Bilbao Old Town Travel Guide

Bilbao

Ribera Market featuring food, interior views and a bar
Ribera Market featuring a river or creek, a city and heritage architecture
Plaza Miguel de Unamuno showing a city and street scenes as well as a small group of people
Ribera Market showing a bridge, a river or creek and a city
Santiago Cathedral showing heritage architecture and a church or cathedral

Discover characterful bars, historic architecture, colorful independent stores and much more amid the largely pedestrianized streets of Bilbao’s atmospheric heart. 

During your time in Bilbao, you may hear the city’s Old Town referred to by a range of different names. It’s often known as the Casco Viejo, but sometimes also called Las Siete Calles (in Spanish) or Zazpikaleak (Basque). These latter two nicknames, meaning “Seven Streets,” refer to the medieval streets that make up the core of the neighborhood.

Whatever you decide to call it, Bilbao Old Town is a wonderful place to spend time. Lose your way amid its maze of pretty, mostly pedestrianized streets, and you are sure to stumble across many interesting sights.

Head to Plaza Nueva on a Sunday morning to browse for one-off souvenirs at the flea market. This public square is one of the most popular spots in the Old Town, on any day of the week. It is a beautiful example of Neoclassical design, and is also known for its cafés, bars and restaurants. Sit outside and sample some pintxos, the northern Spanish take on tapas.

Walk south from the square for less than 5 minutes to reach the magnificent Catedral de Santiago, aka St. James’ Cathedral. Admire its beautiful exterior, a prime example of 14th-century Gothic architecture. Step inside for a moment of peace in its tranquil interior.

Within just a few minutes’ walk are several museums worth visiting. Learn about local history in the Bilboko Euskal Museoa and see the area’s past brought to life through archaeological artifacts in the Arkeologi Museoa. A little further to the east is the quirky Museo Pasos de Semana Santa, dedicated to religious art and Easter.

The Bidebarrieta Liburutegia Zentrale (Bidebarrieta Library) is one of the area’s most exceptional buildings. This grand 19th-century building is beautiful enough from the outside. Head inside, however, to truly appreciate its opulence.

The highlights of Bilbao Old Town sit on the eastern bank of the Nervión river. Make your way east from the main train station on foot for just under 10 minutes to reach Plaza Nueva, which is usually considered the hub of the neighborhood.


Popular places to visit



Other neighbourhoods around Bilbao Old Town

Default Image

San Francisco

4/5(1 area review)

You'll enjoy the bars and theatres in San Francisco. You might want to make time for a stop at Ensanche or Bay of Biscay.

San Francisco
Plaza Nueva showing outdoor eating as well as a small group of people

Casco Viejo

Museums, theatres and historical sites highlight some notable features of Casco Viejo. Make a stop by Plaza Nueva or Museum of Archaeology Bizkaya while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Casco Viejo Station or Arriga Tram Stop to get around town.

Casco Viejo
San Mames Stadium featuring modern architecture and a river or creek

Bilbao City Centre

4.5/5(33 area reviews)

Bilbao City Centre is highly notable for its fascinating museums, and you might want to visit top sights like Plaza Moyua and Gran Casino Bilbao. See more of Bilbao by jumping on the metro at Moyua Station or Abando Station.

Bilbao City Centre
Default Image

Zabala

4.5/5(3 area reviews)

While Zabala isn't home to many top sights, Ribera Market and Santiago Cathedral are some notable places to visit nearby.

Zabala
Guggenheim Museum Bilbao showing outdoor art, street scenes and modern architecture

Abando

4.5/5(118 area reviews)

Ample dining options, fascinating museums, and beautiful river views are just a few top things to explore in Abando. A visit to Plaza Moyua or Ensanche might round out your trip, and you can jump aboard the metro at Moyua Station or Indautxu Station to get around town.

Abando
Bilbao City Hall featuring modern architecture

Castaños

While visiting Castaños, you might make a stop by sights like Funicular de Artxanda and Bilbao City Hall.

Castaños

Bilbao Old Town Travel Guide