Stunning Old-World Cities That Still Feel Frozen in Time

21. Iralabarri, Spain: Bilbao's Colorful Quarter

Tucked away from Bilbao’s bustling city center, Iralabarri is a hidden treasure trove of history, architecture, and working-class heritage. Often referred to as the "Notting Hill of Bilbao", this charming neighborhood is renowned for its row of brightly colored, Victorian-style houses, which stand out in a city more commonly associated with industrial heritage and modernist landmarks like the Guggenheim Museum. Iralabarri’s origins date back to 1916, when it was developed as a housing project for Bilbao’s working-class residents. During the height of Bilbao’s industrial boom, factory workers needed affordable yet comfortable homes close to their workplaces, and Iralabarri provided a visionary urban alternative. Its Victorian-inspired architecture, with ornate balconies, decorative facades, and pastel hues, reflected a more aspirational vision of housing, different from the utilitarian worker districts in other Spanish cities.