San Mamés Stadium - The modern building has a unique, linear design.
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San Mamés Stadium

4.7
·31k reviews·Bilbao, Spain

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, ideal for tours

CrowdLow
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San Mamés Stadium - The modern building has a unique, linear design.

San Mamés Stadium

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, ideal for tours

CrowdLow
Highlights

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.

4.7
(31k reviews)

"A must-see for any football fan, offering fantastic value and an unforgettable experience."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 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:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Modern San Mamés Stadium

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

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

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.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Your San Mamés Tour in Advance

San Mamés tours are popular, especially on match days or during peak tourist seasons. Booking your 'San Mamés tours' online ahead of time ensures you get your preferred slot and avoid disappointment. Check the official Athletic Club website for the most up-to-date tour schedules and pricing for 'San Mamés tickets'.

Getting to San Mamés: Metro is Key

While shuttle buses might be an option, many travelers recommend the metro for its affordability and convenience. The San Mamés metro station is directly connected to the stadium, making it an easy and cost-effective way to reach the 'Athletic Club Bilbao stadium'. This is a great tip for anyone looking to save money on their visit.

Best Times

When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, ideal for tours
Crowd
Low
When
Match Days (Pre-game)
Why
Electric atmosphere builds
Crowd
High
When
Evenings (Non-match)
Why
Stadium lights up beautifully
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

❤️ Thank you, @arsenal 💐 As this is Arsenal’s first visit to San Mames, their captain has laid a bouquet of flowers next to the bust of 'Pitxitxi' #ChampionsLeague #Arsenal #AthleticClub #SanMames
@athleticclub
182.5K likes • 2.2M views

🎯 Metro is Your Best Friend

Skip expensive shuttles! The metro to San Mamés station is cheap and direct. :train2: Reddit

🎟️ Book Tours Online

Secure your 'San Mamés tickets' for tours in advance to guarantee your spot. :admission_tickets: TikTok

How to get to the Rams Field Cabanas at Sofi Stadium #sofistadium #rams #larams #footballszn #nfl
@undftd.anthony
36.4K likes • 522.5K views
Estadio de San Mamés 📍 Bilbao, Spain 🇪🇸 👥 53.289 🏗 opening 2013 🏠 @athleticclub 📸 @pmottl Link in Bio Follow @stadiumchannel & @stadiumchannel_uk for more! #football #soccer #futbol #futbology #fussball #fußball #fussballromantik #stadion #stadiumhoppers #stadium #groundhopping🏟 #groundhopping #travel #sport #sportswear #stadiumchannel #championsleague #europaleague #europe #europa #visit ...
stadiumchannel
1.3K likes • 31.6K views

📸 Capture Day & Night

The stadium looks stunning both day and night. Don't miss a comparison shot! :camerawithflash: Instagram

🚶‍♂️ Explore the Museum

The 'San Mamés museum' is a must for football history buffs. Allow ample time! :museum: Instagram

🇪🇸 El 🏟 San Mamés, casa del Athletic Club de Bilbao con capacidad para 53.289 espectadores ⚽️ 👉 Cuenta con 48 palcos VIP 👉 Tiene 40 oficinas 👉Museo del club 👉Estadio de máxima categoría de la UEFA ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🎥 video: @jesusrf12 . . . #sanmames #sanmamés #stadium #stadiums #ligabbva #vasco #aleti #bilbao #athleticclub #athleticclubbilbao #estadios #stadiums #drone #uefa #uefachampionsleague #uef...
estadiosoficial
2.3K likes • 85.1K views

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: Reddit

🎟️ Book Tours Online

Secure your 'San Mamés tickets' for tours in advance to guarantee your spot. :admission_tickets: TikTok

📸 Capture Day & Night

The stadium looks stunning both day and night. Don't miss a comparison shot! :camerawithflash: Instagram

🚶‍♂️ Explore the Museum

The 'San Mamés museum' is a must for football history buffs. Allow ample time! :museum: Instagram

👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended

You'll be doing a lot of walking on tours and exploring. :athletic_shoe: Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(31k reviews)

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

Modern stadium design
Engaging stadium tours
Passionate match atmosphere

What People Dislike

Expensive match day concessions
Intense crowd for some

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. Reddit

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. TikTok

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. Instagram

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. TikTok

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. TikTok

🎫 🎫 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. Reddit

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. TikTok

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. TikTok

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. Reddit

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. TikTok

🎫 🏟️ Onsite Experience

The 'San Mamés capacity' is approximately 53,289 spectators, making it one of the larger stadiums in Spain. Instagram+1

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. Instagram

Absolutely! The 'San Mamés museum' is highly praised for its excellent curation and detailed exhibits on the history of Athletic Club Bilbao. InstagramReddit

The atmosphere at San Mamés is renowned for being passionate and vibrant, with fans creating an electric environment, especially during important matches. InstagramReddit

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. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, the stadium offers various food and beverage concessions, including traditional stadium fare, during matches and events. TikTok

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. Instagram

Generally, outside food and drinks are not permitted inside the stadium for matches or tours, with exceptions for specific dietary needs or medical reasons. TikTok

Bilbao is famous for its pintxos (small tapas-like snacks) and hearty Basque dishes. Expect fresh seafood, grilled meats, and delicious local wines. Instagram

Concessions may offer limited vegetarian options. For more specific dietary needs, it's best to dine in the city before or after your visit. TikTok

📸 📸 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. Instagram

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. Instagram

During matches, personal photography is usually permitted, but tripods and professional equipment are typically not allowed. Always check the stadium's specific regulations. Instagram

Drone usage is strictly prohibited around stadiums for safety and security reasons. TikTok

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. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

San Mamés Stadium offers a fantastic experience for families. The stadium tour is engaging for all ages, with plenty of space to explore. The museum is also a hit, with interactive elements that can capture children's attention. Consider booking tours during off-peak hours to avoid crowds and ensure a more relaxed experience for younger visitors. TikTokReddit

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. TikTok

⚽ Football Enthusiasts

For dedicated football fans, San Mamés is a pilgrimage site. The 'San Mamés stadium tour' provides an unparalleled behind-the-scenes look at one of Spain's most historic clubs. Exploring the 'San Mamés museum' is a must, offering deep dives into the club's unique philosophy and legendary status. InstagramReddit

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. Instagram+1

💰 Budget Travelers

San Mamés can be enjoyed on a budget by prioritizing the metro for transport, which is significantly cheaper than shuttle buses. Reddit Opting for a standard stadium tour ticket rather than VIP packages offers great value for money, providing full access to the stadium and museum. Reddit

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. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History and Evolution of San Mamés

The current 'San Mamés Barria' stadium, inaugurated in 2013, is the modern successor to the historic 'old San Mamés stadium' that stood for nearly a century. The original stadium, affectionately known as 'La Catedral', was demolished to make way for the new, state-of-the-art venue. This transition represents a significant evolution for 'Athletic Club Bilbao', moving from a beloved, traditional ground to a cutting-edge facility designed for the 21st century. Instagram+1

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

Experiencing a Match Day at San Mamés

Attending an 'Athletic Bilbao San Mamés' match is an unforgettable experience, characterized by the passionate support of the 'Leones' (Lions). The atmosphere builds hours before kickoff, with fans gathering in local bars and pintxo spots around the stadium, soaking in the pre-game excitement. The metro ride to the stadium is often filled with singing and camaraderie, setting the tone for the match. InstagramReddit

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. Instagram+1

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. Reddit

The San Mamés Museum: A Deep Dive

The 'San Mamés museum' is an essential stop for any visitor interested in the rich history and unique identity of Athletic Club Bilbao. It meticulously chronicles the club's journey from its founding to the present day, showcasing an impressive collection of trophies, iconic jerseys, and historical artifacts. Visitors can learn about the club's legendary players, memorable matches, and its unwavering commitment to its Basque roots. InstagramReddit

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. Instagram

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'. Instagram

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