Bilbao Pictures

Things to do in Bilbao

In this city of such rich history, but constant renovation and exciting improvements, there is never a dull moment in Bilbao because it has something to offer for absolutely everyone. The most popular new attraction is the Guggenheim Museum, with its amazing curving architecture on the outside and very interesting and decorative exhibits on the inside. In front of the museum is a flower puppy, which is a famous symbol of modern Bilbao. Aside from this, Bilbao has museums galore, including the Museo de Bellas Artes, Basque Museum, La Ria Maritime Museum, and Muse Taurino, to name a few. Alongside museums, Bilbao has many gorgeous Gothic churches and cathedrals. One of the most symbolic is Basilica de Begona, but a few others are Cathedral of St. James, Iglesia de San Anton, and Iglesia de San Nicolas. Check out the Teatro Arriaga, which is the beautiful and detailed ancient theater now used as a tourist office. To experience lavish beauty, check out Palacio de la Disputacion which is ornate on both the outside and the inside. Also, check out Parque Etxebarria, transformed from an industrial building in the late 1900’s, which now has beautiful views of Casco Viejo and Teatro Arriaga. Old Town, or Casco Viejo, is filled with historical town houses and a feel for the past. For some amazing views, be sure to climb the stairs at Plaza Unamundo up to Parque Etxebarria and see Bilbao as a whole.

Nightlife in Bilbao

The nightlife of Bilbao can be everything from a relaxing evening, to bar and tavern hopping all night long. Casco Viejo is a great place to start your night off, and some bar-hopping zones are Paseo del Arenal, Calle Ledesma, and Calle Elcano. Located in Casco Viejo, the Lamaik is a comfortable and relaxing coffee house. Check out Cafe Nervion for a gorgeous view of the river. Another set of bars definitely worth your while are Cafe Iruna, Cafe La Granja, and Cafe Boulevard. For something more interesting and fun, head to Galeon, which is a bar with a maritime motif, a mermaid statue, and the decor as the inside of a ship. For karaoke and Spanish club music, Dakar is the place to check out. Another great street for nightlife is Calle Simon Bolivar, with a line of clubs such as Cotton Club, Caos, Pinkertons, and Indie.

Dining in Bilbao

Like many areas in Spain, the people of Bilbao do not even think about eating dinner until 8pm or after. Usually around 6pm, tapas or pintxos (the Spanish appetizer) and drinks are served at cafes, which are enough to hold you over until a late dinner. One of the best places for pinxtos in Bilbao is Aritz, where they are famous for their specialties. A few good places to eat near Plaza Nueva are Bilbao Cafe Bar, Charley Bar, Fernando, and Victor. To have a taste of the traditional Basque cuisine, check out Casa Vasca for some fabulous dishes. Another option is Matxinbenta, serving dishes such as tuna in piquant tomato sauce. If you are planning on going out to a nice dinner during your stay, it is recommended that you call to make reservations ahead of time, because many traditional restaurants tend to get booked up very quickly.

Shopping in Bilbao

One of the biggest covered markets in Europe is located in Bilbao, and is known as Mercardo de la Ribera. This market sells anything from produce, to fish and meat every single morning aside from Sundays. In Plaza Nueva, you can find a market every Sunday morning of used books, stamps, coins, and other small trinkets. The main shopping district of Bilbao is Plaza Moyua and Gran Via, where you can walk along to find clothing stores (name brands) and a department store, El Corte. Casco Viejo is and has always been a great shopping area of Bilbao, which has a good number of shoe shops along with many independent boutiques and some chain shops. If you should so desire a shopping centre, a new one was just built along the river, names Centro Comercial Zubiarte. Shops included here are a supermarket, outlets, bars, and a cinema.

