San Mamés Stadium
Experience the passion of 'Athletic Club Bilbao' at the stunning, modern San Mamés Stadium, a hub of football history and vibrant atmosphere.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, ideal for tours
San Mamés Stadium
Best Time
Fewer crowds, ideal for tours

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience the passion of 'Athletic Club Bilbao' at the stunning, modern San Mamés Stadium, a hub of football history and vibrant atmosphere.
"A must-see for any football fan, offering fantastic value and an unforgettable experience."
🎯 Metro is Your Best Friend
Skip expensive shuttles! The metro to San Mamés station is cheap and direct. :train2:
🎟️ Book Tours Online
Secure your 'San Mamés tickets' for tours in advance to guarantee your spot. :admission_tickets:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Modern San Mamés Stadium
Bilbao, Spain
Experience the architectural marvel of the 'new San Mamés', a state-of-the-art venue known for its striking modern design and impressive facilities.
Athletic Club Museum
Inside San Mamés Stadium
Dive into the rich history of 'Athletic Club Bilbao' with an engaging museum showcasing trophies, memorabilia, and the club's unique philosophy.

Stadium Tour Experience
San Mamés Stadium
Walk in the footsteps of legends with a comprehensive 'San Mamés stadium tour', accessing areas like the dugout, press room, and locker rooms.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your San Mamés Tour in Advance
Getting to San Mamés: Metro is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Metro is Your Best Friend
Skip expensive shuttles! The metro to San Mamés station is cheap and direct. :train2:
🎟️ Book Tours Online
Secure your 'San Mamés tickets' for tours in advance to guarantee your spot. :admission_tickets:
📸 Capture Day & Night
The stadium looks stunning both day and night. Don't miss a comparison shot! :camerawithflash:
🚶♂️ Explore the Museum
The 'San Mamés museum' is a must for football history buffs. Allow ample time! :museum:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Metro is Your Best Friend
Skip expensive shuttles! The metro to San Mamés station is cheap and direct. :train2:
🎟️ Book Tours Online
Secure your 'San Mamés tickets' for tours in advance to guarantee your spot. :admission_tickets:
📸 Capture Day & Night
The stadium looks stunning both day and night. Don't miss a comparison shot! :camerawithflash:
🚶♂️ Explore the Museum
The 'San Mamés museum' is a must for football history buffs. Allow ample time! :museum:
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be doing a lot of walking on tours and exploring. :athletic_shoe:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise San Mamés Stadium for its modern architecture, excellent tour experience, and the rich history showcased in its museum. The passionate atmosphere during matches is a major highlight, with many noting the friendly locals and efficient staff. Some minor drawbacks include the potential for high prices on match days and the intensity of the crowd for those not accustomed to it.
"Fantastico.
Visited the stadium whilst in the area on a cruise.
Metro in and return for €16.80 for a family of 4 (rather than the €68 being charged on the shuttle bus!)
€40 got us full access to the stadium tour and museum. Fantastic value. A must for any football fan 🔴⚪️⚽️"
Steven Dee
"I loved the stadium tour and the museum is extremely well done. Our guide was very knowledgeable and patient as she had to repeat the tour in English for us. I’m looking forward to coming back for a match this season."
steve christie
"This is such a great estadio to watch football game! It’s very clean and the staff are super friendly! The vibes to watch the game is also super nice. Love the atmosphere here. Will definitely come back someday."
Sina Hsu
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most recommended way to reach 'San Mamés Stadium' is by metro. Take Line 1 to the San Mamés station, which is directly connected to the stadium. This is significantly cheaper than shuttle buses, with a family of four paying around €16.80 for a round trip.
While there are parking facilities, they can be expensive and fill up quickly, especially on match days. Using public transport like the metro is generally advised for ease and cost-effectiveness.
Depending on your starting point in Bilbao, walking to San Mamés is possible, but it can be a significant distance. The metro offers a quick and efficient alternative.
Besides the metro, several bus lines also serve the San Mamés area, providing good connectivity from various parts of the city. Check local bus routes for the most convenient option.
The San Mamés metro station is a major transport hub and is well-connected. While there isn't a direct train station at the stadium, the metro provides excellent links to other transport networks.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
A full stadium tour and museum access typically costs around €40 for adults, offering fantastic value. It's advisable to check the official Athletic Club website for the most current pricing for 'San Mamés tickets' and tour packages.
Yes, it's highly recommended to book your 'San Mamés tours' online in advance, especially during peak season or on match days, to secure your preferred time slot.
Opening hours can vary, particularly on match days. It's best to consult the official Athletic Club website for the most accurate and up-to-date tour schedule.
