Bilbao, the largest city in the Basque Country, offers a fascinating blend of traditional Basque culture and modern, cutting-edge design, particularly evident since the opening of the Guggenheim Museum. Here’s a comprehensive guide to its clubs, lifestyle, and entertainment:
Clubs & Nightlife:
Bilbao’s nightlife is vibrant and typically starts late, often after 10 PM. The most popular areas are the Casco Viejo (Old Town) and Indautxu.
Casco Viejo: This historic heart of Bilbao is packed with lively bars, traditional taverns serving pintxos (Basque tapas), and a buzzing atmosphere.
Basquery: A unique spot combining a brewery, bakery, and restaurant, perfect for craft beers and a lively atmosphere.
Antigua Cigarrería: A charming bar with an extensive selection of wines and spirits, known for its cozy interior.
Kubrick: A bar with an eclectic decor inspired by Stanley Kubrick’s films, offering creative cocktails.
Mula de Moscú: Known for inventive cocktails and a vibrant ambiance.
Happy River: Located along the Nervión River, offering stunning views and a relaxed vibe.
Cafe Bar Bilbao: A traditional spot with a checkered floor, tiled walls, and a classic selection of pintxos.
El Huevo Frito: A tiny, cheerful, informal tapas bar popular with locals.
Gran Café El Mercante: Another popular bar in the Old Town.
Plaza Nueva: This arcaded square in the Casco Viejo is home to numerous bars and restaurants, ideal for pintxos and drinks.
Indautxu: This neighborhood is known for its nightclubs and live music venues.
Moma Club: A modern club with an eclectic mix of beats spun by top DJs, known for its state-of-the-art sound system.
Taylor: A chic club with stylish decor and curated playlists, offering a more intimate setting.
Azkena: Renowned for live music performances, hosting local bands and international acts.
Sumerian: Provides an otherworldly experience with themed nights and creative cocktails.
Crystal: Known for its glamorous ambiance and upscale clientele.
Fever: A popular nightclub with four different rooms, each offering different music genres. Also known for its “Art After Dark” events at the Guggenheim.
Kafe Antzokia: A cultural center in a former theater, promoting Basque language and culture, with live music, DJ sessions, and parties.
Bilborock: Housed in a deconsecrated 17th-century church, this venue is a hub for avant-garde culture and live music, experimental art, cinema, and dance.
Sala Sonora: A venue for electronic music with a top-of-the-line sound system.
Sala Stage Live: A larger club with a rooftop terrace, hosting international DJs and live acts.
Cotton Club: An excellent club for dancing, with a mixture of DJs and live pop and rock groups.
New Holiday: A refurbished nightclub with DJs playing electro, pop, and rock music.
Residence: A popular spot for whiskey lovers, known for its friendly atmosphere.
Muelle de Marzana: A happening spot for nightlife near the riverfront.
Lifestyle and Entertainment Locations:
Bilbao has undergone a remarkable transformation, blending its industrial past with a vibrant contemporary cultural scene.
Guggenheim Museum Bilbao: The undisputed symbol of Bilbao’s regeneration. Designed by Frank O. Gehry, this stunning titanium and glass structure houses modern and contemporary art. Don’t miss the outdoor sculptures like “Puppy” and “Maman.”
Casco Viejo (Old Town): A charming maze of narrow streets, historic squares (like Plaza Nueva), and traditional taverns. It’s excellent for strolling, enjoying pintxos, and finding independent boutiques.
Gran Vía: Bilbao’s main shopping street, part of the stylish Ensanche district, lined with major international brands and department stores like El Corte Inglés.
Mercado de la Ribera: Europe’s largest covered food market, a bustling hub for fresh produce, meats, seafood, and a vibrant atmosphere with food stalls and bars. Its Art Deco design is also noteworthy.
Azkuna Zentroa (formerly Alhóndiga Bilbao): A former wine cellar transformed into a striking cultural and leisure center by Philippe Starck. It features a library, cinema, exhibition spaces, restaurants, a rooftop pool, and a unique design with 43 columns.
Bilbao Fine Arts Museum (Museo de Bellas Artes de Bilbao): Houses an extensive collection of Spanish, European, and Basque art spanning from the Middle Ages to the present day.
Arriaga Theatre (Teatro Arriaga Antzokia): A beautiful neo-baroque theater inspired by the Paris Opera House, hosting a variety of cultural performances including opera, ballet, and theater.