Bilbao Travel Tips

• If possible, try not to drive or rent a car in Bilbao. Many streets are one-way hills and there tends to be construction projects around the city.
• From the first Saturday after August 15 until 9 days later is Bilbao’s Aste Nagusia or Semana Grande- the holiday of the city. Travel during this time and experience crowds in the street, music, events, and fireworks displays every night.
• When in Bilbao, go to the park! These public parks are scattered about the city, and it is truly a part of the culture to play sports, relax, read, eat, and even sleep in the park.

Seville Pictures

Things to do in Seville

The list of things to do in Seville is endless and at times random. This city has everything from museums and monuments to football games and crazy festivals. We have compiled a list of the must sees while you are here. You might consider purchasing a Seville card while here. It will enable you to explore the city more easily. This card grants you access to most museums and monuments as well as free access to the public transportation system, unlimited sightseeing buses, and a free boat ride on the Guadalquivir River. It is an excellent deal and you may be interested in purchasing one at the same time as your friends so you can all experience this incredible city together. The Cathedral of Seville is a very old and magnanimous church in the heart of the city. Once considered the top three largest cathedrals, second to St. Peter’s in Rome, it is now arguably the largest church in volume. The total area of 11,520 square metres is quite magnificent. This is also the resting place of the explorer Christopher Columbus. If you are looking for Moorish style architecture, The Real Alcázar is an exquisite palace. It was built in the XIV Century by Pedro I the Cruel. In it you will find many rooms with extravagant architecture, paintings, gardens, and courtyards. There is even the room here where Christopher Columbus planned his journey to the Americas. The Jewish Quarter aka Barrio Santa Cruz is considered the most beautiful area in the city and very well kept, with winding roads and quaint buildings and shops. This is a major tourist area as well. The Hospital de los Venerables is very interesting and quite unique. It was a seventeenth century hospital and resting area for retired priests. Now it is a well preserved building with a museum room and baroque chapel. The Museo de Bellas Artes is considered the most important museum in Spain, second only to the Prado in Madrid. There are fifteen exhibition rooms that illustrate a detailed look into seventeenth century Seville to present day. There are many festivals and holidays here depending on when you go that will be of interest. Feria de abril is a huge party of a holiday in which the inhabitants of the city take a week or so off from work and plan parties, food, and marquees. There are several private parties that require an invitation, however the public ones are just as much fun and exciting. Make sure to plan well ahead and get your student airfare and hotels in order for friends if they are coming to visit during this time. Easter week is also very exciting to take part in here. Although many shops are closed during this week, there are parades and city parties that will keep you entertained. If you are studying abroad here however, you may want to travel during this week. However, no matter what time of year, Seville is a great place to visit so book your ticket now!

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Nightlife in Seville

The nightlife in Seville is intoxicating and thrilling. The drink of choice is of course Sangria. Sevillans know how to make the best Sangria in the whole world and will rival even their counterparts in other cities in Spain. The cultural center of the country is also one of the craziest cities to party in. There is a little something for every appetite as well. Flamenco is the traditional dance here and can be found bumping at bars and clubs around the city. The vibe in most bars is ethnic and wonderful. However at the same time you will be made to feel right at home. College students flock these flamenco clubs because it is something new and unusual, surely not something you would find back home. El Tremendo is a good pregaming place to start off your night. The drinks here are cheap and the atmosphere is casual and laid back. You can stand outside at tall tables with your friends and order tapas too. La Bodeguita Antigua and Los Soportales are in the Plaza Salvator. They are college student favorites because you can get a cold beer and some snacks. This also makes an excellent pregaming local. The clubs are even more memorable in this city. Keep in mind that the dancing doesn’t end until 6 or even 7 in the morning, so get ready for a crazy fun night that will never end. We suggest Antique, it’s known to have some local celebrities gracing it from time to time. This club is a little more upscale and the drinks are somewhat costly to the college student budget. Boss is one of the largest nightclubs (discos) in the city with four dance floors, bars located on each of the four floors, and a stadium-like dance floor in the center. Dress well before heading here and go in small groups. It is a bit exclusive for letting people in so be prepared to wait. But it is well worth it once you’re in! Weekend Houseclub is another place to hit up while spending a semester here. It is relatively new to the scene and is therefore somewhat easy to get into. You will still want to leave the sneakers and baseball caps at home before going to this one though.

Dining in Seville

Spanish food is exquisite. Not many people will pass up an authentic plate of quesadillas or enchiladas. Tapas is the keyword here. Tapas are traditional small plates or Spanish food and allow you to enjoy and taste a variety of flavors and dishes. Tapas are usually served as a snack/appetizer with drinks. However many restaurants also serve tapas as a main course. In Seville they have perfected the art of creating meals out of tapas and serve you up to a full size portion of these dishes. However you want the smaller portions so that you can enjoy many different varieties. Some typical dishes you will find are tortilla española (potato omlette), queso manchego (sheep milk cheese), aceitunas (olives), patatas bravas (spicy potatoes), and pulpo gallego (galician octopus). One thing that is important to remember when dining in Seville is that, like all Spanish cities, there are many courses involved and it can get a bit tricky. This is why tapas are so appealing to college students. It is also the less expensive option in most cases. Before going out you might want to know that restaurants do not open until at least 8 or 8:30pm. They don’t even get crowded until 9 or so. This is because the Spanish culture is much more laid back and everything takes its own amount of time. People who go out to eat can easily spend 2 – 3 hours chatting away over some delicious plates. La Manzanilla is a student favorite because the food is so cheap and the portions are large. Stick to the river or the main center to get a good selection of food.

Shopping in Seville

Spain is well known for its football teams. In every city you will find an array of apparel and scarves for the national team. These are always favorites when it comes to shopping in Seville. Local crafts are another top priority here. Colorful plates, tiles, and glasses are bought by tourists as souvenirs. There are so many to choose from and they are all so beautiful. There are several pottery stores across the river or right by the cathedral. You may purchase sangria pitchers beautifully decorated, serving dishes (tapas), and beer glasses with Spanish logos. There are also personalized plate stores next to the cathedral in which you can design and choose your own plates. There are also the typical souvenir items, which can be found on carts or local shops throughout the city. An item which is popular from here are flamenco dresses and sombreros for men.

Seville travel tips

• The currency in Seville is the euro.
• People who live in the city are known as Sevillanos.
• The language here is Spanish, although there are several versions and dialects.

Nowadays, Ibiza is firmly established as one of Europe’s trendiest summer escapes. Nudist beaches, fashionable cafes, and cute shops make Ibiza a great holiday resort. The island is a place where urban dwellers can flee the dreary climates of their own countries for a beach escape with lots of sex, sun, and sangria stirred in for good measure.

The tanned, toned, and beautiful gods and goddesses who linger at Ibiza’s waterfront are just part of the temptations found on the hippest of Spain’s Balearic Islands. Late night clubbing, the world’s hottest DJs, and idyllic beaches are other tempting reasons to visit this island of excess. The ideal months to visit are May, June and September. At these times you can rely on good weather, yet avoid the sometimes extreme heat – and the main crush of Spanish and foreign tourists.

Ibiza Pictures

Things to do in Ibiza

Daylight hours spent on the beaches. Las Salinas, Talamanca, and Bossa (accessible by bus) or Figueretas (within walking distance of town) are the most popular. If you actually want to do something other than relax, visit the San Carlos Hippy Market. The Market, a collection of blue, red and orange caravan tents, is where you can buy anything from tie-dyed clothing, beachwear, and sunglasses to sneakers and caricatures in charcoal. It’s also a great place to people watch. A late dinner, followed by a bit of window- shopping at the posh boutiques, is the routine before heading to the discos. Spain’s nightlife (known as la marcha) is renowned for its late and wild nights.

Nightlife in Ibiza

Most of the bars where you’ll begin your evening are in the area around the port. Calle Barcelona and Calle Virgen are two streets to check out. From there, you can wander the side streets filled with shops before hitting the discos. As for discos, even if you haven’t heard of Pacha or Amnesia, you certainly will by the time you leave. Some of the most famous, international DJ’s like John Digweed, Junior Vasquez, Boy George and FatBoy Slim, have played in Ibiza. Pacha is perhaps the hippest nightclub in Ibiza, but Amnesia, a hard-core techno club with internationally infamous foam parties, is probably the wildest. None of the clubs even open much before midnight, and the dancing goes on until dawn.

Dining in Ibiza

Ibiza is not exactly known for its restaurants, but you’ll still eat and drink well. You can find nice and relaxing restaurants at the beaches and there’s always a place to grab a late night snack. Coastline Cafe is a great place to go–you can enjoy a meal overlooking the water. And interestingly enough, there’s a popular Indian food restaurant, Shanti Shakti, that is worth checking out.

Shopping in Ibiza

In Ibiza you’ll find the basics, but shopping isn’t what Ibiza is all about. For clothes shopping, and lots of good bargains, it’s fun to wander the back streets around the port in Ibiza Town. Other shopping can be found across the city as well.

Ibiza travel tips

• During your visit, check out the Hippy Market! It’s a fun experience, unique to Ibiza.
• In Ibiza, there are many sunset cafes created for you to enjoy while taking in the beautiful sunset! This is surely an experience not to be missed.
• While in Ibiza, take a boat trip! They’re great fun, and offer an exciting alternative to walking the city.

Madrid Pictures

Things to do in Madrid

Aim to see the world’s greatest art and classical collections at the Museo del Prado, the Reina Sofia National and the Thysenn Bornemisza Museums then view the artistic collections, medieval weapons and armors in Palacio Real;stroll in Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol; see the palm garden inside Atocha Renfe; and take a boat ride on the lake of El Retiro Park. You can attend cultural events in the Circulo de Bellas Artes or visit Corral de la Moreria to enjoy a Spanish meal while watching renowned flamenco dancers. Round these off with witnessing bullfights and a round of the gay nightlife and your stay in Madrid will be an experience of a lifetime.

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Nightlife in Madrid

Be sure to experience the Madrid nightlife in its popular pubs and clubs. But first, go with friends for an early Spanish dinner of tortilla de patatas, calamares, tapas, patatas bravas, jamon, or seafoods and attend cultural events. Then dance and drink at Plaza de Santa ana, La Latina, Tribunal, Gran Via, Chueca, Alonso Martinez, Torre Europa and Moncloa. The most cosmopolitan and posh places are in Chueca, Gran Via, and Torre Europa. End your night of dancing and drinking with a breakfast of delicious chocolate con churros (thick melted chocolate with fried sweet fritters).

Dining in Madrid

Madrid has a rich and distinctive culinary tradition and boasts its Callos a la Madrileña (spicy beef tripe), Cocido (chickpea and beef stew), Oreja de Cerdo (fried pig’s ear and garlic), and sopa de ajo (rich garlic soup) as well as other Spanish dishes such as Tortilla de patata (potato omellete) Patatas bravas (fried potatoes with sauce), and Paella Valenciana (rice-dish) to name a few. You must taste the pride of Spain, their Jamon Iberico and quality seafood and visit some of their famous restaurants such as the landmark La Casa del Abuelo; La Zapateria; the classy Casa Lucio; Estay, and la Trainera.

Shopping in Madrid

If you’re into shopping, Madrid has a lot to offer. You can easily step into the sol and Salamanca district with its department stores and classy designer shops. The chueca and Fuencarral Street area and the fuencarral market are also sites of the most avant-garde and coolest shopping places. You must also try El Rastro, Madrid’s largest flea market and the El Carte Ingles department.

Madrid travel tips

• Madrileños in larger hotels or tourism sites and younger people may know English, but a few common Spanish words and phrases should come in handy.
• Madrid is famous for its bullfights in Las Ventas held from March to October and on Sundays and public holidays and for flamenco dance and music.
• Madrileños usually take a siesta or break from the midday heat, so small stores are closed at this time.

