October is the perfect month to explore the cultural side of Bilbao. The weather is mild, the summer crowds have disappeared, and the city unveils a vibrant arts calendar. If you're considering an autumn getaway with a difference, Bilbao in October is a winning combination. And if you stay at Hotel Sirimiri, located in the heart of the Old Town, you'll be just steps away from everything that makes this city a cultural landmark.
Bilbao Fine Arts Museum
Just a short tram ride or pleasant walk from the Old Town, the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum is one of the city's key cultural institutions. This iconic venue houses one of Spain’s most comprehensive collections, featuring works by both classical masters and contemporary artists. Visiting in October means you can enjoy the galleries at a slower pace, without crowds, and immerse yourself in the history of art in a peaceful, beautifully curated space.
Art and culture right on the doorstep of Hotel Sirimiri
One of the great advantages of staying at Hotel Sirimiri is that culture and creativity begin the moment you step outside. Nestled in Bilbao’s Old Town, the historic heart of the city, the area itself feels like an open-air museum.
Just minutes away, you’ll find the Teatro Arriaga, one of Bilbao’s most iconic buildings, which hosts weekly theatre performances, concerts and dance shows. The nearby Santiago Cathedral, a gem of Basque Gothic architecture, and the Ribera Market, where gastronomy meets culture in a lively setting, are also must-sees.
The Old Town is also bursting with street art: illustrated façades, murals and contemporary sculptures blend seamlessly with baroque palaces and narrow medieval alleys. Local galleries and independent cultural spaces add even more flavour to this artistic environment.
Cosy plans after a day of culture
After a day filled with museums, walking tours and performances, October is the perfect time for cosy experiences. How about a pintxo crawl through the Old Town’s traditional bars? Or a charming café to warm up and flick through the day’s photos? Maybe even a riverside dinner with views of Bilbao lit up at night? All of this is within easy reach from Hotel Sirimiri.
If you're not quite ready to call it a night, we recommend a peaceful evening stroll along the river: from the San Antón Bridge to the Zubizuri, Bilbao reveals its most photogenic side beneath the autumn lights.
Art, culture and the warmth of autumn
Bilbao is a city to savour slowly – a place that invites you to wander its historic streets and soak up its creative energy. With the reopening of the Fine Arts Museum, a dynamic cultural calendar and an inspiring urban landscape, it's the ideal destination for those seeking an enriching city break.
To enjoy it all in comfort,
welcomes you to the heart of the action, offering warm, functional accommodation for curious travellers with a love for art and culture. This October, take a cultural turn and discover the side of
Bilbao
that’s best enjoyed one step at a time.