Travel guideHistorySightsNightlifeMap

Bilbao Nightlife, Spain

Bilbao Nightlife – Eating Out: the Tapas

The Spanish really know how to eat, drink and party and Bilbao makes no exception, although it is not as busy as Madrid or Barcelona. Basque cuisine is known as one of the best in the country, whether it refers to the delicious tapas (small and diverse snacks of your choice) or to the traditional and more complex dishes. Being close to the sea, fish is one of the main ingredients in the local cuisine. The “bacalao” codfish that is available on the menu in almost every restaurant in town is a genuine delicacy, especially if you try it in its plain variant, with just olive oil and garlic. You can also find juicy pork dishes and the best thing about the fruit and vegetables is that they always come extremely fresh. But back to the tapas: in the beginning you’ll find it very hard to choose between so many tapa bars around, but just relax and take a tapa tour of Bilbao, have some local cheese specialties and the cured ham. The best places in town are Calle Licenziado Poza and Calle Barencalle.

Bilbao Nightlife – The Drinks

A favorite for both the Spaniards and the tourists is the popular “poteo”, small portions of local wines that are called “potes”. These are usually served in the evening for a good appetizer before the late dinner and the best spots in town where you can have them are the Casco Viejo and the Licenciado Pozas. The legendary Iruna dating back to 1903 is another place you shouldn’t miss on your wine tour of Bilbao. Try a homemade Sangria (coke plus wine) in La Granja or stop at any of the hundreds of summer terraces and taverns to relax in the sun and meet some of the friendly locals.

Bilbao Nightlife – The Club Scene

Bilbao offers a large number of clubs and bars that stay open until late in the night and where the action usually starts after midnight. The Indauxtu Metro station is where you’ll find most of the night life and the clubs with the highest popularity. If you’re into real dancing you should try Disco Rock Star, Disco Pub Crystal and El Palladium where you’ll find large, young and friendly crowds. For a more underground experience visit Oker, which plays the latest acid, techno and garage music. The best club in town is said to be Cotton Club, where lots of popular DJs mix during the weekends. Distrito 9 is a very hot alternative dance spot where they have great music and drinks and where you’re sure to make some friends from the large and diverse crowd.