Day Trip to Donostia - San Sebastián
This is a city set between two hills around the beautiful bay of La Concha. San Sebastian, or Donosti as it is known by the locals, makes for an unforgettable day trip, where you can take in the glorious Belle Epoque balustrades and visit world-famous restaurants. There are four areas that you should visit. The first one is Parte Vieja, the Old Town, where you can find the popular pintxo bars and eat til you drop. South of Parte Vieja, you'll find the shopping district and heading towards the coast you will come across three beaches: Zurriola, the preferred spot for local surfers, La Concha, and Ondarreta, where the posh neighbourhood is.
Guggenheim Museum
The Guggenheim Museum Bilbao only opened in 1997, but it has since become one of the most revered and celebrated buildings in the world. The museum's collection focuses primarily on 20th-century American and European art. Just like the popular saying, it's not just the outside that counts, but it's pretty important for this museum. Architect Frank Gehry designed the building with the vision of ''letting the randomness of the curves catch the light". After the opening of the museum, the building was said to be one of the masterpieces of the 20th century.
Azkuna Zentroa - Alhóndiga Bilbao
This old warehouse has been renovated to become one of Bilbao's most vibrant cultural venues. There are activities for everyone, from exhibitions to cinemas, kids' activities, concerts, lectures and a library–the 43,000 square meter space has it all. If you get hungry during your visit, it provides several opportunities for refreshments to your liking.In 2015, the building, previously known as Alhóndiga Bilbao, was renamed Azkuna Zentroa in tribute to the late mayor of Bilbao, Iñaki Azkuna, who changed the industrial Bilbao into a cultural masterpiece.
Arriaga Theatre
The original theatre, created by Joaquin Rucoba (also known as the Spanish Mozart), burned down in 1914 and a second one was built, resembling the Opera House in Paris. Today, it remains the major cultural venue of Bilbao. Beautifully located on the banks of the Nervión river, the theatre is host to world-class opera, classical music concerts, and ballet. Besides shows, you can also take a guided tour behind the scenes and see the opera costume collection and the stunning stalls.
