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Spain : Bilbao - February 2010

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Bilbao in the tail-end of winter has plenty to keep you happy. In-between shopping for alternative fashions in the old town, refuel in a tapas bar with delicious seafood and local wine. This month also sees the pre-Lent (17 February) Carnival take over the city, with parades and concerts for all the family. Scott Adams puts on his party hat

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

This intriguing tangle of cobble-stoned lanes is home to bars, shops and restaurants that ooze Basque charm. As night falls, the action moves up a notch.

Sleep soundly – Perfect for the budget traveller, Hotel Sirimiri (3 Plaza de la Encarnación, tel. , hotel sirimiri.es, doubles from €58) has clean, quiet rooms, along with a gym and sauna.

Culture vultures – The city centre comes alive throughout Carnival from 10 to 16 February, with daily events including street parades, concerts and fireworks. For post-Lent entertainment, flamenco superstar Sara Baras performs at the Teatro Arriaga (teatroarriaga.com) from 16 to 21 of this month.

Dance the night away – Bilbao’s nightlife explodes at the disco Conjunto Vacio (4 Muelle de la Merced). DJ Alberto Gabilán rocks the house over two dance floors with electro and modern Spanish beats. The trendy crowd dress to impress and know their moves.

Shop til you drop – Funky, locally designed urban wear dominates Atakateak (2 Calle Somera), but you can also stock up on hand-crafted gifts.

THE RIVER

From early morning until late evening, the views along the peaceful Nervión River offer a panorama of beautiful images. Hire a bicycle from your hotel and cruise along at your own pace on two wheels while enjoying the urban and architectural sights.

Sleep soundly – The modern Barceló Nervion Hotel (11 Paseo Campo de Volantín, tel. , barcelo nervion.com, doubles from €70) has stunning river views as well as a great restaurant serving local specialities. The bar does excellent daiquiris.

Culture vultures – Spend some time exploring the Museo Bellas Artes (2 Plaza Museoko) – you’ll find masterpieces by Spanish and Basque artists. Don’t miss the works by El Greco and Sorolla in the permanent collection.

Must drink – The open terrace of the café of the Guggenheim Museum (2 Avenida Abandoibarra) is the perfect place to sit with a mixed drink or glass of rioja wine while enjoying the views.

PLAZA MOYUA AND AROUND

In contrast to the old town, this area, with its wide, tree-lined streets and modern shops, is perfect for retail therapy. Take advantage of the end of the Spanish sales before indulging in some fine Basque food.

Sleep soundly – Treat yourself to the luxurious old-world accommodation at Hotel Carlton (2 Plaza Federico Moyúa, tel. , aranzazu-hoteles.com, rooms from €105).

Must eat – Flavours of the sea entice at Getaria (12 Colon de Larreategui, tel. ) – try spider crab, sea bass with goats’ cheese or the mouth-watering seafood and rice stews.

Shop til you drop – Join the throngs of shoppers looking for bargains along the elegant Gran Vía and Calle Rodríguez Arias, which are home to international brand outlets as well as smaller boutiques such as that of Spanish designer Adolfo Dominguez.

SANTURCE AND THE PORT

Get a taste of traditional Basque maritime life in this fishing village, a 15-minute train ride from Bilbao.

Sleep soundly – Situated in a stunning 19th-century mansion, the Palacio de Oriol Hotel (27 Avenida Murrieta, tel. , nh-hotels.com, rooms from €70) offers contemporary designer elegance, a first-class restaurant and beautiful gardens.

Culture vultures – Take in the picturesque harbour scene, with colourful fishing boats presided over by the impressive statue of the Virgin of Carmen – the protector of Spanish fishermen.

Must eat – A popular haunt of local fisher-folk and their families is Cofradia de Pescadores (in front of the statue of the Virgin of Carmen, tel. ), which boasts delicious fish dishes. The rice and seafood stew is excellent, particularly when washed down with a glass of local rueda white wine.

Compiled by Scott Adams