Abando: The Beating Heart of Bilbao

• HelloHola
  [oh-lah]
• GoodbyeAdiós
  [ah-dee-ohs]
• YesSí
  [see]
• NoNo
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [por fah-vor/deh nah-dah]
• Thank youGracias
  [grah-thyahs]
• Excuse me/SorryPerdón/Lo siento
  [pehr-dohn/loh syen-toh]
• How are you?¿Cómo estás?
  [koh-moh ehs-tahs]
• Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?
  [byen. ee too]
• Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?
  [ah-blahs een-glehs]
• I don't understandNo entiendo
  [noh ehn-tee-ehn-doh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver la carta, por favor
  [meh goo-stah-ree-ah behr lah kahr-tah, por fah-vor]
• I don't eat meatNo como carne
  [noh koh-moh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!¡Salud!
  [sah-loohd]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMe gustaría pagar, por favor
  [meh goo-stah-ree-ah pah-gar, por fah-vor]

• Help!¡Ayuda!
  [ah-yoo-dah]
• Go away!¡Vete!
  [veh-teh]
• Call the Police!¡Llama a la Policía!
  [yah-mah ah lah poh-lee-see-ah]
• Call a doctor!¡Llama a un médico!
  [yah-mah ah oon meh-dee-koh]
• I'm lostEstoy perdido/a
  [ehs-toy pehr-dee-doh/ah]
• I'm illEstoy enfermo/a
  [ehs-toy ehn-fehr-moh/ah]

• I'd like to buy...Me gustaría comprar...
  [meh goo-stah-ree-ah kohm-prar]
• I'm just lookingSolo estoy mirando
  [soh-loh ehs-toy mee-rahn-doh]
• How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?
  [kwan-toh kwehs-tah]
• That's too expensiveEsto es demasiado caro
  [ehs-toh ehs deh-mah-syah-doh kahr-oh]
• Can you lower the price?¿Puedes bajar el precio?
  [pweh-dehs bah-har ehl preh-syoh]

• What time is it?¿Qué hora es?
  [keh oh-rah ehs]
• It's one o'clockEs la una en punto
  [ehs lah oo-nah ehn poon-toh]
• Half past (10)Las diez y media
  [lahs dyehs ee meh-dee-ah]
• MorningMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• AfternoonTarde
  [tahr-deh]
• EveningNoche
  [noh-cheh]
• YesterdayAyer
  [ah-yehr]
• TodayHoy
  [oy]
• TomorrowMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• 1Uno
  [oo-noh]
• 2Dos
  [dohs]
• 3Tres
  [trehs]
• 4Cuatro
  [kwah-troh]
• 5Cinco
  [theen-koh]
• 6Seis
  [sehs]
• 7Siete
  [syeh-teh]
• 8Ocho
  [oh-choh]
• 9Nueve
  [nweh-veh]
• 10Diez
  [dyehs]

• Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está...?
  [dohn-deh ehs-tah]
• What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?
  [kwal ehs lah dee-rehk-syon]
• Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puedes mostrarme (en el mapa)?
  [pweh-dehs mohs-trar-meh (ehn ehl mah-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (autobús)?
  [kwan-doh ehs ehl proh-ksee-moh (ow-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un billete (a ....)
  [oon bee-yeh-teh (ah)]

Abando was established in the 19th century as part of the expansion of Bilbao. Originally a small fishing village, it rapidly transformed into a bustling urban area due to the industrial revolution. The neighborhood's development was propelled by its strategic location along the Nervión River, facilitating trade and commerce.

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Abando became central to Bilbao's industrial growth. As factories and shipyards emerged, the area attracted a significant workforce from various regions. This period was marked by the construction of iconic buildings, such as the Grand Hotel Domine and the Plaza de Moyúa, which reflect the architectural trends of the time.

In the mid-20th century, Abando experienced a cultural renaissance, becoming a hub for arts and education. The establishment of the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum in 1945 marked a significant investment in cultural infrastructure, showcasing both local and international art. The neighborhood also became known for its vibrant café culture and social life.

The late 20th and early 21st centuries saw extensive urban regeneration projects in Abando. The most notable is the development of the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao in 1997, which revitalized the area and transformed it into a cultural hotspot. This architectural landmark has not only redefined the skyline but has also significantly boosted tourism and the local economy.

Today, Abando is a blend of historical charm and modernity. The neighborhood is characterized by its mix of residential areas, commercial districts, and cultural institutions. The historic architecture coexists with contemporary buildings, reflecting the evolution of Bilbao as a city that honors its past while embracing the future.

Abando is centrally located in Bilbao, making it easily accessible from various neighborhoods. You can reach Abando from the airport via the Bizkaia Transport Consortium’s bus service (A3247) which takes about 20 minutes. If you’re coming from the Old Town (Casco Viejo), take the metro from Casco Viejo station to Abando station (2 stops). The journey takes about 10 minutes. Local trams and buses also connect Abando with other areas of the city.

Abando is well-served by public transportation. The metro is a convenient option, with Abando station providing access to lines that connect to various parts of the city. Buses run frequently, and tram services also operate within the neighborhood. For a more leisurely pace, consider renting a bicycle; several bike-sharing services are available. Walking is also a great way to explore the area, with many attractions located within close proximity.

Abando is generally a safe neighborhood for tourists, but standard precautions are recommended. Avoid poorly lit areas at night and keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded places like the Abando train station. Areas near the outskirts of Abando have reported higher instances of petty crime, such as pickpocketing. Always stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. For medical emergencies, hospitals such as Hospital de Basurto are nearby. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical situations. In case of theft or loss, report to the nearest police station, which can be found in Abando.

Fashion: Do dress appropriately, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid overly casual or beachwear. Religion: Do respect local customs, especially during festivals or religious events. Public Transport: Do give up your seat for the elderly and disabled. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet with a polite 'Hola' or 'Buenos días' and a handshake. Eating & Drinking: Do try local pintxos and tapas; don't rush through meals, as dining is often a leisurely experience.

To experience Abando like a local, visit the Mercado de la Ribera for fresh produce and local delicacies. Try to catch a local festival or event, which often feature music and traditional Basque culture. Engage with locals at cafes or bars, as they are usually friendly and eager to share recommendations. Don’t miss the chance to explore the nearby Guggenheim Museum, which is a highlight of the area.