, fruit and vegetables throughout the week.

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Green Accommodation

Eco-friendly Budget

Ria de Bilbao A popular hostel with single, double and triple rooms, and discounts during off peak periods. Beds from 25 Euros. Book at Hostelworld

Hostal Don Claudio Beds in single, double and triple rooms, good transport links to city center and prices from 15 Euros. Book at Hostelworld

Hotel Laia Museo Three star, 38 room hotel located at the Zamudio Technological Park near Bilbao airport. Eco-features include solar powered heating and hot water. aisiahoteles.com

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Going Green

The environment has only recently been pushed higher on the agenda for city planners, and currently there isn't much in the way of eco-friendly attractions or accommodation; but Bilbao's tram service is powered by renewable electricity and regeneration projects of old industrial neighborhoods, such as Zorrotzaurre, could see the introduction of car-free suburbs.

Bilbao does have some pleasant green spaces, however. The Doña Casilda Park, the largest park in Bilbao, is populated by traditional biscuit sellers, water fountains and the Fine Arts Museum cafe, and The Etxebarria Park, which once housed a steel factory, is a great spot for views over the city.

The nearest nature reserve is twenty miles North East of the city. The salt marshes of the Urdaibai Estuary, a UNESCO Biosphere reserve, are on the flight path for hundreds of species of migratory birds. The park also features oak forests, mountains, beaches and moors, which make it a popular hiking area.

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Nightlife

Bilbao is home to two universities, which results in a lively nightlife, most of it centered around Casco Viejo or along Calle Licenciado Poza in the Ensanche. Traditional pixto (tapas) bars are squeezed into every available nook and cranny and trendy bars catering for the arty crowd are also prominent.

Kalimotxo (coke and red wine) is a popular drink, and seafood dishes in the Basque country are regarded as some of the best in Spain. Most bars offer tapas but keep an eye out for the menu del dia (menu of the day) for good bargains.

You will get by with a basic knowledge of Spanish in the bars and restaurants here, but learn the odd word of Euskada if you really want to impress the locals, try Zurito (small glass of beer) or Mesedez (please) for starters.

Music

Aside from venues who still play traditional Basque folk, its rock and metal you'll be hearing in most of Bilbao's live venues. Venues such as Kafe Antzokia, the Cotton Club and Bilborock are popular with the locals, and Euskara language bands. The BilbaoBBK Live Festival, held in June, also features local acts alongside international groups.

To experience Bilbao in true fiesta mode, however, visit during Aste Nagusia, a ten day festival held at the end of August with parades, street theatre, live music and an international fireworks competition.

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Getting Around

	Bilbao boasts an excellent tram, bus and subway network. If you're going to be using a combination of public transport, get a Bilbao Travel Card, a pre-paid card that will cover all your travel as well as giving you discounts on various attractions. Otherwise a one day metro card is also available.
	Several hotels in Bilbao offer bike rentals, and bicycles can also be hired from alquimoto.

Getting There

Bilbao has good bus and train links to cities across Spain as well as France, Germany, and the UK. It’s also linked to the UK via the Portsmouth - Bilbao ferry and the International Airport.

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