Free day between matches
A half-day in the city and a long lunch.
- Half-dayBasque cooking class
- EatBar Charly
- FreeWalk the riverside from the Guggenheim to the Casco Viejo.
World Cup 2030 Bilbao fan guide: what to do between matches
8 June to 21 July 2030 · ProvisionalBilbao, Spain
World Cup 2030 in Bilbao means days in Bilbao with a match or session and plenty of time either side. This guide covers rest days, evenings, family outings and rainy-day backups.
Know before you go
- The match schedule by stadium is set after the final draw. Book refundable rooms now: prices will jump once fixtures are known.
- Fans with tickets in several cities should plan around high-speed trains: Morocco's Al Boraq, Spain's AVE and Portugal's Alfa Pendular.
Airport to San Mamés
Bilbao airport (BIO) is 12 km north. Bizkaibus A3247 runs to the centre every 20 minutes in about 20 minutes; taxis cost about 30 euros.
San Mamés has its own metro and tram stops.
Public transport directions to San Mamés
Where to stay by budget
| Budget | Where | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | Casco Viejo | Old town pensions above the pintxo bars. |
| Mid-range | Abando and Indautxu | Modern hotels near the station and San Mamés. |
| Splurge | Abandoibarra riverside | Design hotels by the Guggenheim. |
Three hotels we would book
- Budget: Bilbao Akelarre Hostel
- Mid-range: Hotel Carlton Bilbao
- Splurge: Gran Hotel Domine Bilbao
Day plans for the free hours
Built around the usual World Cup stay schedule for 8 June to 21 July 2030. Session times change: check the official timetable and move the blocks around.
Full day out of town
The best use of a two- or three-day gap.
- Full daySan Sebastián day trip
Before an evening session
Keep it light and close to the venue.
- Easy outingGuggenheim Museum guided tour
- EatPlaza Nueva bars
Family day
Something everyone can do, kids included.
- Family pickGaztelugatxe and the Basque coast
- FreeFunicular de Artxanda for the view (small fee).
Rainy or very hot day
Indoor backups.
- Rain or heat backupFine Arts Museum.
- Rain or heat backupBasque Museum.
Evening after the match
Dinner and something after dark.
- EveningPintxos tour in the Casco Viejo
- EatGure Toki
Family-friendly picks
- Bilbao Maritime Museum.
- Beaches at Getxo and Sopelana by metro.
Evening and day-trip tours
After dark
- Pozas street bars near San Mamés.
6 tours worth booking for World Cup 2030 in Bilbao
| Tour | Length | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| San Sebastián day trip | Full day | Families |
| Gaztelugatxe and the Basque coast | Full day | Everyone |
| Rioja wine tour | Full day | Food lovers |
| Basque cooking class | Half day | Food lovers, Bad weather |
| Guggenheim Museum guided tour | Half day | Bad weather, Tired legs |
| Pintxos tour in the Casco Viejo | Evening | Food lovers, Night owls |
Where to eat
Rainy-day backups
Half day · Indoor · Low walking
Guggenheim Museum guided tour
Frank Gehry's titanium building and its collection.
- Fine Arts Museum.
- Basque Museum.
Getting around on event days
- Metro Bilbao reaches the beaches at Getxo and Plentzia.
- San Mamés stadium has its own metro station.
- Uber, Cabify and Free Now work in Spanish cities. Taxis are metered and reasonable.
- Renfe high-speed AVE and Ouigo/Iryo trains link Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Málaga, Valencia and Zaragoza. Book early for event weekends.
Day trips from Bilbao
- San Sebastián: 1 hour 15 minutes by bus
- Vitoria-Gasteiz: 1 hour
Bringing a group?
Corporate hospitality, fan clubs, teams and families travelling together: tell us the dates and group size and we will put together tours, transfers and a group dinner for World Cup 2030 in Bilbao.
Plan a group tripQuestions people ask
When is World Cup 2030 in Bilbao 2030?
The next edition is 8 June to 21 July 2030, following the usual pattern. The organiser has not confirmed it yet.
How do I get from the airport to San Mamés?
Bilbao airport (BIO) is 12 km north. Bizkaibus A3247 runs to the centre every 20 minutes in about 20 minutes; taxis cost about 30 euros. San Mamés has its own metro and tram stops.
Where should I stay for World Cup 2030 in Bilbao?
For most visitors the best base is Abando and Indautxu: Modern hotels near the station and San Mamés.
What can we do between sessions at World Cup 2030 in Bilbao?
Good short outings in Bilbao include Guggenheim Museum guided tour, Basque cooking class. See the day plans on this page for a full schedule.
What is there for kids and families near World Cup 2030 in Bilbao?
Family-friendly picks: San Sebastián day trip. Bilbao Maritime Museum.
How far is San Mamés from Bilbao centre?
About 1 km in a straight line. San Mamés has its own metro and tram stops.
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