Bilbao
Bilbao is one of the gems of the northern coast of Spain at the Gulf of Biscay. Bilbao is well known internationally for its mix of tradition and modernity after a spectacular transformation of a heavy industrial hub in the XX century into a city built around services, world-top cuisine, high-tech industry, and attractive cultural events.
The icon of the transformation of Bilbao is the Guggenheim Bilbao Museum with its stunning architecture, the work of Frank Gehry, of which you have probably heard already. You have to come and see for yourself how design and architecture impregnate the whole city, starting with the Paseo de Abandoibarra, very close to the museum itself, an undeniably charming area where tourists and locals, joggers and families, mix and meet every day. Another design classic is the city metro, the work of Norman Foster, and Azkuna Zentroa
But the essence of Bilbao is in the old part of the city: the Casco Viejo, or Old Town of Bilbao, a lively area which is very close to the hearts of Bilbao’s inhabitants. Take a walk around its bustling “seven streets” and before you know it you’ll be trying pintxos and wine or “txikiteando”.
More tourist information: https://www.bilbaoturismo.net/BilbaoTurismo/en/tourists
Conference Venue
MESIC 2025 will be held in Bizkaia Aretoa exhibition and conference building. It is located in one of the most emblematic parts of Bilbao, open out onto the estuary and the Guggenheim Museum, right in the center of Avenida Abandoibarra, between the Padre Arrupe footbridge and the Bridge of Deusto. It has over 9,000 square meters constructed surface area, spread over six floors.
Address: Avenida Abandoibarra, 3 – 48009 Bilbao (Spain)
Traveling to Bilbao
#Loiu Airport (IATA: BIO, ICAO: LEBB) is a minor international airport located 9 km (5.6 mi) north of Bilbao, in the municipality of Loiu, in Biscay. Consult the airlines and destinations which have links with this airport.
#The best way to reach the city center from the airport is either taking a taxi or a bus. Taxi journey takes about 25 minutes and costs about €25-30. More info here
#Bus: Line A3247 goes to the center and Bilbao Intermodal station. You need to buy the single ticket (about €3 or €1.20 with Barik contactless card) to the Bilbao Intermodal station. More info here
Visa Information
#Conference attendees from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) may require a travel visa to enter the Schengen Area. If you require a letter of invitation to support your visa application, you have the opportunity to indicate this during the registration process sending an email to info@mesic2025.es
#Consult the list of non-EEA countries whose nationals do not require a visa. In some cases, a biometric passport (ICAO compliant) is required to enter without a visa (see footnotes for your territory). Contact the Spanish Embassy or Consulate for your territory when in doubt.
#More information for Spain Visa Application and Entry Requiriments: here
Accomodation
To make the reservation as soon as possible is highly recommended because high demand is expected for those dates.