Bilbao has never been the focus of expats, but the focus is now shifting away from traditional immigration destinations to areas that are less developed and more exotic. Bilbao is a great example of this trend.
The city of Bilbao is located on an unpopular northern coastline overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and therefore cannot boast of the endless days of sunshine and the mild climate of the Mediterranean cities of Spain.
On the other hand, there are far fewer tourists and immigrants there than in the south of the country.
Bilbao is the capital of the Basque Country.
Just like with Barcelona, immigrating to Bilbao means experiencing a different face of Spain, a different culture, a different slice of Spain’s linguistic and gastronomic diversity.
The number of expatriates in Bilbao has been increasing lately as more foreigners come to know and appreciate what this beautiful country has to offer.
The Basque Country is a rich region. This will not be the best choice for immigrants looking for low prices, as Bilbao is the fifth most expensive city to live in Spain.
However, the lifestyle is excellent, and once you sort out your rent and utility bills, the day to day expenses seem less outrageous.
It is a great choice for freelancers, digital nomad creatives who value urban amenities but avoid insane, overcrowded centers like Barcelona or Madrid.
Bilbao is a vibrant coastal city with a strong industrial past and modern architecture. Old factories and shipyards coexist with cutting-edge architectural solutions, one example of which is the titanium-clad Guggenheim Museum along the busy waterfront.
The old town is full of first class bars and the food is amazing. You will quickly get into the habit of walking the city’s seven streets, jumping from bar to bar, sipping rioja or beer, and eating pintxos – a typical Bilbao-style evening.
The local wine will not disappoint you. Near Navarra, home to a thriving red wine industry. A noble drink in Bilbao costs only 1 euro per glass.
Bilbao may not be the largest city in Spain, but serious rock music prevails here. Either way, big rock bands touring Europe end up performing in Bilbao – like Radiohead, U2, Red Hot Chili Peppers, or Coldplay.
The city has the largest covered market on the planet with all kinds of food. So if you are a fan of delicious food, Bilbao is your paradise.
Bilbao also has excellent shops, from traditional supermarkets on the main street, mainly along Gran Vía, to ultra-modern shopping malls and boutiques around Plaza Moyu or tiny shops in the old town.
There are several clean, first-class surf beaches in the Bilbao area, and they are not crowded with water sports enthusiasts from all over the world even in summer.
Fans of cultural recreation will be sincerely delighted by several medieval cities with churches, basilicas, sanctuaries or monasteries from various historical periods. The fortresses, with their narrow cobbled streets, picturesque squares and colorful cottages, are truly charming tourist destinations.
The cost per square meter in Bilbao is comparable to that of the wealthy and prosperous Barcelona. Apartments in the center cost an average of 4300 euros per square meter.