🌍 Overview
As a seasoned digital nomad, I’ve had the pleasure of calling Bilbao, Spain, my home for several months. This charming city in the Basque Country has won my heart with its unique blend of industrial heritage, stunning natural surroundings, and warm hospitality. Bilbao is a hidden gem for remote workers, offering a high quality of life, a thriving cultural scene, and a growing digital nomad community. With its rich history, vibrant food scene, and breathtaking landscapes, Bilbao is an ideal destination for those seeking a balanced lifestyle. As a Bilbao digital nomad, you’ll find that the city’s compact size, walkability, and excellent public transportation make it easy to navigate and explore.
The city’s vibe is relaxed and welcoming, with a strong sense of community and a growing expat population. You’ll find that the locals are friendly and eager to engage with visitors, and the city’s many parks and green spaces provide ample opportunities for outdoor activities and socializing. Whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in local culture, explore the surrounding countryside, or simply enjoy the city’s laid-back atmosphere, Bilbao has something to offer every type of digital nomad.
🏘️ Best Neighborhoods for Digital Nomads
When it comes to choosing a neighborhood to live and work in Bilbao, there are several options to consider. Here are three of my favorite areas, each with its own unique character and charm:
- Indautxu: This upscale neighborhood is located in the heart of the city, within walking distance to many of Bilbao’s main attractions, including the Guggenheim Museum and the Casco Viejo (Old Town). Indautxu is known for its beautiful parks, trendy bars, and high-end restaurants, making it a great option for digital nomads who want to be in the midst of the action.
- Deusto: This charming neighborhood is situated on the west bank of the Nervión River, just a short walk from the city center. Deusto is home to the University of Deusto, which gives the area a lively, student-friendly atmosphere. You’ll find plenty of affordable accommodation options, as well as a range of cafes, bars, and restaurants catering to all tastes and budgets.
- Abando: Located in the heart of the city, Abando is a bustling neighborhood that’s home to many of Bilbao’s main shopping streets, including the famous Gran Vía. This area is perfect for digital nomads who want to be close to the action, with plenty of coworking spaces, cafes, and restaurants to choose from.
Cost of Living Breakdown
The cost of living in Bilbao is relatively affordable compared to other major cities in Europe. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect to pay for typical expenses:
- Rent: A one-bedroom apartment in the city center will cost around €800-€1,200 per month (approximately $900-$1,370 USD). Outside of the city center, you can find apartments for €500-€800 per month (approximately $570-$900 USD).
- Food: Eating out in Bilbao can range from €10-€20 per meal (approximately $11-$22 USD) for a traditional pintxo (tapas) and a drink. Groceries from a local supermarket will cost around €30-€50 per week (approximately $35-$57 USD) for basic items.
- Transport: A monthly public transportation pass will cost around €30-€40 (approximately $35-$45 USD). Taxis are also relatively affordable, with a typical ride costing around €10-€15 (approximately $11-$17 USD).
- Coworking: Coworking spaces in Bilbao typically cost around €200-€300 per month (approximately $220-$330 USD) for a hot desk, and €500-€800 per month (approximately $570-$900 USD) for a dedicated desk.
Overall, the cost of living in Bilbao is relatively low, making it an attractive option for digital nomads who want to experience the best of European culture without breaking the bank.
Internet & Coworking
Bilbao has a well-developed infrastructure for remote workers, with plenty of coworking spaces and cafes offering fast and reliable internet. Here are a few of my favorite spots:
- The Coworking Space: Located in the heart of the city, this coworking space offers hot desks, dedicated desks, and private offices, as well as a range of amenities, including high-speed internet, meeting rooms, and a kitchen.
- Impact Hub Bilbao: This global network of coworking spaces has a location in Bilbao, offering a range of membership options, including hot desks, dedicated desks, and private offices.
- Café Iruña: This charming cafe in the Casco Viejo (Old Town) offers fast and reliable internet, as well as a range of delicious coffee and pastries.
Internet speeds in Bilbao are generally fast, with an average speed of 47 Mbps. You can expect to pay around €30-€50 per month (approximately $35-$57 USD) for a basic internet plan.
Bilbao has a growing digital nomad community, with plenty of opportunities to meet and connect with like-minded individuals. Here are a few ways to get involved:
- Bilbao Digital Nomads: This Facebook group is a great way to connect with other digital nomads in the city, ask questions, and find out about upcoming events and meetups.
- Nomad List Bilbao: This online community is dedicated to digital nomads in Bilbao, with a range of resources and information on the city, including cost of living, coworking spaces, and things to do.
- Meetup Bilbao: This platform offers a range of meetups and events for digital nomads, including language exchange, coworking sessions, and social gatherings.
Culture & Lifestyle
Bilbao is a city that’s deeply proud of its culture and heritage, and as a digital nomad, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to experience it firsthand. Here are a few insider tips:
- Pintxos: Bilbao is famous for its pintxos (tapas), and you’ll find plenty of bars and restaurants serving up delicious small plates. Be sure to try the local specialty, tortilla de patatas (Spanish omelette).
- Fiestas: Bilbao loves to celebrate, and you’ll find plenty of festivals and events throughout the year, including the Bilbao BBK Live music festival and the Semana Grande (Big Week) celebrations.
- Dating: Bilbao is a great city for singles, with a lively nightlife scene and plenty of opportunities to meet new people. Try the popular dating app, Tinder, or attend one of the many social events and meetups in the city.
As a digital nomad, you’ll need to consider your visa options when planning your stay in Bilbao. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Tourist Visa: As a tourist, you can stay in Spain for up to 90 days without a visa. If you plan to stay longer, you’ll need to apply for a residence visa.
- Digital Nomad Visa: Spain offers a digital nomad visa, which allows remote workers to stay in the country for up to one year. To apply, you’ll need to meet certain requirements, including having a minimum income of €2,334 per month (approximately $2,600 USD) and having health insurance that covers you in Spain.
💡 Practical Tips
Here are a few practical tips to keep in mind when living and working in Bilbao:
- SIM Cards: You can purchase a SIM card from a local provider, such as Movistar or Vodafone, for around €10-€20 (approximately $11-$22 USD).
- Transport: Bilbao has a well-developed public transportation system, including buses and trains. You can purchase a monthly pass for around €30-€40 (approximately $35-$45 USD).
- Safety: Bilbao is a relatively safe city, but as with any city, it’s always a good idea to take precautions, such as avoiding walking alone in dimly lit areas at night and keeping an eye on your belongings.
- Weather: Bilbao has a mild climate, with temperatures ranging from 10-20°C (50-68°F) throughout the year. Be sure to pack accordingly, with layers for cooler mornings and evenings.
