The Enchanting Heart of Bilbao: Casco Viejo

• 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
  [pair-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-glays]
• I don't understandNo entiendo
  [noh ehn-tyen-doh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver el menú, por favor
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah behr ehl meh-noo, poor 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 goos-tah-ree-ah pah-gahr, poor 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
  [ehs-toy pair-dee-doh]
• I'm illEstoy enfermo
  [ehs-toy ehn-fehr-moh]

• I'd like to buy...Me gustaría comprar...
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah kohm-prahr]
• 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 kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?¿Puede bajar el precio?
  [pweh-deh bah-hahr ehl pree-syoh]

• What time is it?¿Qué hora es?
  [keh oh-rah ehs]
• It's one o'clockEs la una
  [ehs lah oo-nah]
• Half past (10)Las diez y media
  [lahs d'yehs ee meh-dyah]
• 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
  [says]
• 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-syohn]
• Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puedes enseñarme (en el mapa)?
  [pweh-dehs ehn-seh-nyahr-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-yeht-eh (ah ...)]

Casco Viejo, known as the Old Town of Bilbao, was founded in 1451 by Diego López de Haro as a strategic port and trading hub. Its establishment marked the beginning of Bilbao's growth as a significant urban center in the Basque Country, directly influencing the region's economic and cultural development.

The 19th century brought significant industrial growth to Bilbao, transforming Casco Viejo into a bustling commercial center. The establishment of the iron and steel industry attracted workers from surrounding areas, resulting in a demographic shift that enriched the neighborhood's cultural diversity.

In 1937, during the Spanish Civil War, Casco Viejo suffered extensive damage due to bombing raids. This tragic event marked a pivotal moment in the neighborhood's history, leading to a series of reconstruction efforts that shaped its modern landscape.

The late 20th century saw a concerted effort to revitalize Casco Viejo as part of urban renewal initiatives in Bilbao. This included restoring historic buildings, enhancing public spaces, and promoting cultural activities, which helped to reestablish the area as a vibrant community hub.

Today, Casco Viejo stands as a testament to Bilbao's rich history and cultural heritage. Its narrow streets, traditional markets, and historic architecture attract visitors and locals alike, making it a focal point for Basque culture and a vital part of Bilbao's identity.

Casco Viejo is easily accessible from other neighborhoods in Bilbao. You can take the Metro Line 1 (the Basque metro system) to the 'Casco Viejo' station, which drops you right in the heart of the old town. Alternatively, several bus lines connect Casco Viejo with other districts, including lines 1, 16, and 18. If you're coming from the Bilbao Airport, the Bizkaibus A3247 service provides a direct route to the city center, and you can transfer to the Metro or a bus to reach Casco Viejo.

Casco Viejo is a pedestrian-friendly area, making it easy to explore on foot. Most attractions, shops, and restaurants are within walking distance. For public transport, the Metro and buses serve the area well. Bicycle rentals are available, and the city has several bike lanes. Taxis are also available for longer distances or late-night travel.

Casco Viejo is generally a safe neighborhood for tourists. However, like any urban area, it is advisable to stay alert, especially in crowded places. Avoid poorly lit streets at night and keep your belongings secure. While violent crime is rare, petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas, especially near popular tourist sites and public transport stations.

In case of an emergency, you can dial 112 for police, medical, or fire emergencies. The local police station is located in the heart of Casco Viejo. For medical emergencies, there are several clinics and hospitals nearby, including Hospital de Basurto. It is advisable to have travel insurance covering health issues. Pharmacies are widely available for minor ailments.

Fashion: Do wear comfortable shoes as you'll be walking a lot on cobblestone streets. Don't wear beachwear or overly casual clothing away from the beach. Religion: Do respect local customs, especially when visiting churches. Women should cover their shoulders and knees. Public Transport: Do give up your seat for the elderly and pregnant women. Don't talk loudly or eat on public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly 'Kaixo' (Hello). A smile goes a long way. Eating & Drinking: Do try pintxos in local bars. Don’t eat while walking; it's considered rude.

To experience Casco Viejo like a local, visit the Mercado de la Ribera, a vibrant market offering fresh produce and local specialties. Try to attend a local festival if your visit coincides with one, as they often feature traditional music, food, and dance. Engage with locals by asking for recommendations on where to eat; they often know the best hidden gems. Finally, take time to wander off the main streets to discover charming plazas and historical buildings.