Bilbao

Description

The city of Bilbao is located in the north-central area of the country and is the capital of the Vizcaya in the Basque Country. Bilbao spans across an area of over 40 square kilometres and is home to a population of over 300,000 inhabitants. Its origins date back to the early 1300s, when the city was believed to have been founded by the head of the powerful Haro family - Diego López V de Haro. At present, Bilbao is separated into several districts, namely Deusto, Uribarri, Otxarkoaga/Txurdinaga, Begoña, Ibaiondo, Abando, Rekalde and Basurto/Zorroza. 

Bilbao's population comprises over a hundred nationalities including significant numbers of Bolivians, Colombians, Romanians, Moroccans, Ecuadorians, Chinese, Brazilians and Japanese foreign communities. The city features a pleasant climate with warm summers and mild winters that is considered to be different from other parts of the country. While snow is uncommon in Bilbao, the rainy season is typically during the months of October to April. 

Museums and cathedrals are amongst the most prominent landmarks in the city and a few must-visit spots include the Guggenheim Museum, Santiago Cathedral, the University of Deusto, the Basilica of Begoña, El Mercado de la Ribera (Riverbank Market), the Plaza Nueva (New Square), the Bilbao City Hall, the Estuary of Bilbao, the Port of Bilbao and the Museum of Fine Arts.

Nearby Airports

The Bilbao Airport is the main airport serving the city of Bilbao. It is located about 10 kilometres north of Bilbao and is the most prominent airport in the northern area of Spain. The airport is highly active and serves a number of airlines and millions of passengers every year.

Halal Restaurants

Halal food and Halal restaurants in Bilbao can be found with relative ease. Halal restaurants in Bilbao include Al Yazira, Al Quds, Marhaba, Al Baraka, El Azhar, Hamburger Halal, Arabe Halal and Elouahda. Carnicería "Al Azhar", Carnicería-Harategia " Al Quds", Carnicería "Africa" and Carnicería "Bader" are amongst some of the Halal food shops in Bilbao. However it is recommended that visitors enquire with the restaurant owners about the preparation of food and availability of Halal menus prior to dining.

Mosques

Bilbao is home to a few mosques and prayer facilities for Muslim travellers. A few of the more well-known mosques in Bilbao include the Mezquita Assalam, Mezquita Badr and Mezquita Al Furqan, which are all located within city limits.

Things to Do and See in Bilbao

• The Guggenheim Museum  
• Museo de Bellas Artes  Museum of Basque Archaeology, Ethnography and History  
• Diocesan Museum of Religious Art
• Santiago Cathedral
• Begoña Basilica
• Zubizuri Bridge
• Mercado de la Ribera Market
• City Hall
• Palacio de la Diputación
• San Nicolas Church
• San Vicente Martyr Church
• Arriaga Theater
• Doña Casilda Park