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!
![Bilbao - Spain](https://embedded.qatest.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/bilbao-espana-1-1.jpg)
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.
![Greyscale shot of the facade of a modern building with dark grey walls](https://embedded.qatest.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/disparo-escala-grises-fachada-edificio.jpg)
![TOKYO, JAPAN - NOVEMBER 18 2016 : Maman - a spider sculpture by](https://embedded.qatest.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/arana-gughenheim.jpg)
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
![](https://www.qatest.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/euskalduna-jauregia-fachada-lateral2.jpg)
Abandoibarra Etorb., 4, m48011 Bilbao, Bizkaia
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
![](https://embedded.qatest.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/carretera.png)
By road
![](https://embedded.qatest.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/avion.png)
By plane
![](https://embedded.qatest.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/tren.png)
By train
![](https://embedded.qatest.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/metro.png)
By subway
![](https://embedded.qatest.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/tranvia.png)
By tramway
![](https://embedded.qatest.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/bus.png)