Have the urge to party but don’t know where to go? Bored of always hanging with the same group at the same clubs?
Here’s a local’s guide to the most vibrant and dance-worthy spots frequented by Bilbaínos. Expect latin music, commercial, rock, house and more on the stereo. We also featured a gay-friendly section and a club that doesn’t play reggaetón (yes, it does exist).
1. Kafe Antzokia
EiTB / Kafe Antzokia
Welcome to the club with the higher concentration of Basqueness per square meter: a meeting point for Basque people, Basque music, and Basque vibes. This old theater has become into one of the irrefutable flagships of nightlife in Bilbao.
A great place to enjoy live international bands or to dance the night away in its two floors and multiple bars. Try the STEREOROCKS party on Friday, including live sets of both local and international DJs. Dress code in Antzoki is veeery laidback, the only requirement is that you have a glass of Kalimotxo in your hand.
Done Bikendi Kalea 2, 48001 Bilbao. 944 244 625; kafeantzokia.eus
2. Memorial
Memorial Bilbao / Alberto Paton
A small club next to Abando that can be hard to find but once discovered is hard to neglect. Party people go here for the reggaetón music and every Saturday the dance floor gets really-really packed. Arrive before 2:00AM if you don’t want to be stuck in line. The cover is five euro at the entrance, then pay only 2 euros for your first drink. Ask for a Destorni: vodka with natural orange juice. You won’t regret it!
Ibáñez de Bilbao Kalea 9, 48001 Bilbao. 944 243 219; cafeteatromemorial.com
3. Budha
Elorrin
A carefully designed space presided by an impressive golden Budha statue. Situated in Indautxu, a great location if you enjoy pre-drinking at Pozas street. Go on Thursdays for the ‘University Night’ or Friday for ‘Pure Budha’ themed parties (both starting at 00:30AM), both with commercial music and lots of reggaetón. There is also a cozy reserved area where you can smoke shisha. Contact a PR staff if you want to be on the list and enter for free before 1:30AM. Don’t be confused with its name: Budha is not a meditation room, but a party temple.
Urkixo Zumarkalea 88, 48013 Bilbao. 636 909 657; budhabilbao.com
4. Back&Stage
Back&Stage
Chances are you have already danced the night away in the Erasmus World party last Thursday. But that is just the very beginning of the weekend at one of the most successful clubs in the city. Backstage becomes a meeting point for locals on Saturdays, when both rooms get packed of bilbaínos dancing to the latest reguetón hits. Tickets price may vary, the willingness to party doesn’t.
Uribitarte Kalea 8, 48001 Bilbao. 944 247 382; backandstage.com
5. Art After Dark
About Basque Country / Guggenheim Bilbao
This party was imported from one capital of the word to another: New York to Bilbao. One Friday a month, the Guggenheim Museum hosts a night of music and art. Visit the exhibitions from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. to the beat of the best DJs from Spain and around the world in the Museum Atrium. After wondering around the artworks, follow with the party at the disco of your choice.
Abandoibarra Etorbidea 2, 48009 Bilbao. 944 359 080; guggenheim-bilbao.eus
6. The Gay-Friendly
Badulake & La Lola
Badulake
“These two small, dark, gay-friendly clubs minutes apart in Bilbao la Vieja attract a broad mix: expect disco, 1980s pop, electronica and plenty of kitsch. Badulake hosts camp cabaret act Las Fellini’s on Thursdays; the seedier La Lola has entertaining videos on a screen over the dancefloor.