10 Best Bilbao Nightlife Experiences

One of the Bilbao’s most popular places to visit, Doña Casilda de Iturrizar Park is a scenic spot in the Indautxu neighbourhood. The park is one of the few green spaces in the city and it looks particularly charming when the mature trees, monuments and spectacular fountains are illuminated after dark. 

Take an evening stroll in this lush green space to enjoy some quiet time away from the bustling crowds of the city’s tourist hotspots. The wide paths are well-lit and the park has a peaceful atmosphere. There are also sometimes evening performances at the pagoda, check online for details. 

Situated next to the river estuary, Mercado de la Ribera is one of the most famous attractions in Bilbao. This huge covered market is one of the largest in Europe and housed in a beautiful art deco building. The ground floor has restaurants and vendors selling delicious food to take away, while the first floor is a sprawling food market for farm-fresh produce to buy. 

You’ll find the market busy and full of life after the sun goes down. Tuck into tasty Pinchos and drinks as you mix with the locals and people-watch in this iconic Bilbao building. There are often live musicians playing at the market in the evening, which adds to the vibrant atmosphere. 

Casco Viejo is Bilbao’s medieval old town, which is even more atmospheric to experience at nighttime. In the centre of this district are the city’s original 14th-century ‘seven streets’ and the gothic grandeur of Santiago Cathedral. Wander the winding streets and plazas, taking in the colonial architecture, which looks even more impressive after dark when the buildings are illuminated. 

As well as its historical significance, this area is a nightlife hub with a wide selection of late-night bars, as well as local and international restaurants. You can also see performers, live music and sample some of the city’s best street food in this charming riverside neighbourhood. 

Bilbao’s oldest square is now home to numerous shops, bars and restaurants. This scenic square is the best place for Pinchos, small tapas-style Spanish snacks, in the whole city, with around 25 Pinchos bars hidden under the arches of the Neoclassical buildings. 

Head to Plaza Nueva in the evening to eat and drink at open-air tables as you people-watch and enjoy the lively atmosphere. There are often street performers and live entertainment, plus street markets to explore, making this one of the most popular meeting points for tourists and locals alike. 

Take the Mount Artxanda Funicular for a unique nightlife experience in Bilbao. You can pick the cable car up at Plaza de Funicular. The ride only takes a few minutes to bring you to the top of Mount Artxanda, where you’ll be rewarded with show-stopping views of the city. 

The carriage departs every 15 minutes, from early in the morning until 11 pm at night (10 pm during the winter). Take the cable car ride in the evening, for a different perspective of Bilbao and the river, with the lights of the city’s majestic buildings shining brightly in the dusk. 

Bilbao’s famous theatre, Teatro Arriaga, is one of the city’s most popular nightlife attractions. The theatre has an extensive programme of concerts, musicals, opera, plays, dance productions and more. With such a wide choice of shows, you’re sure to find something to see on your visit to the city. 

The Teatro Arriaga building is also a famous sight to see in Bilbao. The Neo-Baroque building was built in 1890 and inspired by the Paris Opera. The theatre sits at the entrance to the Casco Viejo and is one of the district's most important historical landmarks. 

Athletic Bilbao’s incredible football stadium, Estadio de San Mamés is located close to the city centre and can be easily accessed by car, tram or metro. This majestic stadium was unveiled in 2013 to replace the football club’s old stadium and has a stunning, award-winning design. 

If you can visit the Estadio de San Mamés in the evening, the stadium looks even more spectacular illuminated under the night sky. The exterior is lit up for special events in red and white, which are traditionally Basque colours. If you visit the stadium in the evening, there are also plenty of bars and restaurants in this area of the city.