Nightlife in Bilbao is lively and fun. The Old Town and the Abando area are packed with bars, eateries and clubs.

Bars: Bar Erreka, Plaza Nueva 4, has a terrace and offers great canapes. Charlie Bar, Plaza Nueva 8, is one of Bilbao's oldest and most popular bars. Taberna Txiriboga, Santa María 13, is also in the Old Town and has an authentic Basque atmosphere. Cab, Calle Dr Areilza 27, is a popular place with a young crowd, while Café Boulevard, Paseo del Arenal 3, is Bilbao's oldest cafe with a stylish art deco interior.

Clubs: The Cotton Club, Calle Gregorio de la Revilla (website: www.cottonclubbilbao.com), is an excellent club with live blues and rock music. Congreso, Muelle de Uribitarte 4, is a famous disco attracting big national and international DJ stars. Another famous nightclub is Distrito 9, Alameda de Recalde 18, ultra-modern and with a strong gay presence. Oboe, Calle Ercilla 44, is a more exclusive and elegant place for less hectic evenings.

Live Music: Kafe Antzokia, San Vicente 2 (tel: (94) 424 4625; website: www.kafeantzokia.com), is Bilbao's best live music venue with a wide repertoire from Basque music to international pop-rock bands, world music and reggae. The Rock Star, Calle Gran Vía 87 (website: www.salarockstar.com), is a nice and noisy bar hosting local rock bands. Astarloa, Calle Astarloa 5, offers a great range of live music.