Discovering Bilbao: A Student's Experience<

Discovering Bilbao: A Student's Experience

Hello! My name is Alice, I am an Italian student, and this year I had the opportunity to complete an internship at Instituto Hemingway in Bilbao. This experience allowed me to discover the city from a completely different perspective, even though I had already visited it before.

So, if you are planning to spend a few days in Bilbao, I can assure you that there are plenty of things to do without ever getting bored while discovering the very best the city has to offer. One of my favourite activities is definitely shopping along Gran Vía, where you will not only find countless clothing, footwear and makeup stores, including the largest Zara in Spain, but you will also experience its lively atmosphere, making it the perfect place to spend an afternoon shopping.

I also highly recommend visiting Azkuna Zentroa. From the outside, it may look like an ordinary building, but it is definitely worth exploring inside. You will be amazed by its covered square, supported by 43 unique columns. You can also visit its large library with reading areas, enjoy a drink on the terrace, watch a film at the cinema, attend events in the auditorium, or discover the spaces dedicated to audiovisual exhibitions, concerts and live performances. One of its most striking features is the swimming pool with a transparent floor, which allows people walking through the ground-floor atrium to look up and watch swimmers moving above them.

To better appreciate the city's architecture, I recommend taking a boat trip along the river. From the water, you can admire some of Bilbao's most iconic buildings, such as the Guggenheim Museum, which is well worth a visit, together with Puppy and the famous spider sculpture.

It is also essential to enjoy the local gastronomy. In the Old Town, you will find plenty of traditional and modern bars where you can have a drink or an aperitif while soaking up the city's lively atmosphere.

However, without a doubt, the best time to visit Bilbao is during the August festivals. It is my favourite time of the year because the whole city comes alive with a joyful atmosphere. Throughout the week, countless activities, concerts and events take place, while many local traditions are proudly kept alive. I'm sure you will love riding the Ferris wheel, enjoying the live music and ending the day by watching the spectacular fireworks.

Overall, Bilbao is a beautiful city that offers a wide variety of activities for people of all ages and interests, allowing everyone to enjoy its unique energy and charm.