Nestled between green hills and the Nervión River, Bilbao is a city of iron, innovation, and indomitable spirit. Here, the clang of shipyards echoes alongside avant‑garde art, football anthems mingle with Basque rock, and every pintxo tells a story of resilience.
The city’s miners brought football to Bilbao, playing the sport after long shifts underground. British miners and engineers introduced football to the area, and from this melting pot, Athletic Club was born.
Athletic Club Bilbao, founded in 1898, is more than one of Spain’s oldest teams—it’s a living declaration of Basque identity and solidarity. From their origins in the shipyards and ironworks of the late 19th century, Athletic’s commitment to signing only players of Basque heritage has become a powerful symbol of regional pride and cultural resilience. Their famed Lezama Academy, established in the 1970s, is one of Europe’s most productive youth systems, churning out homegrown talents who carry the Basque flag onto the pitch. Over the decades, Athletic has captured La Liga titles, six Copa del Rey trophies, and earned a reputation for fearless, high‑intensity football.
San Mamés—affectionately known as “The Cathedral”—seats 53,000 roaring fans within its bowl, where every cheer and chorus reverberates against steel girders hewn from Bilbao’s own iron mines. Designed to blend modern amenities with its industrial heritage, the stadium’s sweeping roof and exposed metal framework pay homage to the shipyards and foundries that shaped the city. On matchdays, the nervous thrum of anticipation builds in the surrounding streets before fans pour in, red-and-white scarves aloft, transforming San Mamés into a living monument to Basque passion and perseverance.
Alirón is a mining chant from Britain meaning “all iron.” It became Athletic Club’s fan anthem, symbolizing strength, unity, and the city’s industrial roots. It reverberates through San Mamés, uniting supporters in fierce pride. Listen below in our playlist.
Telmo Zarra – A true icon of Athletic’s golden era, Zarra dominated La Liga in the 1940s and ’50s, finishing as the competition’s top scorer six times and holding the all‑time goal record for over half a century. His predatory instincts in the box and unwavering loyalty to Bilbao made him a symbol of Basque pride.
Andoni Zubizarreta – Before becoming Spain’s most capped goalkeeper, Zubizarreta honed his craft in Bilbao’s youth ranks and between the sticks at San Mamés. His calm command of the penalty area and consistent excellence earned him moves to Barça and Valencia, cementing his place among the world’s elite.
Joseba Etxeberria – A one‑club man through and through, Etxeberria dazzled Athletic’s faithful for nearly two decades with his blistering pace, low center of gravity, and ability to beat defenders on the wing. Over 500 appearances and countless decisive moments turned “Jet” into a local legend.
Fernando Llorente – Towering and powerful, Llorente broke through at Athletic with a trademark nod-down and finish that highlighted his aerial prowess. After leading Bilbao’s attack with key goals and cup runs, he moved on to Juventus, Sevilla, and Tottenham, always carrying a piece of San Mamés with him.
Iker Muniain – Debuting as a teenager in 2009, Muniain’s close control, vision, and fierce passion quickly made him a fan favorite. As Athletic’s captain today, he embodies the club’s values, orchestrating play from midfield and inspiring the next generation on the iconic San Mamés turf.
Julen Guerrero – The heart of Athletic in the 1990s, Guerrero combined creativity, technique, and an uncanny knack for big‑game goals. His loyalty—even as offers from Europe’s top leagues poured in—endeared him to Bilbao’s supporters, who still sing his name in the stands.
Wander the seven streets of Casco Viejo, where centuries‑old taverns serve steaming bacalao al pil‑pil (cod in garlic‑olive oil), delicate txangurro (spider crab), and the famed Basque cheesecake. Join a pinchos tour through lively bars like Café Iruña and Gure Toki, sampling bite‑size creations paired with local txakoli wine, craft ciders, or a vermouth on tap.
Step inside a txoko, a private gastronomic club where families and friends commune over multi‑course feasts. Here you’ll learn to knead dough for Gernika‑style bread, whip up marmitako (tuna and potato stew), and share pitchers of home‑made wine.
From the titanium curves of the Guggenheim Museum to rusted steel sculptures dotting the riverbank, Bilbao marries past and future. Stroll the Ría de Bilbao promenades, cross the Zubizuri Bridge, and discover how steel gave way to art.
Deusto: University vibes, riverside cafés, and student‑run galleries.
Abando: Bilbao’s commercial heart, grand boulevards, and hidden tapas bars.
Santutxu: Authentic Basque bustle, weekly markets, and friendly taverns.
Bacalao al pil‑pil
This silky codfish dish is a masterclass in simplicity. Freshly salted cod is gently poached in olive oil with garlic and a hint of dried chili, then whisked until the cooking juices emulsify into a rich, creamy sauce that clings to each flaky fillet. It’s a true test of a pintxo bar’s skill and a must‑order for any seafood lover.
Txangurro
A Basque seafood treasure, txangurro features tender spider crab meat sautéed with onions, leeks, tomatoes, and a splash of brandy, all baked in its own shell. The result is sweet, delicate crab enlivened by aromatic vegetables—a perfect pairing for seaside dining in Bilbao’s Casco Viejo.
Basque Cheesecake
Unlike its American cousin, the tarta de queso of the Basque Country is burnt on top, leaving a dark caramelized crust that gives way to a custardy, almost custard‑like center. Each creamy, tangy bite embodies the region’s rustic elegance and is best enjoyed with a coffee or a small glass of sweet local Txakoli.
Pintxos Variety
Pintxos aren’t just food; they’re social glue. From skewered olives and anchovies to seared foie gras on brioche, each bar offers its own creative twist. Wander from counter to counter in stalls like Gora Dublin or Bar Ekin, sampling miniature masterpieces that showcase Basque ingredients and endless inventiveness.
Txakoli
This lightly sparkling, bone‑dry white wine hails from the steep vineyards above Bilbao. Pour it from a height to aerate the wine and appreciate its crisp acidity, green apple aromas, and saline minerality—the perfect foil for the region’s rich seafood and pintxos.
Local Craft Ciders & Vermouth Bars
Basque cider houses (sagardotegiak) pour tart, effervescent cider straight from oak barrels in humble cellar‑style settings, often paired with grilled steak and Idiazabal cheese. In town, vermouth bars like Casa Ruíz and La Viña del Ensanche serve house‑infused vermouths over ice with a slice of orange, inviting you to linger and toast the Basque way.
San Mamés Tour: Behind‑the‑scenes tour of the Cathedral, including the players’ tunnel and trophy room.
Bilbao Fine Food Tour: Market visit at La Ribera, cheese and jamón tasting, ending with a pintxo challenge.
River Cruise: Sunset boat ride to see the city light up, from the Guggenheim to the old shipyards.
Bilbao BBK Live: If you’re here in July (pre-season friendly!!??) , this festival brings international rock and indie acts to a hillside stage.
Let Balón y Barrio be your guide through steel‑forged stadiums and hidden pintxo bars, legendary chants and avant‑garde exhibits.
⚽ Access to Athletic Club tickets and matchday insights
🍽️ Curated gastronomic tours from pinchos to txoko feasts
🎶 Insider music tours—rock venues, folk gatherings & festival access
🌍 Neighbourhood walks, river cruises & cultural VIP entries
Book your Bilbao football & culture journey now.
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