Barcelona is one of most populous city of the Basque Country. It is today an important cultural center and a major tourist destination. Particularly renowned are Guggenheim museum.
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Bilbao Tourism
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TEMPERATURE AND CLIMATE
Bilbao and its metropolitan area have an humid oceanic climate with mild temperature during all seasons 8ºC in winter and 20ºC during summer. During the latest years, the characteristic “sirimiri” (slim but persisting rain) has become more uncommon.
The time in Spain is GMT + 1 hour. More information
Electricity supply is 220 volts throughout Spain with 2 pin wall sockets. Most electrical equipment from European countries that utilize 240 volts (e.g. UK and Ireland) will function adequately with the proper plug adapter.
Most electrical equipment from countries where the electricity supply is 110 volts (e.g. US) a transformer would be required to step down the voltage to 110 volts. Damage to the electrical appliance can occur if you attempt to use a 110 volt rated appliance with a 220 volt supply. The power cord of some type of devices (p.e. most laptops) includes the transformer. Check the labelling before usage.
It is required by Spanish law that a photographic identification be carried with you at all times. This may be a passport, driving license or national identity card. With a tightening of security in the city it is highly recommended that you carry round with you at least a photocopy of your passport should you be asked for it.
To call Bilbao from outside Spain you need to dial (+34) for Spain.
The two languages spoken in Bilbao are Spanish and Basque.
In the tourist areas you will have people who speak English as well as Spanish however more off the beaten track most people will only speak Spanish or Basque.
Bilbao is however a very cosmopolitan European city with many tourist visitors each year so you should not have any real problems communicating.
Although you can drink tap water safely, in some areas of Bilbao drinking water is quite unpalatable and it is recommended to drink bottled water whilst you are here. Bottled mineral water can be purchased very cheaply from local supermarkets.