La Sociedad Bilbaína is a distinguished building that is of cultural interest and houses one of the most select private clubs in the Vizcayan capital. Founded as a place of relaxation and recreation in the purest European style of the time, this magnificent club, with its emblematic façade and large bay windows, has one of the most important private libraries in Spain, containing more than 40,000 volumes, including incunabula. This outstanding building is opulently decorated inside, and some of the most important personalities in the areas of economics, finance and culture have passed through its doors. Apart from general club rooms, it has areas for games like chess and billiards, as well as cultural events like musical concerts. The general public are allowed into its restaurants and English bar. Given the matriarchal nature of Basque society, it is worth respecting the exclusive masculinity of this domain. Check website for more details.