Bilbao: The Heart of Basque Country

• HelloKaixo
  [kai-cho]
• GoodbyeAgur
  [a-goor]
• YesBai
  [bye]
• NoEz
  [ez]
• Please/You're welcomeMesedez
  [me-se-des]
• Thank youEskerrik asko
  [es-ke-rik as-ko]
• Excuse me/SorryBarkatu
  [bar-ka-tu]
• How are you?Zer moduz?
  [zer mo-duth]
• Fine. And you?Ondo. Eta zu?
  [on-do. eta zu]
• Do you speak English?Ingelesez hitz egiten duzu?
  [in-ge-les-eth hits e-gi-ten du-zu]
• I don't understandEz dut ulertzen
  [ez dut u-ler-tzen]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMenua ikusi nahi nuke, mesedez
  [me-nu-a i-ku-si na-hi nu-ke, me-se-des]
• I don't eat meatEz jaten artoa
  [ez ja-ten ar-to-a]
• Cheers!Txin-txin!
  [chin-chin]
• I would like to pay, pleaseOrdaindu nahi nuke, mesedez
  [or-dain-du na-hi nu-ke, me-se-des]

• Help!Laguntza!
  [la-gun-tza]
• Go away!Joan zaitez!
  [jo-an zai-tez]
• Call the Police!Dei-tu poliziari!
  [dei-tu po-li-zi-a-ri]
• Call a doctor!Dei-tu medikuari!
  [dei-tu me-di-ku-a-ri]
• I'm lostNire bidea galdu dut
  [ni-re bi-de-a gal-du dut]
• I'm illGaixo nago
  [ga-ix-o na-go]

• I'd like to buy...Erosi nahi nuke...
  [e-ro-si na-hi nu-ke]
• I'm just lookingBakarrik begiratzen ari naiz
  [ba-ka-rik be-gi-rat-zen a-ri na-iz]
• How much is it?Zenbat balio du?
  [zen-bat ba-lio du]
• That's too expensiveHori oso garestia da
  [ho-ri o-so ga-res-tia da]
• Can you lower the price?Prezioa jaitsi dezakezu?
  [pre-zi-o-a jai-tsi de-za-ke-zu]

• What time is it?Ze ordu da?
  [ze or-du da]
• It's one o'clockBatetik gora da
  [ba-te-tik go-ra da]
• Half past (10)Ordu erdiak dira (hamar)
  [or-du er-di-ak di-ra (ha-mar)]
• MorningGoiza
  [go-iza]
• AfternoonArratsaldea
  [ar-rat-sal-de-a]
• EveningGaua
  [ga-ua]
• YesterdayAtzo
  [at-zo]
• TodayGaur
  [gaur]
• TomorrowBihar
  [bi-har]
• 1Bat
  [bat]
• 2Bi
  [bi]
• 3Hiru
  [hi-ru]
• 4Lau
  [lau]
• 5Bost
  [bost]
• 6Sei
  [sei]
• 7Zazpi
  [zaz-pi]
• 8Zortzi
  [zor-tzi]
• 9Bederatzi
  [be-de-ra-tzi]
• 10Hamar
  [ha-mar]

• Where's a/the...?Non dago...?
  [non da-go]
• What's the address?Zer da helbidea?
  [zer da hel-bi-de-a]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Erakuts dezakezu (mapan)?
  [e-rakuts de-za-ke-zu]
• When's the next (bus)?Noiz dator hurrengo (autobusa)?
  [no-iz da-tor ur-ren-go au-to-bu-sa]
• A ticket (to ....)Tiketa bat (....era)
  [ti-ke-ta bat e-ra]

Bilbao was officially founded on June 15, 1300, by Diego López V de Haro, the Lord of Biscay. The founding charter was aimed at boosting commerce by granting privileges to merchants and encouraging settlement. The city’s strategic position along the Nervión River made it an ideal hub for trade, especially with northern Europe.

