Albertini

Iconic coastal Mexican. Bright, buzzy, packed at lunch — impossible not to love

Specialty: Pescado a la talla, tostadas de atún, pulpo a la gallega. Michelin Bib Gourmand

Pro tip: Lunch only (12-6pm). Book weeks ahead — this place is always full

Exclusive, glamorous; LED lighting, 500 capacity, ages 21+

Specialty: House, reggaeton, urban hits; smart dress code enforced

Pro tip: Book VIP tables early; strict door policy; best Thu-Sat nights

• ✓ Neoclassical palace on Plaza Alonso Martinez — architecture that turns heads
• ✓ The Library Cocktail Lounge on the ground floor and two terraces with city views
• ✓ Booking 9.6 location score — one of the best-located hotels in all of Madrid

Pro tip: Book the two-floor tower suite — it occupies the palace's original cupola

Best time: Sunrise or sunset for stunning cathedral views

Pro tip: Visit rooftop restaurant for breakfast with panoramic Zócalo square views

Best sushi restaurant in Bilbao

Specialty: Fresh sushi with innovative cuisine

Pro tip: Fully recommended (top), order the tasting menu. Booking is needed earlier (the week before)

All-day spot with spacious terrace, perfect for traditional vermut hour

Specialty: Special pintxos and prepared vermut with local atmosphere

Pro tip: Visit during Sunday vermut hour for the authentic local experience

Mesopotamia-themed cocktail bar. Marble bar, green velvet, elegant décor

Specialty: Signature cocktails, huge whiskey collection. Opens until 6AM

Pro tip: Bartenders trained at Ohla Barcelona, Paradiso Bar. Busy after 11PM Fri-Sat

Best time: Sunset (9-10PM summer, 6-7PM winter). Open 4PM-midnight, but check before if it is opened

Pro tip: Best Guggenheim views in Bilbao. Monthly brunch events. Non-guests welcome

Mountain asador, panoramic Bilbao views, outdoor picnic area

Specialty: Award-winning txuleta (Friesian cow, 30-day aged), grilled octopus, blood sausage

Pro tip: Take funicular from Plaza Funicular. Book ahead for indoor dining. €40-50/person

Traditional Basque asador by Prado Park, cozy family atmosphere

Specialty: Grilled besugo and txuletón, wood-fired grill

Pro tip: Try the homemade atún starter before main course

Iconic pintxos bar with DJ sessions on weekends

Specialty: Award-winning pintxos, extensive wine list, cocktails

Pro tip: Arrive early to get a spot at the bar, gets packed quickly

Best time: Sunset from 18h. Rooftop 15F open spring/summer only — 14F open year-round

Pro tip: Smart casual required — jacket for men. €20 entry discountable on drinks

Small cozy oyster bar, always busy, casual and lively atmosphere

Specialty: Fresh oysters and seafood

Pro tip: First oyster bar in Bilbao! Try Utah Beach, Vernet de Marennes Oleron, or the acevichada oyster. Order by the piece at market prices. Pair with Albariño or Txakoli. Arrive early as it fills up quickly

Elegant golf clubhouse with stunning course and Madrid skyline views

Specialty: Basque-Mediterranean cuisine, txangurro croquettes, creamy rice dishes, squid ink

Pro tip: Reserve window tables for best golf views; security check required at entrance

Best time: Late afternoon for sunset, golf course and Madrid skyline views

Pro tip: Campo 2 clubhouse terrace offers best views of Cuatro Torres skyline backdrop

Classic spanish bar with space outside

Specialty: Beers, wine and good quality of ham and cheese

Pro tip: Good option if you go to a music concert in the Wizink center. Try the galician empanada

Best time: Sunset for dramatic city views from 55m high

Pro tip: Glass elevator offers 360° panoramic views; visit café at top

Lively bar, mix of locals and tourists, buzzing atmosphere

Specialty: Basque traditional pintxos

Pro tip: Don't miss the famous gratineed spider crab (txangurro) - Bilbao's most iconic pintxo! Also try the truffle potato gratin and morcilla with peanuts. Awarded "Solete" by Repsol Guide

Classic Mexican institution in a restored Porfirian building. Timeless and elegant. There are 2 more restaurants in the city

Specialty: Pan dulce with nata, tableside hot chocolate, chile en nogada in season

Pro tip: Go for breakfast — iconic. Expect a wait, reserve ahead on weekends

Lively bar with young crowd, festive atmosphere on weekends

Specialty: Beers and cocktails with variety of gins

Pro tip: Popular spot in Licenciado Poza area. Watch Athletic Club matches here. Happy Hour available. Small terrace in season. Great place for drinks with friends

Elegant and lively, mix of locals and tourists, iconic Bilbao establishment

Specialty: Basque traditional cuisine

Pro tip: Try the famous zamburiñas (scallops), txuleta (T-bone steak €54), and homemade cheesecake. Almost 40 years serving Bilbao! Perfect tortilla too