Top Places for Art and Cultural Activities in Bilbao

A trip to Bilbao cannot be complete without understanding its rich heritage. The art and cultural activities in Bilbao will give you an insight into the city's history, traditions, and artwork. While visiting the cultural attractions in Bilbao would prove to be informative, attending its artsy events will leave you entertained. From cultural performances to historical monuments that give you a glimpse of the past, take a look at this list to know Bilbao better. Include these in attractions in your itinerary for Bilbao and have a great vacation.

Check the list of top places for art and culture in Bilbao:

  1. Bilbao Fine Arts Museum

    4.5 (981 Votes)
    Bilbao Fine Arts Museum

    Art And Culture, Art Museum, Educational Site

    Inaugurated back in 1914, the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum is the second most visited museum in the city after the Guggenheim museum. The neo-classical style building is home to an array of artwork from the Middle Ages to the present day, boasting of artists like Goya, Gauguin, Peter Blake, Francis Bacon and Van Dyck. On visiting, you will be audience to over ten thousand works of art including seve...Read more
  2. Plaza Nueva

    4.4 (1095 Votes)
    Plaza Nueva

    Plaza, Square, Architecture

    Built in 1821, the Plaza Nueva is a monumental square, an architectural feature which is a part of many Spanish towns. It’s design is neoclassical and it used to be an official building of the Biscay government but now is home to the Basque language Royal Academy. The square has a number of bars and bistros where any visitor can enjoy a pleasant evening. Gift and souvenir shops are also h...Read more
  3. Cathedral Of St. James

    4.3 (566 Votes)
    Cathedral Of St. James

    Church, Religious Site, Architecture , Cathedral

    The Cathedral of St. James, also known as the Santiago Cathedral, is an old and charming cathedral in the city of Bilbao. It is one of the oldest cathedrals in Spain, with its origins probably dating back before 1300, which makes it older than Bilbao itself. The Cathedral of St. James is well known for its status as a historical beauty, with an excellent exterior that has been well maintained t...Read more
  4. Basilica Of Begona

    5 (1008 Votes)
    Basilica Of Begona

    Church, Religious Site, Historical Site, Architecture

    The Basilica of Begona is a famous basilica in the Spanish city of Bilbao. Dedicated to the patron saint of Biscay, the Basilica of Begona is a magnificent remnant of 16th century Gothic styled architecture in Spain. What is remarkable about the Basilica is that it took about a hundred years to build. That resulted in the union of different styles of architecture over the original Gothic design...Read more
  5. Church Of San Anton

    4.3 (686 Votes)
    Church Of San Anton

    Church, Religious Site, Architecture

    Like a stone structure out of a gothic dream, the Church of San Anton evokes a feel of dark austerity accompanied by serene beauty.  Dedicated to Anthony the Great, this beautiful church is an important landmark in the city and appears on Bilbao’s coat of arms alongside the San Anton Bridge. It is a place of worship as well as a place of impeccable architectural artistry and people f...Read more
  6. Fingerprint Sculpture

    4.4 (74 Votes)
    Fingerprint Sculpture Image
    ©

    Arts And Crafts, Sculpture

    Overview of Fingerprint Sculpture Located in Artxanda, the Fingerprint Sculpture is an interesting piece of art. With Bilbao under your feet, you will hardly be able to look away from the stunning view of the entire city. The park is a perfect escape from the hustle of the city, but the Fingerprint Sculpture called the “Huella Dactilar” is what will draw you to this place again and...Read more
  7. AlhondigaBilbao

    4.4 (946 Votes)
    AlhondigaBilbao

    Art And Culture, Library, Restaurant, Entertainment

    The Alhondiga Bilbao is a multipurpose entertainment and lifestyle venue. Originally inaugurated in 1909 as a wine warehouse, it was renovated in 1994 as a ‘Culture and Leisure Centre’. Today, it consists of a cinema multiplex, a fitness centre, a library, showrooms, an auditorium, shops, and a rooftop restaurant, and is one of the hubs of Bilbao’s activity. One of the reasons...Read more
  8. Teatro Arriaga Antzokia

    4.6 (1013 Votes)
    Teatro Arriaga Antzokia

    Entertainment, Performance, Theatre, Concert

    If you want a sinful taste of some classical music and theatre, Teatro Arriaga Antzokia in Bilbao is where you should head. The neo-baroque opera house was built more than a century ago and a fire in 1914 almost burnt it to the ground. However, it was reconstructed and it heralded a new beginning for theatre in Bilbao. The who’s who of Spanish theatre have all performed here and performan...Read more
  9. Iglesia De San Nicolas

    4.3 (841 Votes)
    Iglesia De San Nicolas

    Church, Religious Site, Educational Site, Historical Site

    It is dark but inviting. As you focus you realise the dramatic use of light piercing through several windows in the church. You are surrounded by paintings and sculptures of the baroque artistic style. This style used exaggerated motion and clear details to produce drama, tension, exuberance, and grandeur in architecture, literature, dance and music. The Baroque architecture stressed on the wea...Read more
  10. St. James' Cathedral

    4.3 (7 Votes)
    Church
  11. Basilica De Begona

    4.6 (12 Votes)
    Virgen de Begoña, 38
    Church
  12. Iglesia San Jose

    4.2 (5 Votes)
    48009 Bilbao, Biscay, Spain
    Church
  13. Museo Diocesano De Arte Sacro

    4.3 (2 Votes)
    Plaza Encarnación 9B
    Art Gallery, Museum
  14. Parroquia De Los Santos Juanes

    4.2 (3 Votes)
    Gurutze Kalea, 4
    Church
  15. Iglesia Adventista Del Septimo Dia En Bilbao

    4.8
    Uriortu Kalea, 20, 48007 Bilbao, Bizkaia, Spain
    Church