Bilbao Sightseeing 1 - Discover the Casco Viejo
Most Bilbao sightseeing can be done on foot but there is a fine public
transport system available should you prefer to save your energy.
We've split this section into four parts which can be done a individual walking tours of the city.
These are as follows:
Bilbao Sightseeing 1
>> Take a Wander Through the Casco Viejo (Old Quarter).
Bilbao Sightseeing 2
>> Stroll Along the Gran Via, the heart of Bilbao.
Bilbao Sightseeing 3
>> Wander Along the River to the Guggenheim.
Bilbao Sightseeing 4 >>
Cross the River to the Deusto University District.
Casco Viejo is the old part of town. It is a maze of winding pedestrian streets,
easy to get lost in but good fun doing it! In the warren of streets you’ll find
all types of modern clothes and high fashion boutiques along with lots of
simpler shops, cafes and food markets. It lies on the other side of the river
from the new, main town of Bilbao.
To get to it you cross over the wonderful Arenal Bridge which is down at the
Abando end of the Gran Via, Bilbao’s main street. Also located down here is the
main railway station, Santander, which is a magnificent building and well worth
a look.
Immediately over the bridge on your right is Teatro Arriaga, another of Bilbao’s
architectural gems. It stands apart in a large plaza, a building of immense
character and wonderful design. It is also Bilbao’s main theatre with
performances of all types of theatre taking place nightly. Check at the theatre
or tourist office to see what’s showing during your visit.
In front of you is the Café Boulevard, established in 1872 and one of Bilbao’s
classic and most atmospheric old cafes. Slightly to the left is the Iglesia de
San Nicholas. From here it’s best to just plunge on into the Casco and wander
freely.
You’ll soon find yourself in the Plaza Nueva, an enclosed square in the old
traditional Spanish style, a great place to relax and have a bite to eat. It
also has a vibrant Sunday market. Down from here is the central landmark of the
Casco, the Santiago Cathedral a late 14th century Gothic construction.
Further on are the Siete Calles (seven streets) stretching down to the river
and all running parallel to each other, from Pelota Street down to Somera
Street. They heave and throb with night life all weekend, packed with locals
enjoying themselves in the multitude of bars until the small hours. On the river
end of the Siete Calles is the Mercado de la Ribera. On three different levels
it’s reputed to be Europe’s largest indoor market. The sheer volume of fish,
fruit and vegetables on display is only awesome! Further up the river is the
quaint little Estacion de Axturi for trains to Guernica (Gernika), Bermeo and San
Sebastian.
Some recommended watering holes in the Casco include K2 in Calle Somera which is packed late
into the night.
Opposite is the bar Bizkendi, an old traditional bar with eccentic bar staff! Its
walls are adorned with some great old photos of Bilbao including the Athletic
team of 1918 with the mysterious Mr Barness, their English trainer, in the
background looking more enigmatic then the Mona Lisa. This is a great bar to
watch any Athletic Bilbao game in.
Further down the street is the Cambrinus a traditional Cerveceria. Bar Xukela in
Calle Perro is always lively. The Plaza Unamundo is a lovely square to relax and
watch life go by though always take good care of your valuables. Back down by
the Iglesia de San Nicholas is the Institute Municipal Deports where you can
watch various local games like Pelota (like Irish handball). However, as in
Bilbao itself, half the fun is in just wandering the streets and seeing what
delight you’ll stumble upon, whether visual or sensual. And don’t worry about
getting lost, the Casco is quite small and you’ll always find your way back out.
The Casco Viejo has a metro stop of the same name. It has 2 exits, one brings
you out near San Nicholas church and other at Plaza Unamundo in the heart of the
Casco.
Bilbao Sightseeing 1
>> Take a Wander Through the Casco Viejo (this page).
Bilbao Sightseeing
2 >> Stroll Along the Gran
Via, the heart of Bilbao.
Bilbao Sightseeing
3 >> Wander Along the River
to the Guggenheim.
Bilbao Sightseeing 4 >>
Cross the River to the Deusto University District.
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