Football Tour: A Journey through Bilbao’s Historic Grounds

Bilbao - Spain

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Hosted by: Miguel Verified host

2 tours

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What we will do in this experience

This is not just a stadium tour — it is a journey to the soul of football in Bilbao!

We begin where the game first arrived, brought by British workers and sailors who unknowingly planted a seed that would change the city forever. From there, we step into San Mamés, a name that resonates far beyond Bilbao, where identity, loyalty and football became inseparable.

Crossing to the Right Bank, we revisit Lamiako and Gobela, landscapes that tell the story of early rivalries, social contrasts and the birth of Spanish football as a national passion. These were places where football was still discovering what it could be.

This is not just a stadium tour — it is a journey to the soul of football in Bilbao!

We begin where the game first arrived, brought by British workers and sailors who unknowingly planted a seed that would change the city forever. From there, we step into San Mamés, a name that resonates far beyond Bilbao, where identity, loyalty and football became inseparable.

Crossing to the Right Bank, we revisit Lamiako and Gobela, landscapes that tell the story of early rivalries, social contrasts and the birth of Spanish football as a national passion. These were places where football was still discovering what it could be.

The journey then moves into the industrial Left Bank — Portugalete, Sestao and Barakaldo — where football became a mirror of working-class life. In stadiums shaped by steel, shipyards and factories, clubs rose and fell, crowds suffered and celebrated, and generations learned what it meant to belong to a badge, a neighbourhood, a way of life.

We finish back in Bilbao, not with a sense of nostalgia, but with understanding: how this small metropolitan area produced such a deep, intense and enduring football culture. You will leave having walked the same ground as players, fans and workers — and with a new appreciation for why football here is never just a game.

Included in the price

  • Five iconic football grounds

    Guided visit to five legendary stadiums and other historic football sites.

  • Bilingual local guide

    Spanish and English–speaking local football expert.

  • Public transport route

    Experience designed around Bilbao’s metro and tram network.

Itinerary

  1. 📍 Athletic Club Store at Avenida Mazarredo (Meeting point)

    We’ll meet at the Athletic Club store on Mazarredo Avenue, right in the heart of Bilbao. A perfect starting point to get to know each other, set the scene, and begin our journey into the city’s football soul.

  2. 🏟️ Campa de los Ingleses

    Can you imagine a football ground where the Guggenheim now stands? This is where it all began. Discover the story of the Campa de los Ingleses, where British workers introduced football to Bilbao and the city took its very first steps into the game.

  3. 🏟️ San Mamés (Athletic Club)

    San Mamés is more than a stadium — it’s a symbol. Here we’ll talk about the old and the new San Mamés, legendary matches, unique traditions, and why this ground represents the heart and identity of Bilbao.

  4. 🏟️ Lamiako

    Once the most important football ground in the area, Lamiako tells the story of early Basque football, massive crowds and intense rivalries. Even without a stadium today, this place remains a key chapter in Bilbao’s early football history.

  5. 🏟️ Gobela (Arenas Club)

    At Gobela, we step into the world of one of Spain’s great historic clubs. This is where we explore early championships, classic rivalries and the contrast between different social and cultural visions of football.

  6. 🏟️ La Florida (Portugalete CF)

    A traditional ground with real local charm. In Portugalete, football became part of everyday life, and La Florida reflects the passion, resilience and community spirit of neighbourhood football.

  7. 🏟️ Las Llanas (Sestao River)

    Las Llanas stands as a powerful symbol of industrial football. Surrounded by factories and shipyards, this stadium represents working-class pride, fierce competition and unforgettable moments on and off the pitch.

  8. 🏟️ Lasesarre (Barakaldo CF)

    At Lasesarre, we reach one of the great strongholds of the Left Bank. Here we’ll talk about promotions, relegations, packed stands and why Barakaldo has always been one of the toughest places to play.

  9. 📍 San Mamés (End of the tour)

    We return to San Mamés to close the circle. With the journey complete, this final stop brings together everything we’ve seen — from football’s arrival in Bilbao to the living legacy that still defines the city today.

Meet Your Host

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Miguel verified

Host since 2025

  • tours 2 tours
I’m Miguel, a sports tourism professional with a deep passion for the unique heritage of Basque football. My mission is to provide an authentic taste of our local culture through the eyes of our legendary clubs: Athletic Club, Real Sociedad, and Deportivo Alavés. For me, it's not just about the 90 minutes on the pitch; it's about the stories, the traditions, and the history that shaped our cities.
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FAQ

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Each experience is unique and curated by a local host. Inclusions such as tickets, tours, food, and transport will be clearly listed on each product page.

Simply choose your destination, pick your experience or trip, select your date, and follow the checkout process. You’ll receive a confirmation email with all the details.

Once booked, you’ll get confirmation and the host will reach out with details 1–2 days before the experience (meeting point, schedule, ticket delivery, etc.).

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Yes. We offer flexible cancellation terms on most experiences. Check the cancellation policy listed on the experience page or contact support for help.

If a host cancels or changes the experience, you’ll be notified immediately and offered a full refund or an alternative.

Our hosts are passionate local fans who love sharing their club, city, and matchday traditions with travelers. They’re not tour guides—they’re insiders who make you feel like a local, not a tourist.

Your booking will move automatically to the new date. If you can’t attend, contact us and we’ll help you find a solution or offer alternative options.

The transportation service is detailed in the “What you get” section. However, in group experiences, it is common for the local host to schedule a convenient meeting point, providing the opportunity for everyone to head towards the event together.

Currently, direct contact with hosts is only available after booking. However, you can message our team anytime with questions about an experience.

Yes—if you’re planning a private group trip or want something tailor-made, contact us directly and we’ll help organize it.

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