Worth a Journey

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The World’s 100 Best Libraries

Bidebarrieta Library

Bilbao, Spain

  1. THE WORLD’S BEST LIBRARIES WORTH A JOURNEY · 2026 ✦ ✦ N° 98 2026
Bidebarrieta Library

A public library in Bilbao's Old Town, housed in a late 19th-century building by architect Severino de Achúcarro that was built as the headquarters of the El Sitio society. Visitors see a grand staircase, a reading room, and ornate ceilings and stained glass inside.

Highlights

  • Grand staircase with stained-glass window
  • Main reading room
  • Ornate ceilings and chandeliers

Good to know

  • Free entry
  • Only the reading room and upper floor are open
  • Visit takes about ten minutes

Also in Spain

  1. Gabriel García Márquez Library N° 17 Gabriel García Márquez Library Barcelona Public library
  2. National Library of Spain N° 73 National Library of Spain Madrid National library