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The Tailor-Made Guide to The Street Art Murals of Bilbao

  • Writer: Barry Pickard
    Barry Pickard
  • 19 hours ago
  • 7 min read

Colorful street art murals in Bilbao with vibrant geometric patterns on building exteriors. Text reads: "The Street Art Murals of Bilbao."

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. Regardless of this, please be advised that all opinions expressed in this blog post are genuine and authentically my own.

 

Author: Barry Pickard

Contents

 

Have you ever wandered through a city and felt like the walls themselves were speaking to you, each mural and splash of colour telling its own story? That’s exactly what happened to me in Bilbao, particularly in the Bilbao La Vieja neighbourhood. Picture this: the faint hum of traffic mixing with lively chatter from nearby cafes, the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through narrow streets, and towering murals that transform the urban landscape into an open-air gallery. It’s like walking through a vibrant, ever-changing museum where creativity knows no bounds.

 

Colorful geometric mural on building wall with bold patterns. Overcast day in urban setting with street and green recycling bin nearby. The Street Art Murals of Bilbao

If you’re an independent traveller searching for the hidden gems that truly capture a city's soul, you’ve come to the right place. As someone who’s spent hours exploring this great street art city, I’m here to guide you through the most striking murals and the stories behind them, all based on my personal experience.

 

Join me on a journey through the colourful heart of Bilbao and let’s dive into the incredible street art scene of Bilbao La Vieja. You won’t regret it. 




Don’t forget that Tailor-Made Itineraries delights in creating bespoke self-guided tours. So, if visiting the street art murals of Bilbao appeals to you, reach out to me by email. I would be more than happy to design a self-guided tour around your requirements incorporating Bilbao’s street art or indeed, a general tour of this city or the Basque Country.



Blv-Art Festival


The Bilbao La Vieja area, is a vibrant hub for street art and murals. This neighbourhood has transformed into an open-air gallery, showcasing the very best of street art by both local and international artists. The murals here vary in style and theme, reflecting the cultural diversity and creativity of the area.

 

Mural on a building depicts a realistic staircase structure against a cloudy sky, with water reflections below. Artist's signature visible. The Street Art Murals of Bilbao

Throughout the area, street art of all sizes transforms the urban landscape into a vibrant gallery, with the Blv-Art Festival showcasing the most captivating creations. This street art festival plays a significant role in promoting and celebrating the art scene in Bilbao La Vieja. Established in 2007, this festival was designed to revitalize the neighbourhood through culture and creativity. It features a wide range of artistic expressions, including street murals, performances, music, and installations. The festival not only highlights innovative art but also fosters a sense of community by involving local artists and residents. Over the years, it has become a cultural cornerstone, attracting visitors and showcasing Bilbao La Vieja as a dynamic and artistic district.

 



To compliment the arwork generated during the Blv-Art Festival, there is an increasing amount of street art appearing to compliment the large murals. It seems that there is something to catch your eye around every corner.




The Street Art Murals of Bilbao - Blv-Art Festival 

 

Large mural on a building depicts red skeletons on a beige background. Benches and a small fountain are in the foreground. Artwork by ARYZ. The Street Art Murals of Bilbao

Artist: Aryz

Mural Name: “El Fin Justificado”

Address: Urazurrutia Kalea, 58, Ibaiondo, 48003 Bilbao

 

Aryz, a renowned street artist from Barcelona, created the mural in 2014. This artwork reflects Aryz's distinctive style, which often features skeletons and minimalistic imagery using limited colors.

 

The mural explores themes of human evolution and poses the question of whether the end (evolution) is justified. Aryz faced challenges during the creation process, as some local residents were not fond of the imagery

 

Tall palm tree framing a mural of a white staircase on a blue and gray wall. Red poles and graffiti on the adjacent peach wall. Cloudy sky. The Street Art Murals of Bilbao

Artist: Michael Grudziecki

Mural Name: “Sea Forts”

Address: Iturburu Kalea, 7, Ibaiondo, 48003 Bilbao


Michael Grudziecki, a talented artist from Poland, created this urban street art in 2013. The mural is inspired by Grudziecki's series of paintings titled "Sea Forts," which feature surreal and meticulously composed imagery. His work often combines elements of scenography, with careful attention to detail, lighting, and composition.


Large mural on a green building depicts legs in boots, with red and blue lines. Tree branches frame the scene, adding vibrancy. The Street Art Murals of Bilbao

Artist: Jose Ramon Banales Urkullu

Mural Name: ?

