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Spain : Bilbao - July 2010

Country Code: Dial for Spain

As summer arrives the Bilbaínos’ natural joie de vivre explodes into one enormous celebration, as life moves outdoors to the sunny squares and along the city’s popular riverfront. Scott Adams lets the locals’ infectious love of life lead him to great shopping, superb Basque cuisine and Bilbao’s famous nightlife

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

Plan a siesta, as this part of town will keep you rocking into the night. You’ll find fabulous shopping and great seafood as well as after-dark partying.

Sleep soundly – With a modern interior, the bright and cheery Pensión Roquefer (2 Calle Loteria, tel. , pensionroquefer.com, doubles from €40) is a central, great-value base.

Culture vultures – Delve into Basque history and traditions at the Museo Vasco (4 Plaza Miguel de Unamuno). The central courtyard has a collection of giant puppets used in the local fiestas, while upstairs you’ll find plenty of art, crafts and artefacts.

Must eat – Delicious Iberian ham croquettes, pâté and barbecued monkfish are served on the al fresco terrace of Sorgin Zulo (12 Plaza Nueva, tel. ).

Must drink – Locals and travellers converge at Café Bilbao (6 Plaza Nueva) while planning the night ahead. Sit in the square and enjoy the passing parade.

Dance the night away – One of Bilbao’s best nightspots, Sala Fever (Polígono Industrial Santa Ana) offers four fever-inducing dance floors.

Shop til you drop – Specialising in traditional Basque arts and crafts, Rui-Wamba (10 Plaza Nueva) sells original T-shirts, ceramics, paintings and cane work.

PLAZA ENSANCHE

Take time out to relax in the village atmosphere of this quiet area, just off the bustling Gran Via.

Sleep soundly – The beautiful López de Haro (2 Calle Obispo Orueta, tel. , hotellopezdeharo.com, doubles from €120) offers sublimely comfortable rooms with classic décor.

Must eat – Perfect for an informal dinner, Los Candiles (1 Calle de Diputació, tel. ) specialises in potato omelette with caramelised onions, pan-fried foie gras with goat’s cheese and chargrilled lamb chops.

Must drink – Take time to check out the theatre costumes that adorn the walls of Amor de Madre (1 Calle Obispo Orueta) while enjoying a cooling mojito.

Shop til you drop – If you want to dress to impress with the perfect Italian umbrella, hand-painted Spanish fan, dandy-style cane or hat, make your way to Osorio (7 Plaza del Ensanche).

THE RIVER

Whether you plan a stroll or some pedal pushing, the delightful Nervíon River is bursting with fun and life.

Sleep soundly – Sleek, chic and with a touch of glamour, the Hesperia Bilbao (28 Paseo Campo Volantin, tel. , hesperia-bilbao.com, doubles from €80) has views of the Guggenheim Museum. Fitness lovers should book a room with a gym.

Culture vultures – Don’t miss the stunning special exhibition of works by 19th-century French artist Henri Rousseau at the Guggenheim Museum (2 Avenida Abandoibarra).

Must eat – Enjoy Basque ‘slow food’ and spectacular river views at El Txakoli (19 Calle Santo Domingo Enekuri, tel. ). Try the roasted peppers with anchovies, or salted cod salad.

Must drink – Sit in the shadow of the titanium masterpiece at Café Guggenheim (2 Avenida Abandoibarra) Order a rueda white wine and enjoy the views of Jeff Koons’ Puppy.

DEUSTO

The stomping ground of the local student population, this riverside area has a contagious energy.

Must eat – Packed out most nights, La Gabarra (18 Calle Botica Vieja, tel. ) is the perfect spot to watch the sun set over the city. Don’t forget to try the excellent steaks and locally-produced cider.

Must drink – Decked out in true Spanish style with wine barrels and bull-fighting posters, La Taberna del Sur de Deusto (2 Calle de Heliodoro de la Torre) is always popular. Grab a table al fresco and enjoy the selection of Spanish wine and tapas.

Dance the night away – Bilbao’s hottest dance club, Conjunto Vacio (3 Muelle de la Merced) is where to get down to the latest techno and house music amidst heavenly bodies who know their moves.

Compiled by Scott Adams