ABOUT
Bilbao is a city where football is more than just a game - it’s an identity. Home to Athletic Club, one of Spain’s most historic teams, the city’s passion is felt in the streets, bars, and San Mamés Stadium, famously known as "The Cathedral." A must-visit for any football fan.
Bilbao is a footballing city like no other, home to Athletic Club, a team with a unique identity and deep-rooted traditions. Known for their Basque-only player policy, Athletic Club represents the region’s culture and pride, making their connection with the city even stronger. Matchdays at San Mamés, often called The Cathedral, are electric, with fans creating one of Spain’s most passionate atmospheres.
Beyond the stadium, football is ingrained in daily life. Bars across the city, especially around Plaza Moyúa and Casco Viejo, fill with supporters discussing the latest matches. The Athletic Club Museum at San Mamés offers an in-depth look at the club’s storied past, while the city itself blends modern innovation with Basque heritage. Whether soaking in the pre-match buzz at a pintxo bar or exploring the city’s football history, Bilbao offers an unforgettable experience for any football fan.
Athletic Club
Tickets for Athletic Club games at San Mamés can be purchased through the official club website (www.athletic-club.eus) or at the stadium’s ticket office. It is advisable to buy tickets in advance, especially for high-profile matches like those against Real Madrid, Barcelona, or Basque rivals Real Sociedad, which sell out quickly.
Tickets typically go on sale two to three weeks before a match, with priority given to club members (socios). If seats remain, general sale follows. Prices vary depending on the opponent and seat location, generally starting at €30-€50 for standard seats and exceeding €100 for premium areas.
For a guaranteed ticket, consider official hospitality packages, which include premium seating and VIP services. Athletic Club also has a resale platform for official ticket exchanges if a game is sold out.
On matchdays, limited tickets may be available at the stadium box office, but this is not guaranteed. It’s always safer to book online. As always, avoid third-party resellers.
THE PROCESS
1. Check Fixture Schedule: Visit the official Athletic Club website (www.athletic-club.eus) to find upcoming matches at San Mamés. Matches are usually confirmed a few weeks in advance, with specific dates and kickoff times.
2. Ticket Sales Timeline: Tickets typically go on sale 2-3 weeks before each match.
Priority sale is given to club members (socios). If seats remain, tickets move to general sale on the official website.
3. Buying Tickets Online: Visit www.athletic-club.eus and navigate to the ticketing section.
Select your match, seating category, and quantity. Create an account (if required) and complete payment securely online. E-tickets are sent via email—print them or download them to your phone.
4. Buying Tickets at the Stadium: Limited tickets may be available at the San Mamés box office, but availability is not guaranteed, especially for high-demand games. The ticket office is located at the stadium and opens a few hours before kickoff on matchdays.
5. Secondary Market & Resale: Athletic Club operates an official resale platform where season ticket holders can list tickets for resale.
Top tip: Set up alerts via the official website or app to receive notifications about ticket sales, ensuring you don’t miss out on your desired match. There may be some tickets on the day, but we recommend trying to purchase in advance.
San Mamés, one of Spain’s most atmospheric stadiums, offers a range of seating options catering to different preferences—whether you want to be in the heart of the passionate Athletic Club fanbase or prefer a more relaxed experience with a perfect view of the action.
North and South Goals – The Heart of the Atmosphere: If you want to experience the most electric atmosphere, the North Stand (Grada Norte) and South Stand (Grada Sur) are the places to be. These areas are home to the Athletic Club ultras, known for their unwavering support, non-stop chanting, and incredible tifo displays. The North Stand Lower (Grada Popular Norte) is a safe-standing section, where the loudest and most hardcore supporters gather. The South Stand also has a strong atmosphere but is slightly less intense than the North Stand. Expect a lot of singing, standing, and passionate support—perfect for those who want an immersive matchday experience.
Main Stand (Tribuna Principal) – The Best Views: Offers some of the best sightlines in the stadium and is where many of the season ticket holders sit. If you want comfort and a great tactical view, this is the ideal section.
These seats are covered, making them a good choice for winter games.
Expect a more relaxed atmosphere, with many long-time Athletic fans, families, and club members.
East Stand (Tribuna Este) – Well-Balanced Experience: For those looking for a good mix of atmosphere and comfort, the East Stand (Tribuna Este) is a solid option. This stand offers a clear and unobstructed view of the pitch. It is less intense than the goal-end sections but still full of passionate fans.
A good choice for first-time visitors or those who want to experience the crowd energy without being in the thick of it.
San Mamés Stadium Tour: Experience the Heart of Athletic Club
A visit to San Mamés isn’t complete without taking the Athletic Club Stadium Tour, offering a behind-the-scenes look at one of Spain’s most historic football clubs. Whether you're a die-hard Athletic fan or simply a football enthusiast, this tour provides a unique insight into La Catedral, a stadium steeped in Basque football tradition.
What to Expect: The guided tour takes visitors through the players' tunnel, dressing rooms, press conference area, and the dugouts, offering a true matchday experience. You'll get to walk onto the pitch and feel the passion that makes San Mamés one of the most electrifying stadiums in European football.
