Biscay Province
With its delightful plane tree–shaded cobbled terrace cooled by the afternoon sea breeze and its charming setting in Getxo's whitewashed Puerto Viejo,…
Must-see nightlife in Basque Country
The Central Basque Coast
For a primer on the fascinating sport of jai alai, pay a visit to this little cafe next to the village fronton (jai alai court). Juanjo, a player in the…
Bilbao
For a friendly, laid-back drinking scene – with great food to boot – this bohemian south-bank spot is hard to top. The interior is awash with Mason-jar…
San Sebastián
The name is a misnomer but this new-town place is spot-on for coffee. Set up by two Brazilian friends, it does small-batch roasting on site, and uses…
Gros
The long wooden bar, industrial fixtures and inviting front terrace make a suitable backdrop to the dozen quality brews on tap. Half are from its own…
San Sebastián
San Sebastián's top club, a classic disco housed in a grand seafront complex, sets the stage for memorable beachside partying. The club action kicks in…
Bilbao
This unabashedly hipster joint draws lovers of craft beer to its cosy, eclectically adorned interior of mismatched furniture and artfully hung bicycle…
San Sebastián
Everyone's favourite indie venue, Dabadaba is a fine spot to escape the old-town crowds, with a laid-back ambiance, good craft brews and an inviting…
Bilbao
Sweeping views over Bilbao's skyline extend from this 12th-floor, glass-walled rooftop bar at the top of the Hotel Ercilla. Especially at sunset and after…
Bilbao
Taste your way around some of Spain's finest small artisan vineyards at this cosy wine bar owned and run by Jonathan García, a former Basque sommelier…
Bilbao
It's worth strolling up to this patisserie and cafe for a caffeinated pick-me-up coupled with a delectable treat or two (pastries from €1.50) baked in…
Hondarribia
Behind its rustic stone facade, this contemporary wine bar has 50 wines by the glass, including locally produced txakoli, Tempranillo (full-bodied red…
Parte Vieja
Fitted out with timber panels and exposed brick, this tri-level bar has seven Basque craft beers on the taps at any one time. Breweries represented…
The Central Basque Coast
Talako Kantina is a friendly beer lover's outpost pouring excellent craft beers from the Basque Country and beyond. Perched on a hilltop overlooking a…
Bilbao
Moorish-style arches, exquisite tiling, polychrome wooden ceilings, frescoes and a marble bar are the defining characteristics of this grande dame dating…
Biscay Province
Grab a drink and take a seat on the terrace of the Gran Hotel Puente Colgante. You'll be perfectly positioned to admire views of the famous bridge and…
Biscay Province
You'll feel like you've left the tourist crowds far behind at this the crowds at this eating and drinking spot that offers sweeping ocean views above…
Bilbao
While the name is slightly ridiculous, this stylish cafe, bar and eatery does hit all the right notes with its good (and inexpensive) wines, steamy…
Biscay Province
Tucked along a mostly pedestrian lane dotted with eateries, Donegal is a convivial but unfussy drinking den that serves up a full menu throughout the day…
San Sebastián
Just off the beaten path, La Mera Mera is a shoebox-sized bar with a bohemian air thanks to the old photos on the walls and slender brassy light fixtures…
Bilbao
A must for all fans of Bilbao's famed football team, La Peña Athletic is covered with vintage jerseys, trophies, old team photos and oil paintings of…
San Sebastián
A hip favourite near the cathedral, Pokhara draws a wide cross section of imbibers and party people to its weekend DJ sessions. During the week, it's a…
Bilbao
When the rains arrive, cosy Baobab is a fine place to retreat. This riverside cafe has an excellent array of teas, infusions, beer, wine, vermouth and…
Bilbao
Located under the railway lines, El Balcón de la Lola doesn't get going until late. One of Bilbao’s most popular mixed gay/straight clubs, this is the…
Bilbao
One of a number of lively drinking haunts on Calle de Somera, K2 is a modest tunnel-shaped bar frequented by a young, studenty crowd, particularly at…
San Sebastián
One of a number of haunts on a popular drinking strip near the cathedral, Pub Drop is the place to get to grips with the local beer. There are up to 50…
Bilbao
Residence hosts acoustic jam sessions throughout the month, including Irish folk, blues and roots. Even when there's nothing on, it's a great little spot…
Bilbao
Inviting coffeehouse Bohemian Lane has wicker chairs, furniture made from salvaged wooden pallets and mismatched cushions. A laid-back spot for fair trade…
Biscay Province
Portugalete's unrivalled nightlife spot, Casa Vicente packs in the garrulous beer- and cocktail-loving crowds on weekends. It's hidden in the old lanes…
San Sebastián
Escape the beachfront hordes at this gem of a cafe. Housed in a river-facing residential block, it's popular with locals of all ages, who flock to the…
Parte Vieja
Once the pintxo bars have battened down the hatches for the night, search out this low-key cocktail bar to see in the small hours. It's a stylish place,…
San Sebastián
Appropriately named, this atmospheric bar is full of bottles of Scotland’s finest (3400 bottles to be exact, though only 200 varieties are served) as well…
Biscay Province
Portugalete isn't known for its nightlife, though La Traviata makes a fine argument for sticking around after dark, with nicely mixed cocktails, friendly…
Parte Vieja
DJs spin funk and Latino beats most nights (nightly in summer) in this old-town bar's basement. Cocktails inspired by Latin America (mojitos, caipirinhas,…
Bilbao
Lamiak, a long-standing Casco Viejo favourite on the gay scene, is a buzzing cafe with a cavernous red and black hall, cast iron columns and upstairs…
San Sebastián
Glorious beach views extend from this waterfront cocktail bar in the 1929-opened Real Club Náutico de San Sebastián building, designed to look like a boat…
Bilbao
Just outside the Casco Viejo metro station, this petite cafe is a fine spot for a pick-me-up – the kind of place where baristas draw art in your latte,…
Bilbao
Overlooking the Nervión, Marzana is a hip little spot that draws a festive and bohemian crowd, who come for evening drinks and people watching. The inside…
Basque Country
A fine place to recharge on the main plaza, La Crème serves up good coffees, smoothies and other refreshments, though most people drop in for the decadent…
Bilbao
A Bilbao institution since 1994, with a saxophone beer tap and bottle cap–studded walls, the Cotton Club draws a diverse crowd to its DJ-stoked nights and…
