Tucked into the lush hills of northern Spain’s Basque Country, Bilbao isn’t the first place most digital nomads think of when planning their next work-and-wander stop. But this underrated city is quietly becoming one of Europe’s best-kept secrets for remote workers — offering the perfect blend of urban energy, creative culture, and digital convenience, all wrapped in the warm hospitality of the Basque people.
If you’re looking to swap overcrowded nomad hubs for something more authentic, yet still fully connected, Bilbao might just be your next urban oasis.
Why Choose Bilbao for Remote Work?
Bilbao is a city of contrasts. Once a gritty industrial hub, it has reinvented itself over the last few decades into a vibrant, modern metropolis known for art, architecture, and innovation. At the same time, its traditions remain alive and well — from its unique Basque language and festivals to its beloved pintxos bars and family-run cafes.
But what makes Bilbao really attractive for digital nomads?
- Fast, reliable internet throughout the city
- A growing network of coworking spaces and remote-friendly cafes
- Low cost of living compared to other European cities (especially in food and housing)
- Access to nature, surf, and mountains within 30 minutes
- A cultural scene that offers something fresh and meaningful every week
- It’s not overrun with tourists or remote workers — yet.
Best Coworking Spaces in Bilbao
While it doesn’t yet rival Lisbon or Barcelona in terms of quantity, Bilbao’s coworking scene is growing — and the spaces it does have are high-quality and thoughtfully designed.
Coworking Co.lab
Located near the trendy Indautxu district, Coworking Co.lab is one of the most popular coworking hubs in the city. It offers shared desks, private offices, and a friendly, international community. You’ll find fast Wi-Fi, meeting rooms, free coffee, and even workshops or events for creatives and entrepreneurs.
Bilbao Berrikuntza Faktoria (BBF)
A coworking and innovation space located in the heart of Bilbao’s urban renewal zone. It’s great for networking with startups, NGOs, and students. BBF is linked to the University of Mondragón and houses accelerators, making it perfect for those in tech or social innovation. Check the website and find out more about this international hub, perfect for digital nomads.
ICAZA Coworking
ICaza attracts freelancers and artists looking for focus without the startup buzz. Think natural light, communal spirit, and a real local vibe.
Remote-Work Friendly Cafés
If you prefer the gentle hum of a coffee machine and background chatter over open-plan coworking offices, Bilbao’s café scene won’t disappoint.
Café Iruña
A historic gem dating back to 1903. While it’s more of a cultural experience than a full-day working spot, you can definitely sneak in a couple of hours with your laptop, especially during off-peak hours.
Sirimiri Café
Right on the edge of the old town, Sirimiri is great for brunch and short bursts of work. It’s a relaxed spot with plenty of seating, charging outlets, and artisan pastries.
Best Neighborhoods to Live in Bilbao as a Digital Nomad
Bilbao is a compact, walkable city with excellent public transportation, making it easy to explore no matter where you’re based. However, certain neighborhoods stand out for digital nomads thanks to their atmosphere, amenities, and connectivity.
Indautxu
Indautxu is one of the most vibrant and desirable districts for young professionals and digital nomads. Located in the heart of the city, it strikes a great balance between work and play. The area is full of stylish cafés, pintxo bars, boutique shops, and coworking spaces. It’s ideal if you enjoy being in an energetic, urban environment with easy access to everything Bilbao has to offer. Accommodation options range from modern apartments to shared flats.
Abando
If you’re looking for a more polished, upscale vibe, Abando is the place. This centrally located district is home to some of the city’s main business centers, elegant architecture, and the famous Guggenheim Museum. It’s also a hub for transport, with the main train station (Estación de Abando) and multiple metro lines running through it. Coworking spaces and quality accommodation are plentiful, making it a convenient and comfortable choice for remote workers.
Casco Viejo (Old Town)
For those who crave character and cultural immersion, Casco Viejo offers a truly unique living experience. The narrow medieval streets are lined with colorful buildings, traditional taverns, and local markets. It’s one of the liveliest parts of Bilbao, especially on weekends. While the area can be a bit noisy and touristy during peak seasons, it has a charm that appeals to creatives and those looking for a more authentic Basque atmosphere. Short-term rentals and smaller apartments are common here.
Deusto
Deusto is a laid-back, residential neighborhood popular with students due to the nearby University of Deusto. As a result, it offers more budget-friendly housing options compared to the city center. It’s well-connected by metro and just a short ride from the more commercial areas. The neighborhood also borders the Nervión River and is close to green spaces, making it great for nature lovers who still want easy access to nightlife and social activities.
Life After Work: What Makes Bilbao Special
Remote work isn’t just about productivity — it’s about lifestyle. And Bilbao delivers big time.
Art & Culture
Start with the Guggenheim Museum, a titanium-clad icon of modern architecture and home to world-class rotating exhibits. But don’t stop there — Bilbao is full of smaller galleries, public art, and cultural centers like Azkuna Zentroa, a former wine warehouse turned arts and wellness complex. Check my post about Bilbao Cultural scene here.
Food Scene
The Basque Country is a culinary powerhouse, and Bilbao is no exception. While nearby San Sebastián may steal the spotlight with Michelin stars, Bilbao’s pintxos culture is second to none.
Spend your evenings hopping between bars, sampling bite-sized creations paired with local Txakoli wine or a crisp beer. Must-visits include Café Bar Bilbao, Gure Toki, and El Globo.
Nature & Adventure
One of Bilbao’s greatest perks is how quickly you can escape the city. A 30-minute metro ride takes you to Getxo, with its beaches and scenic promenade. A short drive gets you to Bakio or Sopelana, where you can surf or watch the sunset over dramatic cliffs. And for hikers, the Pagasarri mountains are just on the city’s doorstep.
Getting Around Bilbao
Bilbao has one of the cleanest and most efficient metro systems in Spain — and it was designed by renowned architect Norman Foster. Whether you’re commuting to a coworking space, hopping to a beach town, or heading to the airport, the metro, trams, and buses will get you there easily.
Biking is also a great option. The city has a growing network of bike lanes, and Bilbaobizi is the public bike-sharing system, available with a quick app sign-up.
When to Visit (and When to Stay Longer)
Bilbao is a year-round destination, but each season has its own vibe:
- Spring (March–May): Mild temps, fewer crowds, and great for weekend nature escapes.
- Summer (June–August): Warm and lively, with festivals like Aste Nagusia (Big Week) — but accommodation prices spike.
- Autumn (September–November): Arguably the best time. Crisp air, colorful foliage, and still plenty of sunshine.
- Winter (December–February): Cooler and rainier, but still livable and cozy — especially with fewer tourists around.
Pro tip: Renting long-term (3+ months) can unlock better prices and more authentic living experiences through platforms like Spotahome or local agencies.
Bilbao: A Basque Urban Haven
Bilbao isn’t trying to be the next Bali, Berlin, or Barcelona. And that’s its magic. It’s a city that lets you focus, connect, and breathe. There’s enough energy to feel inspired, enough history to feel grounded, and enough surf and mountains to feel free. If you’re craving a base where your workday ends with pintxos by the river or a sunset surf session just a metro ride away, Bilbao might be calling.
So pack your laptop — and maybe your wetsuit — and come see what life as a digital nomad in Bilbao really looks like.
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