Valencia Pictures

Things to do in Valencia

The Barri del Carme is an interesting section of town. It is rich in history and there are several lovely shops and cafes. In March there is a festival called Fallas where locals build big paper maché models and visitors as well as locals can see the spectacular. There are also fireworks. But mostly people flock to this city for the stretches of luxurious, tropical beaches.

Find things to do in Valencia

Nightlife in Valencia

Grab a pitcher of sangria and dawn your clubbing clothes. This city has an abundance of great nightclubs, and the crowd to fill them! Clubers in this city stay out until the crack of dawn, and then even a little later. The city has good spirit and good vibes to satisfy any college student looking for a great time abroad.

Dining in Valencia

Spanish cuisine is very ethnic and identifiable. Paella is a traditional rice dish usually with meat or seafood in it. All i pebre, a type of fish, has a very special taste. And Llet merengada is a cinnamon-lemon type ice cream that is served in most every authentic restaurant.

Shopping in Valencia

Serrano street has lots of shopping opportunities. The Mercado Central is the best fresh produce market with all assortments of fruits, vegetables, breads, and meats and cheeses.

Valencia travel tips

• Bike rentals are popular and a good way to get around the city.
• If staying outside the immediate city, the Metro Valencia has five separate trains that run into the city.
• The term “playa” means beach in Spanish.

Barcelona Pictures

Things to do in Barcelona

Barcelona offers a wide range of activities for student travelers, like going to historic, urban, thematic or forest parks, hitting any of the city’s seven beaches, or visiting the different museums that display famous collections of Romanesque, Catalan, and Spanish art. For sports enthusiasts, watching a major Spanish football (soccer) game would also be excellent, as Barcelona is known to have one of the best football teams in the world. If you’re a golfer you definitely want to do a bit of research before you head there, as the courses are amazing. When you’re in the city there are plenty of places to go swimming, running, cycling or to play tennis.

Find things to do in Barcelona

Nightlife in Barcelona

Foreigners, students, and tourists usually fill up the various bars and clubs in Barcelona. At these places, the music ranges from jazz to techno and electronica. People in Barcelona like to party, and there are a lot of festivals and events going on throughout the year–a little bit of online research before you go can give you the scoop on the party scene during your trip. For student travelers who want to spend their nights in an easy and inexpensive way, the tascas (taverns) are a good option, where you can settle in for a bottle of wine or beer. There are also coffee shops that offer alcoholic drinks, and they’re usually open until 1 A.M.

Dining in Barcelona

The culinary reputation of Barcelona, and of the whole region of Catalonia, is very strong. With that in mind, some of the restaurants might not necessarily be in the price range you have in mind, especially as a traveling student. But there are certainly affordable options. In wine bars you can order simple, classic Barcelona food (typically with olive oil, garlic, and tomato) that is reasonably priced. There is also an abundance of seafood because of the city’s proximity to the Mediterranean. You’ll have delicious meals in Barcelona, and you’ll meet people that take great pride in their food.

Shopping in Barcelona

Barcelona is known for being a fashion-conscious city. There’s an endless display of anything stylish in individual stores, large department stores, and shopping centers. You can try shopping at El Corte Inglés, which is the biggest chain of department stores in Barcelona, or at Maremagnum, the biggest mall in the city. But if you have a limited budget for shopping, there are also a good number of stores that sell inexpensive but fashionable clothes. One key to remember when shopping: most of the stores in Barcelona close midday (from 2 P.M. to 4 P.M.) for lunch, so make sure you schedule your shopping excursions accordingly.

Barcelona travel tips

• Research online and make sure you get your cheap student flight and hotel.
• Pick pocketing is unfortunately a problem in a lot of cities in Spain, so keep an eye and don’t leave your handbags and wallets anywhere.
• The two official languages of Barcelona are Catalan and Spanish, yet in most tourist areas, many can understand English and some understand French or even German.
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