Learn Spanish in Bilbao, the vibrant heart of the Basque Country.
Bilbao has reinvented itself from an industrial port into one of Spain’s most exciting cities for culture and food. Our school here is Instituto Hemingway, in the city centre.
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Instituto Hemingway
New partner in Bilbao!- Official DELE exam centre
- Free activities almost every day: pintxos, museums, excursions
- Two campuses in the city centre, close to the metro
- Open all year, including summer and Christmas
How it works
- Choose your course: Courses start on Mondays.
- Check availability: Non-binding. We reply within 2 working days.
- Pay your deposit: Secure your spot once the school confirms.
Why Bilbao is a great place to learn Spanish
Bilbao is a real Spanish city of around 350,000 people, far from the tourist crowds, so you hear and speak Spanish everywhere. It is compact, safe and easy to get around on foot or by metro, and its bars and markets make practising Spanish a pleasure. Spanish is spoken by everyone, while Basque culture gives the city a character all of its own.
- Art and architecture Visit the Guggenheim Museum, the Fine Arts Museum and the bridges and modern buildings along the river.
- Old town Explore the Casco Viejo, with its Seven Streets, the Ribera market and countless pintxos bars.
- Sea and mountains Take the metro to the beaches of Getxo and Sopelana, or hike up Mount Artxanda for a view over the city.
What makes Bilbao special
Bilbao is a food city: the pintxos bars of the old town and the Plaza Nueva are part of daily life, and the Basque Country has one of Spain’s strongest culinary traditions. San Sebastián, Vitoria and the coast of Urdaibai are within easy reach for weekend trips.
Accommodation in Bilbao
You can stay with host families, shared apartments with other students, private apartments or student residences. You book your accommodation together with your course; it usually runs from the Sunday before your course starts to the Saturday after it ends, and extra nights can be added.
Frequently asked questions about learning Spanish in Bilbao
Which Spanish courses can I take in Bilbao?
Our school in Bilbao offers private lessons and intensive courses. Open the school above to see its courses, lessons per week and class sizes, and ask us if you are not sure which course suits you.
When is the best time to learn Spanish in Bilbao?
June to September is the most pleasant time, with warm but rarely hot weather. The climate is milder and greener than in the south of Spain; spring and autumn can be rainy, and August brings Aste Nagusia, the city’s big summer festival.
Do people in Bilbao speak Spanish or Basque?
Everyone speaks Spanish, which is the language of your course. Basque (Euskera) is co-official, and you will see it on signs and hear it in the street; some schools even offer a taster class.
Is the Guggenheim Museum worth a visit?
Yes. Frank Gehry’s building alone is worth the trip, and the collection of modern and contemporary art makes it one of Spain’s best-known museums.
Are there beaches near Bilbao?
Yes. The metro takes you to the beaches of Getxo and Sopelana, popular for surfing, in around half an hour.
Ready to learn Spanish in Bilbao?
Send your request in a few minutes. Or ask us: we know every school personally.