The best 10 cafes in Bilbao, Spain

Welcome to Bilbao, the land of mouthwatering pintxos and unforgettable coffee experiences! In this brilliantly caffeinated city, we've sniffed out the top 10 coffee havens to satisfy both your caffeine cravings and Instagram addiction. From the whimsically decorated Café de la Mirada, where every sip feels like a stare into the soul of the barista, to the enchanting Biblioteca del Café, where bookworms can indulge in a literary journey while sipping their cup of java, Bilbao's café scene will leave you buzzing with delight. So grab your caffeine goggles and prepare to sip your way through this vibrant Basque paradise!

Save destination

1. Café Nervión

4.3 (875)

Naxa Kalea, 7, 48003 Bilbo, Bizkaia, Spain

Welcome to Café Nervión, the quirky gem that will leave you buzzing (both from caffeine and its intriguing decor) in the heart of Bilbao. This cozy café is a caffeine lover's paradise, with an abundance of aromatic coffee varieties that will put a spring in your step, even if you haven't quite mastered the Bilbao morning ritual of leaping from bridge to bridge. Don't let the eclectic mishmash of furniture fool you; finding a seat here is like an enjoyable game of cafe Tetris, leaving you pleasantly surprised at how all the mismatched chairs and tables fit together like a jigsaw puzzle.

Learn more

2. Pastelería Don Manuel

4.3 (1422)

Urkixo Zumarkalea, 39, 48010 Bilbo, Bizkaia, Spain

Welcome to Pastelería Don Manuel in Bilbao, a delightful little haven for all those who are romantically inclined towards the sweet side of life. As you step into this magical pastry wonderland, prepare to be dazzled by the exquisite aroma of freshly baked treats that will seduce even the staunchest of dieters. Here, the air is filled with a mischievous sprinkle of powdered sugar, tempting your taste buds to embark on a sugary adventure of mythical proportions.

www.pasteleriadonmanuel.com

Learn more

3. Café Rakia

4.2 (10503)

Colón de Larreátegui K., 13, 48001 Bilbo, Bizkaia, Spain

Welcome to Café Rakia in Bilbao, where delightful chaos and rakia-induced adventures await! As you step into this quirky little spot, you'll find yourself immersed in a mishmash of eccentric decor, like a vintage map of Yugoslavia and a chandelier made of rakia bottles – talk about getting lit! Sip on their famous rakia-based cocktails, crafted with such love and expertise that they might just make you start a conga line with complete strangers – don't worry, dancing skills are optional!

www.cafeirunabilbao.net

Learn more

4. Café La Ribera

4.2 (2518)

Erribera Kalea, 20, 48005 Bilbo, Bizkaia, Spain

Nestled within the lively streets of Bilbao is Café La Ribera, a delightful haven for caffeine enthusiasts and pastry aficionados alike. Step foot into this quirky café, where time seems to waltz at its own delightful pace. As you indulge in the velvety-smooth aroma of freshly brewed coffee, watch as the local characters engage in lively conversations, rivaling any telenovela with their dramatic gestures and hearty laughter.

www.lariberabilbao.com

Learn more

5. La Cafetería del Ensanche

4.7 (7)

Ercilla Kalea, 5, 48009 Bilbo, Bizkaia, Spain

Welcome to La Cafetería del Ensanche in Bilbao, a charming little place that can transport you to the heart of Basque culinary bliss faster than you can say "txikito." This café is like a hidden gem, nestled in the bustling, trendy neighborhood of Ensanche, where locals gather to satisfy their caffeine cravings and engage in passionate debates about football and the best way to make tortilla de patatas. Be prepared to indulge in mouthwatering pintxos, heavenly mugs of cafe con leche, and a warm atmosphere that will make you feel like you've stumbled upon the ultimate secret café society.

Learn more

6. Café La Granja

3.9 (123)

Plaza Biribila, 3, 48001 Bilbo, Bizkaia, Spain

Welcome to Café La Granja in beautiful Bilbao, where time slows down and your caffeine addiction reaches new heights. This cozy little café is like stepping into your grandmother's quirky living room, complete with mismatched furniture and a collection of postcards from her mysterious suitors. Whether you're sipping on their velvety cortado or indulging in a slice of home-baked cake, prepare to be transported to a whimsical world where hipster baristas roam freely and latte art is the ultimate currency.