Athletic Club Museum: The Athletic Club Museum, included in the tour, showcases the club’s rich history, iconic players, trophies, and dedication to its Basque-only player policy. It’s a deep dive into a club that is as much a cultural institution as a football team.
Booking and Pricing: Tickets for the stadium tour can be booked online via the official Athletic Club website or purchased at the stadium. Prices typically range from €10-€15 for adults, with discounts for children and groups. Tours run daily, except on matchdays.
Address: San Mamés Stadium, Rafael Moreno Pitxitxi Kalea, s/n, 48013 Bilbao, Spain.
San Mamés is centrally located in Bilbao, easily accessible by public transport, and within walking distance.
🚇 Metro: The Bilbao Metro has a station named San Mamés, just a short walk from the stadium. Tram services also stop nearby at San Mamés Tram Stop.
🚌 Bus: Several Bilbobus routes serve the area, including lines 26, 38, and 62.
🚆 Train: Bilbao Abando Station is a 20-minute walk away.
🚗 Car: If driving, parking near the stadium is limited on matchdays, so using public transport is recommended. Bilbao Airport is around 20 minutes away by taxi.
Located just a short walk from San Mamés, this stylish and budget-friendly hotel offers comfortable rooms, a gym, and an on-site restaurant. Ideal for convenience and quality.
Hotel Carlton offers classic luxury with stunning architecture and elegant rooms. It’s a short metro ride from San Mamés and within walking distance of major attractions.
This stylish hostel offers dormitory and private rooms, a lively bar, and a friendly atmosphere. It’s an excellent and affordable choice who want culture and matchday excitement.
A stone's throw from the Guggenheim Museum and overlooking the river, this Vincci is an affordable, modern 4-star hotel with a terrace and boasts an avant-garde design.
SEAFOOD AND BASQUE SPECIALITIES
Bilbao’s cuisine is a reflection of the Basque Country’s rich culinary heritage, blending fresh local ingredients with deep-rooted traditions. At the heart of its food culture is pintxos, small, flavorful bites typically served on bread and skewered with a toothpick. These are best enjoyed in the lively bars of Casco Viejo, where locals hop from one tavern to the next in a beloved tradition known as pintxos hopping.
Seafood plays a major role in Bilbao’s gastronomy, with bacalao a la vizcaína (salt cod in a red pepper sauce) and chipirones en su tinta (squid in its ink) being local favorites. The txuleton, a massive grilled ribeye steak, showcases the region’s love for quality meats.
To accompany a meal, Txakoli, a slightly sparkling, dry white wine, is a must-try. The city is also known for its Basque cider, enjoyed in traditional sagardotegis (cider houses).
For dessert, pastel vasco (Basque cake) and pantxineta (a puff pastry filled with custard and almonds) offer a sweet finish. Whether dining in Michelin-starred restaurants or enjoying a casual meal in a local tavern, Bilbao’s cuisine is a sensory journey through one of Spain’s most celebrated food cultures.
Bordering the San Mamés, it serves classic Basque dishes, including pintxos and seafood. A perfect pre-game stop for those wanting an authentic taste of Bilbao’s gastronomy.
Located along the Nervión River, an intimate Michelin-starred restaurant offering a modern take on Basque cuisine, using seasonal and locally sourced ingredients.
A Bilbao institution, this 1903 café is famous for its stunning Moorish-inspired decor and delicious pintxos. It’s a great spot for a casual yet memorable meal.
One of the city’s most famous pintxos bars, and in the Old Town, Cafe Bar Bilbao is a must-visit for those wanting to enjoy local wines or a zurito (small beer).
Home to the official Athletic Club fan club (Pena). Situated in the Old Town, it’s a must-visit for fans looking to sample the diehard fan in Bilbao’s pre-game culinary experience.
Wine, beer, and local Spanish cider
Bilbao’s drinking culture is deeply tied to its Basque roots, offering a mix of traditional and modern beverages that reflect the city’s vibrant social scene. At the heart of it all is Txakoli, a lightly sparkling, dry white wine that is crisp and slightly acidic, making it the perfect pairing for seafood and pintxos. Poured from a height into a glass to enhance its freshness, it’s a must-try for visitors.
For beer lovers, Bilbao’s bars serve both local craft beers and classic Spanish lagers like Estrella Galicia and Mahou. The city has also embraced the craft beer movement, with breweries such as Basquery offering locally brewed IPAs, stouts, and pilsners.
Another staple is Basque cider (sagardoa), traditionally enjoyed in sagardotegis (cider houses) where it’s poured straight from large barrels. Unlike sweeter ciders found elsewhere, Basque cider is tart and refreshing.
Wine enthusiasts can explore Rioja wines, as the nearby La Rioja region produces some of Spain’s finest reds. And for a stronger finish, locals often sip on Patxaran, a traditional Basque liqueur made from sloe berries and anise.
A go-to spot for fans on matchdays, this lively pub near San Mamés is one of many stomping grounds frequented by locals and the perfect place to soak up the pre-match excitement.
If you're near the famous Poza street, not heading to the match and looking for a place to watch Athletic Club, Covent Garden is one of Bilbao’s hottest spots for football-viewing.
