Bilbao is one of the largest cultural and economic centres in the north of Spain. It is currently undergoing a process of renovation that accounts for the transformation in the image of the city. With a population of some 400,000 people and a large metropolitan area, the former industrial city has become a modern city of services.
At this moment in its history, Bilbao has become synonymous with the truly impressive Guggenheim Museum. Located right across from the University of Deusto, the Museum has come to represent the transformation of the city, yet is just a small part of a larger Renaissance symbolized by the new subway, the Convention and Music Hall Center, and the Abandoibarra area of service. It is, above all, a change that has allowed the institutions and culture of the old city to be rediscovered and re-launched.
Why Book Student Accommodation in Bilbao?
Living in Bilbao can be such a unique experience, thanks to the city’s identity, which is a mixture of old tradition and modern ways. This is also due to the coexistence of Spanish, the major native language, with the Basque language, a cultural and anthropological treasure of unknown origin maintained over the centuries.
Due to its strategically convenient location, Bilbao has become a south gate to Europe. The new international airport is located only 10 kilometres away from the city centre and connects the city to major European cities such as Paris, Rome, London, Frankfurt, Lisbon, and Brussels. Bilbao is also close to the French border and Pyrenees ski resorts.
The city houses two universities. The oldest is the University of Deusto; founded in 1886, it took its name from the then independent municipality of Deusto. It was the only higher education institute in the borough until the establishment in 1968 of the University of Bilbao, it later became the University of the Basque Country in 1980. This public university has its main Biscayan campus in the municipality of Leioa, although the Technical and Business faculties are based in Bilbao.
Universities in Bilbao
University of Deusto
Casita has 3 accommodation options within walking distance to the university.
More than 4 bus stops surround the campus; El Cruce is just a 5-minute walk away.
Both the famous Guggenheim Museum and Museum of Fine Arts of Bilbao are under a 10-minute walk away.
University of the Basque Country
Casita’s 3 accommodation options are within walking distance to the university.
Around 4 bus stops are close to the university; Ehu Oteiza Plaza is just a minute walk away.
Palacio De Artaza is just a 9-minute car ride away.
Student Life
Is Bilbao a good student city?
Bilbao, characterized by its architecture, is located in one of the most beautiful landscapes in Spain. The city is home to architecture, art, nature, and gastronomy, everything any student would want for their study abroad. Discovering Bilbao is one of the best experiences a student can have.
Student life is full of entertainment, good food, pinchos, and parties. Students can visit thousands of iconic places, nothing like what they have been able to experience; they will enjoy its landscapes accompanied by the incredible food and the people who live there.
Is it expensive to live in Bilbao?
Bilbao and the Basque country are reputed to be more expensive than elsewhere in Spain. However, compared to other cultural and business centres in Europe, prices in Bilbao are more than affordable. Renting a one-bedroom apartment in the centre is very affordable and prices decrease as you move away from the city centre. You will also find prices are cheap as around €3 for a drink, €1-3 for pinchos, and around €10 for a 3-course meal.
Must-Visit Places in Bilbao
You can’t mention Bilbao without mentioning the Guggenheim Museum. When the museum by Frank Gehry appeared along the riverbank of the city in 1997, the phenomenon of "architourism" was born. Visitors began to flock there to see the Guggenheim's astounding modern architecture and extensive contemporary art collection. The Guggenheim is a highlight of Bilbao and also just the beginning of the cultural attractions.
The Museum of Fine Arts in Bilbao offers an outstanding collection housed in two separate buildings. The historic building displays works by the European masters of the 14th to 17th centuries, the modern building of the museum mainly displays works by contemporary Spanish artists. Dutch and Flemish paintings of the 15th to 17th centuries are well represented, with masterpieces such as Money Changers by Quentin Matsys and Virgin and Child by Dirk Bouts, as well as works by Anthony van Dyck and Vos of the 17th-century Flemish school. The museum has an entire floor devoted to works by Basque artists, including 22 pictures by the landscape painter Darió de Regoyos, which considers the largest collection of his works in any museum.
Full of old-world charm, the Casco Viejo (Old Town) is on the right bank of the river extending between the San Antón Bridge and the Church of San Nicolás. The Old Town is linked by five bridges with the New Town (Ensanche). The core of the Casco Viejo lies around the Siete Calles (Seven Streets): Somera, Artecalle, Tendería, Belosticalle, Carnicería Vieja, Barrencalle, and Barrencalle Barena. It's a delightful experience to explore these quaint historic streets that are lined with small boutiques and cafés.
The city also has several other interesting museums and is home to exceptional six Michelin-starred gourmet restaurants, renowned for their exquisite haute-cuisine.
Transportation in Bilbao
Bilbao’s city centre is small and very easy to navigate on foot. If you plan out your day well, you can minimize your walking to about 10 minutes or so between everything. However, there are many transportation options you can choose from to get you around.
Bilbao’s city buses are run by Bilbobus. It currently has 44 lines and its fleet is made up of 141 buses. The service has 525 stops throughout Bilbao, which means that 99.8% of the population has one stop less than 300 meters away. There is also a second group of provincial buses called Bizkaibus that link the city with the towns of the Biscay province.
The city is also home to a modern metro system designed by architect Sir Norman Foster. It is made up of three lines that conveniently link Bilbao’s centre with the neighbourhoods in the outskirts and also some adjacent towns. As a visitor, the main stop of interest would be at Bilbao’s bus station (San Mamés), as well as two stops along the Gran Vía (Moyua and Abando) and one in the old town (Casco Viejo). The metro system is considered one of a kind that even some visitors use just for the sake of the experience.
Bilbao’s tram is run by Euskotren and is made up of one line that crosses the city centre, linking many of the main tourist attractions. This makes it a very easy and convenient way to move around for visitors. The tram has stops at the bus station (San Mamés), the Guggenheim museum, the Gran Vía (Abando), the old town (Arriaga), and the Ribera Market.