The 19th century marked a period of immense growth and industrialization for Bilbao. The discovery of iron ore in the surrounding areas led to a booming mining industry. The city's port became one of the most important in Spain, facilitating trade and the export of iron to countries like the United Kingdom. The rise of shipbuilding and steel industries further bolstered Bilbao’s economy.

During the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939), Bilbao was a stronghold for the Republican forces. The city endured significant bombing and was eventually captured by Franco's Nationalist forces in June 1937. The aftermath of the war led to a period of repression and economic hardship, but Bilbao managed to recover over the subsequent decades.

The opening of the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao in 1997 marked a dramatic shift in the city's identity. Designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry, the museum became an instant icon and a catalyst for urban regeneration. The 'Guggenheim Effect' spurred investments in infrastructure, revitalized the waterfront, and turned Bilbao into a major cultural destination.

In recent decades, Bilbao has undergone significant urban renewal. Projects such as the expansion of the metro system, designed by Norman Foster, and the redevelopment of old industrial areas into cultural and commercial spaces have transformed the city. Bilbao has gained recognition for its blend of historical heritage and modern architecture, making it a model for urban regeneration worldwide.

Bilbao is well-connected by air, rail, and road. The Bilbao Airport (BIO) serves both domestic and international flights and is located about 12 kilometers north of the city center. From the airport, you can take a taxi, bus, or rental car to reach the city. The airport bus (Bizkaibus A3247) operates every 20 minutes and takes around 20-30 minutes to reach the city center. Bilbao is also accessible by train, with the main train station, Estación de Abando, offering connections to major Spanish cities like Madrid and Barcelona. For road travel, the A-8 motorway links Bilbao with other parts of Spain and France.

Bilbao boasts a comprehensive public transportation system, including buses, trams, and a metro network. The Bilbao Metro is efficient and covers most of the city and surrounding areas. The tram system, operated by Euskotren, is another convenient way to get around central Bilbao. For shorter trips, you can use Bilbobus, the city's bus network. Taxis are available throughout the city, and ride-sharing services like Uber also operate in Bilbao. For a more flexible option, consider renting a bike or car.

The official currency in Bilbao, as in the rest of Spain, is the Euro (€). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, it's advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments, local markets, and public transportation. ATMs are easily found throughout the city, and most accept international cards. Currency exchange services are available at the airport and in various locations around the city.

Bilbao is generally a safe city for tourists, but it's always wise to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone late at night in poorly lit areas. The Old Town (Casco Viejo) is charming but can be crowded, so be mindful of pickpockets. Areas like San Francisco and Bilbao La Vieja have higher crime rates and are best avoided, especially after dark. Always keep an eye on your belongings in busy places like markets and tourist attractions.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance from police, fire, or medical services. The main hospitals in Bilbao include Hospital de Basurto and Hospital Universitario Cruces. Pharmacies are plentiful and can provide over-the-counter medications and basic medical advice. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, local pharmacies (farmacias) are well-stocked and can offer guidance.

Fashion: Do dress smart-casual, as locals tend to dress well. Avoid overly casual or beachwear unless you're at the beach. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions, especially in religious sites. Cover your shoulders and knees when entering churches. Public Transport: Do offer your seat to elderly passengers and avoid speaking loudly. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. A light kiss on both cheeks is common among friends and acquaintances. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties like pintxos. Don't be afraid to ask for recommendations. Avoid tipping excessively; a small amount is usually sufficient.

To experience Bilbao like a local, visit the Mercado de la Ribera for fresh produce and local delicacies. Take a leisurely walk along the Nervión River and explore the unique architecture of the Guggenheim Museum. Enjoy a night out in the Casco Viejo, where you can hop from bar to bar sampling pintxos. Engage with locals; Basque people are known for their hospitality and are often eager to share their culture. Don't miss the opportunity to take a funicular ride to Mount Artxanda for panoramic views of the city.