Address: Iturburu Kalea, 2, Ibaiondo, 48003 Bilbao


Jose Ramon Banales Urkullu, one of Bilbao’s most famous street artists, is celebrated for his contributions to muralism and urban art in Bilbao. His works often reflect themes of local culture, history, and identity, adding depth and character to the city's artistic scene



A colorful mural of overlapping spheres adorns a building's side between two buildings, with a striped flag hanging nearby. Urban setting. The Street Art Murals of Bilbao

Artist: Jose Ramon Banales Urkullu

Mural Name: ?

Address: Urazurrutia Kalea, 9, Ibaiondo, 48003 Bilbao


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Colorful mural on a building wall with abstract patterns and vibrant hues. A tree stands in front, with a cloudy sky above. The Street Art Murals of Bilbao

Artist: Sixe Paredes

Mural Name: “Futurismo Primitivo”

Address: Bilbo Zaharra Kalea, 29, Ibaiondo, 48003 Bilbao


Sixe Paredes, a Barcelona-based artist, created this street art mural in 2012. This vibrant piece reflects Sixe Paredes' signature style, blending elements of futurism and primitivism. His work often incorporates bold colours, geometric patterns, and symbolic imagery, creating a striking visual narrative. This mural is a prime example of his ability to merge contemporary and traditional influences.

 


Tall building with vibrant mural of cars in pink and blue hues. Green trees in foreground, overcast sky. Text at bottom is unclear. The Street Art Murals of Bilbao

Artists: Zoer and Velvet

Mural Name: “Spindle”

Address: Miribilla Kalea, 7, Ibaiondo, 48003 Bilbao

 

Zoer and Velvet, French artists known for their innovative urban street art, created the mural “Spindle” in 2016. The mural pays homage to Dustin Shuler's sculpture “Spindle,” which featured eight American cars impaled on a stake. Shuler's original work, created in 1989, was destroyed in 2008 after years of debate about its significance. Zoer and Velvet's mural captures the essence of this iconic sculpture, blending surrealism and urban aesthetics.



Colorful mural with geometric patterns on a building wall. The setting includes an urban street with textured pavement and nearby buildings. The Street Art Murals of Bilbao

Artist: Dk Muralismo

Mural Name: ?

Address: Miribilla Kalea, 7, Ibaiondo, 48003 Bilbao


Dk Muralismo, a collective of artists based in Bilbao, has contributed to the vibrant street art scene in the city. They are known for their dynamic and thought-provoking works that often blend local culture with contemporary themes.




Colorful mural on a worn peach building with posters and graffiti. Metal fence in front, sidewalk below. Text: "Calle Arechaga." Urban vibe. The Street Art Murals of Bilbao

Artist: Ern Mon

Mural Name: ?

Address: Arechaga Kalea, 10, Ibaiondo, 48003 Bilbao


Ern Mon, an artist from São Paulo, Brazil, completed this mural in 2015 as part of the closing of the Jean-Michel Basquiat exhibition at the Guggenheim Bilbao Museum.



Mural of a blue hand pointing on a peach building with cityscape and church spire in the foggy background. Antenna and signs visible. The Street Art Murals of Bilbao

Artist: Grip Face

Mural Name: “En el Punto de Mira”

Address: Plaza Corazon de Maria


Grip Face, a multidisciplinary artist from Spain, creates artwork which often combines surrealism, symbolism, and social commentary. Grip Face's street murals are known for their ability to provoke thought and engage viewers in meaningful dialogue about contemporary issues.


If you are enjoying this list, remember and subscribe to my mailing list to receive my latest blog posts.


Colorful mural on a brick wall depicts a face surrounded by abstract, vibrant patterns and foliage. Set in an urban street setting. The Street Art Murals of Bilbao

Artists: Stinkfish and Juan Malk

Mural Name: “Nino Jama Masjid” 

Address: Gorte Kalea, 24, Ibaiondo, 48003 Bilbao


Stinkfish and Juan Malk, talented artists from Colombia, collaborated on the mural in 2014. Stinkfish is known for his colourful and expressive portraits, often inspired by found photographs, while Juan Malk brings his own distinctive touch to the collaboration.



Street art on a gray wall depicts colorful birds and an elephant. Red graffiti text. Residential buildings and parked cars in the background. The Street Art Murals of Bilbao

Artist: Jeremias Pau Toledo

Mural Name: ?

Address: Gimnasio Kalea, 7, Ibaiondo, 48003 Bilbao


Jeremias Pau Toledo, an artist from Alicante, Spain, created this mural in 2010.


Murals of silhouettes climb a building under a cloudy sky. Bright fruit and vegetable paintings decorate the lower wall. Urban setting. The Street Art Murals of Bilbao

Artist: SUSO33

Mural Name: ?

Address: Kontzezio Kalea, 13, Ibaiondo, 48003 Bilbao

 

SUSO33, a renowned urban artist from Madrid, created this mural in 2015. SUSO33 is celebrated for his transdisciplinary approach, blending street art with painting, performances, and video art.



Red building with "Club" sign, colorful abstract mural on upper walls. Street with a pedestrian and a parked car. Overcast sky. The Street Art Murals of Bilbao

Artist: Fermin Moreno Martin

Mural Name: ?

Address: Gorte Kalea, 19, Ibaiondo, 48003 Bilbao


Fermin Moreno Martin, an artist from Bilbao, Spain, is known for his abstract and thought-provoking works that often explore themes of identity and urban life.


A large mural of a person skateboarding decorates a building facade. The background has geometric patterns. Nearby are apartments and trees. The Street Art Murals of Bilbao

Artist: Dk Muralismo

Mural Name: ?

Address: Mena Kalea, 3, Ibaiondo, 48003 Bilbao


Dk Muralismo created this street art mural in 2002 as part of a project supported by SURBISA, an organization dedicated to urban renewal and development.




A building's side features two large murals of tree trunks and branches. Nearby, balconies with plants and a red facade add color. The Street Art Murals of Bilbao

Artist: Juanjo Novella

Mural Name: ?

Address: San Frantzisko Kalea, 40, Ibaiondo, 48003 Bilbao


Juanjo Novella, a renowned artist from Portugalete, at the mouth of the Nervión River, is celebrated for his contributions of inspirational street art, often working with industrial materials like corten steel. His works blend abstraction and figurative elements, inviting viewers to interpret and engage with his art on multiple levels.


If you are enjoying this list, remember and subscribe to my mailing list to receive my latest blog posts.



Conclusion


As you wrap up your journey through Bilbao’s colourful streets and striking murals, I hope this guide has inspired you to see the city through a new lens—one that celebrates creativity, culture, and community. The La Vieja district, with some of the best murals in the world, is more than just an artistic hotspot; it’s a testament to the transformative power of street art, breathing life into its walls and telling stories that resonate with locals and visitors alike. Whether you’re planning your own adventure or simply indulging in some armchair travel, let these murals remind you that art truly has the power to connect, provoke, and inspire.




Accommodation in Bilbao

 

When staying in Bilbao, I’d suggest looking at accommodation near the Abando or Casco Viejo districts. Most of the city’s attractions are in these areas and you will find that you can easily experience all these highlights on foot if you are based there. 


For a touch of luxury, consider staying at the Vincci Consulado de Bilbao or the Goien Boutique Hotel. Meanwhile the Hotel Ercilla de Bilbao, Autograph Collection and the Hotel Ilunion San Mamés are popular mid-range options. However, if you are looking for a budget stay there are a number of hostels, such as the Latroupe La Granja and the Ganbara Hostel.



Related Blog Posts


If you would like more information on the attractions of the Basque Country and how to visit these locations, please view the Tailor-Made Itineraries posts below:

 


 

Comment below and let us know what your favourite mural in Bilbao was.


Don’t forget that Tailor-Made Itineraries delights in creating bespoke self-guided tours. So, if visiting the street art murals of Bilbao appeals to you, reach out to me by email. I would be more than happy to design a self-guided tour around your requirements incorporating Bilbao’s street art or indeed, a general tour of this city or the Basque Country.


Tailor-Made Itineraries posts every two weeks, and you can subscribe to the latest blog and newsletter here. Until then, happy reading and safe travels.

 

Barry

 

 

Tailor-Made Itineraries creates one-of-a-kind bespoke self-guided travel itineraries for adventurous and curious travellers.


These self-guided tours deliver a personalised and exciting holiday experience that takes the effort out of trip planning.


Street Art Map of Bilbao


Collage of vibrant street art murals in Bilbao, featuring colorful portraits and patterns. Text: "The Street Art Murals of Bilbao".

Four street art murals in Bilbao, featuring vibrant abstract and realistic designs on building walls. Text: The Street Art Murals of Bilbao.

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