BILBAO, SPAIN

The city of Bilbao is divided into eight districts, but we get a better picture of the true topography if we keep in mind that the city is divided by Nervión estuary into two halves.

 

Deusto

To get to District 1, called Deusto, you have to cross either the recently-built Puente (bridge) de Euskalduna or the older Puente de Deusto, which up till a few years ago still used to be raised to let big boats pass under. Walk along the Ribera (bank) de Deusto to get a glimpse of how one part of the estuary flows through city life. While here, a must-see is the Universidad de Deusto. Established in the 19th Century and run by Jesuits, this university has been the alma mater of such luminaries as the banker Mario Conde, the politician Arzalluz or the former president ("Lehendakari") of the Basque government, Garaikoetxea. All in all, the neighborhood has a rather student-like feeling and is filled with bars, cafés, restaurants, etc. If you've been out partying all evening, this is a great place to pass the very last hours of the night. ... more