Euskalduna Palace, Avenida Abandoibarra 4 (tel: (94) 403 5000; website: www.euskalduna.net), is a spectacular cultural centre with a concert hall seating up to 2,200 people. It hosts all types of musical events, from classical and opera to jazz and rap. You can see top international acts and performances here. Fridays are reserved for classical music performed by the Bilbao Symphony Orchestra. For more information see Key Attractions.

Bilborock (tel: (94) 415 1306; website: www.bilbao.net/bilborock) is a popular venue for concerts, films and theatre in what used to be a baroque church. Kafe Antzokia (tel: (94) 424 4625; website: www.kafeantzokia.com) is a great live music and theatre venue drawing crowds of young people, particularly on Saturdays.

The main theatre in Bilbao is the Teatro Arriaga, Plaza Arriaga 1 (tel: (94) 479 2036 or 416 3533; website: www.teatroarriaga.com), on the banks of the Nervión River. You can experience world-class opera, classical music, ballet, dance, performance and even zarzuelas (comic operas) here.

Bilbao cinemas include Capitol, Villarías 10 (tel: (94) 431 0310; website: www.circuitocoliseo.com); Coliseo Zubiarte, Lehendakari Leizaola 2 (tel: 902 510 500; website: www.circuitocoliseo.com); Mikeldis, Alameda Urquijo 66 (tel: (94) 431 0310); Multicines, José María Escuza 13-15 (tel: (94) 431 0310; website: www.circuitocoliseo.com); and Renoir Deusto, Lehendakari Aguirre 23 (tel: (94) 431 0310, website: www.cinesrenoir.com).

The Bilbao Guide, published every two months by Bilbao Turismo, contains information about the main cultural events taking place in the city. It is available at the city's tourist offices as well as from the majority of Bilbao's hotels.