The city
Bilbao – affectionately known as El Botxo (the hole) – has much to offer, to a great extent as a consequence of the urban renovation process being undertaken. There is a varied and lively cultural scene. For those interested in the performing arts, the Teatro Arriaga and Euskalduna Concert Hall are a must. The excellent Fine Arts Museum (Museo de Bellas Artes) is located at the edge of the Dona Casilda park – a stone´s throw from the world renowned Guggenheim Museum with its spectacular architecture designed by Frank Gehry in 1997. Shopping is also an interesting and enjoyable passtime in Bilbao: a stroll through the Old Town (Casco Viejo), one the largest shopping areas in Europe, allows one to enjoy some striking architecture, as well as joining in one of Bilbao´s most popular activities – enjoying wine and pintxos in some of its many taverns and cafés.

And last but not least, Bilbao is an international point of reference in terms of gastronomy. The excellent restaurants, scattered all over the city, transform eating into an art form.