Nightlife in Bilbao
We’ve visited the most important touristy things in Bilbao, we’ve been shopping, we’ve had some “pintxos”… and now what? Go out, or go to our apartment to sleep?
The night is young, and despite the lethargy and fatigue that can build up during a day of tourism, we recommend heading out to investigate the nightlife of Bilbao. Here’s some suggestions so you know where to go out in Bilbao.
Of all the areas for going out in Bilbao, the most popular are the Old Quarter, Indautxu and Mazarredo.
Old Quarter
This is the perfect place for trying a few pintxos, a few cheeky glasses of wine and some local beer in the pubs. With bars offering everything from rock to Spanish-style cheese in the centre of Bilbao, you won’t want for somewhere to have a drink or listen to some live music. If you’re looking for big clubs, however, this isn’t for you.
• Azkena (Ibáñez de Bilbao, 26) – Concerts, rock and alternative music. A classic of Bilbao.
• Kafe Antzokia (San Vicente, 2) – A legend on the Bilbao scene, with very varied music.
• Yandiola (Pl. Arriquibar, 4) – This is a restaurant, but the upper floor has a terrace with attractive views in which chillout music is played and cocktails are served.
• Umore Ona (C/ Esperanza, unnumbered) – A Bilbao classic, where you can have a few drinks to the beat of authentic rock. There’s also live performances.
Indautxu
This area is more selective and calm, although the drinks are also a little more expensive. The most popular street of the area, thanks to its large number of bars, is the C/ Licenciado Poza, more simply known as “Pozas”.
• La Compañía del Ron (Aguirre Maximo 23) – A bar which offers a large variety of rum of different Brands from all around the world.
• Cotton Club (Gregorio de la Revilla, 25) – A small, welcoming bar that sometimos has live music.
• Twiggy (Alameda Urquijo, 37) – A classic Bilbao pub, decked out in psychodelic style, in where pop music reigns the decks.
• Antigua Cigarrería (C/ Astarloa, 5) – A coquettish bar for enjoying drinks and pintxos.
• Corto Maltés (María Díaz de Haro, 20) – Small, with nautical decoration and good drinks.
Mazarredo
Another major going out zone in Bilbao. This is where people go when the bars in other areas are closed and they want to keep the party going. The majority of places to go out in Mazarredo are some kind of club.
• Divino Cielo (Alameda de Mazarredo, 41) – One of the most well-treaded bars in Bilbao, where commercial music is mostly played.
• Charol (Alameda de Mazarredo, 51) – A club with commercial but varied music and a diverse crowd.
• Galeón (Alameda de Mazarredo, 25) – A point of reference in the area. Up-to-date music and surprising decoration.
