Even when there are no fixtures, there are plenty of things to see and do at Athletic Club’s San Mames stadium.
Visiting Bilbao during the off-season, or at time when there are no games on at San Mames, and not sure if it’s worth visiting? Well, worry not. The Cathedral, as Athletic fans call it, is a great day out whether you’re going to watch a match or not.
For a more in-depth look at Athletic Club and why the team is so beloved in Bilbao, take a look at this post.
Five things to do at San Mames on a non-matchday
Athletic Club Museum and stadium tour
Widely recognised as one of the best football museums in the world, immerse yourself in the history of one of the most unique sports club on the planet.
Expertly arranged, with a vast collection featuring over 1000 original objects including trophies, famous match balls, artwork and iconic kits, the museum takes you on a journey through Athletic’s history from the club’s origins right up to the modern day.
It’s also a perfect day out for the kids thanks to the plethora of interactive and immersive elements. For example, among many other activities, you can take a penalty against a virtual Jose Angel Iribar (the club’s greatest legend) and enter a virtual Athletic Club universe with the help of an occulus rift headset.
Once you’re done in the museum, you’ll take a tour of San Mames. Whether with a guide or by yourself, you get incredible access to different areas of the ground such as the tunnel, the changing rooms and the stadium’s VIP suites.
Buy tickets in advance via the link below.
Bar La Campa de los Ingleses
One of two in-built bars at San Mames, Bar la Campa de los Ingleses (named after a famous field in Bilbao where football was first played) is the perfect spot if you’re looking for a chill coffee or tea with views of the pitch.
In addition to typical Basque pintxos, you can also reserve a table for lunch and enjoy a proper sit-down meal.
Check out opening times and menus here (in Spanish)
Geuria! sports bar
Opened in 2020, ‘Geuria!’ is a more traditional sports bar and is the perfect spot if you’re looking to watch an important match on the big screen.
Even where there no games to watch, Geuria! has DJ sets, gigs, e-sports nights and more.
Click the link for more information about events and what’s on the menu.
Restaurant San Mames Jatetxea
Yes, that’s right! The Cathedral even has its own fine-dining restaurant. Led by Michelin-star chef Fernando Canales, owner of world-renowned establishments such as La Dispensa de Etxanobe, San Mames Jatetxea offers the finest Biscayan cuisine in an unrivalled setting.
The menu includes dishes such as scallops and smoked bacon broth, braised octopus and stewed ox cheeks, plus much more.
Discover the full menu and book yourself a table on the restaurant’s website.
Athetic Club Shop
No visit to San Mames is complete without a visit to the club store. One of three official club shops in the city, be sure to stop by if you’re looking to get the latest Athletic kit or a souvenir to take home.
The stadium tour typically finishes at the store.
Click the link to explore Athletic’s official online store.
San Mames Tickets
If you would like to get tickets for a fixture at San Mames, but are unsure about the process, take a look at our special guide with recommendations and tips on how to go about it.
