We spent 9 days in this apartment with a high energy almost 5 year old and a 7 month old baby and it was fabulous. It is on the first floor (second floor for Americans) of a historic building directly overlooking the Plaza y Cathedral de Santiago. The apartment has been completely renovated and modernized with an amazing attention to detail and in a warm modern style that is also quite child friendly -- ledges and shelves are up high and the apartment's decorations are minimalist. Ana met us at the metro stop right by the apartment and speaks flawless English. She had provided a crib and high chair for our baby, and even put away the dried flower arrangements that were usually out, thinking of our big kid. Everything was well thought out for our comfort and safety. We arrived on a Sunday and, having lived in Spain before, knew this would mean that buying groceries would be hard. We expected to have to eat out. But Ana had stocked the fridge with basics--milk, yogurt, some meat and tomatoes, pasta and sauce for something kid friendly, fruit, coffee, tea, crackers, etc. Unlike many other places we have stayed, we did not immediately have to start making a list of the things we'd have to buy to stay in the apartment. There were sponges and soap in the kitchen, soap, shampoo (organic!) and lotion in the bathroom. Plenty of toilet paper and paper towels. dishwasher soap for the dishwasher. I like to cook real meals and the house came equipped with everything needed for preparing food at home. There is no oven, but the space is small and was (in our opinion) wisely used to provide a washer/dryer and dishwasher. The small sun room that is typical in this neighborhood (an enclosed portion of a shallow balcony) gave delightful views all day long. We put the baby in front of the full length windows and he would people watch for hours. Before our stay Ana combined the two beds in the bedroom into a large single bed (like a true American king bed, much bigger than a typical European double) which was very comfortable and firm, no sagging, and the pullout couch was comfortable even for an adult to sleep on. We left it out the whole time as a place to play and cuddle with the kids while admiring the amazing view of the cathedral. Staying in the Casco Viejo of Bilbao is about as good as it gets and this apartment is absolutely as central as you can be--the friends we were visiting were jealous! The municipality has invested in excellent playground equipment and you never have to go more than a few blocks without finding a playground. The metro runs constantly, the tranbia (above ground electric street tram) makes a loop around the city, and regular trains also run. Getting everything you need is easy. There is a great kid-friendly restaurant/bar right by the house called Okapi,...