Bilbao

Bilbao – the capital city of Biscay – is said to be the most important urban area in what is defined as the Greater Basque region. Even though Spain has suffered from the ongoing economic crisis, there are regions, which were able to manage the crisis surprisingly well. With increasing export numbers and a strong domestic production sector, the Greater Basque region is the best example for excellent crisis management. In fact, Iñaki Azkuna, mayor of Bilbao from 1999 to 2014, was honoured as the best mayor worldwide by the City Mayors Foundation. He was able to renew the concept of what an industrial city was and applied a very efficient financial management.

The region became the Spanish reference in terms of productivity levels. Numerous research centres, including the University of Deusto research centre have been build up and gained in importance. The University of Deusto is meanwhile belongs to the best business schools of Spain.

In the north of Spain Bilbao counts to the largest cultural and economic centres. The city was able to raise international awareness in the late 90s, not least with the opening of the most audacious building of the 20th century – the Guggenheim Museum.

The former industrial city, which was rather avoided by travellers and tourists, has transformed to one of the main touristic locations in the Basque Country and became a trendy city without forgetting its traditions. Definitely worth a visit!