Bilbao
Practise a language with strangers. Free, no booking, come alone.
Verified places and programmes
- HarreraGUNEA public welcome service created by the Basque Government and Bilbao City Council, run by Zehar-Errefuxiatuekin: information and orientation for migrants from the EU and beyond who live in Bilbao or plan to settle there. Open in person Monday to Friday; check the hours page before you go.→
- Bilbao Gazte youth information office (Plaza Ernesto Erkoreka 1)The city's youth information office for people aged 12 to 29: municipal programmes, grants, cards, and cultural and sports activities. Open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 8:30–14:30, Wednesday 8:30–18:00.→
- Centros Municipales de DistritoBilbao's district centres, in Deusto, Uribarri, Otxarkoaga-Txurdinaga, Begoña, Ibaiondo, Abando, Rekalde and Basurto-Zorroza. Besides paperwork, you can sign up there for the courses and workshops the centres organise: an easy way to meet neighbours.→
Coming alone — what to expect
- Language cafés are the easiest room to enter alone: everyone is there to talk to people they do not know, and the host seats you.
- Mixed levels are normal. Say your level once; nobody corrects you unless you ask.
- You do not need to be a learner: native speakers are the scarce resource and hosts love them.