The very best 12 nightlife spots in Bilbao, Spain

Welcome to Bilbao, where the nights are as fiery as the famous Guggenheim! Embark on a nocturnal adventure through the city's vibrant streets and discover the perfect spots to shake, shimmy, and sip your way into the early hours. From hipster hideouts to lively flamenco fiestas, brace yourself for an unforgettable night at the twisted and tantalizing nightlife joints that Bilbao has to offer!

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1. Bodega Iratxe

4.3 (168)

Colón de Larreátegui K., 33, 48009 Bilbo, Bizkaia, Spain

Welcome to Bodega Iratxe, a hidden gem nestled in the vibrant city of Bilbao. This quirky yet charming bodega will transport you back in time with its vintage decor and cozy atmosphere, making you feel like you've stumbled into your eccentric great-grandma's living room. Indulge in their delectable pintxos, each one more inventive and mouthwatering than the last, while sipping on their house wine, which is as budget-friendly as it is surprisingly delicious.

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2. Muga

4.3 (1923)

Muñoz Maria Kalea, 8, 48005 Bilbo, Bizkaia, Spain

Welcome to Bilbao, a city known for its stunning architecture, tasty pintxos, and, of course, the peculiar Muga. Step into this vibrant neighborhood where hipsters, artists, and selfie enthusiasts collide. Muga, with its grungy but oh-so-hipster vibe, will transport you to the heart of Bilbao's alternative scene - just make sure to bring your beanie and non-prescription glasses to fit in with the locals.

lamuga.eus

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3. Café Bar Bilbao

4.4 (2623)

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

Welcome to Café Bar Bilbao, the haven of heavenly pintxos where greasy fingers meet culinary delight. Nestled in the heart of Bilbao, this vibrant hangout marries Basque traditions with a splash of whimsical charm. As you step inside, be prepared to be greeted by a delightful chaos of locals and tourists alike, jostling for a taste of pintxos perfection amidst the symphony of clinking glasses and hearty laughter.

www.bilbao-cafebar.com

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4. El Perro Chico

4.2 (1389)

Arechaga Kalea, 2, 48003 Bilbo, Bizkaia, Spain

Welcome to Bilbao, where pintxos reign supreme and El Perro Chico steals the show! Nestled amidst the vibrant streets, this charming little gem of a bar welcomes you with open paws. Its cozy atmosphere, akin to a quirky doghouse, offers the perfect spot to unleash your taste buds on a delightful culinary adventure. As you step inside, the aromatic symphony of sizzling garlic and tantalizing spices hits you like a playful bark. El Perro Chico's menu, filled with mouthwatering pintxos, is nothing short of a four-legged feast. From its infamous "Bulldog Bites" to "Poodle Pâté," prepare to wag your tail with every bite. The friendly bar staff, with a mischievous twinkle in their eyes, happily guide you through this gastronomic playground to find your perfect pup-approved pintxo. So grab a seat, raise a glass, and embark on a whimsical journey where El Perro Chico promises unforgettable memories and a taste of Bilbao's true canine spirit.

elperrochico.com

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5. Sir Winston Churchill

4.6 (1415)

Sabino Arana Etorbidea, 1, 48013 Bilbo, Bizkaia, Spain

Welcome to Bilbao, where even Sir Winston Churchill couldn't resist the allure! During his visit, this iconic British statesman wandered through the streets with an air of charm and determination, his bowler hat bobbing in rhythmic harmony with his infamous cigar. With his quick wit and impeccable style, Churchill left a lasting impression on the locals, proving that Bilbao's magnetism extends even to those who've seen it all!

www.sirwinstonchurchill.es

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6. La Esquinita de Euskadi

4.2 (114)

Euskadi Pl., 3, 48009 Bilbao, Vizcaya, Spain

Nestled in the vibrant streets of Bilbao, La Esquinita de Euskadi is a delightful little gem, exuding the spirit of Basque Country and the aroma of mouthwatering pintxos. As you step inside, you'll be greeted by a chorus of locals passionately debating whether the tortilla de patatas should be fluffy or sturdy enough to be a construction material. With its charming medieval decor and the persuasive charm of the barman, you'll find yourself surrendering to the temptation of their irresistible txakoli, a perfect marriage of sparkles and bittersweetness that could make even the most stoic skeptic waltz with gustatory joy.

www.plazabar.es

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7. Café Iruña

4.2 (10503)

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

Welcome to Café Iruña in beautiful Bilbao, a charming café where time stands still and your caffeine cravings will be well taken care of! As you step into this wonderfully historic establishment, you might find yourself humming along to the tune of "La Vie en Rose" playing softly in the background, transporting you to a different era...where nobody judges you for wearing socks with sandals. Nestled in the heart of the city, don't be surprised if you stumble upon Ernest Hemingway's long-lost cousin passionately sipping his cortado while perfecting his novel about the adventures of a fearless churro connoisseur.

www.cafeirunabilbao.net

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8. Bar Convento Bilbao

3.7 (35)

Novia Salcedo 10,, Entrada por estrada de mala, 48012 Bilbao, Vizcaya, Spain

Nestled in the heart of Bilbao, Bar Convento Bilbao beckons weary travelers with its quirky charm and delectable offerings. The centuries-old building flaunts a whimsical mishmash of architectural styles, as if it couldn't quite decide which era it belonged to. Once inside, you'll be transported to a lively time capsule, complete with rowdy locals, dimly lit corners perfect for clandestine conversations, and a tantalizing aroma of fresh pintxos that will make your taste buds weak at the knees.

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9. La Vía Láctea

2 (1)

C/ General Concha, 19, 48010 Bilbo, Bizkaia, Spain

Welcome to La Vía Láctea, Bilbao's very own slice of intergalactic awesomeness! Step into this quirky bar and prepare to be transported to another dimension, where rock ‘n’ roll meets retro sci-fi. Sip on your favorite poison while surrounded by walls adorned with funky artwork, giving you the feeling of being in an old-school B-movie set. Don't be surprised if you find yourself breaking into a spontaneous dance amidst the eclectic mix of locals, tourists, and aliens—after all, who can resist the gravitational pull of this extraterrestrial hotspot?

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10. El Globo

4.4 (6967)

Diputazio Kalea, 8, 48008 Bilbo, Bizkaia, Spain

Welcome to El Globo, a charming little café in the heart of Bilbao where the croissants are flakier than your ex's excuses. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee fills the air, mingling with the laughter of locals sharing their juiciest gossip. Step inside and prepare to be whisked away by the mouthwatering pastries and the warm embrace of the eccentric owner, who may or may not have a secret stash of Nutella hidden behind the counter.

barelglobo.es

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11. La Ribera Botica Distrito 9

Welcome to La Ribera Botica Distrito 9, Bilbao's quirky and charismatic neighborhood that has more surprises than a magician's hat. This charming district is an eclectic mix of old-world charm and modern buzz, like a waltz between Don Quixote and a hipster unicorn. The streets here are lined with a delightful hodgepodge of vintage boutiques, avant-garde art galleries, and enough cafes to fuel even the most caffeine-addicted traveler.

12. The Baster

4.5 (1696)

Posta Kalea, 22, 48005 Bilbo, Bizkaia, Spain

Welcome to The Baster in Bilbao, where gastronomy meets laughter in a delightful fusion! This restaurant not only tickles your taste buds but also guarantees a chuckle or two throughout your dining experience. Prepare for a culinary journey where each dish is infused with flavors that will make your taste buds dance, and the witty waitstaff will leave you in stitches with their quick wit and comedic timing.

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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.

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