Global Major Cities Guide

Cider (Sagardoa): Cider has deep cultural roots in the Basque Country. It is typically dry, slightly tart, and lower in carbonation compared to commercial ciders. Traditionally, cider is enjoyed in sagardotegiak (cider houses), where it is paired with hearty Basque meals.
Craft Beer: The craft beer movement in Bilbao is relatively new but thriving. Local breweries and bars are experimenting with a variety of styles, from IPAs and stouts to Belgian ales and lagers. The focus is on quality, creativity, and small-batch production.

Bilbao has a growing number of craft beer bars and breweries. Here are some of the top spots:

Bihotz Café
- Location: Calle Arechaga, 6 (Bilbao La Vieja neighborhood)
- Why Visit: A cozy and trendy bar with a rotating selection of craft beers on tap, including local and international brews. They also serve excellent coffee and snacks.
- What to Try: Ask for local Basque craft beers like those from Basqueland Brewing or Laugar Brewery.
- Price Range: €4–€6 per pint.
Muga
- Location: Calle Jardines, 3 (Casco Viejo/Old Town)
- Why Visit: A small but well-curated craft beer bar with a focus on Spanish and European craft beers. The staff is knowledgeable and happy to make recommendations.
- What to Try: Try a Basque IPA or a sour beer from a local brewery.
- Price Range: €3.50–€6 per glass.
Kaiser
- Location: Calle Barrainkua, 6 (Abando neighborhood)
- Why Visit: A long-standing beer bar with a mix of craft and traditional beers. They often feature local brews alongside international options.
- What to Try: Look for seasonal beers or limited-edition brews from Basque breweries.
- Price Range: €3–€5 per glass.

Basqueland Brewing
- Location: Hernani (near San Sebastián, but their beers are widely available in Bilbao)
- Why Visit: One of the most renowned craft breweries in the Basque Country, known for their IPAs, stouts, and lagers.
- Where to Find: Their beers are available in most craft beer bars in Bilbao, including Bihotz Café and Muga.
Laugar Brewery
- Location: Gordexola (30 minutes from Bilbao)
- Why Visit: A pioneering Basque craft brewery with bold and experimental beers. They produce everything from imperial stouts to sour ales.
- Where to Find: Their beers are featured in many Bilbao craft beer bars.
La Salve
- Location: Bilbao
- Why Visit: A historic Bilbao brewery that has been revived with a modern twist. They produce a range of beers, including lagers, pale ales, and wheat beers.
- Where to Find: Their beers are widely available in bars and restaurants across the city.

Cider is best experienced in traditional sagardotegiak (cider houses), but you can also find it in bars and restaurants in Bilbao.

Barkaiztegi Sagardotegia
- Location: Just outside Bilbao, in Astigarraga (a short drive or train ride away).
- Why Visit: A traditional cider house offering the full sagardotegi experience, including unlimited cider poured directly from the barrel (txotx) and a classic Basque menu (cod omelet, grilled steak, and Idiazabal cheese with quince paste).
- Price Range: €30–€40 per person for a full meal and cider.
Zerain Sagardotegia
- Location: Casco Viejo, Bilbao
- Why Visit: A more accessible option within the city, offering traditional Basque cider and food in a rustic setting.
- What to Try: Pair your cider with pintxos (Basque tapas) or a full cider house meal.
- Price Range: €20–€30 per person.

Many bars in Bilbao serve bottled Basque cider. Look for labels like Isastegi, Zapiain, or Bereziartua for authentic local options.
How to Order: Simply ask for "sagardoa" (pronounced sah-gar-DOH-ah). It is typically served in a wide, flat-bottomed glass and poured from a height to aerate it.

Craft Beer: €3.50–€6 per glass, depending on the venue and type of beer.
Cider: €2–€4 per glass in bars; €30–€40 for a full cider house experience with food.

Craft Beer Styles: IPAs, stouts, porters, sours, Belgian ales, lagers, and wheat beers. Basque breweries often experiment with local ingredients, so you may find unique flavors.
Cider Varieties: Basque cider is typically dry and unfiltered, with a cloudy appearance and a tart, earthy flavor. It is very different from the sweet, fizzy ciders found in other countries.

Bilbao Beer Week
- When: Typically held in the spring or early summer.
- What to Expect: A celebration of craft beer with tastings, workshops, and events at various bars and breweries across the city.
Sagardo Eguna (Cider Day)
- When: Usually in late spring or early summer.
- What to Expect: A day dedicated to Basque cider, with tastings, food pairings, and cultural events.
Txotx Season
- When: January to April
- What to Expect: The traditional cider season, when cider houses open their barrels for the year. This is the best time to visit a sagardotegi.

Pouring Cider: In traditional settings, cider is poured from a height to aerate it. If you’re at a cider house, you may be invited to pour your own directly from the barrel.
Etiquette in Cider Houses: Meals are communal, and the atmosphere is lively. Don’t be shy about joining in the fun!
Tipping: Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated. Leaving small change or rounding up the bill is common.
Language: While Spanish is widely spoken, many locals also speak Basque. Learning a few Basque words (e.g., "Eskerrik asko" for "Thank you") can go a long way.

For craft beer enthusiasts, start with Bihotz Café or Muga to get a sense of the local scene.
For cider lovers, plan a visit to a sagardotegi for the full experience, or try a glass of sagardoa at a bar in Casco Viejo.
Don’t miss the opportunity to pair your drinks with Basque cuisine, whether it’s pintxos, grilled steak, or Idiazabal cheese.

Enjoy your time in Bilbao, and cheers (or "Topa!" in Basque)!