When the good weather comes, the Cathedral does not rest; Athletic Club’s stadium is transformed into one of the most dynamic epicentres of leisure, culture and entertainment in Bizkaia. Planning a visit to San Mames in summer has become one of the best plans for those looking to discover the city from a different perspective, a temple that stands out in its own right is included in the Top 10 places to see in and around Bilbao. Whether as part of your sightseeing tour or as an option for a rainy day, San Mames offers an interactive catalogue that guarantees an unforgettable day for the whole family, whether or not the ball is rolling on the pitch.
Events and activities in San Mames during the summer
During the summer months, San Mames becomes a multifunctional space that hosts major cultural and musical events in Bilbao. Its multifunctional design and spectacular acoustics make it the ideal venue to host major music events in Bilbao this summer, attracting world-renowned bands and artists. These events reinforce the stadium’s role as one of the most important venues for events in Bilbao in summer.
Beyond the great musical events, summer at the Cathedral is synonymous with community life and versatility. The grass and adjacent areas host events from eSports competitions to cultural fairs and educational workshops. For the youngest members of the family, the stadium organises sports campuses aimed at developing values, comradeship and healthy habits, enabling children to train in the same place as their idols. The offer is rounded off with live shows and conferences on health and sport that constantly revitalise the summer in Bilbao.
The secrets of the Cathedral: visits and tours at your own pace
For fans of football and history, the summer season is the perfect opportunity to visit San Mames without the rush and crowds of official competition days. The stadium opens up its most exclusive areas through carefully designed immersive experiences. Fans can visit the changing rooms to breathe in the atmosphere before the big matches, sit in the press room where the managers appear, go down the mythical tunnel towards the pitch and sit directly on the bench on the edge of the pitch, enjoying a privileged panoramic view of the empty stands that is awe-inspiring for its verticality.
The experience is enriched by the possibility of booking on-line. Those who prefer the freedom to explore every corner at their own pace can book the audio-guided tour of San Mames, an interactive tour enriched with state-of-the-art audiovisual resources. On the other hand, if you are looking to delve deeper into the intricacies and legends narrated by experts from the club, book the museum + tour with an official guide, discovering the history of a unique changing room on the international football scene. Both options include direct access to the museum and the VIP area of the stadium.
The living memory of the AC Museum and a temple of culinary delights
Any itinerary to enjoy Bilbao in summer should include a stop at AC Museum, a space designed to protect and disseminate the club’s legacy. Far from being a cold showcase exhibition, the museum combines the display of priceless objects – such as 1913 pioneer T-shirts, historic trophies and founding documents – with touch screens, real-time projections and interactive quizzes that test the visitor’s knowledge. It also has a well-kept children’s area with a games library, red and white themed storytelling and football workshops to bring the values of sport to the little ones in a fun way. Consult all the information and plan your direct access from the San Mames Tour official booking platform.
The summer experience at the stadium is rounded off with the commercial and culinary side of things. The exterior and rest areas are transformed into terraces and socialising spaces ideal for relaxing after a walk through the city. For the most demanding palates, the prestigious San Mames Jatetxea restaurant offers a culinary proposal of haute Basque cuisine with direct views over the pitch, serving traditional dishes with modern touches, such as cod in pil-pil sauce or hake a la koskera, paired with first-class local wines. Finally, the club’s official store offers the perfect place to buy sports souvenirs and official kits, rounding off a great day that proves that the Cathedral is the highlight of any agenda on what to do in Bilbao.
