Explore Bilbao’s Old Quarter

THE OLD QUARTER IS THE BEATING HEART AND HISTORIC CENTRE OF BILBAO. TODAY, IT’S A FULLY PEDESTRIANISED AREA KNOWN FOR ITS VIBRANT CULTURAL AND FOOD SCENE.

THE HISTORY OF THE SEVEN STREETS

700 years ago, Bilbao was a small village made up of three streets surrounding the fortress, which was later replaced by the Church of San Antón.

Thanks to its role as a major trading hub in the north, the Old Quarter expanded to become what is now known as the Seven Streets.

As industry gained momentum, the city continued to grow and modernise into the Bilbao we know today.

View of Tendería Street.

THE NAMES OF THE SEVEN STREETS

The three original streets are:

Somera: literally, the upper street.
Artekale: the middle street.
Tendería: a reference to the small shops and workshops that once lined the street.

As the city expanded, four more were added:

Belostikale: also known as Pesquería, it was once home to the fish markets.
Carnicería Vieja: named after its proximity to Bilbao’s first slaughterhouse.
Barrenkale: again, literally, the lower street.
Barrenkale Barrena: the last to be added, it translates as the street behind the lower street.

WHAT TO SEE IN BILBAO’S OLD QUARTER

Plaza Nueva: the heart of the Old Quarter. A neoclassical square built in the 19th century, surrounded by porticoes and home to some of the city’s most iconic pintxo bars.

Miguel de Unamuno Square: a square built on two levels, featuring a statue in honour of Miguel de Unamuno.

Santiago Cathedral: its current neo-Gothic façade dates from the 19th century, though the original Gothic cathedral was built between the 14th and 16th centuries.

Santiago Square and Cathedral.

Church of San Antón: a 15th-century Gothic church with a Renaissance entrance portico and a stunning exterior tower.

Church of San Nicolás: designed by Basque architect Ignacio Ibero between 1743 and 1756. Highlights include its impressive dome and the tympanum above the main entrance, adorned with a beautiful bronze relief.

La Ribera Market: the largest covered market in Europe and one of the country’s most iconic shopping spaces. A place to savour the best of our gastronomy while admiring its impressive architecture.

Arriaga Theatre: a neo-baroque building from the late 19th century, dedicated to Juan Crisóstomo Arriaga, one of the great Spanish composers.

Basque Museum: a place to discover the ethnography of the Basque people through a number of pieces and objects. The building features a central cloister that’s well worth a visit.

Bidebarrieta Library: built in the late 19th century in French eclectic style. Today, it features among the city’s most important cultural centres and houses over 100,000 books.

Arriaga Theatre and La Concordia Station in the background.

LOOKING FOR A QUIET HOTEL IN BILBAO’S OLD QUARTER?

Bilder Boutique Hotel is located in the beating heart of the Old Quarter, so you can venture into the city on foot from our doorstep.

If you’re looking for a central stay with a kitchen, check availability at Batimont Suites, our aparthotel option.