Nightlife Bilbao: the nights of Bilbao reflect the warm soul of its inhabitants. With a lively and lively nightlife, a rich and varied offer of night clubs, from traditional pintxos bars to trendy discos, here are all the options to spend a night of fun in the famous Basque city.
Bilbao Nightlife
Located in the Basque Country, the northern region of Spain, energetic and dynamic Bilbao exudes all the effervescence and vivacity of its party-loving population, which spills out onto the city's streets and neighborhoods on weekends. Bilbao is a city that intrigues visitors with its architecture and delicious cuisine, but it also entertains its guests after sunrise with its vibrant nightlife .
Having fun in Bilbao is a must: Bilbao's nightlife is quite lively . From late afternoon until late at night, you'll find dozens of discos and nightclubs where you can spend a night of partying and fun. Nightclubs, bars, and pubs are scattered throughout the historic center , and thanks to the wide selection, you can find the place that best suits your tastes.
Bilbao's nightlife begins at aperitivo time and ends at the crack of dawn. For aperitivo, head to the traditional "pintxos" bars where you can enjoy local tapas, consisting of small bruschettas garnished with a wide variety of ingredients, from cheese to fish to olives. They also serve Bilbao's signature citron-based drink, Sagardotegi.
Bilbao's neighborhoods and nightlife
The main areas for going out at night in Bilbao are Casco Viejo, Indautxu and Mazarredo.
The most touristy and lively neighborhood is undoubtedly Casco Viejo , pervaded by a picturesque atmosphere and dotted with clubs, small bars, and pubs where you can spend a night partying. This is the perfect area for a traditional Basque aperitif, thanks to the abundance of pintxos, beer, and wine. Furthermore, there are countless venues where you can listen to live music of every genre, from rock to mainstream hits.
Bilbao's nightlife is concentrated mainly along Calle Ledesma, one of the main streets in the historic center, which boasts numerous bars and clubs where you can listen to BRR , Basque Radical Rock, a musical movement born in the 1980s, which is still popular today and fascinates for its uniqueness and folklore.
Even in the streets around Plaza Nueva you can find many bars offering pintox snacks accompanied by wine or beer, frequented mainly by young people.
Indautxu neighborhood , on the other hand, is home to some more expensive nightclubs but with a more elegant and relaxed atmosphere than the bars in central Bilbao. The liveliest area is located along Calle Licenciado Poza.
The best nightclubs in Bilbao are located in the Mazarredo . All the young people flock here to dance when the other bars and clubs in the city close.
Bilbao's nightlife isn't just about clubs and bars. Classical music lovers can visit the historic Teatro Arriaga Euskalduna Conference and Music Palace , you can enjoy classical music concerts by the local symphony orchestra.
Festivals and events in Bilbao
Numerous cultural events and popular festivals take place in the city, complementing Bilbao's vibrant nightlife . If you happen to be here during the last week of August, don't miss the Semana Grande , a popular festival in honor of the Virgin of Begoña. The celebrations last for nine days and enliven the city with dancing, singing, parades, shows, and concerts of traditional Basque music. This festival is also the best opportunity to delve into local cuisine, as stalls selling traditional Basque and Spanish food are dotted around the city.
Another unmissable event is Bilbao’s open-air music festival, BBK Live , which is one of the unmissable events of the Spanish music summer.
Clubs and discos in Bilbao
Fever Club 
(Polígono Industrial Santa Ana, Telleria Kalea, 27, Bilbao) Open Friday and Saturday from midnight to 6:00 a.m., Sunday from midnight to 5:00 a.m.
Fever Club is one of Bilbao's most famous clubs and boasts four rooms, each playing a different musical genre, from techno and R&B to folk, pop, and rock. It features state-of-the-art sound equipment and frequently hosts live music performances. Here you can enjoy music from the best DJs and artists on the international scene.
Sala Moma
(Rodríguez Arias Kalea, 66, Bilbao) Moma is a recently opened nightclub in Bilbao offering luxurious nights and top-notch entertainment. It's an exclusive club where you can enjoy performances by top-tier artists and DJs. It also frequently hosts live concerts by nationally and internationally renowned bands. The club attracts a sophisticated crowd looking for a fun night out in a select atmosphere, and occasionally hosts parties for university and Erasmus students.
