Bilbao

Bilbao is a vibrant city located in the Basque Country, in the north of Spain. It offers a wide range of attractions, cultural experiences, and natural beauty, making it a wonderful place to enjoy during your participation in the conference!

Why Bilbao in Spain?

▶ Bilbao has a thriving Tech Ecosystem, making it a hub for innovative companies and startups and a growing industry presence with a  significant growth in technology companies and digital transformation projects.

▶ Bilbao’s rich cultural heritage, modern architecture, and friendly atmosphere make it an attractive destination for professionals attending conferences and events. The city’s appeal extends beyond work-related activities, creating a memorable experience for attendees.

▶ We should not forget that the gastronomy of Bilbao offers a delightful fusion of traditional Basque cuisine and modern culinary innovations, featuring an array of fresh seafood, pintxos, and mouthwatering dishes

▶ Besides, in Bilbao, you will find the headquarters of Software Quality Systems,(link) the company that organizes QA&TEST

Some aspects to highlight:

  • The iconic Guggenheim Museum Bilbao is a must-see attraction. Designed by Frank Gehry, the museum is a masterpiece of contemporary architecture. Inside, you’ll find an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art.
  • Strolling through the Old Town of Bilbao is a fantastic experience. It’s filled with narrow streets, historic buildings, and bustling squares. You can explore traditional shops, try delicious pintxos, and immerse yourself in the local atmosphere.
  • As mentioned, Bilbao is known for its excellent cuisine. The city boasts numerous Michelin-starred restaurants as well as traditional establishments where you can savor local specialties like bacalao al pil-pil or txangurro.
  • Additionally, Bilbao is surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes. The nearby mountains and coastline offer opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, surfing, and beach relaxation.

Some awards and accolades received by Bilbao:

  • European City of the Year 2018: Bilbao was named the Best European City in 2018, highlighting its transformation and development over the years.
  • Finalist for Best European Tourist Destination: In the same year, Bilbao was a finalist for the title of Best European Tourist Destination, underscoring its appeal to travelers.
  • In 2023 Bilbao was honored with the title of Spain’s happiest city by Happy City Hub, a British organization.

Venue

Euskalduna Palace

Abandoibarra Etorb., 4, m48011 Bilbao, Bizkaia

www.euskalduna.eus

Euskalduna Conference Centre and Concert Hall – Bilbao Euskalduna Palace

The impressive Palacio Euskalduna Jauregia Conference Centre is the venue for QA&TEST.

This palace has been awarded countless times for its versatility, modernity, ecological practices, innovative approaches, and more.

Bilbao is a city that has undergone significant changes in the last 30 years. Nothing remains of its industrial, gray, and smoky past; today, we live in a fresh, modern, and cosmopolitan city that, through subtle nods, reminds us of its not-so-distant history.

One of these nods is the Euskalduna, as the building was conceived by its architects, Federico Soriano and Dolores Palacios, as a ship  in perpetual construction, emerging from a dry dock where the Euskalduna shipyard used to be.

How to get here

Avda. Abandoibarra, 4 · 48011, Bilbao

By road

Take the exit marked Sagrado Corazón (Bilbao Oeste) from the A8 motorway and drive down Avenida Sabino Arana to the Sagrado Corazón roundabout. The Palacio Euskalduna centre, which has its own car park, is directly opposite you.

By plane

Bilbao’s Loiu international airport is 15 minutes away by taxi. Bizkaibus A3247 goes direct from the airport to the City Centre.

By train

Abando station is around 25 minutes’ walk from the venue. There are connections with tramway and subway.

By subway

Take the Sabino Arana exit from San Mamés station, which is around 5 minutes’ walk from the venue.

By tramway

The Euskalduna stopof the tramway is just in front of Euskalduna Palace.

By bus

The urban buses 26-56-62 stop in Plaza del Sagrado Corazón, very close to the Palace.

Accommodation

Hotel Carlton

94 416 22 00

hotelcarlton.es

Hotel López de Haro

Hotel Ercilla

Barceló Hotel Nervión

902 10 10 01

www.barcelo.com

Hotel NH Collection Villa de Bilbao

Meliá Bilbao Hotel

912764747

www.melia.com

NH Deusto

Hotel NH Bilbao Zubialde

Hotel NH Collection Ría de Bilbao

Silken Domine Bilbao