Welcome to Bilbao, a city full of life that combines a passion for football with a rich cultural and gastronomic offering! What’s more, you can visit many of its numerous attractions on foot. So don’t hesitate, if you come to enjoy an exciting Champions League match at San Mamés, leave your bags in your hotel room and head out to discover why Bilbao is like the red-&-white team: unique in the world.
1. Casco Viejo: What to see in a day
Start your day with a stroll through the Casco Viejo, the historic heart of the city. Its narrow streets, such as the famous Siete Calles (Seven Streets), are full of charm, local shops and bars.
2. Plaza Nueva
In the heart of this cluster of streets is the Plaza Nueva, the perfect place to enjoy a coffee or breakfast with a tortilla pintxo. A few steps away is Santiago Cathedral, a 14th-century Gothic treasure.
3 Ribera Market: The best pintxos in Bilbao
From the Old Town, head to the Ribera Market (Mercado de la Ribera), one of the largest covered markets in Europe. Here you can sample local products such as Idiazabal cheese and drink (in moderation) txakoli, a Basque white wine, ideal for getting into the spirit of things.
4. Guggenheim Museum
After that, head to the Guggenheim Museum, the symbol of Bilbao’s transformation. This impressive building designed by Frank Gehry is a work of art in itself. If you have time, explore its temporary exhibitions. But be sure to take a stroll around the surrounding area, where you’ll find Jeff Koons’ colossal sculpture Puppy, made of flowers, and the La Salve Bridge, from which you’ll have a spectacular view of the Bilbao River.
5. Stop for lunch in San Mamés
For lunch, next to the Moyúa Metro exit on Diputación Street, or on Ledesma, about a 15-minute walk from the museum, you’ll find countless bars and restaurants where you can try elaborate pintxos or a set menu with typical dishes such as bacalao al pil-pil (cod in pil-pil sauce) or chuletón (steak).
And less than half an hour’s walk away, you can eat at any of the three restaurants in San Mamés: San Mames Jatetxea, La Campa de los Ingleses y Geuria!
6. San Mamés Cathedral: a must-see in Bilbao
Head towards the stadium by walking through Doña Casilda Park, a green oasis perfect for relaxing, located just 15 minutes from the football ground.
7. San Mamés and AC Museoa Tour: feel the history
A visit to Bilbao is not complete without immersing yourself in the red-&-white spirit at AC Museoa, the Athletic Club Museum, with its more than 1,000 original objects and numerous interactive videos that review the history of the zurigorri club since 1898.
Another way to delve into what makes Athletic Club a team that is ‘unique in the world’ is through the Stadium Tour, which you can take with a guide or audio guide (available in Spanish, Basque, English and French). Visit the changing rooms, the press room, the dugouts…
8. Experience the authentic Bilbao atmosphere in Pozas
As kick-off approaches, the atmosphere in Bilbao becomes electric. When you leave the AC Museoa and the tour, head to Licenciado Poza Street, known as ‘Pozas’, where Athletic Club fans gather in bars to have a drink and sing, or rather, bellow out classic chants in support of the lions.
9. Evening: Feel the excitement of the Champions League
San Mamés is not just another stadium: it is the Cathedral. It is impossible not to be speechless as you enter the stadium and hear thousands of fans cheering on their team minutes before the start of a match.
Enjoy the Champions League clash in a unique way with any of our VIP experiences, which give you exclusive access to the stadium, premium amenities and the best view of the game, as well as catering before, during and after the match. Choose your favourite option!
Take note of this plan and experience an unforgettable Champions League day in Bilbao!
