San Mames Stadium

San Mames Stadium featuring a river or creek and modern architecture
San Mames Stadium featuring modern architecture
San Mames Stadium featuring modern architecture
Photo "San Mames Stadium" by Валерий Дед (CC BY) / Cropped from original


Join local soccer fans and shout your support for a well-known European team that calls this spectacular stadium its home.

Watch national and international soccer games at San Mames Stadium, a 53,000-seat arena that is the home of Athletic Bilbao. This team was founded in 1898 and is a big name in European soccer. The venue also has a museum devoted to the club’s history and is occasionally used for concerts.

The sporting complex is nicknamed the cathedral of football and opened in 2013. It replaced the original San Mames Stadium which stood nearby by for almost 100 years, and is an impressive sight. At night the panels of the outer membrane are illuminated. They can also display moving graphics. Purchase tickets online at the stadium's official website or at the arena a couple of hours before a match is due to start.

Treat yourself to VIP tickets and before and during matches savor buffet-style meals by Michelin-starred chefs. The VIP area also has numerous bars and comfortable lounges.

If you are interested in soccer history, learn about Athletic Bilbao’s past at the stadium’s museum. Watch audiovisual presentations, see soccer kits from previous decades, admire the gleaming sporting trophies and read about former players. All of the information is in Spanish, English and Euskara, the Basque language. After your museum visit go on the 45-minute tour of the stadium which includes the soccer pitch, changing rooms and the press room.

The museum is open every day except Mondays and charges admission. There are discounts for children aged between 6 and 14 and children under the age of 5 get in for free. Purchase tickets for the museum and the tour or just the museum.

The stadium is about 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) outside the old town and a 20-minute walk west of the Guggenheim Museum. It is well served by public transportation and has its own metro stop called San Mames. There is no parking at the stadium for the general public, except a small number of places for VIP ticket holders.

Tours & day trips

See all 154 activities

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 61 activities

Private & custom tours

See all 50 activities

Adventure & outdoor

See all 19 activities

Classes & workshops

See all 9 activities

Popular places to visit


Top Hotel Deals

Hotel ILUNION San Mamés

Hotel ILUNION San Mamés

4 out of 5
Calle Perez Galdos, 56, Bilbao, Vizcaya
Hotel ILUNION San Mamés
Hotel ILUNION Bilbao

Hotel ILUNION Bilbao

3 out of 5
Calle Rodriguez Arias 66, Bilbao, Vizcaya
Hotel ILUNION Bilbao
The Artist Grand Hotel of Art

The Artist Grand Hotel of Art

5 out of 5
Alameda de Mazarredo, 61, Bilbao, Vizcaya
The Artist Grand Hotel of Art
Hotel Silken Indautxu Bilbao

Hotel Silken Indautxu Bilbao

4 out of 5
Plaza Bombero Etxaniz S/n, Bilbao, Vizcaya
Hotel Silken Indautxu Bilbao
Barceló Bilbao Nervión

Barceló Bilbao Nervión

4 out of 5
Paseo Campo Volantin 11, Bilbao, Vizcaya
Barceló Bilbao Nervión
Hotel Melia Bilbao

Hotel Melia Bilbao

5 out of 5
Lehendakari Leizaola, 29, Bilbao, Vizcaya
Hotel Melia Bilbao
Hotel Sercotel Coliseo

Hotel Sercotel Coliseo

4 out of 5
Calle Alameda De Urquijo 13, Bilbao, Vizcaya
Hotel Sercotel Coliseo
Hotel Ercilla de Bilbao, Autograph Collection

Hotel Ercilla de Bilbao, Autograph Collection

4 out of 5
Ercilla 37, Bilbao, Vizcaya
Hotel Ercilla de Bilbao, Autograph Collection
Catalonia Gran Vía Bilbao

Catalonia Gran Vía Bilbao

4.5 out of 5
Gran Vía de Don Diego López de Haro, 73, Bilbao
Catalonia Gran Vía Bilbao
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near San Mames Stadium

When visiting San Mames Stadium in Bilbao, tourists can enjoy a variety of activities nearby, including shopping at local boutiques, exploring vibrant art galleries, and taking leisurely walks through the surrounding area. These experiences offer a delightful blend of culture and leisure, making the visit to this iconic stadium even more memorable.

Shopping

For shopping near San Mames Stadium, visit C.C. Zubiarte, just 805m away, offering family-friendly entertainment and city vibes. Also, Ribera Market, 1.6km away, showcases a vibrant public market atmosphere perfect for unique gifts and souvenirs.

Recreation

Experience the energetic atmosphere at Estadio Nuevo Lasesarre, just 4.8km from San Mames Stadium. Enjoy a round of golf at Meaztegi Golf, located 9.7km away, surrounded by beautiful landscapes. For ultimate relaxation, visit Spa Agua Viva, a serene retreat located 24.1km from the stadium.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of the Funicular de Artxanda, located 1.6km from San Mames Stadium. Ascend for stunning panoramic views of Bilbao and the surrounding Basque Country. Enjoy outdoor activities and family-friendly adventures in a vibrant setting that captures the essence of the region.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife around San Mames Stadium. Visit Bilborock for an eclectic mix of culture and entertainment, or head to Teatro Barakaldo for a romantic evening. Don't miss Areto Nagusia/Aula Magna for a family-friendly atmosphere filled with captivating performances.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near San Mames Stadium

When visiting San Mames Stadium in Bilbao, you'll find a wealth of attractions to explore. Popular points of interest include the lively piazzaSquare, fascinating artMuseum, and scenic urbanPark. These locations provide a perfect blend of culture, vibrant city life, and outdoor experiences, ensuring that every traveller, whether a culture enthusiast or nature lover, can enjoy their time in this captivating area.

  • Guggenheim Museum Bilbao: This iconic contemporary art museum, located 1.3km from San Mames Stadium, is renowned for its innovative architecture and striking exhibitions. Experience a blend of modern art and Basque culture in a vibrant setting that inspires creativity.
  • Plaza Nueva: Situated 1.6km away, this bustling square is the heart of Bilbao's social life, featuring charming neoclassical architecture and delightful pintxos bars. Enjoy the lively atmosphere and immerse yourself in the local culture.
  • Euskalduna Conference Centre and Concert Hall: Just 483m from the stadium, this versatile venue hosts a variety of events, from concerts to conferences. Its modern design and excellent acoustics make it a must-visit for those interested in the performing arts.

Best time to go to San Mames Stadium

The best time to visit San Mames Stadium is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. August is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January48.4°F (9.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February48.6°F (9.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly Low
March51.4°F (10.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April54.1°F (12.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May58.3°F (14.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
June63.9°F (17.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly High
July67.8°F (19.9°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
August68.7°F (20.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
September66.6°F (19.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
October62.2°F (16.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November55.0°F (12.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
December50.9°F (10.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for San Mames Stadium

To save money on your visit to San Mames Stadium, consider travelling between December and February when accommodation prices are lower. Booking about a month in advance often yields the best rates, particularly on Mondays, while Fridays tend to be pricier. Use Expedia's search tool to sort hotels by price and filter for eco-friendly options. Look out for last-minute deals and consider bundling your hotel with flights and activities for added savings. Always check cancellation options and any booking fees to ensure the best value for your trip.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around San Mames Stadium are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to June and September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around San Mames Stadium about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around San Mames Stadium is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around San Mames Stadium is Friday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to set your budget, choose your ideal location, and more. You can organise your results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to view the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you can refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel stay near San Mames Stadium with your flights and activities by opting for an Expedia package.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia