The impressive collection contains 41,500 volumes gifted to the town by writer and thinker Menéndez Pelayo. The building right behind the historic (early 20th century) library used to be the former home of this celebrated scholar.

Take a walk in the shoes of a local with one of Bilbao’s most popular hikes. Pagasarri, at 673 m, is one of the smaller mountains surrounding the city, and most locals have tackled it at least once. Buses from the city centre take you to starting points around Zabalburu or Peñascal. At the summit, there’s a bar selling bocatas—baguette sandwiches stuffed with tortilla de patata, txistorra, or chorizo. If you’re feeling ambitious, continue on to Ganekogorta at 998 m, just a bit further along the ridge, for more sweeping views of Bilbao and the surrounding hills.

A logical conclusion to your stroll down Alberta iela, this compact museum will provide additional insight into Art Nouveau through architecture, art, and furnishings. The staff dress up in period clothing and you might just get a treat of freshly made pastries from the museum's "cook".