Euskalduna Conference Centre and Concert Hall: A modern, ship-like structure that hosts conferences, concerts, and various events.
Mount Artxanda / Artxanda Funicular: Take the funicular up Mount Artxanda for panoramic views of Bilbao, the river, and the Guggenheim Museum.
Doña Casilda Park (Parque Doña Casilda de Iturrizar): A beautiful green space with a lake, pergolas, and a charming atmosphere, often referred to as “Bilbao’s green lung.” It’s also home to the Fine Arts Museum.
Santiago Cathedral (Catedral de Santiago): The Basque Country’s most significant Gothic monument, located in the Casco Viejo.
San Mamés Stadium: Home to Athletic Club Bilbao, a must-visit for football fans, offering stadium tours.
Zubizuri Bridge (Calatrava Bridge): A distinctive white arch pedestrian bridge designed by Santiago Calatrava, crossing the Nervión River.
Vizcaya Bridge (Puente Colgante): A UNESCO World Heritage site and the world’s first transporter bridge, connecting Portugalete and Las Arenas across the Nervión Estuary. You can take a gondola ride or walk across the top for views.
Pintxos Tours: A quintessential Bilbao experience. Join a guided tour or explore on your own to sample the famous pintxos in various bars, often paired with local wines like Txakoli.
Boat Tours on the Nervión River: Discover Bilbao’s architecture and landmarks from a different perspective on a boat tour along the estuary.
Bilbao Arena: A modern venue that hosts sports events and concerts.
Local Markets: Besides Mercado de la Ribera, explore other local markets and the Sunday antique market at Plaza Nueva.
Shopping Centers:
Zubiarte Shopping Mall: A unique urban shopping center near the Guggenheim.
Megapark: A large retail park outside the city (in Barakaldo), with a wide range of stores including Ikea and Decathlon, plus a cinema and karting center.
Ballonti: A newer shopping center in Portugalete.
Beaches (nearby): While Bilbao itself isn’t on the coast, beautiful beaches like Ereaga Beach in Getxo are easily accessible by metro.
Day Trips: Bilbao is a great base for exploring the Basque Country, with popular day trips including San Juan de Gaztelugatxe (a stunning hermitage on an islet), and the Rioja wine region.
Understanding Weed Laws in Bilbao
Before diving into the cannabis culture of Bilbao, understanding Spain’s legal stance on cannabis is essential:
Key Points:
- Private Consumption: weed use and possession are legal in private spaces. However, public consumption or possession can result in hefty fines.
- Cannabis Social Clubs: Bilbao has several weed social clubs operating under strict regulations. To become a member, you must be 18 or older (some clubs require members to be 21) and usually need a local sponsor.
- Sales and Trafficking: The sale of weed is illegal and carries severe penalties. Only regulated clubs provide legal access for personal use.
Knowing these regulations is crucial for a safe and legal weed experience in Bilbao.
When you smoke the herb, it reveals you to yourself.
How to Legally Experience cannabis in Bilbao
To explore Bilbao’s cannabis scene responsibly, consider these options:
- Join a cannabis Club
- Visit CBD Shops
- Bilbao has several CBD stores offering oils, edibles, and wellness products, providing therapeutic benefits without psychoactive effects.
- Attend Educational Workshops
- Learn about cultivation, responsible use, and legal considerations through local workshops hosted by community organizations.
- Participate in cannabis-Friendly Experiences
- Some tour operators offer experiences combining weed with Bilbao’s cultural highlights, such as art tours or culinary adventures.
Tips for Responsible Cannabis Exploration in Bilbao
- Follow Local Laws: Only consume weed in private areas or licensed clubs.
- Choose Reputable Clubs: Avoid street dealers; join recognized social clubs.
- Stay Informed: Keep up with local regulations, as cannabis laws can change.
- Be Discreet: Respect local customs by consuming weed privately.
- Prioritize Safety: Obtain cannabis from reputable clubs for quality assurance.
Summary
Bilbao provides a unique opportunity to explore cannabis culture within a rich cultural setting. By respecting local laws and engaging responsibly, visitors can enjoy Bilbao’s weed scene safely. Beyond cannabis, Bilbao’s world-class museums, culinary experiences, and picturesque landscapes ensure an unforgettable visit to the Basque Country’s most dynamic city.