Cotton Club
(Gregorio de la Revilla Zumarkalea, 25, Bilbao) Open Tuesday and Wednesday from 8:30 pm to 3:00 am, Thursday from 8:30 pm to 5:00 am, Friday and Saturday from 8:30 pm to 6:30 am.
A historic nightclub in Bilbao, Cotton Club organizes live jazz and blues concerts, as well as DJ nights playing '80s and '90s music. The venue is classy, with gleaming walls adorned with framed records. A great choice if you like dancing and listening to some great live music in Bilbao.
Sala Marquee
(Calle del General Concha, 9, Bilbao) Open Thursday to Sunday from 12:30 am to 6:00 am.
Marquee is one of Bilbao's most famous clubs . The music focuses on commercial beats and is popular with a young crowd between 18 and 30. It has three VIP areas with bathrooms and private bars. If you want a good drink in a place with atmosphere, music, and beautiful girls, this is the place to be.
Sala Sonora
(Ribera de Axpe Etorbidea, 27, Bilbao) Located near the Astrabudua metro station, Sonora is a club designed to make music a unique experience. It offers three different atmospheres with different musical choices: pop-rock and electronic music from the 80s, 90s, and 2000s. They also host parties for reggae, metal, and other musical styles.
Back&Stage
(Kalea, Uribitarte Pasealekua, 8, Bilbao) Open Thursdays from 12:00 AM to 5:00 AM, Fridays and Saturdays from 12:00 AM to 6:30 AM.
This club, divided into two rooms—Backroom and Stage Live—is one of Bilbao's best nightclubs . The first room offers mainstream music and radio hits, while the second offers the best concerts, solo shows, and DJ sessions.
Kafè Antzokia
(Done Bikendi Kalea, 2, Bilbao) Proclaiming itself as a Basque cultural hub, Kafè Antzokia is one of Bilbao's main nightclubs . Consisting of a restaurant, several bars, a concert stage, and a space for cultural events, this venue offers a bit of everything. Located in a former cinema, Kafè Antzokia still resembles an old theater and frequently hosts international artists. The venue is primarily a live concert venue, but also transforms into a club on weekends, playing trendy and commercial music.
Rock Star
(Don Diego López Haroko Kale Nagusia, Bilbao) Open Fridays from 11:30 PM to 4:30 AM, Saturdays from 7:00 PM to 6:00 AM, and Sundays from 7:00 PM to 11:30 PM.
This nightclub located in the center of Bilbao hosts themed parties every weekend, offering plenty of entertainment. For example, in the summer, there are Caribbean parties, as well as evenings with '70s and '80s music that are sure to get you dancing. The club also hosts concerts by national and international artists.
Budha Bilbao
(Urkixo Zumarkalea, 88, Bilbao) Open Thursdays from midnight to 4:30 am, Fridays and Saturdays from midnight to 6:00 am.
Located in the center of Bilbao, Budha is a trendy nightclub with a great atmosphere, excellent drinks, and good music. With a modern and avant-garde style, the club is often very crowded and plays all the latest hits.
DaVinci
(Arbolantxa Kalea, 2, Bilbao) Open Thursday to Saturday from 11:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
A very spacious nightclub popular with younger crowds. After midnight, the place gets very crowded.
Azkena
(Ibañez de Bilbao Kalea, 26, Bilbao) Open Tuesdays from 8:00 PM to 1:00 AM, Thursdays from 8:00 PM to 4:00 AM, and Fridays and Saturdays from 8:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
One of the most popular bars and live music venues in Bilbao , Azkena caters to an alternative crowd with indie, rock, country, and folk sounds. Music fans can admire the guitars lining the walls, signed by music moguls from around the world. This is the perfect place to party on the weekends, especially if you like staying out until the early hours.
Galeon Bilbao
(Mazarredo Zumarkalea, 25, Bilbao) Open daily from 4:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
One of the landmark nightclubs in the Mazarredo area, Galeon is a trendy and always well-attended disco bar.
