Casco Viejo, Bilbao
Zazpikaleak / Casco Viejo
The 'seven streets' where Bilbao began. Plaza Nueva, surrounded by arcades, is the city's hub for pintxos.
The Old Town lies on the right bank of the Nervión River. It is made up of seven medieval parallel streets (Siete Calles) and includes the Cathedral of Santiago, the Ribera Market, one of Europe's largest covered food markets with an Art Deco building beside the river, and the arcaded Plaza Nueva. Bars line the square, and on Sunday mornings there is a stamp and antiques market. In the evening, it is a great place to try pintxos.
You can walk about 25 minutes from the Guggenheim along the river, passing the Zubizuri footbridge designed by Santiago Calatrava. The Casco Viejo metro station is right in the area. The Old Town also houses the Basque Museum, which is a good introduction to the history and culture of the Basque people.
Opening hours
Neighborhood open all day; Ribeira Market open daytime Mon–Sat
Nearby sights
- Bilbao Cathedral (Cathedral of Santiago)
- Plaza Nueva
- Basque Museum (Euskal Museoa)
- Arriaga Theatre
- Mercado de la Ribera
- Church of San Antón
- Zubizuri
- Basilica of Begoña