Bilbao

1. Guggenheim Museum's Influence: While many are aware of the iconic Guggenheim Museum, not everyone knows that its construction in the late 1990s significantly transformed Bilbao's urban landscape and revitalized its economy, making it a model for urban regeneration worldwide. 2. Culinary Scene Beyond Pintxos: Although Bilbao is famous for its pintxos, the city also has a burgeoning culinary scene that includes Michelin-starred restaurants and unique gastronomic experiences, such as the "Bilbao Food Experience" tours that delve into the local food culture beyond traditional tapas. 3. Cultural Festivals: Bilbao hosts a variety of lesser-known festivals throughout the year, such as the "Bilbao BBK Live" music festival, which attracts international artists and audiences, and the "Aste Nagusia" (Big Week), a week-long celebration featuring traditional Basque music, dance, and street performances that showcase the city's cultural heritage.

The housing market in Bilbao, Spain, is characterized by a significant shortage of affordable apartments, leading to a housing crisis. The city faces challenges such as high rental costs and a limited supply of decent flats at reasonable prices. This situation is exacerbated by the prevalence of short-term rentals on platforms like Airbnb, which reduces the availability of long-term rental options. In Bilbao, the rental market is strained, with many people struggling to find affordable housing. The city is one of the most expensive in Spain, making it difficult for residents to secure long-term rentals. The local government and charitable organizations are working to address this issue by promoting the construction of affordable housing units and implementing regulations to limit short-term rentals. Efforts to support and build affordable housing include initiatives by the Spanish government to boost public housing supply and align it with European standards. Additionally, charitable organizations are leveraging private investments to offer rental accommodations at below-market prices, contributing to environmental, social, and governance objectives.

In Bilbao, housing cooperatives play a significant role in addressing housing challenges and promoting sustainable, community-driven housing solutions. The city supports cooperative housing through various initiatives, such as the Bilbao-Bolueta urban regeneration project, which repurposes industrial land for high-standard, low-energy housing. This project includes 1100 new homes, with 608 designated as social public housing, meeting the needs of vulnerable groups and enhancing social cohesion. The city also fosters cooperative housing through public-private partnerships, such as the Zorrotzaurre redevelopment project. This project involves stakeholders like the Regional Basque Government, Bilbao City Council, and private entities, ensuring that residents are involved in the design and development process. While specific market share data for housing cooperatives in Bilbao is not provided, the city's efforts to promote cooperative housing are evident through these projects. New housing cooperatives have emerged in recent years, contributing to the city's housing stock and promoting community-driven, sustainable living practices.