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Spain : Bilbao - December 2009

Country Code: Dial for Spain

The weather may have cooled off, but the arts scene in Bilbao stays hot during December. Discover one of Spain’s greatest 17th-century artists, Murillo, at the Museo de Bellas Artes, or watch Editors play live, says Scott Adams

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

The historic centre of Bilbao has a decidedly youthful feel, which gathers pace as the night progresses.

Sleep soundly – The Hotel Bilbao Jardines (9 Calle Jardines, tel. , hotelbilbaojardines.com, rooms from €75) offers a great central location and good value for money.

Culture vultures – Discover art and architecture inside Bilbao’s splendid Santiago Cathedral (1 Plaza Santiago). Check the vestibule noticeboard for details of classical and Christmas concerts throughout December.

Must eat – Refuel with delicious tapas and salads, including the tasty prawn, fennel and fresh tomato combination, at Xukela (2 Calle Perro, tel. ) One of Bilbao’s most popular low-key restaurants, it’s a great place to mix with the locals.

Dance the night away – Bilbao’s best club Conjunto Vacio (4 Muelle de la Merced) pulls in a dressed-up crowd. Spread over two floors, there is space to dance, chill out and drink. Resident DJ Alberto Gabilán keeps the crowd jumping with funky house, electro and modern Spanish rhythms. International DJs hit the decks at weekends.

Shop til you drop – Pick up locally designed clothes and handcrafted gifts at Atakateak (2 Calle Somera).

THE RIVER

Snaking its way through the town, the Nervión has always been a focal point of life in Bilbao. The tree-lined boardwalks on both banks are perfect for afternoon strolls or cycling.

Sleep soundly – Full of old-world charm, the Tryp Arenal (2 Calle Los Fueros, tel. , solmelia.com, rooms from €65) is perfectly positioned to enjoy all the sights along the river. The building offers Wi-Fi throughout, as well as a restaurant that does mouthwatering paellas.

Culture vultures – Immerse yourself in historic Basque and Spanish art at the Museo de Bellas Artes (2 Museoko Plaza). December sees a continuing exhibition of early works by 17th-century Spanish court painter Murillo.

Must eat – Extremely popular with Basque gourmands, La Cuchara de Euskalduna (27 Calle Botica Vieja, tel. ) is the place for warming festive fare, like roast venison with apple, peach and foie gras, or caramelised pork with crunchy winter vegetables.

INDAUTXU

This modern, tree-lined district will keep even the most discerning shopper happy.

Must eat – Serantes Restaurant (16 Calle Licenciado Pozas, tel. ) is a must if you like seafood. Choose from dishes of huge mussels, whole salt-baked fish, or an indulgent platter of piscine treats.

Must drink – Estoril (3 Plaza Emilio Campuzano) is perfect for a pre-lunch glass of Rioja or an early evening cocktail. This is the place to come for expertly prepared Martinis and tapas such as sweet paprika octopus and fried mussels.

Dance the night away – On 12 December, Editors roll into town. Be there as Birmingham’s finest take to the stage at Rock Star Live (CC Megapark, Barakaldo).

Shop til you drop – Adolfo Domingo (16 Calle Rodriguez Arias) is one of Spain’s top designers. Check out his collection of sweaters and coats.

DEUSTO

This lively student area, opposite the Guggenheim Museum, is great for food and fun after dark.

Sleep soundly – Just a five-minute walk to the Guggenheim, Hotel Plaza San Pedro (7 Calle Luzarra, tel. , hotelplazasanpedro.com, rooms from €45) has cheerful rooms and breakfast served in a pleasant café.

Must eat – With a tempting menu based on traditional Basque dishes, particularly seafood, Casa Vasca (Avenida Lehendakari Aguirre, tel. ) is perfect for a mid-priced lunch or dinner.

Dance the night away – Popular with the student population, Mao Mao Beach (30 Particular de Olagorta) spins techno until early morning. The €15 cover includes a drink, as well as a shot of local liqueur.

Compiled by Scott Adams