While VIP tickets offer premium amenities, many travelers suggest that the general seating provides a more authentic and engaging experience of the stadium's atmosphere.
Match tickets can often be purchased at the stadium on the day of the game, but for popular fixtures, it's safer to buy in advance online to avoid disappointment.
🎫 🏟️ Onsite Experience
The 'San Mamés capacity' is approximately 53,289 spectators, making it one of the larger stadiums in Spain.
A 'San Mamés stadium tour' typically includes access to the pitch, dugouts, press room, presidential box, and the Athletic Club museum, offering a comprehensive behind-the-scenes look.
Absolutely! The 'San Mamés museum' is highly praised for its excellent curation and detailed exhibits on the history of Athletic Club Bilbao.
The atmosphere at San Mamés is renowned for being passionate and vibrant, with fans creating an electric environment, especially during important matches.
Yes, guided tours are often available in English, though it's always a good idea to confirm this when booking your tour to ensure a smooth experience.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the stadium offers various food and beverage concessions, including traditional stadium fare, during matches and events.
The area around San Mamés has numerous bars and restaurants offering pintxos and local Basque cuisine. Exploring the surrounding streets will reveal many great options.
Generally, outside food and drinks are not permitted inside the stadium for matches or tours, with exceptions for specific dietary needs or medical reasons.
Bilbao is famous for its pintxos (small tapas-like snacks) and hearty Basque dishes. Expect fresh seafood, grilled meats, and delicious local wines.
Concessions may offer limited vegetarian options. For more specific dietary needs, it's best to dine in the city before or after your visit.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed for personal use during stadium tours and outside of match hours. However, professional photography or flash photography might be restricted during matches.
The exterior architecture, the view from the stands, the museum exhibits, and the pitch itself offer great photo opportunities. Capturing the stadium at both day and night is highly recommended.
During matches, personal photography is usually permitted, but tripods and professional equipment are typically not allowed. Always check the stadium's specific regulations.
Drone usage is strictly prohibited around stadiums for safety and security reasons.
A versatile lens like a 24-70mm is great for general shots, while a wider lens can capture the stadium's scale. A telephoto lens might be useful for capturing match action if permitted.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
When attending a match, be aware that the atmosphere can be very intense. For families with very young children, it might be advisable to choose seats in less boisterous sections or consider attending a tour instead of a full match. The metro is a safe and easy way to get to the stadium with kids.
⚽ Football Enthusiasts
Attending an 'Athletic Club' match is highly recommended to experience the legendary atmosphere. The passion of the fans, known as 'Los Leones', is infectious. Even if you can't catch a game, the stadium tour and museum offer a comprehensive understanding of why this club and its stadium are so revered in the football world.
💰 Budget Travelers
When it comes to food, exploring the local pintxo bars in the streets surrounding the stadium before or after your visit is a more affordable and authentic dining experience than stadium concessions. Look for local spots away from the immediate stadium vicinity for better prices.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Evolution of San Mamés
The 'new San Mamés' boasts a capacity of over 53,000 and is recognized as a UEFA Category 4 stadium, the highest designation, allowing it to host major international events. Its design emphasizes sustainability and integration with the urban landscape of Bilbao. The stadium's construction was a major project, reflecting the club's commitment to providing its fans with a world-class experience.
While the 'old San Mamés stadium' holds immense sentimental value for many fans, the 'new San Mamés' has quickly established its own identity and atmosphere. The club's unique philosophy of only fielding players from its academy or Basque Country continues to be a cornerstone, celebrated within the modern stadium's walls and museum.
Experiencing a Match Day at San Mamés
As you enter the stadium, the sheer scale and modern design of the 'Athletic Club stadium' become apparent. The roar of the crowd as the teams emerge is deafening, creating an electric ambiance. The unique Basque chants and unwavering support from the stands are a testament to the club's deep connection with its fans and region.
Post-match, the atmosphere remains lively, with fans often sharing their thoughts on the game in local establishments. The sense of community and shared passion is palpable, making a match day at San Mamés more than just a sporting event; it's a cultural immersion.
The San Mamés Museum: A Deep Dive
Interactive displays and multimedia presentations bring the club's history to life, offering insights into its distinctive philosophy of only fielding players from the Basque Country. This unique approach sets Athletic Club apart from other football clubs worldwide and is a central theme explored within the museum. The museum also details the transition from the old stadium to the 'new San Mamés', highlighting the architectural and sporting evolution.
Beyond the historical exhibits, the museum provides a comprehensive understanding of what makes Athletic Club Bilbao so special. It's not just about football; it's about culture, identity, and a deep-seated sense of belonging. A visit here truly enriches the overall experience of seeing the 'Athletic Club Bilbao stadium'.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit