Passed through in 2017 while walking the Camino de Santiago Norte and was amazed. In 2022 I spent a few days there and had a chance to go to the symphony. Honestly I didn’t expect much from a regional orchestra but I was blown away. On a level with any major city symphony. Better (in my opinion) than the Barcelona symphony. I’d go back to Bilbao in a heartbeat!
I worked as technician so many times with the BOS - Bilbao Orquesta Sinfónica. Is one of the best in Spain for sure. As it is the Opera Season as well. Thanks for your kind words and welcome "whenever you need it". 😋
Just passed through Bilbao while doing the Camino. Although my stop was brief, I left Spain thinking Bilbao was one of my favorite cities, and I need to visit it again.
My family is from Galicia and we absolutely love it there. Last year while there we took a road trip to Bilbao and stayed at a beautiful hotel directly across the street from the San Mames soccer stadium and a glorious view of the river. We took the metro all over and the bus and tram to the gorgeous Guggenheim. We absolutely loved the Casco Viejo. We were there for 3 days and we didn’t want to leave….we needed a few more days there. So I agree with everything you say in this video.
You would have enjoyed some of the local traditionas a few months back too. There were thousands of people in the street following a parade of giant figures dancing. I don't recall the name, but maybe someone from Bilbao will be able to fill in. Again, great video
LOVED Bilbao, there last week on a tour. Great walking city, clean, people friendly. Getting all the Christmas decorations and lights ready. Sorry I missed them illuminated. Hope to return someday. Great video.
I first visited Bilbao more than 40 years ago, and it was a bit neglected. Revisiting it a few times in the last decade I think it's hugely improved, and it's now one of my favorites in Spain.
I was in Bilbao in 2022 for the first time. I have traveled extensively and Bilbao, IMO, is one of the most beautiful cities I’ve ever visited. It’s stunning. The city is the ancestral home of my father’s family (Uribe) and I’m now seriously considering it as a place to live in within a couple of years (I’ll have citizenship through birthright by then).
I moved to Bilbao a few months ago and now it's hard for me to visit other cities, I always want to go back to my home in Bilbao;) the only thing missing is quality bars with a good sound system, DJ bars with vinyl, jazz bars, festivals with quality music. ❤😊🎉
Only 15 years ago we still had a dozen good nightclubs in the city centre and several areas with different music scenes and different types of people. You could spend the whole night going from a bar to a club and from a club to bar. And at dawn there were others opening to keep the party going. I guess times are changing.
Fantastic video Stuart. I will be living and studying spanish in Bilbao for 6 weeks starting 31 July. I am so excited. Perfect timing. Thank you for all your excellent work. Luckily, I love rain, growing up in dry Southern California.
Wow. Thanks for the video. I was born in Bilbao in the early 70s. Different times for sure, but the bulk of the city, its arquitecture , was already there. In the late 80/early 90s all government institutions came together to set up the blueprint for Bilbao's future. That was key and allowed all different projects to move forward. The Guggenheim Museum is obviously the most recognized building, but the most important thing they did, and not many people mentions it, was the cleaning of the river waters. You see, for decades we turned our backs to the river, which was a stinky brown-colored dump. Once life returned to "la ría" and the industry moved out elsewhere... things really changed. I'm so glad you recommend BILBAO. As a local, I thank you.
I loved Bilbao. Despite the rain. Bilbao has a unique color scale I've never seen in another city on this planet. The natural surroundings are also spectacular. In short, Bilbao has a lot to offer. As I said, I loved Bilbao.
We came here 2 years ago on a tour, not knowing much about Bilbao at all. The bus hadn't even gotten to our destination yet when I blurted out, "Boy, I could live here". Well, fast forward to now and we may be moving here. A bit pricey on the rent, but the other costs of living here are quite affordable. If you can live without a car, the reduction in living costs would make the higher rents more affordable.
I went there last year. My hotel was opposite the Puente Zubizuri. The food was great. I also went to Getxo which was amazing too. Those houses and the beach are fabulous. Definitely recommend.
Great vlog Stewart, I really enjoyed watching you in Bilbao it looks like a very clean tidy city👌 I will get there one of these days. Keep up the good work, mate. Cheers 👌🍷
The Basque country is a great place to be in summer , the weather is not so hot , is a good weather , also the Basque country has an unique language ( Euskera , or idioma Vasco ) very rare and unique language with unknown origins , what makes the basque culture unique and very ancient , don`t worry all the people speaks spanish very well and other languages like english or french , what I want to say that if you `re a linguist or a fan of languages you will find it`s language and culture fascinating
Great video Stuart. It's brought back some great memories of this wonderful city. I have to agree with everything that you've said particulary the architecture and the safety aspect. On my first visit, I had been driving for six hours and did'nt arrive until gone 11pm. I checked into my hotel and headed straight out to get something to eat and drink. Got back tto the hotel about three in the morning and at no stage did I feel unsafe. 😀👍
Great podcast, brought back many happy memories of our visit there. It's a wonderful and interesting city, I love the architecture, the museums, the tapas bars, there is a surprise around every corner. I kept looking out for the Dog sculpture in the museum area, delighted to see it. Thanks so much for your videos from northern Spain.
All cities have their pros and cons. It does look very nice and seems to have a lot going for it. However, you need to spend time in a place to see if it's the right choice, especially if you want to live there permanently. Thank you for sharing, Stuart 😊
Arratsalde On!!!! Bilbo fue la primera ciudad de Espana que visite hace varios anos. Visite en Octubre y me la pase muy bien pero me faltaron dias para ver mas!.
Thank you Stuart for your take on Bilbao. - I had a month in Bilbao this April and the city is amazing, exactly like you have described it. What stood out for me next to the brilliant architecture was the friendliness of the bilbaínos, the local people of Bilbao. They are incredible, especially when you make the effort of speaking Spanish. There is a lot of rain in Bilbao but that did not bother me a lot. - From October I will have another 10 weeks in Bilbao and I cannot wait to go back. - I also had 1 month in Valencia, what is your opinion of the city of Valencia? - I will check if you have done a video on Valencia. - Thanks again for this brilliant video of Bilbao! Agur y cuidate! 🙂
NEW YORK CITY ENERGY ⚡ 🌶️🌶️🌶️ but SPANISH-Y and BASQUE. These People MOVE and get things done. BILBAO has Architecture and marvelous feats of Engineering. ❤I'd love to see this city in 20 years!
Great video! Beautiful city and yes, looks so clean. Love that you mentioned the cleanliness from dog poo. I am researching cities to live in Spain (having lived in Valencia long ago for a short while). But what a bummer that it might be too expensive -for me. I will do my homework. I am an elderly American and peace and quiet is a concern for me, can I hack the noisy Spanish culture at my age. I loved Spain when I was there. Today the US is a dismal place to live and thus I am seeking a higher quality of life. Perhaps I will search through your videos regarding cities and pinpoint my upcoming exploratory trip. Love your videos that include walking tours and this one was probably the best of your videos. Thanks so much for sharing your information. As I said: Great video. I value your opinion is what counts.
Hi Stu, Thank you for continuing to show the videos of all these Spanish cities. I appreciate the time and effort that it takes to produce them. I agree that Bilbao is a great city. But it would not not be my number one choice in Spain. I'm order of preference I would choose Valencia, San Sebastian, Santander and Cadiz. But as you like to say, hey that's just my opinion. Take care and keep up those great reviews.
My husband and I are moving to Spain from the U.S. on the NLV in September. We both speak fluent Spanish and will initially call Madrid home. Bilbao is definitely on our bucket list to visit. Eventually we will want a second home somewhere outside of Madrid and I have been researching Bilbao extensively. Thanks for providing such a great video and perspective of Bilbao.
Wow, do I envy you. I am seeking another place to live other than the US. I lived in Valencia in my younger years, attended the University of Valencia and want to go back to Spain - my bucket list. . I wish you the best. Spanish people as I remember were great but from Stuart's videos appears noise has taken a few steps upward from the life as I remember in Spain.
@@Carol_in_Spain Your comment reminds me of my living in Valencia and attending the University there. Great memories and is on my bucket list to return for the third time. Lived on Joaquin de Costa - remember the exact address actually... Dated and almost married a guy from Peru, but Franco said otherwise. Ahh- great memories resurface.
I spend a lot of time in Spain and like your informative content. I love exploring the towns and cities that are not necessarily top of the usual hit list. I have recently returned from Malaga and Santander and found both to be lovely. Keep up the good work👍 Ps. How many times do you say 'City or Cities' in this vlog😂
Have always loved Bilbao since I was a kid. Lived in Bilbao, unfortunately, it was in 1985 and the political situation wasn't very nice though I had a good time as I had Basque friends. Went back to visit the Guggenheim and fell in love again, but from being a reasonably priced city it has become very expensive. In those far away years, I was working in San Sebastián and couldn't afford living there so decided to live in Bilbao & commute.
Had the pleasure of staying in Bilbao for 3 weeks earlier in the summer. Fantastic, underrated city. Would disagree about the dog poop, maybe less than Madrid. Besides the rain, nearly a perfect city!
Hi Stuart, Great video What an interesting city the architecture is incredible. I noticed not as much graffiti as other cities you have visited. Definitely one to put on the list.
Well, good to know something beyond the famous new museum. At least, the city is developing and has jobs for Spanish! Positive for a country that had been broke and had financial problems.🤗
We are due to visit Bilbo next month. But from what a gather there are many places of interest to visit, including the Bridge and the old market or something where there are many cafes and bar, new but in a historic setting
Love this city so much, I'm moving there from Miami Beach! I think the European/Spanish concept of high cost of living is correct, but realative to what has, in the last 10 years, happened in the USA, it's still much more affordable than Miami Beach, where the taxes on property, the insane cost of insurance and the high costs of groceries has made putting up with the heat, the inability to walk anywhere and the absolutely bonkers traffic jams no longer worth it.
Hi Stuart, you’re making our choice easier… LOL! Have been watching your channel for several months now, and are considering Spain as our retirement location from SoCal USA. Thank you for all your great videos you present to the world. I have a question regarding the weather in Bilbao in the fall and winter months. Is it very cold and windy as I have been told much of the North of Spain is during this time of year, is Bilbao an exception to the rule… ??? Thank you in advance for you response. Cheers 🍻- Jeff
@m.m.7514 Thank you, Stuart, for your reply. I am currently watching your new video, traveling from Reinosa to Santander. Getting a taste of the roads and signage, I will have to navigate in October when I am there in the South… The exchange to the freeway was nutz ;)
It's just I go yearly and last time last week!! That's why I knew the distance. It's a small piece of land which merits to visit it all, not only a city.
@@joseantoniodavila2752 La Concha beach in San Sebastián is a treat (the view from Monte Igueldo is just stunning). Quaint villages on the coastal road from Bilbao to San Sebastián: Elantxobe, Lekeitio, Motrico, Deba, Zumaya, Getaria (famous white wine Txacolí...), Zarautz.... and others.
Looks interesting! Very little traffic ,bike lanes 👍 rowing boats Students and parks a bit like Cambridge. I'm definitely not a fan of modern architecture like the stainless steel building but it seems a good way to stop graffiti .
You may not know, but Bilbao has had a big relationship with Britain since the middle ages and specially from the XIXth century on, when we went through the industrial revolution and the city was full of british engineers. That's why our football club is called Athletic Club, in english, or that's why our trains run on the left. The name of the site where the Guggenheim stands is the English Field, because there was an anglican cemetery there, that was moved nearby the airport decades ago. And I could go on and on speaking about links between Bilbao-Basque Country and Britain
1) How does it compare to nearby San Sebastian in terms of quality of life? 2) Another upside of Bilbao is that the summer weather is much cooler than rest of spain.
San Sebastián or Donostia in Basque language is more expensive, but it has a similar style life, as Vitoria-Gasteiz The cultural background is important to understand the style life, the thinking of collective way to a better life of all citizens.
Cities in the Northeast of the Country, cities in the south east of the country, cities in the northwest of the country, cities in the south west of the country, cities that were SXSW in the country, cities in the east north east of the country…..
How come people don't ride bikes in another Spain cities? I invited you to visit Barcelona and step a bit outside of the central area, you will find not only young people but kids and elderly people riding their bikes everywhere. Plus, not only bikes, skates and scooter (non eletrical). Barcelona even has one the best bicing systems out there, a system that focus o the cities residents and subsides its use.
The Basque country population is just over 3m with Bilbao having just over 1m...when you compare this to Madrid which has nearly 9m if you also compare the area size... Plenty of space in the basque... Seems strange why its so expensive to live there... Tony cuenca
I think it is in part because most of the landscape are hills. There has never been an Euskera country because the land where the Basque has ever been spoken has no agriculture. That's why Basques are so lucky of having vegs from Álava, La Rioja and most of Pamplona at hand.
Is that Petronor out by the port with the big tank farm? We didn’t notice smells when we were there last year (downtown, airport and cruise port). I would like to go back and spend more time - the river and surrounding buildings are so pretty.
Hi Stu, i love your video about Bilbao but i can't believe you didn't visit or make a reference to the Puente De Vizcaya (The Vizcaya Bridge), one of the few transporter bridges in the world. It links the towns of Portugalete and Las Arenas. There's more to see than the centre of Bilbao. Bilbao has got a good train metro too. You are right, Stu. Bilbao has got its 5hit together but yes, you referenced high educational levels. But why is it so? Because of the Basque people. They have got their 5HIT TOGETHER. Can you understand why most Basques want to be independent from Spain? And i don't blame them but i'll tell you this. I'd rather live in the Basque country or socialise with Basques before a Catalan. Most Basques i've come across are friendly. I noticed you threw in a Basque word there. I learnt a few but i've forgotten them. I lived and worked in Bilbao in 2005. It was expensive back then and i can only imagine it now. I was living in a place called Astrabadua. But the first time i came to Bilbao was in 1978. I was 7 years old. And yes, it's true about it being a dirty, polluted industrial city back then. But the transformation has been phenomenal. Franco put a lot of the industry in the Basque country and Catalonia. So, there was a big influx of Spanish migrants from the poorer parts: mainly Gallegos, Andaluces , Extremeños back in the 60s 70s. Now, you'll find other Europeans working and living there. My uncles and aunties from my mum's side went to work and live there. Two of them still live there. My cousins married there so they are pretty much Bilbao locals. There is crime there just like any big city. Oh, another thing. You said it was a flat city. This is not correct. It sits in a valley. In winter, the mountain tops snow capped. Sometimes it snows on ground level (maybe not these days....i'm going back 20 years ago.) I will go back one day....hopefully.
Some more info... It’s accepted in Spain that the Basques are favourably treated, based on a special tax autonomy and favourable tax rate, that dates back at least a couple of centuries which the new democracy and the constitution of 1978 didn’t dare address. No mention was made of this in Wolf’s article. Just reading and comparing the main economic and fiscal data of Spain and its autonomous regions, this unfair treatment jumps out. The explanation that the region’s political leaders give for the differential treatment is it is “justified by history”. But it’s painful to see that this favouritism towards the Basque region is the very basis of the Catalans’ complaint and why some in that region now support a movement for political independence. The problem is Madrid doesn’t want to give the Catalans what the Basques have. Endof... Tony cuenca
The Catalan nationalists didn't want to manage taxes when they were asked if they wanted it. Asked twice. So... The economy of the Basque Country and Navarra both together are too small for it to matters.
If collecting your own taxes and contributing with 6.2 for the common expenses being 5.7 of the population of services given by the state, like the army, royal house, foreign affairs, social security, most of them not wanted by us... then it is favourable. In that 6.2 is included the interests of the debt of other governments that don't have to share the payment of our debt's interests. That's why Catalonia din't want this system back in 1978. It is risky.
Why is this city better than others in Spain? Well very simple : it is not Spain, it is Basque Country (officially in Spain, yes, but no comparaison points with other cities in Castilla, Andalucia, Extremadura...).
Hay un problema muy gordo con la calidad de vida de Bilbao. Los precios de la vivienda. Calidad de vida similar pero algo más barato en otras ciudades del norte de España, norte de Castilla, Rioja, Navarra o Zaragoza
Demuestra usted una gran ignorancia con su comentario. Vizcaya siempre ha sido parte de España, de hecho los vizcaínos eran los primeros en apuntarse en las huestes castellanas para combatir en la edad media . No hable de lo que no sabe
Que sean parte de España no cambia el que los vascos sean un pueblo diferente a los castellanos o los catalanes, con una cultura diferente, idioma y mentalidad diferente, y una forma de hacer las cosas,sobre todo negocios, que es muy superior al del resto de lugares de España. @@jaimegarcia9408
CAN SPAIN AFFORD IT? Basque's fiscal autonomy is among the most generous of any region in Europe, dating back to the 19th century and enshrined in Spain's 1978 constitution. If it were to be extended to Catalonia, an economically more powerful region accounting for a fifth of national production, the Spanish state would lose about 16 billion euros, according to a 2014 study by research house CSIC. That would equal about 13 percent of next year's budget and affect Spain's deficit and borrowing costs. For that reason, Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy has ruled out such generous treatment for Catalonia. Under Basque's accord with Madrid, the region collects nearly all its own taxes, which are forecast to total 13 billion euros ($15 billion) this year. It is due to return 800 million euros to Madrid in what is known as an annual quota to cover the costs of national expenses such as defense or infrastructure. Rajoy has sweetened that arrangement since he regained power at the head of a minority government last year, as the price of securing Basque National Party support for his 2017 budget. It has proved unpopular with other regions who would almost certainly oppose any similar deal for Catalonia, as it would mean cutting their share of state revenue.
Graffiti not as bad as some places in Spain, but still there. One reasonably attractive building I have seen in this video does not a city make, the rest are just modern clones wholly without merit, and no charm to the place. Give me San Sebastián any day.
San Sebastian is a gem. no doubt. But in terms of arquitecture, the old city and the enlargement of Bilbao of the XIXth century are great and far more interesting than the modern buildings that appear in all the videos about the city. Both cities are a great combination of what the Basque Country is.
You have forgotten the essential: Bilbao is a city of BASQUE COUNTRY, that is our IDENTITY: BASQUE, an old culture with an one of the oldest language in the world.
You should mention about the endless mountain highway roads even when you paid for the that and not small amount: Bilbao San Sebastián 90 Km = 12 euro per fun… 😅 I would not live there and not mentioning about their Basque language… 😁
Te Basque region has been a wealthy area for over a century now,nota because the Spanish government has given them free money bur because the Basque region was the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution in Spain and it has always been a prosperous, innovative region thanks to the hard work and genius of its people, not because they have given them anything for free. It's ridiculous to think that the rest of Spain that is mostly poor and inefficient would be the ones that mantain Basque economy, whicj has always been one of the most productive and wealthy of Europe.
Passed through in 2017 while walking the Camino de Santiago Norte and was amazed. In 2022 I spent a few days there and had a chance to go to the symphony. Honestly I didn’t expect much from a regional orchestra but I was blown away. On a level with any major city symphony. Better (in my opinion) than the Barcelona symphony. I’d go back to Bilbao in a heartbeat!
I worked as technician so many times with the BOS - Bilbao Orquesta Sinfónica. Is one of the best in Spain for sure. As it is the Opera Season as well.
Thanks for your kind words and welcome "whenever you need it". 😋
Just passed through Bilbao while doing the Camino. Although my stop was brief, I left Spain thinking Bilbao was one of my favorite cities, and I need to visit it again.
My family is from Galicia and we absolutely love it there. Last year while there we took a road trip to Bilbao and stayed at a beautiful hotel directly across the street from the San Mames soccer stadium and a glorious view of the river. We took the metro all over and the bus and tram to the gorgeous Guggenheim. We absolutely loved the Casco Viejo. We were there for 3 days and we didn’t want to leave….we needed a few more days there. So I agree with everything you say in this video.
Wow! I have been living in Bilbao for 6 years now and it was great to see this video pop up. Happy to hear you like it so much here
You would have enjoyed some of the local traditionas a few months back too. There were thousands of people in the street following a parade of giant figures dancing. I don't recall the name, but maybe someone from Bilbao will be able to fill in. Again, great video
@@AlfredonTH-cam Gigantes y cabezudos. For the children since the XV century, not only in Bilbao but down till Madrid at least
Thank you for the valuable comment. Is this city good to learn and study Spanish?
I lived in Bilbao for 6 months 5 years ago and then I visited for a weekend last year. It's my favorite city in Spain. I miss it a lot
Thanks Stuart for the video on Bilbao! Super excited to finally visit this city in Northern Spain in a few weeks time. Super info on here as always!
Bilbao was too expensive for me. Retired,travel intl every month. Reserved Sandander.great deal.looks like nice for walking 😂
LOVED Bilbao, there last week on a tour. Great walking city, clean, people friendly. Getting all the Christmas decorations and lights ready. Sorry I missed them illuminated.
Hope to return someday.
Great video.
I'm in Bilbao at the moment and it's great. Really impressed
I first visited Bilbao more than 40 years ago, and it was a bit neglected. Revisiting it a few times in the last decade I think it's hugely improved, and it's now one of my favorites in Spain.
It wasnt abandoned. just was industrial and reach
I was in Bilbao in 2022 for the first time. I have traveled extensively and Bilbao, IMO, is one of the most beautiful cities I’ve ever visited. It’s stunning. The city is the ancestral home of my father’s family (Uribe) and I’m now seriously considering it as a place to live in within a couple of years (I’ll have citizenship through birthright by then).
Good morning from Texas USA
Thank you for sharing your awesome channel
Lovely place you share from the beautiful Spain 🇪🇸 👍
I moved to Bilbao a few months ago and now it's hard for me to visit other cities, I always want to go back to my home in Bilbao;) the only thing missing is quality bars with a good sound system, DJ bars with vinyl, jazz bars, festivals with quality music. ❤😊🎉
Only 15 years ago we still had a dozen good nightclubs in the city centre and several areas with different music scenes and different types of people. You could spend the whole night going from a bar to a club and from a club to bar. And at dawn there were others opening to keep the party going. I guess times are changing.
BBK Live
@@fernandoaldekoa2436 and Bilbao Blues Festival (free!)
Visited two weeks ago. Beautiful city...Had my best pizza ever in Bilbao also... Kind of reminds me of Boston.
Ir a Bilbao a comer pizza, dios mío 😂😂 con la cultura culinaria que ofrece Bilbao y el país Vasco con sus deliciosos pintxos.
Bilbao is my most favourite Spanish city.
Fantastic video Stuart. I will be living and studying spanish in Bilbao for 6 weeks starting 31 July. I am so excited. Perfect timing. Thank you for all your excellent work. Luckily, I love rain, growing up in dry Southern California.
Wow. Thanks for the video. I was born in Bilbao in the early 70s. Different times for sure, but the bulk of the city, its arquitecture , was already there. In the late 80/early 90s all government institutions came together to set up the blueprint for Bilbao's future. That was key and allowed all different projects to move forward. The Guggenheim Museum is obviously the most recognized building, but the most important thing they did, and not many people mentions it, was the cleaning of the river waters. You see, for decades we turned our backs to the river, which was a stinky brown-colored dump. Once life returned to "la ría" and the industry moved out elsewhere... things really changed. I'm so glad you recommend BILBAO. As a local, I thank you.
Yes almost 50 years Bilbao was a dump. Dirty Air, polluted rivers . Glad to see it has turned around
Bilbao was such a success in attracting new tourists that most cities tried copying its success
I loved Bilbao. Despite the rain. Bilbao has a unique color scale I've never seen in another city on this planet. The natural surroundings are also spectacular. In short, Bilbao has a lot to offer. As I said, I loved Bilbao.
Without the rain you wouldn’t have the colour scale or those beautiful green surroundings
This vibrant green is rather common in southern Brazil.
We came here 2 years ago on a tour, not knowing much about Bilbao at all. The bus hadn't even gotten to our destination yet when I blurted out, "Boy, I could live here". Well, fast forward to now and we may be moving here. A bit pricey on the rent, but the other costs of living here are quite affordable. If you can live without a car, the reduction in living costs would make the higher rents more affordable.
My first visit was before the Guggenheim.
I returned after the Guggenheim.
Both good visits.
A lovely city. Wonderful memories.
I went there last year. My hotel was opposite the Puente Zubizuri. The food was great. I also went to Getxo which was amazing too. Those houses and the beach are fabulous. Definitely recommend.
Thanks!
Great vlog Stewart, I really enjoyed watching you in Bilbao it looks like a very clean tidy city👌 I will get there one of these days. Keep up the good work, mate. Cheers 👌🍷
The Basque country is a great place to be in summer , the weather is not so hot , is a good weather , also the Basque country has an unique language ( Euskera , or idioma Vasco ) very rare and unique language with unknown origins , what makes the basque culture unique and very ancient , don`t worry all the people speaks spanish very well and other languages like english or french , what I want to say that if you `re a linguist or a fan of languages you will find it`s language and culture fascinating
Thank you for the valuable comment. Is this city good to learn and study Spanish?
@@abdullahalgasser8071 Sure.
Great video Stuart. It's brought back some great memories of this wonderful city. I have to agree with everything that you've said particulary the architecture and the safety aspect. On my first visit, I had been driving for six hours and did'nt arrive until gone 11pm. I checked into my hotel and headed straight out to get something to eat and drink. Got back tto the hotel about three in the morning and at no stage did I feel unsafe. 😀👍
Absolutely love Bilbao. Will go again soon. My next stop is Zaragoza in September though never been. Will let you know.
Great podcast, brought back many happy memories of our visit there. It's a wonderful and interesting city, I love the architecture, the museums, the tapas bars, there is a surprise around every corner. I kept looking out for the Dog sculpture in the museum area, delighted to see it. Thanks so much for your videos from northern Spain.
Thanks for Bilbao visit!
Bilbao looks like a great place, somewhere for me to bear in mind for a future visit. 😊
All cities have their pros and cons. It does look very nice and seems to have a lot going for it. However, you need to spend time in a place to see if it's the right choice, especially if you want to live there permanently. Thank you for sharing, Stuart 😊
Arratsalde On!!!! Bilbo fue la primera ciudad de Espana que visite hace varios anos. Visite en Octubre y me la pase muy bien pero me faltaron dias para ver mas!.
Thanks for another great video, enjoy your time up North.
Thank you Stuart for your take on Bilbao. - I had a month in Bilbao this April and the city is amazing, exactly like you have described it. What stood out for me next to the brilliant architecture was the friendliness of the bilbaínos, the local people of Bilbao. They are incredible, especially when you make the effort of speaking Spanish. There is a lot of rain in Bilbao but that did not bother me a lot. - From October I will have another 10 weeks in Bilbao and I cannot wait to go back. - I also had 1 month in Valencia, what is your opinion of the city of Valencia? - I will check if you have done a video on Valencia. - Thanks again for this brilliant video of Bilbao! Agur y cuidate! 🙂
NEW YORK CITY ENERGY ⚡ 🌶️🌶️🌶️ but SPANISH-Y and BASQUE. These People MOVE and get things done. BILBAO has Architecture and marvelous feats of Engineering. ❤I'd love to see this city in 20 years!
Great video! Beautiful city and yes, looks so clean. Love that you mentioned the cleanliness from dog poo. I am researching cities to live in Spain (having lived in Valencia long ago for a short while). But what a bummer that it might be too expensive -for me. I will do my homework. I am an elderly American and peace and quiet is a concern for me, can I hack the noisy Spanish culture at my age. I loved Spain when I was there. Today the US is a dismal place to live and thus I am seeking a higher quality of life. Perhaps I will search through your videos regarding cities and pinpoint my upcoming exploratory trip. Love your videos that include walking tours and this one was probably the best of your videos. Thanks so much for sharing your information. As I said: Great video. I value your opinion is what counts.
Beautiful video. Thank you Stuart 🌞
Hi Stu,
Thank you for continuing to show the videos of all these Spanish cities. I appreciate the time and effort that it takes to produce them.
I agree that Bilbao is a great city. But it would not not be my number one choice in Spain. I'm order of preference I would choose Valencia, San Sebastian, Santander and Cadiz. But as you like to say, hey that's just my opinion.
Take care and keep up those great reviews.
exellent video Stuart, seems like Bilbao used the SAS logo "who dares wins" looks fantastic!
really informative - many thanks!
I hope to visit this city one day 🙏🏻❤
My husband and I are moving to Spain from the U.S. on the NLV in September. We both speak fluent Spanish and will initially call Madrid home. Bilbao is definitely on our bucket list to visit. Eventually we will want a second home somewhere outside of Madrid and I have been researching Bilbao extensively. Thanks for providing such a great video and perspective of Bilbao.
Also, have a look at Valencia - beautiful city
Wow, do I envy you. I am seeking another place to live other than the US. I lived in Valencia in my younger years, attended the University of Valencia and want to go back to Spain - my bucket list. . I wish you the best. Spanish people as I remember were great but from Stuart's videos appears noise has taken a few steps upward from the life as I remember in Spain.
@@Carol_in_Spain Your comment reminds me of my living in Valencia and attending the University there. Great memories and is on my bucket list to return for the third time. Lived on Joaquin de Costa - remember the exact address actually... Dated and almost married a guy from Peru, but Franco said otherwise. Ahh- great memories resurface.
I spend a lot of time in Spain and like your informative content. I love exploring the towns and cities that are not necessarily top of the usual hit list. I have recently returned from Malaga and Santander and found both to be lovely. Keep up the good work👍
Ps. How many times do you say 'City or Cities' in this vlog😂
Have always loved Bilbao since I was a kid. Lived in Bilbao, unfortunately, it was in 1985 and the political situation wasn't very nice though I had a good time as I had Basque friends. Went back to visit the
Guggenheim and fell in love again, but from being a reasonably priced city it has become very expensive. In those far away years, I was working in San Sebastián and couldn't afford living there so decided to live in Bilbao & commute.
Had the pleasure of staying in Bilbao for 3 weeks earlier in the summer. Fantastic, underrated city. Would disagree about the dog poop, maybe less than Madrid. Besides the rain, nearly a perfect city!
Hi Stuart, Great video What an interesting city the architecture is incredible. I noticed not as much graffiti as other cities you have visited. Definitely one to put on the list.
Well, good to know something beyond the famous new museum. At least, the city is developing and has jobs for Spanish! Positive for a country that had been broke and had financial problems.🤗
Thank you!!! I want to go to Bilbao now thanks to your video!
I love all the wrought iron around the town!
I’ve often wondered if bilbao would be one of your travels vlogs, thanks stu. Enjoy your stay.
We are due to visit Bilbo next month. But from what a gather there are many places of interest to visit, including the Bridge and the old market or something where there are many cafes and bar, new but in a historic setting
Love this city so much, I'm moving there from Miami Beach! I think the European/Spanish concept of high cost of living is correct, but realative to what has, in the last 10 years, happened in the USA, it's still much more affordable than Miami Beach, where the taxes on property, the insane cost of insurance and the high costs of groceries has made putting up with the heat, the inability to walk anywhere and the absolutely bonkers traffic jams no longer worth it.
Thanks Stuart, I have been here in 2023 and agree very nice city
Hi Stuart, you’re making our choice easier… LOL! Have been watching your channel for several months now, and are considering Spain as our retirement location from SoCal USA. Thank you for all your great videos you present to the world. I have a question regarding the weather in Bilbao in the fall and winter months. Is it very cold and windy as I have been told much of the North of Spain is during this time of year, is Bilbao an exception to the rule… ??? Thank you in advance for you response. Cheers 🍻- Jeff
Hello there Jeff, when it comes to weather, it isn’t, unfortunately, very good. It’s quite cold in winter, and very, very rainy the whole year.
@m.m.7514 Thank you, Stuart, for your reply. I am currently watching your new video, traveling from Reinosa to Santander. Getting a taste of the roads and signage, I will have to navigate in October when I am there in the South… The exchange to the freeway was nutz ;)
Bilbao is amazing!
Bat, bi, hiru, lau, casco viejo, Bilbao.
Bilbao was a drity city time ago. The mayors did a great job.
Gracias por tus palabras, me ha faltado que comentes que es una ciudad accesible para personas con movilidad reducida. Thank you 😊
Lovely video. . Thank you
Bilbao es la capital del mundo😊😊
What are the thoughts of bilbao’s modernism and cultural offering compared to valencia’s beach and mediterranean offering?
Does it tend to be overcast and cloudy in Bilbao or is it just a time of year that you were there?
Next my place of birth? San Sebastián, 100 km eastwards from Bilbao, near the French border. It is worth a visit and it is not big.
Zumaya is even closer, 70 km by road I think, and has better beaches
It's just I go yearly and last time last week!! That's why I knew the distance. It's a small piece of land which merits to visit it all, not only a city.
spend some days there in Donostia wintertime, want to return in summertime. Really nice vibe!
@@joseantoniodavila2752 La Concha beach in San Sebastián is a treat (the view from Monte Igueldo is just stunning). Quaint villages on the coastal road from Bilbao to San Sebastián: Elantxobe, Lekeitio, Motrico, Deba, Zumaya, Getaria (famous white wine Txacolí...), Zarautz.... and others.
My Welsh grandpa papa is from Dona San Sebastian
Thanks for the video! You were just at Santander recently - how does it compare?
I would choose Valencia ❤️or Granada ❤️
Bilbao is a hidden gem
شكرا 🙏
Looks interesting! Very little traffic ,bike lanes 👍 rowing boats Students and parks a bit like Cambridge.
I'm definitely not a fan of modern architecture like the stainless steel building but it seems a good way to stop graffiti .
You may not know, but Bilbao has had a big relationship with Britain since the middle ages and specially from the XIXth century on, when we went through the industrial revolution and the city was full of british engineers. That's why our football club is called Athletic Club, in english, or that's why our trains run on the left. The name of the site where the Guggenheim stands is the English Field, because there was an anglican cemetery there, that was moved nearby the airport decades ago. And I could go on and on speaking about links between Bilbao-Basque Country and Britain
1) How does it compare to nearby San Sebastian in terms of quality of life? 2) Another upside of Bilbao is that the summer weather is much cooler than rest of spain.
San Sebastián or Donostia in
Basque language is more expensive, but it has a similar style life, as Vitoria-Gasteiz
The cultural background is important to understand the style life, the thinking of collective way to a better life of all citizens.
You mentioned the city is expensive. How does it compare to other Spanish cities?
Cities in the Northeast of the Country, cities in the south east of the country, cities in the northwest of the country, cities in the south west of the country, cities that were SXSW in the country, cities in the east north east of the country…..
As a power wheelchair user every day is a challenge. My grandson lives in Madrid. Good pavements are a smoother ride.
Love Bilbao ❤
Have you been to Burgos?
Do visit Castro urdales 30 mins south
Castro es Cantabria
X kms. West. In Cantabria.
How come people don't ride bikes in another Spain cities? I invited you to visit Barcelona and step a bit outside of the central area, you will find not only young people but kids and elderly people riding their bikes everywhere. Plus, not only bikes, skates and scooter (non eletrical). Barcelona even has one the best bicing systems out there, a system that focus o the cities residents and subsides its use.
not to mention also the amount of jobs opportunities
The bike culture in Valencia is awesome. A highly underrated city, IMO.
Stu, please mention if the videos are paid …… looks like it ❤
The weather is a deal breaker for me.
The Basque country population is just over 3m with Bilbao having just over 1m...when you compare this to Madrid which has nearly 9m if you also compare the area size... Plenty of space in the basque... Seems strange why its so expensive to live there... Tony cuenca
I think it is in part because most of the landscape are hills. There has never been an Euskera country because the land where the Basque has ever been spoken has no agriculture. That's why Basques are so lucky of having vegs from Álava, La Rioja and most of Pamplona at hand.
Madrid 9 millions?, lol
Downside of Bilbao is the smell of the oil refineries when approaching via the highway
Is that Petronor out by the port with the big tank farm? We didn’t notice smells when we were there last year (downtown, airport and cruise port). I would like to go back and spend more time - the river and surrounding buildings are so pretty.
Welcome to civilized Spain
Bilbao is a great European city.
Certainly great city ,superb food , museums and more. however it does not quite have the superb " Spanishness " of Salamanca, for me anyway
Of course. This is a BASQUE city, which is the oldest culture and language of Europe and a world in itself.
Hi Stu, i love your video about Bilbao but i can't believe you didn't visit or make a reference to the Puente De Vizcaya (The Vizcaya Bridge), one of the few transporter bridges in the world. It links the towns of Portugalete and Las Arenas. There's more to see than the centre of Bilbao. Bilbao has got a good train metro too.
You are right, Stu. Bilbao has got its 5hit together but yes, you referenced high educational levels. But why is it so? Because of the Basque people. They have got their 5HIT TOGETHER. Can you understand why most Basques want to be independent from Spain? And i don't blame them but i'll tell you this. I'd rather live in the Basque country or socialise with Basques before a Catalan. Most Basques i've come across are friendly. I noticed you threw in a Basque word there. I learnt a few but i've forgotten them. I lived and worked in Bilbao in 2005. It was expensive back then and i can only imagine it now. I was living in a place called Astrabadua. But the first time i came to Bilbao was in 1978. I was 7 years old. And yes, it's true about it being a dirty, polluted industrial city back then. But the transformation has been phenomenal.
Franco put a lot of the industry in the Basque country and Catalonia. So, there was a big influx of Spanish migrants from the poorer parts: mainly Gallegos, Andaluces , Extremeños back in the 60s 70s. Now, you'll find other Europeans working and living there. My uncles and aunties from my mum's side went to work and live there. Two of them still live there. My cousins married there so they are pretty much Bilbao locals. There is crime there just like any big city.
Oh, another thing. You said it was a flat city. This is not correct. It sits in a valley. In winter, the mountain tops snow capped. Sometimes it snows on ground level (maybe not these days....i'm going back 20 years ago.)
I will go back one day....hopefully.
Haz un video de Donosti a mi me gusta mas.
You mentioned bike use, are there bike lanes?
Yes, it's called "Bide gorri"
❤❤😊
People complain about the weather there.
Unfortunately people are going to stop buying in Spain with these demonstrations going on 😢
Other cities to hot . The climate hat a big impact on the culture.
Some more info...
It’s accepted in Spain that the Basques are favourably treated, based on a special tax autonomy and favourable tax rate, that dates back at least a couple of centuries which the new democracy and the constitution of 1978 didn’t dare address. No mention was made of this in Wolf’s article.
Just reading and comparing the main economic and fiscal data of Spain and its autonomous regions, this unfair treatment jumps out.
The explanation that the region’s political leaders give for the differential treatment is it is “justified by history”. But it’s painful to see that this favouritism towards the Basque region is the very basis of the Catalans’ complaint and why some in that region now support a movement for political independence.
The problem is Madrid doesn’t want to give the Catalans what the Basques have.
Endof... Tony cuenca
The Catalan nationalists didn't want to manage taxes when they were asked if they wanted it. Asked twice. So... The economy of the Basque Country and Navarra both together are too small for it to matters.
If collecting your own taxes and contributing with 6.2 for the common expenses being 5.7 of the population of services given by the state, like the army, royal house, foreign affairs, social security, most of them not wanted by us... then it is favourable. In that 6.2 is included the interests of the debt of other governments that don't have to share the payment of our debt's interests. That's why Catalonia din't want this system back in 1978. It is risky.
I kept hearing that it's the most dangerous city...is this true?
No!
Why is this city better than others in Spain? Well very simple : it is not Spain, it is Basque Country (officially in Spain, yes, but no comparaison points with other cities in Castilla, Andalucia, Extremadura...).
Hay un problema muy gordo con la calidad de vida de Bilbao. Los precios de la vivienda. Calidad de vida similar pero algo más barato en otras ciudades del norte de España, norte de Castilla, Rioja, Navarra o Zaragoza
Demuestra usted una gran ignorancia con su comentario. Vizcaya siempre ha sido parte de España, de hecho los vizcaínos eran los primeros en apuntarse en las huestes castellanas para combatir en la edad media . No hable de lo que no sabe
@@jaimegarcia9408 Vale…
@@jplanghoor-beitia de nada
Que sean parte de España no cambia el que los vascos sean un pueblo diferente a los castellanos o los catalanes, con una cultura diferente, idioma y mentalidad diferente, y una forma de hacer las cosas,sobre todo negocios, que es muy superior al del resto de lugares de España. @@jaimegarcia9408
CAN SPAIN AFFORD IT?
Basque's fiscal autonomy is among the most generous of any region in Europe, dating back to the 19th century and enshrined in Spain's 1978 constitution.
If it were to be extended to Catalonia, an economically more powerful region accounting for a fifth of national production, the Spanish state would lose about 16 billion euros, according to a 2014 study by research house CSIC.
That would equal about 13 percent of next year's budget and affect Spain's deficit and borrowing costs.
For that reason, Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy has ruled out such generous treatment for Catalonia.
Under Basque's accord with Madrid, the region collects nearly all its own taxes, which are forecast to total 13 billion euros ($15 billion) this year.
It is due to return 800 million euros to Madrid in what is known as an annual quota to cover the costs of national expenses such as defense or infrastructure.
Rajoy has sweetened that arrangement since he regained power at the head of a minority government last year, as the price of securing Basque National Party support for his 2017 budget.
It has proved unpopular with other regions who would almost certainly oppose any similar deal for Catalonia, as it would mean cutting their share of state revenue.
Graffiti not as bad as some places in Spain, but still there. One reasonably attractive building I have seen in this video does not a city make, the rest are just modern clones wholly without merit, and no charm to the place. Give me San Sebastián any day.
San Sebastian is a gem. no doubt. But in terms of arquitecture, the old city and the enlargement of Bilbao of the XIXth century are great and far more interesting than the modern buildings that appear in all the videos about the city. Both cities are a great combination of what the Basque Country is.
😂😂😂😂😂envidioso
You have forgotten the essential: Bilbao is a city of BASQUE COUNTRY, that is our IDENTITY: BASQUE, an old culture with an one of the oldest language in the world.
You should mention about the endless mountain highway roads even when you paid for the that and not small amount: Bilbao San Sebastián 90 Km = 12 euro per fun… 😅 I would not live there and not mentioning about their Basque language… 😁
Bilbao is not Spain, it is a Basque Country
What makes it better? Simples the Spanish govt has pumped money into the Capital of the Basque region to stifle independence.
Te Basque region has been a wealthy area for over a century now,nota because the Spanish government has given them free money bur because the Basque region was the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution in Spain and it has always been a prosperous, innovative region thanks to the hard work and genius of its people, not because they have given them anything for free. It's ridiculous to think that the rest of Spain that is mostly poor and inefficient would be the ones that mantain Basque economy, whicj has always been one of the most productive and wealthy of Europe.
Puerto Ricans are not Espanoles.
Espanoles are pure Spaniards born in Spain. Spain nowadays is European.
Puerto Ricans were españoles till Puerto Rico became a colony of the USA.
Bastante fea, no me gusta