Bilbao dubbed 'Manchester of Spain' for value and culture
Basque capital praised for affordability, modern architecture, and access to wild beaches, with wine as low as £2 and flights from £16
Bilbao, the Basque country’s largest city, has been dubbed the 'Manchester of Spain' for its blend of industrial heritage and modern architecture. A travel feature highlights that it is less hectic than Madrid or Barcelona and offers easy access to the north coast’s wild beaches. Metro travel writer Martina Andretta visited Bilbao in October and described the city as laidback and genuinely affordable.
The report notes that a glass of wine can cost about £2, and flights into Bilbao can be surprisingly inexpensive, with one-way tickets around £16 and returns from about £31. A hotel room for two people in July can be found for as little as £179 for two nights on Booking.com. In addition to the price advantage, the city earns praise for its cultural heft, including the Guggenheim museum, while managing to avoid the crowds typical of Spain’s more popular cities.
Bilbao’s vibe balances liveliness with practicality. Locals are noted for their supportive sports culture around Athletic Bilbao, echoing Manchester’s own club loyalty, and visitors can enjoy a mix of modern architecture, Basque pride, and industrial heritage that remains approachable for weekend trips. The city’s cultural scene is anchored by the Guggenheim, one of Spain’s most iconic art destinations, which sits alongside a network of galleries and creative spaces.
Nearby attractions reinforce Bilbao’s appeal for visitors seeking a compact, culturally rich experience. The old town provides a gateway to Basque life and nightlife, while La Ribera Market, described as Europe’s biggest covered market at about 10,000 square metres, delivers a maze of stalls selling Iberico ham, salted cod, aged cheese, and seasonal fruit. A short metro ride from the old town brings travelers to Vizcaya Bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that underscores the region’s industrial ingenuity and architectural heritage.
Beyond the core sights, Bilbao sits within a broader pattern of affordable living and travel options in Spain. Earlier this year, Euro Weekly News highlighted cheaper destinations for expats in Jaén, Cádiz, Castilla-La Mancha, Galicia, and Extremadura, where rents are notably lower than in Madrid, Barcelona, and Alicante. In inland towns, a 70-square-metre apartment can cost between roughly €300 and €400 per month, or about £260 to £350, well below the price of coastal or metropolitan properties.
For travelers and prospective residents weighing value against lifestyle, Bilbao offers a practical balance: easy access to the Basque coast, a walkable city center, standout architecture, and a cost of living that remains friendly relative to Spain’s most-touristed hubs. While the region’s real estate markets vary, the broader pattern of affordability across inland Spain provides additional options for those seeking to stretch a budget without sacrificing culture or access to amenities. As with any travel or relocation decision, prospective visitors should verify current prices and schedules as costs can fluctuate with season and demand. Still, the Bilbao feature underscores a growing interest in value-focused Spanish destinations that pair heritage with modern convenience.