{"id":24015,"date":"2023-10-02T11:24:10","date_gmt":"2023-10-02T11:24:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/volare.volotea.com\/?post_type=inspiracion&p=24015"},"modified":"2023-10-02T11:40:13","modified_gmt":"2023-10-02T09:40:13","slug":"visiting-bilbao-old-quarter","status":"publish","type":"inspiracion","link":"https:\/\/volare.volotea.com\/en\/cities\/bilbao\/visiting-bilbao-old-quarter\/","title":{"rendered":"Visiting Bilbao’s old quarter"},"content":{"rendered":"
In days gone by, the taverns of Bilbao\u2019s Old Quarter (Casco Viejo<\/em>) were the usual haunts of the txikiteros<\/em>, large groups of locals singing bilbainadas<\/em> together, while drinking their merry txikitos<\/em> (red wine). Today, this same Old Quarter is still observing the passing of time and although it maintains its historical soul, it has caught up with the modern world thanks to the wealth of bars, restaurants, shops and businesses that catch the eye of all those who visit it.<\/h5>\n

History of the Old Quarter<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The Old Quarter or Seven Streets<\/em> is the city\u2019s heart and oldest hub, founded 700 years ago, when it was where people congregated to make their living from market gardening and fishing. Today it is used by thousands of travellers and tourists from all over the world and you simply can\u2019t visit Bilbao<\/a> without taking in its medieval history and vibrant street life.<\/p>\n

\"panorama<\/figure>\n

Getting to the Old Quarter<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n

As you can imagine, there are countless ways to get to Bilbao\u2019s Old Quarter<\/strong>, including the metro, buses and even trams. As one of the city\u2019s most visited areas, access is easy and straightforward, but if I had to choose a way to arrive and start enjoying its many delights, I would definitely take the train to admire the famous mosaic that welcomes us to the city.<\/p>\n

\"mosaico<\/figure>\n

Bilbao Abando<\/strong> train station is right in the city centre and has connections to the metro, several restaurants and cafes, a supermarket, souvenir shops, a bookstore, etc.<\/p>\n

\"carrer<\/figure>\n

The station has several exits, one of which is directly opposite the Nervi\u00f3n estuary. My top tip is to make your way over the bridge that crosses it until you reach the impressive Arriaga Theatre on your right.\u00a0The theatre crowns the city of Bilbao<\/strong>, and elegantly leads us into the 7 streets of the Old Quarter<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

But if you want to land right on one of its streets, there are two metro stops: Unamuno and San Nicol\u00e1s.<\/p>\n

Things to see in the streets of Bilbao\u2019s Old Quarter<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n

We have already mentioned 2 of the must-see places which, while not located right in the Old Quarter, do lead into the area and reveal what we will find just before losing ourselves in its maze-like streets.<\/p>\n

Bilbao\u2019s 7 streets<\/strong> is the oldest area of the city, packed with history, restaurants, shops, fashion boutiques and businesses of all kinds. My advice if you go there is to walk without any particular aim and lose yourself in the narrow streets, although there are some unmissable landmarks to visit that you should take the opportunity to stop off at: San Ant\u00f3n Church, Santiago Cathedral<\/strong> and the Church of Santos Juanes<\/strong>, known for one of the city\u2019s most popular bilbainadas<\/em>.<\/p>\n

Plaza Nueva<\/strong>, with its neoclassical style, is the heart of the Old Quarter, and on Sundays it also hosts a market for collectors\u2019 items and second-hand objects.<\/p>\n

\"plaza<\/figure>\n

Not forgetting the museums tucked away in the streets among the ancient buildings and squares, including the Pasos de Semana Santa<\/a>, Euskal Museoa<\/a> (remember to check the information on their website before planning your visit, as the museum is currently closed for a complete renovation) or the Diocesan Museum of Sacred Art<\/a> in Plazuela de la Encarnaci\u00f3n.<\/p>\n

Stroll along Calle del Perro<\/strong> or Txakurraren Iturria<\/em>, famed for its picturesque medieval fountain where three lions invite us to drink water from their mouths.<\/p>\n

\"calle<\/figure>\n

Where to eat in Bilbao\u2019s Old Quarter<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Pintxos<\/em>, Restaurants and lots of flavour<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Of the more than 40 pedestrian streets in Bilbao\u2019s historic centre, there are 7 that are not to be missed: Carnicer\u00eda Vieja, Barrencalle, Artecalle, Tender\u00eda, Belosticalle, Barrencalle Barrena and Somera. They are home to a vast array of bars and restaurants where you can sample some of the city\u2019s tastiest pintxos<\/em> (tapas).<\/p>\n

The Old Quarter is now a perfect place to enjoy pintxos<\/em> and txikitos<\/em> in restaurants that have become some of today\u2019s gastronomic icons. Here you will find some of the ones that are, in my opinion, essential:<\/p>\n