Bilbao, Spain 🇪🇸
#407
43.25217, -2.935388
Nomad Score:
71%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Bilbao is the largest city in the Basque Country, known for its hybrid modern and historic architecture. |
| 👥 Population | Approximate population is around 345,000. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is about 100 Mbps, with many cafes and co-working spaces offering high-speed access. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 EUR is approximately 1.07 USD. VISA and MasterCard are widely accepted. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable; the quality of tap water is high. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/E sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Popular providers include Movistar, Vodafone, and Orange. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Common banks include Banco Santander, BBVA, and Revolut services. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Airbnb, Spotahome, and Nestpick offer various housing options. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are accepted widely in shops and restaurants. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local rental platforms are popular for short stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels like Backpackers Bilbao and low-cost hotels like Hotel Bilbao Jardines. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Bilbao BBK Creative is highly rated for its facilities and community. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café Iruña is a favorite amongst remote workers for its ambiance and wifi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Bilbao Startup Meetup hosts regular networking events for entrepreneurs. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Meetup groups like Expats in Bilbao hold regular gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Cabify and Free Now are popular ride-apps. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bilbao Bizkaia provides bike rental services for easy commuting. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Playa de Sopela is a picturesque beach about 30 minutes away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Vueling operates many domestic flights from Bilbao. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Iberia and Air Europa connect Bilbao with international destinations. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The AP-68 and A-8 highways provide good connections to nearby cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Bilbao's Abando station serves as the main train and transit hub. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Metrobilbao offers Bonobus service for unlimited rides. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Bus services like ALSA connect you to other Basque cities. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital Universitario de Basurto is the top medical facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Karma Yoga and Amara Center are popular wellness spots. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Basic-Fit offers affordable gym memberships across the city. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services like Lavaseco provide cleaning services throughout Bilbao. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Glovo and Just Eat dominate the food delivery market. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Pintxos are a must-try, especially in the Old Town. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Restaurants like Etxeko and The Vegan Chef provide excellent plant-based options. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Pastelería Puyana is known for its traditional Basque cakes. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Mercado de la Ribera is a great local market for budget shopping. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon offers delivery services throughout Bilbao. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | services like Mercadona offer grocery delivery options. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Siete Calles and Indautxu are popular nightlife districts. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Cerveza Keler is a local brewery famous for its craft beer. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Bar El Globo is renowned for its extensive wine list. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Food trucks are often found at events, serving local tapas. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like Spice and Thai Wok offer international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Guggenheim Museum is a modern architectural marvel. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Museo de Bellas Artes de Bilbao showcases vast collections of European art. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Casco Viejo is the historic quarter filled with charming streets. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Basilica de Begoña is a significant pilgrimage site. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Bilbao BBK Live music festival occurs every July attracting big names. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Abandoibarra is a cultural area blending modern and historical architecture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Teatro Arriaga hosts various performances including opera and ballet. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Mercado de la Ribera offers a taste of local produce and culture. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Bilborock is a popular venue for indie music events. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Bilbao has a vibrant street art scene, notably in the Reproductions neighborhood. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | La cocina de Susana offers Basque cooking classes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galería Bartola features contemporary Basque artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Climbing the stairs at the Mercado de la Ribera offers a glimpse of stunning architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The Basque language (Euskara) is a notable cultural aspect in Bilbao. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Parque de Doña Casilda is a large green space in the city. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Gorbea Natural Park is about an hour away, ideal for hiking. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Ría de Bilbao features nice riverside walks and cycling paths. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Artxanda viewpoint offers stunning panoramic views of the city. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve is perfect for birdwatching activities. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | There are designated picnic areas in parks like Arenal. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and Correos provide parcel delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops like MobiFix handle repairs for electronics. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Centro Deportivo de la Casilla offers table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Ikastola are Basque institutions offering language classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Bilbao's central library at Abando is perfect for studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Centro Municipal de Bilbao offers community activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Arcade Game Center is available for video gaming. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Gran Casino Bilbao offers various gaming options. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €3,400 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €136,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,600 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €104,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €3,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €228,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,900 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €174,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €3,200 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €256,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,600 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €208,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 19% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Tax is based on residency status, assessing income earned worldwide. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 47% |
| 🧾 VAT | 21% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict regulations apply. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, based on the cadastral income. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | The standard rate is about 10%. |