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Spain : Bilbao - February 2009

Country Code: Dial for Spain

Bilbao has plenty to keep you enthralled during the tail end of winter. In between shopping for alternative fashions in the old town, refuel in one of the tapas bars, many of which specialise in seafood and local wines. This month also sees carnival take over the city from 20-25 February, with colourful street parades and concerts. Scott Adams gets involved

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

Full of old-world charm, but with a decidedly upbeat public cruising the streets, Bilbao’s historic centre has plenty of allure, with intriguing museums, lively bars and shops.

Must drink – There’s an excellent range of Spanish wines by the glass at Xukela (2 Calle Perro).

Dance the night away – Conjunto Vacio (4 Muelle de la Merced) has two floors for dancing or chilling. It attracts a glamorous crowd.

Shop til you drop – Pick up exotic hand-crafted gifts and curiosities at Atakateak (2 Calle Somera).

Sleep soundly – Offering great value for money, Hotel Sirimiri has clean, quiet rooms and does a good breakfast.

Culture vultures – The beautiful 19th century Arriaga Theatre (1 Plaza Arriaga, teatroarriaga.com) has a full programme of opera, ballet and concerts throughout February.

Must eat – Take time to enjoy the local tradition of bar-hopping as you savour delicious tapas and wines. There are more than 20 locations to choose from around the colonnaded Plaza Vieja.

THE RIVER

From early morning to late afternoon, the views along the Nervión River offer an ongoing panorama of beautiful images. Hire a bicycle and cruise along at your own pace.

Sleep soundly – Enjoy the river views from the modern Barceló Nervión Hotel. It has a restaurant and a bar in the lobby.

Culture vultures – Discover the importance the sea has played in the life of the Basques at the Maritime Museum (1 Muelle Ramón de la Sota).

Must eat – Don’t miss the huge langoustines and crabs at Irrintzi (8 Calle Santa Maria, tel. ). It’s one of Bilbao’s best places to enjoy exquisite tapas and fine wines.

PLAZA MOYÚA AND AROUND

Full of 19th-century charm, this tree-filled area is home to great shopping, food and art.

Sleep soundly – Treat yourself to the luxurious old world accommodation at Hotel Carlton while enjoying the excellent services and amenities.

Must eat – Allow the flavours of the sea to entice you at Getaria (12 Colón de Larreategui, tel. ). Specialties include spider crab, local fish with goat’s cheese and mouthwatering rice dishes.

Dance the night away – The 80sthemed Pas Pas (22 Uribitarte) attracts quite a youngish crowd. Things start to get going around 11pm and carry on until after sunrise.

Shop til you drop – Join the throngs of eager shoppers looking for bargains in the February sales right along the elegant Gran Vía. It’s home to international brands and chain stores, as well as smaller boutiques.

SANTURTZI & THE PORT

Get a taste of maritime life in this small fishing village, a pleasant 15- minute train ride from central Bilbao.

Sleep soundly – Situated in a stunning 19th-century mansion, the Palacio de Oriol Hotel offers designer elegance and a first-class restaurant, as well as beautiful gardens.

Culture vultures – Take in the picturesque harbour with its colourful fishing boats. It’s presided over by the impressive statue of the Virgin of Carmen – the patron saint and protector of Spanish fishermen.

Must eat – A popular haunt of local fisherfolk and their families, Cofradía de Pescadores (in front of the statue of the Virgin of Carmen, tel. ) does delicious fish and seafood, cooked using a variety of local recipes.

Compiled by Scott Adams