Bilbao: San Mamés Museum and Stadium Tour

If you’re a football fan visiting Bilbao, you’ve probably heard of the San Mamés Stadium—the legendary home of Athletic Club. This tour offers a chance to step into the heart of Basque football with a combination of stunning stadium access and a fascinating museum experience. While it’s not the cheapest activity around, many visitors find that the $19 price point offers great value, especially considering the depth of access and interactive elements included.

What really makes this tour stand out are two things: first, the ability to walk through the players’ tunnel, visit the locker rooms, and stand on the pitch, offering a real-life glimpse into what it’s like to be a footballer. Second, the innovative museum showcases over a century of football memorabilia with multimedia presentations and interactive exhibits, making it engaging for fans of all ages. That said, one potential consideration is that access might be limited on match days or during special events, so planning ahead is key.

All in all, this tour is particularly suited for sports enthusiasts, football supporters, families, or curious travelers who want a behind-the-scenes look at one of Spain’s most revered stadiums. If you’re after a straightforward stadium visit with a mix of history and hands-on experience, this could be a great addition to your Bilbao itinerary.

Key Points

• Affordable price for a comprehensive stadium and museum experience.
• Interactive elements like walking down the tunnel and sitting in the dugout.
• Rich collection of memorabilia with multimedia displays.
• Access to almost all areas of the stadium, including changing rooms and VIP zones.
• Flexible booking options with free cancellation and pay later.
• Accessibility for wheelchairs and multilingual audio guides.
• Limited hours on match days or during certain events, so check availability.
• Ideal for football fans and families wanting a memorable stadium experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the San Mamés Tour Experience

The Starting Point: Where It All Begins

Your adventure kicks off at San Mamés Stadium, located in the lively heart of Bilbao. The meeting point is conveniently between gates 19 and 20, making it easy to find even if you’re unfamiliar with the stadium. Once you arrive, you’ll begin your journey with an audio-guided tour, available in several languages including English, Spanish, Basque, and French. Remember to bring your own smartphone and headphones to make the most of the multimedia content.

What You Can Expect During The Tour

The experience is designed to give you a real feel for the life of a footballer. You’ll walk down the famous players’ tunnel, which is arguably the highlight for many visitors. Imagine the roar of the crowd as you step onto the pitch; the stadium’s atmosphere is palpable. You’ll have the chance to sit in the dugout, stand in the changing rooms, and even visit the press room, which is a unique touch that makes you feel like part of the team.

According to reviews, many guests appreciate how accessible and comprehensive the tour is. One review highlights, “Tour on my own but you can get into every area in the stadium. Cabin, press conference room, VIP Area. Also beside the field and trainer bench. Great experience.” This suggests that the tour offers almost total access, which is ideal for those eager to see behind the scenes.

The Museum: A Treasure Trove for Football Fans

Adjacent to the stadium, you’ll find the Athletic Club Museum, a modern space housing more than 500 original football objects collected over more than a century. The exhibits include trophies, costumes, graphics, and audiovisual material, allowing visitors to explore both the history and current identity of Athletic Bilbao.

The museum is far from static; it features 4 audiovisual productions, 13 interactive systems, a 600-video collection, and an engaging video-wall. For families or visitors with children, there’s also a playroom filled with entertainment, ensuring there’s fun for all ages.

One reviewer describes it as “more comprehensive than I imagined,” highlighting the museum’s rich display of club history. Many visitors enjoy the visual storytelling, making it more lively than a traditional static exhibit.

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Practical Aspects

The tour’s price of $19 is quite reasonable considering the depth of access and multimedia experience. It includes an audio guide and access to both the museum and stadium. The duration varies, but most reviews suggest that you can comfortably spend about an hour or more exploring, especially if you take your time at each station.

The tour is wheelchair accessible and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before, providing flexibility in case your plans change. Be aware that on match days or during special events, some areas may be closed or schedules adjusted, so it’s wise to double-check availability before booking.

What We Loved About the Experience

Many reviews praise the knowledgeable guides and the stunning stadium views. One reviewer stated, “Very fantastic experience! Going into the ground, and locker room, learning about the history of this attractive team was unforgettable.” This reflects how the tour captures both the passion for football and the history of Athletic Bilbao.

Others highlight how easy it is to get around, making it suitable even for those with limited mobility or families with children. The interactive elements—such as sitting in the players’ seats and walking onto the pitch—add to the fun and memorable nature of the tour.

The Drawbacks

While most find the experience highly worthwhile, some mention that the guided tour can feel slow at times—especially if you’re a quick explorer. One review suggests, “I recommend just getting the tickets and doing a self-guided visit,” which might be a better option if you prefer to explore at your own pace.

Plus, if you plan to visit on match days, you should be aware that the museum closes 2 hours before kick-off and the stadium is off-limits 4 hours before the game. So, timing your visit around fixtures is essential.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is perfect for football supporters of all ages—whether you’re a die-hard fan or just curious about the sport. Families with children will find the interactive exhibits and engaging activities particularly appealing. If you’re interested in sports history or architecture, the museum’s displays offer a comprehensive look at Athletic Bilbao’s legacy.

It’s also a good choice for travelers who want a flexible, affordable way to see the stadium without the pressure of attending a match. The self-guided option makes it easy to tailor your visit to your interests and schedule.

Final Thoughts

The Bilbao San Mamés Museum and Stadium Tour offers a genuine, hands-on look at one of Spain’s most passionate football clubs. With nearly total access to the stadium, a modern museum filled with memorabilia, and multimedia experiences, it provides excellent value at just $19. Whether you’re a sports fanatic, a family looking for a fun outing, or a curious traveler, this tour has something to offer.

While some might find it a bit slow during guided parts, many consider it a highlight of their trip to Bilbao. The combination of stunning views, engaging content, and insider access makes it a memorable way to connect with local football culture.

In short, if you love football or are simply interested in experiencing some authentic Basque sports pride, this tour is a solid pick. It’s especially worth booking in advance and checking for schedule adjustments around match days, so you don’t miss out on the full experience.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children? Many reviews mention children enjoying the experience, especially because of the interactive exhibits and the opportunity to see the pitch up close. However, check the schedule as some areas might be restricted on match days.

Do I need my own headphones or smartphone? Yes, to use the included audio guide effectively, you’ll need your own smartphone and headphones.

Can I cancel my booking if my plans change? Absolutely. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your schedule shifts.

Is the stadium accessible for wheelchair users? Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for all visitors.

How long does the tour last? Most guests spend at least an hour exploring, but you’re free to take your time, especially in the museum.

What are the opening hours? In winter, the museum closes at 7:00 PM, and in summer at 8:00 PM. Be aware that hours may vary during match days or special events.

Where does the tour start and end? The tour begins and ends at the same point—between gates 19 and 20 of San Mamés Stadium.

What is included in the ticket? Your ticket covers access to the museum, stadium tour, and all multimedia content, with audio guides in multiple languages.

Is it worth the price? Given the range of access, multimedia exhibits, and the chance to walk on the pitch, many find the $19 price very reasonable for a memorable football experience in Bilbao.

If you’re looking to add an authentic football highlight to your Bilbao trip, this San Mamés tour is hard to beat for its mix of history, access, and fun. Just plan ahead, check schedules, and enjoy stepping into the world of Athletic Bilbao.

You can check availability for your dates here: