Bilbao is a city built around finance and culture, dating back to the 12th Century. Situated in Basque country; it is the capital of the Province of Biscay. Bilbao is also an active seaport due to its position on the Estuary of Bilbao and adjacent to the Bay of Biscay.

Historical Bilbao

Bilbao was built around the Old City or Seven Streets district which is now protected as a historical monument. Nevertheless it is a bustling part of the city, with many bars and restaurants that attract locals and tourists to the area. The Gothic Santiago Cathedral is the oldest structure in Bilbao and a landmark of the city, worth investigating for its beautiful interiors in the Neo Classical style.

Cultural Bilbao

Bilbao’s reputation as a city of culture is well deserved as there are numerous museums and galleries to visit, including the world famous Guggenheim Museum. This museum has a permanent exhibit of modern art and an ever changing programme of temporary exhibitions. To view Spanish art throughout history, visit the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum. The Museum of Vizcaya History and Archaeology offers a history of the Basque people.

Bilbao has its own Symphony Orchestra which often performs in the city at venues such as Teatro Arriaga and Palacio Euskalduna. During the opera season, there are even more musical performances to be attended. Live music is a major part of the city’s social scene and clubs such as Kafe Antzokia and Bilborock are popular clubs with the alternative music scene.

Bilbao Festival

Semana Grande, meaning "big week" is a 9 day festival that falls during the latter part of August in Bilbao. It is an enormous gathering of people with over 10,000 visitors arriving in the city to join the festivities, including international tourists. Some of the events held yearly at the festival include bullfights, a strongman competition, free musical concerts, street parties and entertainment and firework displays on every night of this vibrant festival. Every year, new events take place also, and attendees can refer to the festival programme available free from numerous venues all over town for details of the exact events and their locations.

Parklife in Bilbao

Dona Casilda Iturrizar Park is an extensive parkland in Bilbao, and for those who wish to experience a slice of England in Spain, it is worth a visit, its landscaping and design deliberately recall the English style. The Arenal Park hosts a Municipal Band performance each Sunday morning. The Arriaga Theatre can also be found here; a venue for operas, Zarzuela and other concerts.