Learn more

7. Café del Arenal

3.1 (317)

Areatza Kalea, 5, 48005 Bilbo, Bizkaia, Spain

Welcome to Café del Arenal in Bilbao, a delightful haven for caffeine aficionados and breakfast enthusiasts alike. Nestled in the heart of the city, this charming spot radiates a cozy ambiance that is sure to warm your soul faster than your morning cup of joe. Boasting a quirky yet inviting decor, prepare to be seduced by the café's fusion of vintage charm and modern hipness, as you sip your latte while sitting on a refurbished armchair that seems to have survived a particularly stylish time-travel adventure.

cafedelarenal.com

Learn more

8. Café Boulevard

4.4 (2623)

Pl. Nueva, 6, 48005 Bilbao, Vizcaya, Spain

Welcome to Café Boulevard in Bilbao, the heart of caffeine lovers and the perfect place to indulge in some serious people-watching. With its funky interior boasting an eclectic mix of mismatched chairs and vintage posters, it's like walking into a caffeine-induced time warp, in the best possible way. Sit back, sip on your latte, and feel like a hipster detective solving the mystery of how many croissants one can consume in a single sitting.

www.bilbao-cafebar.com

Learn more

9. Café Aisia

4.2 (223)

Egaña Kalea, 10, 48010 Bilbo, Bizkaia, Spain

Welcome to Café Aisia in Bilbao, where you can sip on splendidly brewed coffee while indulging in the delicate art of people-watching. Nestled in the heart of the city, this charming café doubles as a prime spot for witnessing the occasional masterpiece of fashion disasters and flamboyant characters wandering by. Don't be surprised if you find yourself immersed in conversations that make no sense, but fear not, as the coffee is strong enough to keep you grounded in this whimsical corner of Bilbao.

Learn more

10. Café Iruña

4.2 (10503)

Colón de Larreátegui K., 13, 48001 Bilbo, Bizkaia, Spain

Welcome to Café Iruña, the lively heartbeat of Bilbao for over a century! This vibrant café is more than just a caffeine haven; it's a historical monument where the locals come to swap flamboyant stories and people-watch with theatrical precision. Marvel at the antique decor that seems to have caught a case of nostalgia, as it transports you back to a time when mustaches were twirled and top hats adorned every stylish head.

www.cafeirunabilbao.net

Learn more

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Bilbao by plane is to fly to Bilbao Airport, which is located approximately 12 kilometers north of the city center. Many major airlines offer direct flights to Bilbao from cities across Europe and beyond.

Car

Traveling by car is a convenient way to explore the Basque Country, including Bilbao. Visitors can rent a car from major cities such as San Sebastian or explore the area on a self-guided road trip.

Train

While there are no direct train services to Bilbao from other parts of Europe, travelers can take a high-speed train to nearby cities such as San Sebastian or Vitoria-Gasteiz and then transfer to a local train or bus bound for Bilbao.

Boat

While there are no direct boat services to Bilbao, travelers can take a ferry from the UK or France to Santander or other port cities in northern Spain and then travel to Bilbao by train or bus.

Bus

Buses are a popular and affordable way to travel to Bilbao from other cities in Spain and beyond. Major bus companies such as ALSA and Eurolines offer services to Bilbao from cities such as Madrid, Barcelona, and Paris.

More guides

Bilbao for Lovers: A Romantic Day Trip

Bilbao, Spain offers a wonderful romantic getaway with exquisite architecture, beautiful landscapes, and delicious cuisine. Couples can savor the local flavors at the traditional pintxos bars, stroll through the charming old town, and marvel at the iconic Guggenheim Museum. With breathtaking views of the Bay of Biscay, Bilbao is a charming destination that offers a perfect blend of culture, relaxation, and romance.

Escape to Bilbao for a Romantic Weekend

Bilbao is a charming Spanish city that offers a perfect romantic getaway for couples. From the stunning Guggenheim Museum to the beautiful beaches and parks, Bilbao has many attractions to explore. A trip to Bilbao promises a unique blend of romance, culture, and adventure that will leave long-lasting memories.

Discover Bilbao: The Ultimate 5-Day Adventure

Bilbao is a stunning city located in the north of Spain with a fascinating blend of modern and historic architectural landmarks. A renowned and awe-inspiring attraction of the city is the Guggenheim Museum, which boasts an extensive collection of contemporary art. Visitors can stroll around the city's charming old town, Casco Viejo, lined with traditional Basque bars and cafes, and get a taste of the region's rich history and culture.

Bilbao Bliss: A 3-Day Family Adventure on a Budget

A family trip to Bilbao, Spain promises a delightful blend of cultural and recreational experiences. Known for its world-class museums, the city offers attractions such as the Guggenheim Museum, where kids can appreciate contemporary art through interactive exhibits. Families can also explore the charming Casco Viejo (Old Town) with its narrow streets, scenic plazas, and delicious pintxos (Basque tapas) that cater to even the pickiest eaters.