Azkuna Zentroa
Arriquíbar Plaza, 4, Bilbao, Bizkaia, 48010
Culture and leisure combine at the multipurpose Azkuna Zentroa, Bilbao’s former wine warehouse-turned-cultural center. Behind its 20th-century facade you’ll now find a glut of artistic, literary, and educational offerings including an arthouse cinema, on-site restaurant, library, fitness center, and more. Meanwhile, the 43 pillars, each one with a different design, are notable highlights of the Philippe Starck–designed interior.
The Basics
Formerly known as the Alhóndiga Bilbao, Azkuna Zentroa (Azkuna Center) likely has something to please most travelers. If you have limited time to spend in Bilbao, pass by Azkuna Zentroa as part of a driving tour of the city’s highlights and admire the building’s exterior.
Alternatively, take a small-group walking tour of Bilbao—these excursions typically include a visit to Azkuna Zentroa, time to sample typical pintxos (Basque tapas), and stops at other places of interest such as La Ribera Market, the Guggenheim, and more. Choose between daytime and evening options to suit your schedule.
Things to Know Before You Go
Private tours—in either Spanish or Basque—are offered at Azkuna Zentroa on select days of the week, while guided group tours run daily.
There are several facilities at Azkuna Zentroa, including an on-site cinema, restaurant, bar, sports center, and gift store.
Azkuna Zentroa offers private breastfeeding facilities and stroller parking.
There are elevators, accessible bathrooms, and braille signage at Azkuna Zentroa.
How to Get There
Azkuna Zentroa is situated in the Indautxo neighborhood and is well-connected by public transit. Both lines 18 and 76 of the Bilbobus system stop nearby, while the closest metro stations are Indautxu (take the Urquijo exit) and Moyúa (take the Elcano exit). There is also ample public parking available in the surrounding area.
When to Get There
Azkuna Zentroa is open daily from morning to night, although the opening hours of some facilities may vary slightly. There’s no bad time to visit this multi-attraction cultural center, although mornings tend to be quieter. Alternatively, you can schedule your visit to coincide with one of Azkuna Zentroa’s regular film festivals, special screenings, or other one-off events—check the website for more information.
What to Do in Indautxu
Indautxu is perhaps best known for being the home of Azkuna Zentroa, but this lively neighborhood has plenty more to offer travelers. Art lovers won’t want to miss the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum, which straddles the border between Indautxu and neighboring Abando. Meanwhile, Doña Casilda Park and the adjoining waterfront stretch are the ideal spots for a stroll before Indautxu comes alive after dark with nightclubs and pintxo bars galore.
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