An artsy visit to Bilbao, Spain

Well, I’ll start this page by being honest to you; I have never ever visited Bilbao. HOWEVER, I decided to dedicate a full page on the cultural and artsy activities that the amazing city of Bilbao offers, as a plan of my personal itinerary preparation.

Having friends living there, I’ve been invited quite a few times to visit the city; I never had the chance so far but lately, Bilbao is one of my top "must-visit" destinations on my list. As a result, I decided that it’s about time to start some planning! Where should I go? And what should I see? While talking to my local friends in order to prepare my trip, they seem lost every time I ask why Bilbao is that special; everyone admits that it’s not an extremely beautiful city but it definitely offers multiple cultural activities, especially for the “artsy” travelers! Museums, cultural centers, and all of a kind exhibitions are spread throughout the city, while the city’s architecture gains the tourist’s attention instantly. Bilbao, after all, has had a tough upbringing.

Surrounded for years by an environment of heavy industry and industrial wastelands, its riverfront landscapes and quirky architecture were hardly recognised or appreciated by travellers on their way to more pleasant destinations. However the cultural scene is the one that makes the city of Bilbao distinguishable! Bilbao, with the Guggenheim Museum as a great international symbol, is the gateway to the Basque cultural universe. It is a city that is an example of urban transformation at a global level and has maintained a number of hallmarks that make it singular and unique.

Below I have prepared a list of cultural must-see and activities offered in the beautiful city of Bilbao. I’m pretty sure that after reading this list you’ll start checking tickets for this artsy visit! (So am I, right now!)

Visit the Guggenheim in Bilbao

Abandoibarra Etorb., 2, 48009 Bilbo, Bizkaia, Spain

The City Hall in Bilbao

Casa Consistorial de Bilbao, Plaza Ernesto Erkoreka, 1, 48007 Bilbao, Bizkaia, Spain

Bilbao Fine Arts Museum

Museo Plaza, 2, 48009 Bilbo, Bizkaia, Spain

Plaza Nueva in Bilbao

Plaza Nueva, S/N, 48005 Bilbo, Bizkaia, Spain

Bilbao cathedral

Plaza de Santiago, 1, 48005 Bilbo, Bizkaia, Spain

Azkuna Zentroa, famous "Culture and Leisure Centre" of Bilbao

Arriquíbar Plaza, 4, 48010 Bilbo, Bizkaia, Spain

Bime PRO Festival

48013 Bilbao, Vizcaya, Spain

Parque Etxebarria

Parque Etxebarria, Etxebarria Parkea, 48005 Bilbo, Bizkaia, Spain

Doña Casilda Iturrizar Park

Parque de Doña Casilda Iturrizar, 48011 Bilbo, Bizkaia, Spain

Basilica of Begona

Begoñako Andra Maria Kalea, 38, 48006 Bilbo, Bizkaia, Spain

Museo Arqueologico, Etnografico e Historico Vasco

Unamuno Miguel Plaza, 4, 48006 Bilbo, Bizkaia, Spain

Go shopping in Gran Via de Don Diego Lopez de Haro

Don Diego López Haroko Kale Nagusia, Bilbo, Bizkaia, Spain

Pedro Arrupe footbridge

Pedro Arrupe Zubia, Bilbo, Bizkaia, Spain

For more info do not hesitate to contact Bilbao's official webpage, you may find the link below! Enjoy!