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Culture and art
CULTURAL ACTIVITIES IN BILBAO
19.01.2023

The cultural side of Bilbao

Among the charms of Bilbao and leaving aside the food, we cannot overlook the amount of cultural and historical activities that the city offers. And we promise that we are not talking about any glanders.

Art galleries, museums, architecture and plenty of exhibitions for all those who know about culture. If you want to discover all that this small Basque city has to offer, stay tuned to this post. 

GUGGENHEIM

Some love it, some hate it (stupid in our opinion), but the truth is that this imposing museum is unique and of course world famous, so it obviously climbs to the top one in our must-see in Bilbao. It is also true that because of its size and location (right in the center of the city) it is a bit complicated to avoid it.... The fact is that it is only a 15 minute walk from Latroupe La Granja, a beautiful hostel that you should know;) 

The Guggenheim is located in the heart of the Art District, the perfect place to start your tour of Bilbao. This original building designed by architect Frank Gehry, has an outstanding and deconstructivist design (we also know about complicated words) is located right next to the estuary. But this museum is not only a work of art on the outside, inside we can find more than 250 works of contemporary art by famous artists from all over the world such as Mark Rothko, Jeff Koons, Anselm Kieferm Eduardo Chillida, Louise Bourgeois and many more. 

Fuente: @aitorsusa

Source: @cheechung

THE OLD TOWN

Less than five minutes from your room you will find the Casco Viejo, the historical and cultural center of Bilbao. Despite its long history, the truth is that its intertwined streets, busy stores and the big number of bars and restaurants found in this area, reflect the modern and cosmopolitan spirit that identifies Bilbao. 

Before you get lost we want to highlight the key points to visit if you take a walk through these streets: the Plaza Nueva, the Ribera Market, the Cathedral of Santiago, the churches of Santos Juanes, San Antón and San Nicolás, the Arriaga Theater and the Basque Museum of Bilbao.  

Fuente: @scaramouch_van

 Source: @oliverbock

ARRIAGA THEATER

Since we are talking about art, we cannot miss the theater. And the Arriaga Theater has to be on this list, this neo-baroque building from the late nineteenth century survived a fire and a flood. Today it is still open and is one of the great successes of the city, as we can enjoy a wide range of shows and plays that we encourage you to visit. 

fuente: @inesmcelorio

Source: @inesmcelorio

MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS

Attention: Many interesting facts are coming, so pay attention. 

This historic museum has been open for over 100 years and houses the most important art collection in the Basque Country. Inside we can find more than 600 unique pieces of art. Works from different periods dating back even to the 12th century. The permanent collections offer paintings by Spanish artists such as Bartolomé Esteban Murillo, Velázquez, Goya and El Greco. If you haven't had your fill of art, we're concerned, but we recommend you take a look at their website to continue feeding your curiosity. 

 Fuente: España Fascinante

AZKUNA ZENTROA ALHONDIGA

This name take us out of our minds, once you have finished trying to pronounce it in the right way you should go visit it. This former wine warehouse located in the town of Bilbao has been transformed into a cultural, leisure and sports center.  The paradise for any culture lover, and inside you can find exhibitions of all kinds, parades, plays, audiovisual projections, literary events... take a look at its program and find out all their news. 

In addition, among its charms we cannot fail to mention its 43 original columns on which the building is supported, its incredible library and media library, its new technologies area or its children's area. Although that's not all, to complement its incredible facilities, we can also find other establishments inside such as cafes, stores, gym even three pools... So if you want to spend the afternoon entertained it is a very good plan. 

Fuente: @aliseguedes

Source: @aliseguedes

DISCOVER BILBAO FROM THE WATER

If you are one of those who get seasick and prefer dry land, better ignore this part of the post or prepare the biodramine if you are brave enought.

Why walk miles and miles when you can visit everything from the comfort of a boat without taking a single step? Although we are of the walking team, luckily the Bilbao Estuary, allows us to see a new side of the city, with boat tours along the highlights (one of the most popular is called Bilboats). So make sure to book your boat trip. 

Fuente: @bilboats

Source: @bilboats

THE BEST LIVE MUSIC

Seeing your favorite artist sing live is an experience like nothing else. That feeling of adrenaline when you sing the lyrics of the song at the top of your lungs without tuning a single note and accompanying it with the strangest dance moves of your repertoire, is something unique. And so that you don't miss these special experiences, in Bilbao there are different concert halls where you can enjoy your favorite artists. Bilbao Arena, Bilbao Exhibition Centre, Santana 27 or Kafe Atzokia. 

Source: @blablablader 

The Bizkaia Bridge 

For the bravest (and those who are not afraid of heights), crossing the Bizkaia Bridge is quite a spectacle. Located at the mouth of the estuary and 45 meters above the river, this World Heritage Site connects the two banks separated by the Bilbao estuary. Make sure you have your camera, because a photo of this will raise your followers for sure. But don't worry, for the cautious (fearful) who are afraid of heights, there is also a boat that takes you across the estuary.

Fuente: @aitorsusa

Source: @aitorsusa

Done