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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 10 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Dana Facaros

Foodies will love this hangout in Bilbao’s old town: one of the biggest covered markets in the world, it’s a lush, colourful extravaganza of wonderfully fresh produce.

Enormous, hanging hams, gawping fish slung on crushed ice, pungent shellfish, piles of glossy fruit – and even some sit-in wine bars, where you can order a glass and a plate of pintxos (Basque-style tapas).

Built in 1929, the design still has lots of gorgeous Art Deco touches, modernised by escalators, hip tiling and communal wooden benches to eat at.

Even if you haven’t got a kitchen, come down to get an education in Basque cuisine – or assemble some tasty local treats for a picnic in the sun.

Recommended itineraries by our writers that include this experience

Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 13+
When: All year around

Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

Hotel Carlton

Bilbao, Basque Country, Spain[1.1 miles]

This elegant, central grand dame from the 1920s is full of character – and almost next door to the Guggenheim.

Official star rating:

Gran Hotel Domine Bilbao

Bilbao, Basque Country, Spain[1.5 miles]

Chic, arty, five-star hotel in Bilbao – right on the doorstep of the city’s Guggenheim Museum.

Official star rating:

Hotel Miro

Bilbao, Basque Country, Spain[1.6 miles]

This smart little design hotel has a warm welcome, contemporary art and dazzling views of the Guggenheim Bilbao.

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Bilbao

Basque Country, Spain

Renowned for its Guggenheim Museum and edgy arts scene, this northern Spanish city has delicious Basque food and nearby golden beaches.

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Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

Guggenheim Museum Bilbao

Bilbao, Basque Country, Spain[1.6 miles]

A world-famous art gallery housing some of the world’s most important contemporary art exhibitions. In Frank Gehry’s striking swirl of a building.

Best for ages: 18+ | £22

Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..

Basque Museum of Bilbao
Experience

Basque Museum of Bilbao

Bilbao, Basque Country, Spain[0.4 miles]

A Basque ethnographic museum in the old part of Bilbao dedicated to the culture and history of one of Europe’s oldest peoples. Closed on Tuesdays.

Best for ages: 18+ | £5

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Overview >
man standing infront of two portrait paintings, hung on bright red wall
Experience

Bilbao Museum of Fine Arts

Bilbao, Basque Country, Spain[1.6 miles]

Bilbao’s fine arts museum boasts a superb collection of masterpieces, from  El Greco and Zurburan to  Gaugin and Francis Bacon.

Best for ages: 18+ | Free

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Overview >
external view of entrance
Experience

Bilbao Maritime Museum

Bilbao, Basque Country, Spain[2.1 miles]

This recently-added museum hosts special exhibitions dedicated to Bilbao’s seafaring and shipbuilding past.

Best for ages: 13+ | £5

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Overview >

Bilbao’s beaches [Hiking & tandem skydiving]

Bilbao, Basque Country, Spain[15.9 miles]

North of Bilbao, the Atlantic coast is lined with cliffs, stunning lookouts and beautiful beaches, perfect for an afternoon walk, swimming, surfing or even paragliding – all in easy reach of the city metro.

Best for ages: 6+ | Free

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Overview >