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Previous issues for Bilbao

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Spain : Bilbao - June 2008

Country Code: Dial for Spain

As the summer arrives in Bilbao, the residents’ natural joie de vivre seems to segue into one long celebration. Life moves outdoors to the sunny squares and the city’s great shopping, superb Basque cuisine and famous nightlife come into their own. Scott Adams finds the local’s irrepressible love of life is catching

Getting around

Bilbao Airport, designed by Santiago Calatrava, is worth visiting for its architecture alone, and is situated 10km from the city centre.

Bus: The yellow BizkaiBus runs every 30 minutes from arrivals between 5.25am and 9.55pm. The trip into town takes 20 minutes and costs €1,10.
Taxi: Expect to pay about €18 for the journey to the city centre, which takes 15 minutes.
Tourist information: Tourist information: The main office is at 11 Plaza Ensanche (tel. , bilbao.net).

CASCO VIEJO

Dominated by the beautiful Plaza Mayor, the historic centre of Bilbao has a decidedly youthful feel.

Culture vultures – Discover art and architecture inside Bilbao’s splendid Santiago Cathedral. The cloister and museum display important devotional paintings and sculptures, and there are regular classical music performances throughout the year.

Must eat – Don’t miss the delicious tapas, pâtés and salads at Xukela. Laid back and perennially popular, it’s a great place to sample the local food and wines.

Must drink – With an alternative music policy and retro decor, Muga isn’t your average bar.

THE RIVER

Snaking its way through the town, the river Nervión has always been a focal point of life in Bilbao. With the advent of warmer weather, you can enjoy afternoon strolls and al-fresco café dining with views across the water.

Sleep soundly – Full of old-world charm, the Tryp Arenal Hotel (rooms from €90) is perfectly positioned for all the waterfront sights.

Culture vultures – The iconic Guggenheim Museum is just as exciting inside as it is out. Don’t miss the massive special exhibition of surrealist art, which includes many works by Salvador Dalí and will run until 7 September.

Must eat – Enjoy Basque ‘slow food’ at Yandiola, where chef Ricardo Perez works his magic with seafood, meats and decadent desserts.

Shop til you drop – Discover fine Spanish wines at the Vinoteca Manu Martín. Enjoy a tasting session before buying a few bottles to take home. Larger orders can be sent to most cities abroad.

INDAUTXU

Head to the wide, tree-lined streets in this modern part of town for great shopping and some bustling bars.

Must eat – For lovers of fine seafood, Serantes Restaurant is a must. Choose from dishes of huge mussels, whole baked fish or an indulgent seafood platter.

Dance the night away – Cotton Club’s roster of DJs and live groups keeps the crowd moving until early morning. The club also scores points for an impressive drinks list, which includes many imported beers.

Shop til you drop – Adolfo Dominguez is one of Spain’s best designers and does elegant men’s and womenswear.

ABANDO

Centred around the city’s train station (which is worth a look for its beautiful stained glass window), this area has plenty to keep you occupied, and is just a short walk from the historic centre.

Sleep soundly – The Hotel Abando (rooms from €80) is perfect for those who want to stay close to the action without sacrificing their creature comforts.

Must eat – Good for a special lunch or dinner, Restaurante Lasa serves mouth-watering dishes like prawn and cod kebabs or warm foie gras on sliced baked apples.

Must drink – Antigua Cigarrería serves up live jazz and good wine by the glass. The pintxos (Basque tapas) and large fresh oysters here are delicious.

Shop til you drop – Francobollo stocks original, fashion-forward pieces for women.

Compiled by Scott Adams