Inaugurated in 1890, the Arriaga Theatre is a Neo-baroque opera house named after the Bilbao-born composer Juan Crisóstomo de Arriaga, often referred to as the 'Spanish Mozart'. Inspired by the Paris Opera House, it became a key cultural venue in Bilbao. The original theatre burned down in 1914 and was rebuilt, reopening in 1919. Today, it hosts opera, ballet, classical concerts, and theatre productions. Guided tours give a behind-the-scenes look at the staircases, Royal Box, and costume collection.

After a restoration project, Teatro Amintore Galli officially reopened in October 2018. The theatre features a program with celebrated performers and show authors, along with numerous talented female voices who embrace contemporary themes. Tours of the theatre are also available in accordance with the event schedule, as well as a bar on the first floor.

The Guggenheim Museum Bilbao is a landmark of contemporary architecture and a cultural beacon for the city. Designed by Canadian-American architect Frank Gehry, the museum's fluid, sculptural form has been hailed as one of the most significant architectural achievements of the 20th century. Its titanium-clad curves and organic shapes have transformed the Bilbao skyline and are often likened to a ship or flower. Beyond its jaw-dropping exterior, the museum houses a world-class collection of modern and contemporary art, focusing on postwar American and European artists. Notable works include pieces by Mark Rothko, Jeff Koons, and Louise Bourgeois, among others.