In addition to all that the city of Bilbao has to offer, from its unrivalled international gastronomy to its monuments of great historical and architectural value, we must add its musical culture.
Bilbao, and the Basque Country in general, has historically been the birthplace of great composers such as Arriaga, Gorriti, Guridi and Sarasate, and music is a fundamental part of its history.
Although the years go by and the rhythms and trends change, the taste for good music remains intact and going to a quality live music bar should be on your list of must-visits in Bilbao.
Live music bars in Bilbao
La Ribera
Mercado de la Ribera
We begin our route at a place that is already a must-see in the city, whether you are looking for a monument, a place to have a drink or a place to sample the local gastronomy. We are referring to the Mercado de la Ribera.
Here you'll find La Ribera, a bar-restaurant that also serves as a stage for music groups. Although you'll mainly find jazz bands, you can also enjoy national and international music. Don't miss their website to keep up to date with all the events.
RocknRolla - Taberna
Frente a, Haro plaza, 7 - Trasera, Zabalbide Kalea, 57
If you are a rock fan and are looking for a place that has both good tunes and a good vibe among its loyal visitors, this is the place for you. You can have anything from a coffee to the most artisanal beers in the city, but the background soundtrack won't change; the best of rock.
It has a special charm, created from its great customer service, to the decoration with photos of great rock legends. Every element will make you want to come back as soon as possible. By the way, your pet is welcome, as long as it's as rock and roll as you are.
Cotton Club Bilbao
Alameda Gregorio de la Revilla, 25
More than 25 years of experience as a host venue for quality music, which features some of the biggest names in the industry and those who will soon be writing their own.
It gives the opportunity to numerous local bands, singer-songwriters and djs. You'll be able to enjoy music of many styles as well as an extensive drinks menu, where their Premium gin and tonics stand out. A room with a lot of class, tradition and many nights still to live.
Residence
Calle Barraincúa, 1
There is something about the Residence. It has something that we love and that makes us come back, and it will do the same for you. A bar dressed up as a cocktail bar with the soul of a music venue, or a cocktail bar disguised as a music venue. Whichever way you put it, the end result is always the same; you'll enjoy yourself and you'll come back.
We recommend you let yourself be carried away by Manu and his knowledge of cocktails and his wide range of whisky and gin. On Wednesdays at 21.00 stop by if you want to listen to live Irish music or wait an extra day to enjoy the best acoustic concerts from September to June. Extraordinary products, premium service and quality music.
Bilbaína Jazz Club
Calle Urazurrutia, 7
The BJC-Bilbaina Jazz Club Kultur Elkartea Association was founded in 1991, with the main aim of giving a home, shelter and voice to enthusiasts and musicians of the best jazz. And when we say the best, we don't mean the best in the city, but to position itself as a name of its own on the international jazz scene.
All hard work pays off, and the best part is that you can enjoy this great work, his great consistency and a musical quality in the genre that is unparalleled. Jesse Davis, Joe Magnarelli, Perico Sambeat, Terrell Stratford or Grant Stewart are just some of the names that have passed in front of his microphones.
Take advantage of the constancy of its programme and the great work of its organisers to be part of this jazz circuit that takes place every week in the heart of Bilbao.
Vintage Trouble
Muelle Martzana
A place with a unique atmosphere and decoration. The classy atmosphere is evident in every corner where the night flies by and the chats are accompanied by authentic works of art in the form of drinks.
Whether you're on the terrace or inside, you'll feel chic and cosmopolitan, enjoying all that Vintage has to offer. From beers and Aperol to cocktails made by professionals. Enjoy live music, with special attention to the DJs, and experience a night out in Bilbao like no other.
Shelter
Iturribide Kalea, 40
We wanted to finish our compilation of live music venues in Bilbao on a high note, and here we bring you a place where music never dies, and you will be able to enjoy all kinds of genres, but always of the highest quality.
From Hip Hop to punk and soul fusion, rock and grunge. Order a good beer, play darts, chat with your friends, and, if there is no live music, you will feel the real music because there, friends play vinyl. And that sounds and feels different. Those are the kinds of things that make the Shelter the unique place that it is.