Bilbao Entertainment

Bilbao fully embraces the Spanish institution of dining late and then bar hopping until the early hours. Its charismatic Old Quarter on the east side of the Nervion River is home to the city’s most interesting and authentic bars and restaurants. The Bilbao custom is to come to the Old Quarter after dark and bar hop, ordering small glasses of beer or wine called chiquiteo. The nightlife in Bilbao comes in all levels of intensity. If you’re looking for relaxed, casual bar hopping and tapas munching, then stick to the Casco Viejo. If you’re more into an energetic marathon of drinking and snacking, called tapeo, then you should head to the Ensanche.

Bilbao Nightlife

Bar hopping and tapas grazing is a Spanish way of life, and Bilbao has all the bases covered. The idea is to stop by many different taverns and have a small drink or two, a couple of snacks and then move on. Major drinking areas include Paseo del Arenal, Calle Ledesma and Calle Elcano. Another social hub zone with a wider variety is Los Jardines de Albia, home of the Cafe Iruna. If alcohol isn’t your choice, there are dozens of coffeehouses and bistros scattered around to while away the hours. On the other end of this spectrum are pubs, smoky, musical places for heavy drinking. If all the drinking has put you in the mood for dancing, then check out how it’s done in the Basque country at Cache Latino, El Palladium or Disco-Pub Crystal. One of Bilbao’s most hopping bars for the 20s and 30s set is Cotton Club, where a DJ spins live music on Friday and Saturday nights from 18:30 until 06:30. Late nighters over the age of 35 tend to congregate at Azulito. 

Theatre and music

Like all major cities around the world, Bilbao gets its fair share of live music and theatre. The main venue for the cultural arts is the Teatro Arriaga, situated on the banks of the Nervion River. Most major touring groups play at the Arriaga, which features world-class symphony, opera and ballet performances. The tourist office in town has a list of all upcoming events. Another fantastic venue which rivals the Arriaga for top billing is the Palacio Euskalduna. This hall also receives many performing arts groups and is home to the Symphonic Orchestra of Bilbao.

Festivals in Bilbao

• Festival of San Sebastian (La Tamborrada) sees the neighboring city of San Sebastian dress up and go crazy in this short but rowdy one-day event, held in mid-January.

• Asta Nagusia celebration is one of the most vibrant festivals in Spain, as Bilbao celebrates its Basque heritage. Over 100,000 locals take part in the party, which includes the Strongman games, nightly firework displays, live music and lots of eating and drinking. Events are held all over the city in plazas, parks and churches over nine long days in August.

• Le Semana Grande is considered the biggest and most publicised festival in northern Spain. Dedicated to the Virgin of Begona, the Nervion River plays host to many flotillas and regattas. This week sees a lot of all-night partying and general revelry as the whole city takes a week off. Many shops are closed during this week in August.

• The Feast of Santa Aqueda is one of the most important festivals in Bilbao. A colourful street parade and loads of merrymaking turn the Old Quarter of the city into a veritable party each February.

• Easter (Semana Santa) is a major holiday for the whole region. Bilbao celebrates with a series of moody and emotional processions accompanied by drums and cornets. Various religious events are reenacted and it’s a fascinating glimpse into the Catholic roots of Spanish life.

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