Bilbao at night.

What are the best ways to experience the nights in Bilbao?

A visit to the theatre

The Arriaga Theatre, located in Bilbao's Old Town, is not only one of the most beautiful buildings in the city, but also offers an extensive programme of performances, concerts, monologues, dance and shows that are always worth looking out for. If the theatre is your thing, a night in Arriaga is an experience that you simply can’t miss.

Enjoy Bilbao's Best bar areas

• Muelle de Ripa: For some years, the Muelle de Ripa, on the opposite bank to the Arriaga Theatre, is becoming one of the fashionable areas with the best atmosphere in Bilbao. Here, you'll discover a variety of places to enjoy a drink or a meal, and the atmosphere is particularly vibrant, filled with young people.
• Indautxu: the areas around Plaza de Indautxu, Plaza de Emilio Campuzano and Licenciado Poza street are full of bars and restaurants, with lots of people and a great atmosphere well into the night.
• Zazpikaleak: The Casco Viejo (Old Town) or Siete Calles (Seven Streets or “Zazpikaleak” in Basque) is a safe option as regards nightlife in Bilbao. Here you will be able to enjoy a few pintxos, wines and txakoli with your friends before partying in fashionable night-spots or alternative bars with a more rock-and-roll atmosphere.
• Mazarredo: here, and in the surrounding area, are emblematic establishments such as the Azkena or Kafe Antzokia, together with many other bars and pubs.

Get excited at the Athletic Club in San Mamés

Even if you aren’t a great football fan, a game at the Athletic Club in San Mamés, the stadium that the people from Bilbao call “the Cathedral”, is one of those experiences that, if you have sufficient time, must be experienced in Bilbao.

Pintxos route through the Casco Viejo

A good pintxos route through the Casco Viejo is an excellent plan both in the day and night. However, if you take your gastronomic tour after sunset, and especially at the weekend, you will be submerged into one of the best atmospheres in Bilbao.

An unforgettable Bilbao panorama lit from Artxanda

How about a different, more intimate and relaxed night-time plan, that will allow you to enjoy the most beautiful and special views of Bilbao? If that sounds good, we recommend that you take the Artxanda Funicular at night and get ready to see the “botxo” (the jewel, in Basque) illuminated between mountains.