Shake
(Ibáñez de Bilbao Kalea, 2, Bilbao) Open Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 11:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
Another club in Bilbao that hosts live music concerts.
Kremlin Aretoa
(Maiatzaren Biko Kalea, 18, Bilbao) Open Thursdays from midnight to 4:30 am, Fridays and Saturdays from midnight to 6:00 am.
Mainly a club with rock and roll music, but also a multipurpose hall that organizes theater performances, jazz music, and DJ nights.
Bilborock
(Mesedeetako Kaia, 1, Bilbao) Located inside a deconsecrated church, Bilborock is an alternative venue for concerts and live music performances, especially great rock music.
BBK Hall
(Don Diego López Haroko Kale Nagusia, 19-21, Bilbao) Open Monday to Saturday from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm.
A cutting-edge multipurpose center dedicated to art and music, the BBK nightclub offers jazz concerts, as well as blues and rock nights. Furthermore, every July it hosts Bilbao BBK Live , a musical event that brings together international musicians and singers.
Bilbaina Jazz Club
(Campo de Volantín Pasealekua, 22, Bilbao) Open since the 1990s, Bilbaina Jazz Club is a must-see for all jazz lovers, with regular performances by local and internationally renowned artists.
The bars and pubs of Bilbao
Café Bar Bilbao
(Plaza Nueva, 6, Bilbao) Open Monday to Friday from 7:00 am to 11:00 pm, Saturday from 8:30 am to 11:30 pm, and Sunday from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm.
Located in Plaza Nueva in the heart of the Casco Viejo, Café Bar is one of Bilbao's oldest bars . The traditional interior decor lends a warm atmosphere, which is further enhanced by the friendly staff. The first thing you'll notice when you enter this bar is the wide selection of pintxos, which completely cover the bar in a tempting display. Many locals meet here for a drink while munching on these appetizers, the Basque equivalent of Spanish tapas.
Pub K2
(Erronda Kalea, 13, Bilbao) Open Monday to Thursday from 9:00 am to 2:00 am, Friday from 9:00 am to 4:00 am, Saturday from 11:00 am to 4:00 am, Sunday from 12:00 pm to 11:00 pm.
One of the most popular bars in Bilbao , K2 is a modest, tunnel-shaped pub frequented by a young, studious crowd, especially on weekends when it stays open late. Pintxos are available, but most people prefer to gather outside, chatting over pints and glasses of local wine.
Twiggy
(Urkixo Zumarkalea, 37, Bilbao) Open Monday and Tuesday from 10:00 am to 3:00 am, Wednesday from 10:00 am to midnight, Thursday from 10:00 am to 1:00 am, Friday from 10:00 am to 2:30 am, Saturday from 1:00 pm to 2:30 am, Sunday from 4:00 pm to 11:00 pm.
This pub has a kitsch style reminiscent of the 1960s. A fun place, a little hippy and psychedelic, with good pop music playing in the background.
La Terraza del Yandiola
(Edif. Alhóndiga Bilbao, Plaza Arriquibar 4, Bilbao) Open Monday to Thursday from 2:30 PM to 11:00 PM, and Friday to Sunday from 1:00 PM to midnight.
Start your evening at this sophisticated Bilbao rooftop bar, offering top-notch cocktails and stunning city views from the third floor, all accompanied by chillout music. It attracts a well-dressed crowd.
Peso Neto
(San Frantzisko Kalea, 1, Bilbao) Open Sunday to Thursday from 11:00 am to 1:00 am, Friday and Saturday from 11:00 am to 2:00 am.
Located on the south bank of the river, this bar is a great spot for a relaxed evening. The interior is awash with glass jar chandeliers, string lights, and curious papier-mâché heads on the walls, as well as old-school funk music. Stop by for their well-crafted cocktails, Paulaner on tap, and various culinary temptations.
Bihotz Café
(Arechaga Kalea, 6, Bilbao) Open Sunday 11:00 am to 10:00 pm, Tuesday to Thursday 3:00 pm to 10:00 pm, Friday 1:00 pm to 11:00 pm, and Saturday 11:00 am to 11:00 pm.
This small, unashamedly hipster bar attracts craft beer lovers with its cozy, eclectically decorated interior, featuring colorful furniture and hanging bicycle parts, and an alternative soundtrack playing in your head. A friendly crowd and tasty snacks add to the charm.
Residence Café
(Barraincúa Kalea, 1, Bilbao) Open Sunday to Thursday from 1:00 PM to 1:30 AM, and Friday and Saturday from 1:00 PM to 3:00 AM.
A fantastic little bar that hosts acoustic jam sessions throughout the month, including Irish folk, blues, and classic rock. Even when there's nothing going on, it's a great place to sip a nice cocktail or try one of the 200 varieties of whiskey.
La Korrala
(Barrenkale Kalea, 4, Bilbao) Open Thursday to Saturday from 6:00 PM to 2:30 AM.
A relaxed spot for a cocktail with a good-looking crowd, outdoor seating, and a colorful interior. A gay-friendly bar open only on weekend nights.
Kubrick Bar
(Villarías Kalea, 2, Bilbao) Open Sunday to Thursday from 10:00 am to 11:30 pm, Friday and Saturday from 10:00 am to 2:00 am.
Film buffs, especially Stanley Kubrick fans, can't leave Bilbao without a trip to Kubrick Bar . As the name suggests, this bar is lovingly dedicated to the famous director: the interior is completely covered in posters of his films, and the bar is also open for breakfast and lunch for full meals and pintxos, but really comes alive after dark.
Baobab Bar Teterìa
(Printzipe Kalea, 1, Bilbao) Open Mondays from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM, Thursdays and Fridays from 11:00 AM to midnight, and Saturdays and Sundays from 12:00 PM to 1:00 AM.
Baobab Bar Teterìa is not only the best place in Bilbao to enjoy teas from around the world, but it's also the ideal place to discover a wide range of tasty natural juices and a fantastic selection of local and international beers. The cool, vintage interior makes it a relaxing spot to meet up with friends, and it's also popular among locals for a warm drink and cozy up on cold winter nights.
Kukusoak Taberna
(Barrenkale-Barrena Kalea, 18, Bilbao) Open Monday to Thursday from 10:00 am to midnight, Friday and Saturday from 12:00 pm to 3:00 am, and Sunday from 12:00 pm to midnight.
Kukusoak Taberna is known for two things: killer sandwiches and a fantastic happy hour. This bar-restaurant regularly offers great deals on local specialties and pintxos, including an exclusive selection of unique gin & tonics. Be sure to attend one of their many events, including DJ sets, live concerts, and karaoke nights.
Irrintzi
(Santa Maria Kalea, 8, Bilbao) Open Monday to Thursday from 9:30 am to 11:00 pm, Friday from 9:30 am to 1:00 am, Saturday from 12:00 pm to 1:00 am, Sunday from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
This is a great example of a traditional Spanish bar, with an excellent mixed menu of tapas and pintxos, a stellar wine selection, live music, and a wonderful atmosphere. You'll find every side of Bilbao at Irrintzi, from tourists to students, families, and lonely locals, all drawn here for the friendly service, tasty food, drinks, and relaxed atmosphere. Although this bar is located on Santa Maria, one of the busiest streets in Casco Viejo, Irrintzi is the best alternative for the discerning traveler to the many tourist traps in this historic area.
Bluesville
(Telesforo Aranzadi Kalea, 1, Bilbao) Open Thursdays from 7:00 PM to 4:00 AM, Fridays from 8:00 PM to 5:00 AM, and Saturdays from 8:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
This bar, which serves excellent cocktails, stands out for its medieval-style atmosphere.
Sir Winston Churchill Pub
(Sabino Arana Etorbidea, 1, Bilbao) Open Sunday to Thursday from 4:00 PM to 2:30 AM, Friday and Saturday from 4:00 PM to 4:00 AM.
Among the city's most popular pubs is Sir Winston Churchill , a must-see for Bilbao's nightlife. It's crowded, offers a wide selection of beers, cocktails, and traditional Basque cuisine.
