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Spain : Bilbao - July 2009

Country Code: Dial for Spain

Bilbao really comes alive in July as summer kicks in. There are plenty of concerts taking place in the city this month, including Bruce Springsteen on 26 July. In between, browse the great shops before taking dinner outdoors along one of the tree-lined streets. Scott Adams soaks up the sunshine

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

At night, this whole area throngs with people drinking in the small bars until late.

Sleep soundly – While the centre of Bilbao can be noisy in summer, Hotel Sirimiri (3 Plaza Encarnacíon, tel. , hotelsirimiri.es, rooms from €70) is well located for a peaceful night’s rest. Good if you’re travelling on a budget, the comfortable rooms all have TVs and nice bathrooms.

Dance the night away – Dress to impress at Conjunto Vacío (3 Muelle de la Merced). Spread across two floors, there’s plenty of space here to dance, drink and chill. Resident DJ Alberto Gabilán keeps the crowd happy with funky house, electro and Spanish rhythms.

Shop til you drop – Get a hat to get ahead at Sombreros Gorostiaga (9 Calle Victor). Keep the summer sun at bay with a cool trilby or a traditional Basque beret.

NERVIÓN RIVER

There’s plenty to discover along the river. Make the most of the long days and rent a bike from the tourist office or one of the hotels.

Sleep soundly – Hesperia Bilbao (28 Campo Volantin, tel. hesperia.com, rooms from €85) is a sleek and chic hotel, with fabulous views of the famous Museo Guggenheim. Book into the Sports Room, which includes a mini gym.

Culture vultures – One of the world’s great modern buildings, Museo Guggenheim (2 Abandoibarra Etorbidea), hosts a special installation by Cai Guo-Qiang this month, which incorporates hanging cars, lights and film.

Must eat – Chef Ricardo Pérez prepares delicious, locally inspired dishes at the award-winning Yandiola (15 Paseo del Campo Volantin, tel. ). Don’t miss the cod smothered with black olives and smoked anchovies.

Must drink – Catch the breeze on the open-air terrace at Café Guggenheim (2 Abandoibarra Etorbidea). Order an iced horchata, a milky drink made from ground chufa nuts.

INDAUTXU & AROUND

Across the river from the Guggenheim, this area is great for shopping. The wide streets and towering trees make a pleasant contrast to the cramped old town.

Sleep soundly – Those who want to be pampered in style should head to the five-star Hotel Carlton (2 Plaza de Federico Moyua, tel. , hotelcarlton.es, rooms from €70). Enjoy a glass of pacháran (a sloeflavoured liqueur) in the lounge, under the beautiful stained-glass ceiling, before heading to a restaurant.

Culture vultures – The Boss is back! Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band will perform live at Estadio San Mames (23 Calle Alameda Mazarredo) on 26 July. From 9-11 July, Bilbao BBK Live concerts get into gear, with Kaiser Chiefs and Supergrass among the bands. For a complete list of acts, see bilbaobbklive.com.

Dance the night away – Let your hair down at Cotton Club (25 Calle Gregorio de la Revilla). DJs keep the energetic crowd moving until early morning, and local groups take to the stage at weekends.

Shop til you drop – Pick up quirky designer T-shirts from Kukuxumusu (27 Calle Rodriguez Arias).

SANTURTZI & THE PORT

If you’re feeling energetic, you can cycle to this fishing village and port in about 50 minutes. If not, put the bike on the train and arrive in just 15.

Culture vultures – Stroll along Paseo Reina Victoria to view the open-air contemporary sculpture gallery, before taking in the towering statue of the Virgin of Carmen, the protector of local fishermen.

Must eat – One of the best restaurants in Bilbao, El Palacio (Avenida Cristobal Murrieta, tel. ) is housed in a historic mansion and does Basque slow food with an emphasis on local fish and seafood.

Compiled by Scott Adams