Bilbao: From Polluted to Iconic
Welcome to Bilbao, a city in the heart of the Basque Country in northern Spain. Bilbao is a destination which also has a unique story to tell.
LOCATION & POPULATION
Bilbao is located in the Basque Country, in the north of Spain. the city enjoys a strategic coastal location that has shaped its character over centuries.
With a population of around 350,000 people, Bilbao is the largest city in the Basque Country. Its metropolitan area is home to nearly a million residents, making it a dynamic urban hub.
HISTORY & REINVENTION
Bilbao has a rich industrial history. For much of the 19th and 20th centuries, it was known as a powerhouse of steel, shipbuilding, and trade.
A fast industrialization and a major port helped to make Bilbao as one of the richest cities in Spain. But it came at a cost: pollution and dark dirty buildings where a common environment in the city.
In the 90s, Bilbao took control of the situation. Bilbao reinvented itself. The city has been in a process of deindustrialization and transition to a service economy, supported by investment in infrastructure and urban renewal.
Through ambitious urban planning and cultural investment, the city transformed into a modern metropolis. It started with the opening of the Bilbao Guggenheim Museum (the so-called Guggenheim effect), and continued with the Euskalduna Conference Centre and Concert Hall, Santiago Calatrava’s Zubizuri, the metro network by Norman Foster, the tram, the Iberdrola Tower and the Zorrozaurre development plan, among others.
WEATHER
Bilbao’s climate is mild and oceanic, meaning you can expect cool, rainy winters and warm, pleasant summers. The city’s lush green surroundings are thanks to the frequent rainfall – so don’t forget your umbrella!
Average maximum temperatures vary between 25 and 26 °C (77.0 and 78.8 °F) in the summer months, while the average minimum in winter is between 6 and 7 °C (42.8 and 44.6 °F).
| MAXIMUN SUMMER | MINIMUM WINTER |
| 25 and 26 °C | 6 and 7 °C |
| 77.0 and 78.8 °F | 42.8 and 44.6 °F |
BASQUE LANGUAGE
Here in Bilbao, you’ll hear two languages: Spanish and Basque, or Euskara. Euskara is one of the oldest languages in Europe and a vital part of the region’s cultural identity. It’s a source of pride for the locals, and you’ll see it on street signs, menus, and in everyday conversations.
How widely is it spoken? Recent data shows that:
- 30%, Able to understand and speak both Basque and Spanish
- 20%, Able to understand Basque but cannot speak it, while able to understand and speak Spanish
- 50%, Unable to understand or speak Basque, only Spanish
AIRPORT
It is the largest airport in the Basque Country and northern Spain, with more than 6 million passengers per year. It offers more than 30 destinations, most of them to other Spanish airports, Western Europe and North Africa countries.
USA: In 2025 it starts a new flight to Newark airport, New York.
UK: There’s a ferry line Portsmouth – Bilbao with 2 sailings weekly. This ferry route is operated by Brittany Ferries. Bilbao Portsmouth ferries cost between £274.39 and £711.69, depending on ticket details. Prices exclude any service fees. Ferry timetables change seasonally.
Ireland: Thre’s a ferry Rosslare – Bilbao, twice a week, Depart from the Irish port of Rosslare to Bilbao for a direct ferry to your holiday in Spain or southern France. Rosslare is easily reached from much of Ireland and is just over 2 hours’ drive from Dublin.
CULTURAL
Bilbao is full of landmarks waiting to be explored. The Guggenheim Museum is a masterpiece of contemporary architecture, while the Casco Viejo, or Old Town, offers charming streets and historic charm. Don’t miss the panoramic views from Mount Artxanda or the sleek Zubizuri Bridge.
FOOD
Life in Bilbao is about balance. The city’s residents, or ‘Bilbaínos,’ are known for their love of good food, particularly ‘pintxos,’ the Basque take on tapas. Outdoor activities, festivals, and a relaxed pace of life make Bilbao an enjoyable place to live.
COST OF LIVING
While Bilbao is not the cheapest city in Spain, its cost of living is moderate compared to Madrid or Barcelona. Housing and dining out are affordable, and the city’s efficient public transport system keeps costs low.
If we check Idealista, we find unexpensive properties but they come at a low quality profile. For 200,000 euros properties look bigger and renovated.
Searching nearby, in Great Bilbao, there are many mid-size cities: Barakaldo, Portugalete. We’ll shoot another video in that area, as well as in other coastal cities nearby.
RECOMMENDED FOR
So, who is Bilbao for? It’s a perfect city for those who appreciate art, culture, and a strong sense of community. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or looking for a family friendly city, Bilbao offers something for everyone.
Bilbao is a city that constantly reinvents itself while staying true to its heritage. Come and experience its charm for yourself.