Bilbao Old Town: What to See and do
Bilbao Old Town, known locally as Casco Viejo, is one of the best places to experience the historic side of Bilbao. Its narrow streets, traditional buildings, lively squares, pintxos bars and independent shops make it a very different experience from the modern architecture found elsewhere in the city.
If you’re visiting Bilbao for the first time, spending a few hours exploring the Old Town is essential. You can wander through the famous Seven Streets, visit historic churches, stop for pintxos and finish the day with a drink in one of the neighbourhood’s atmospheric plazas.
Here are some of the best things to see and do in Bilbao Old Town.
What Is Bilbao Old Town?
Bilbao Old Town is the historic heart of the city and is known as Casco Viejo. At its centre are the Siete Calles, or Seven Streets, which form the original medieval core of Bilbao.
Today, the area combines historic architecture with a lively modern atmosphere. You’ll find traditional Basque restaurants alongside cafés, bars, shops and markets, making the Old Town an enjoyable area to explore both during the day and in the evening.
1. Explore the Seven Streets of Casco Viejo
The best way to experience Bilbao Old Town is simply to walk. The famous Seven Streets form the historic centre of Casco Viejo and are filled with small shops, bars, restaurants and historic buildings.
Rather than following a strict sightseeing route, take time to explore the smaller lanes and side streets. Some of the most enjoyable discoveries in the Old Town are found away from the main thoroughfares.
Look out for traditional balconies, colourful façades and the distinctive atmosphere of this historic part of Bilbao.
2. Visit Santiago Cathedral
Santiago Cathedral is one of the most important historic buildings in Bilbao Old Town. The Gothic cathedral is dedicated to Saint James and has a long connection with pilgrims travelling along the Camino de Santiago.
The cathedral is located in the heart of Casco Viejo, making it an easy stop while exploring the Seven Streets.
Even if you don’t spend long inside, the building is worth seeing as part of a walk through the historic centre.
3. See Plaza Nueva
Plaza Nueva is one of the most recognisable squares in Bilbao Old Town. The elegant arcaded buildings surrounding the plaza create a distinctive setting and make it one of the best places to stop for food or a drink.
It is particularly famous for its pintxos. These small Basque snacks are an important part of the local food culture, and trying several different varieties is one of the best things to do in Bilbao.
4. Try a pintxos crawl
Rather than sitting down for one large meal, visit several bars and order a pintxos or two at each. This gives you the chance to sample different flavours while exploring the Old Town.
What are pintxos? Pintxos are small, elaborate bite-sized snacks traditionally served on a slice of bread and held together with a toothpick, most famous in northern Spain’s Basque Country. They are somewhat similar to Spain’s Tapas.
5. Visit Mercado de la Ribera
Just beside the Old Town is Mercado de la Ribera, Bilbao’s famous market. It is an excellent place to experience the city’s food culture and see the variety of produce associated with the Basque Country.
The market is also close to the Nervión River, so it is easy to combine a visit with a walk along the waterfront.
For food lovers, Mercado de la Ribera is a natural addition to a Bilbao Old Town itinerary.
5. Explore the Churches of the Old Town
Bilbao Old Town contains several interesting historic churches. In addition to Santiago Cathedral, look out for the Church of San Antón, (Saint Anthony The Great) which occupies an important position beside the river.
Another interesting church is The church of San Nicolás de Bari, which was built in the mid 18th century in the Baroque style. Saint Nicolás de Bari, was the patron saint of seafarers.
The Basilica of Begoña is one of the most impressive churches in Bilboa. This mainly gothic church was started in the 16th century and finished in the 17th century. The highlight is the gilded altarpiece with the image of Saint Begonia, patroness of Biscaye.
Parroquia de San Francisco de Asís is a newer (built in 1890), nonetheless impressive church built in neo-gothic style which makes it look older than it really is.
These buildings help explain the history of Bilbao and provide a contrast with the modern architecture that has made the city internationally famous.
6. Walk Along the Nervión River
The Nervión River borders the Old Town and provides a pleasant way to see Bilbao from a different perspective.
After exploring the narrow streets of Casco Viejo, head towards the river and take a walk along the waterfront. From here you can appreciate the relationship between Bilbao’s historic centre and the newer parts of the city.
The river walk can also be combined with visits to Mercado de la Ribera and the nearby bridges.
7. Go Shopping in Casco Viejo
Bilbao Old Town is a good place to browse independent shops and look for souvenirs with a Basque connection.
You’ll find everything from food and wine to clothing, gifts and traditional products. Even if you’re not planning to buy anything, exploring the smaller streets and shopfronts adds to the experience of visiting Casco Viejo.
8. Visit Bilbao Old Town at Night
Don’t leave the Old Town as soon as the sun goes down. Casco Viejo is one of the liveliest areas of Bilbao in the evening, particularly around its bars and plazas.
This is another good time to experience pintxos, enjoy a drink and watch the streets come alive.
If you are staying overnight in Bilbao, the Old Town is an easy place to spend an evening without needing to travel across the city.
How Long Do You Need in Bilbao Old Town?
Allow at least two to three hours to explore the main sights of Bilbao Old Town. If you want to visit the cathedral, browse the shops, stop at the market and enjoy a pintxos lunch or evening, you could easily spend half a day here.
A good approach is to combine the Old Town with other Bilbao attractions on the same day. For example, you could explore Casco Viejo in the morning, visit the Guggenheim Museum later and finish with pintxos in the Old Town.
Best Things to Do in Bilbao Old Town
- Walk the Seven Streets of Casco Viejo
- Visit Santiago Cathedral
- Explore Plaza Nueva
- Try traditional Basque pintxos
- Visit Mercado de la Ribera
- See the Church of San Antón
- Walk beside the Nervión River
- Browse the independent shops
- Return in the evening for food and drinks
Tours and Tickets
Bilbao Old Town: Is It Worth Visiting?
Yes, Bilbao Old Town is well worth visiting. While the Guggenheim Museum and Bilbao’s modern architecture attract much of the attention, Casco Viejo reveals a different side of the city.
This is where you can experience historic Bilbao, wander through medieval streets, see important churches and enjoy some of the Basque Country’s famous food and drink.
If you’re planning a trip, add at least a few hours in Casco Viejo to your itinerary. And for a broader look at the city, continue with our complete Bilbao travel guide, which covers the city’s major attractions, food, neighbourhoods and practical travel information.