A modern, mid-size city, Bilbao is a welcoming place to live, work or visit. You can enjoy the sense of community in its public spaces. The city is calm and free from political or social instability. And you’ll feel safe thanks to excellent policing and public services. Perhaps that’s why so many people achieve the ideal work-life balance here.
Best european city 2018
The Academy of Urbanism
Best tourist destination 2018
European Best Destination
Life expectancy
World average: 72 years
Human Development Index
Global Human Development Index: 0,717
Social security spending
European average: € 7,903
EU Regional Social Progress Index
European average: 66,5
There are plenty of green spaces to enjoy all over the city. From urban parks in the city, to forested areas in the Bilbao Green Belt. In fact, those living in Bilbao are less than 4km from the forest park.
Bilbao has transformed over the last 15 years. To mitigate growth, the city promotes efficient energy management and renewable energy in buildings and infrastructures. Cultural and natural heritage is preserved through revitalisation programmes. And the region’s public green spaces are well maintained. Cementing Bilbao’s reputation as a city of the future.
Energy Efficiency Index score
85,1
Public transport energy consumption
The lowest per persona rate in Spain
Electric car use
The highest rate in the country
Energy Efficiency Index score
85,1
Public transport energy consumption
The lowest per persona rate in Spain
Electric car use
The highest rate in the country
Bilbao is rich in culture, leisure and the arts. A magnet for tourism, it is home to 12 prestigious museums, including the eponymous Guggenheim Bilbao, which continues attracting more visitors, year after year. The city has also become a well-known destination for renowned cultural and international sporting events.
1,741 cultural
events
BBK Live Festival
Premios MTV
Basque Fest
Guggenheim Bilbao Museum
1,265,756 visits
Fine Arts Museum
240,000 visits
International sport events
Rugby Finals 2018
Red Bull Cliff Diving
UEFA Euro 2020
Internationally recognised for its nouvelle cuisine, Bilbao has a diverse collection of cafes, restaurants and bars – some with Michelin Stars. Here you can try exquisite pintxos (canapes) and embrace the tradition of poteo: going from bar to bar, sampling different wines.
Michelin Stars shared between 23 restaurants
Michelin Stars shared between 23 restaurants