Bilbao’s go-to bar for English football. It can get crowded, so be prepared to stand but it has multiple screens, a lively local atmosphere, and a strong selection of beers on tap.
A cultural landmark in Bilbao, this former theatre turned bar and music venue is a favourite for late-night drinks, live performances, and a buzzing atmosphere.
Athletic Club’s fans are among the most passionate and loyal in European football. Known as Los Leones (The Lions), they take immense pride in the club’s unique identity, which only fields players from the Basque Country or those developed in its academy. This deep-rooted philosophy fosters an intense connection between the team and its supporters, making Athletic Club more than just a football club—it’s a symbol of Basque pride and culture.
San Mamés, often called La Catedral, is one of the most atmospheric stadiums in Spain, with the supporters generating an electric atmosphere on matchdays. The Herri Harmaila (the club’s most vocal ultras) lead the chants, ensuring a non-stop wall of noise, particularly against big rivals like Real Sociedad or Barcelona.
Athletic’s supporters are renowned for their unwavering loyalty. The club has never been relegated from LaLiga, a testament to both the team’s resilience and the fans’ belief. The city of Bilbao lives and breathes football, and on matchdays, streets and bars are filled with red-and-white shirts, creating a festival-like atmosphere. Whether home or away, Athletic’s fans travel in numbers, supporting their team with relentless passion and unwavering pride, embodying the club’s famous motto: Con cantera y afición, no hace falta importación ("With youth and support, imports are not needed").
Athletic, Gorri ta Zuria
One of the most famous chants among Athletic Club fans is "Athletic, Gorri ta Zuria", which translates to "Athletic, Red and White." This chant is a passionate anthem sung at San Mamés to rally the team and celebrate their Basque identity.
Athletic, gorri ta zuria, danontzat zara zu geuria, erritik sortu zinalako, maite zaitu erriak.
English Translation: Athletic, red and white, you belong to all of us, because you were born from the people, the people love you.
Bilbao is a city that seamlessly blends tradition with modern living. Locals, known as bilbaínos, take immense pride in their Basque heritage, embracing a lifestyle centered around community, cuisine, and football. The city moves at a relaxed pace, with residents enjoying leisurely strolls along the Nervión River or socializing in the lively Casco Viejo (Old Town).
Food plays a crucial role in daily life, with locals hopping between pintxos bars, savoring small bites alongside txakoli wine. Athletic Club is a cornerstone of Bilbao’s identity, with matchdays transforming the city into a sea of red and white. Despite its industrial past, Bilbao has evolved into a hub of innovation and culture, yet remains deeply rooted in its traditions.
CURRENCY: EUROS
A masterpiece of contemporary architecture, the museum is Bilbao’s most famous attraction. The striking titanium-clad structure houses world-class modern art exhibitions.
Bilbao’s charming old quarter is full of narrow streets, traditional Basque bars, and lively plazas. It’s the perfect place to wander, soak up local culture, and sample pintxos.
Designed by Santiago Calatrava, this sleek bridge spans the Nervión River, offering views of Bilbao’s skyline and a bold contrast to the city’s historic and modern architecture.
For breathtaking views of Bilbao, take the funicular to Mount Artxanda. A great spot for a peaceful walk, it offers stunning cityscapes and a chance to see Bilbao from high up.
Matchday phrases
Hola, ¿cómo estás? – Hello, how are you?
Gracias / Muchas gracias – Thank you / Thank you very much
Por favor – Please
¿Dónde está San Mamés? – Where is San Mamés?
¿Cómo llego al estadio? – How do I get to the stadium?
¿Dónde puedo comprar entradas para el partido? – Where can I buy tickets for the match?
¿Cuánto cuesta una entrada? – How much does a ticket cost?
¿A qué hora empieza el partido? – What time does the match start?
¿Dónde está la tienda oficial del Athletic Club? – Where is the official Athletic Club store?
Quiero comprar una camiseta del Athletic. – I want to buy an Athletic Club shirt.
Vamos, Athletic! – Come on, Athletic!
Aupa Athletic! – Go Athletic! (Common fan chant)
¿Dónde está mi asiento? – Where is my seat?
¿Puedo ver el menú de bebidas y comida? – Can I see the drinks and food menu?
Quisiera una cerveza/un vino/un agua, por favor. – I’d like a beer/wine/water, please.
¿Dónde están los baños? – Where are the restrooms?
¿Puedo pagar con tarjeta? – Can I pay by card?
¡Qué golazo! – What a great goal!
¡El árbitro está ciego! – The referee is blind!
Post-Match & Social Phrases
¿Dónde está un buen bar para ver el fútbol? – Where is a good bar to watch football?
¿Dónde puedo probar los mejores pintxos? – Where can I try the best pintxos?
Un zurito, por favor. – A small beer, please (common in the Basque Country).
Soy hincha de [insert your team], pero me encanta el Athletic. – I’m a fan of [your team], but I love Athletic too.
¡Bilbao es increíble! – Bilbao is amazing!
¡Nos vemos en San Mamés! – See you at San Mamés!