Old Town, Bilbao

About Old Town

Old Town (also known as Casco Viejo) is a district in Bilbao, Spain. Old Town is the historic center of the city. It's located just a short walk from the city center and is one of Bilbao's must-see areas. Old Town features eclectic shops, traditional cafes, and some of the city's biggest attractions.

Bilbao's Old Town dates back over 700 years to when it was the center of the city. At the time, many of the city's residents relied on fishing to make a living, which is why Old Town is positioned right next to Bilbao's estuary. Protective city walls originally surrounded Casco Viejo, but they were removed in order to expand the district. Old Town is sometimes referred to as The Seven Streets, as it consists of seven roads positioned perpendicular to the river. 

Old Town is one of Bilbao's most fashionable districts thanks to its excellent shopping opportunities and an array of classic Spanish restaurants and bars. Old Town is the ideal place to store your luggage in Bilbao, before heading out to explore the city.

Things to do in Old Town

Old Town is a picturesque area, with narrow winding alleyways, beautiful plazas, and riverside walkways. You won't be short of activities in Old Town, thanks to the district's plethora of shops and attractions. Stash your belongings at a Bounce luggage storage spot and swing by some of these great locations in Old Town:

• Spend the day exploring Plaza Nueva. This stunning square is encircled by neoclassical architecture and traditional colonnades. 

• Chow down on some classic Basque Country cuisine at one of the restaurants near Plaza Nueva. Popular options include Cafe Bilbao and Restaurante La Olla.

• Shop local at the Mercado de la Ribera. Positioned along the Bilbao Estuary, this market is the largest fresh produce market in Europe. 

• Stay up to date with the latest fashion in Old Town's extensive shopping district. Here you'll find tons of unique boutiques, as well as name-brand stores.

• Learn about local history at Euskal Museo. This museum focuses on local ethnographic findings from around Bilbao, such as ancient pottery, weapons, and carvings.

Transit Options in Old Town

• Bilbao Metro Line from Casco Viejo Station

• Bus Service from Casco Viejo Station (E1, E3, E4, L3)

• Taxi Rank

Luggage Storage in Old Town

You won't want to drag your heavy luggage around Bilbao's cultural gems or through its narrow cobbled streets. Bounce offers several luggage storage services in Old Town, where you can drop off your bags before exploring the best of Bilbao. These facilities are quick and easy to book and afford the flexibility you need when rushing around town or relaxing on holiday. 

Attractions and Activities near Old Town

• Guggenheim Museum - Bilbao is home to some wonderful museums, and the Guggenheim is the best of the bunch. The museum is a work of art by itself. Designed by world-renowned architect Frank Gehry, it boasts a contemporary design unlike anything else on the planet. Once you step inside the museum, you'll be treated to artwork by many of modern art's most famous names. The Guggenheim contains paintings and installations by the likes of Mark Rothko, Jeff Koons, and Anselm Keifer. You'll find this museum also hosts some amazing temporary exhibits, including one with works created by David Hockney. Large bags are prohibited inside the Guggenheim Museum, so check in to a Bounce luggage storage service in Casco Viejo. 

• Etxebarria Park - Bilbao can get fairly crowded, so if you're looking for a place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, consider Etxebarria Park. Located within Old Town, this greenspace is one of the largest parks Bilbao has to offer. The park was formed at the site of an old steel factory and still features a large chimney at its center. The park is perfect for a family picnic or a stroll. The park is also high up on a hill and affords stunning panoramas of Bilbao's city center. If you're visiting the park during Aste Nagusia, one of Bilbao's major festivals, you'll be treated to a fireworks display and an array of stalls providing food and souvenirs. 

• Museum of Fine Arts Bilbao - Another of Bilbao's best museums is The Museum of Fine Arts Bilbao. There are over 10,000 objects in its permanent collection with hundreds of works by European artists on display every day. Discover paintings by some of history's most famous European painters, including El Greco, Francisco de Goya, and Paul Gauguin. The museum hosts temporary exhibits by local and international artists, so you'll get to see something new each time you visit. You'll do plenty of walking while touring this museum, so consider dropping your bags off at an Old Town luggage storage service.

• Santiago Cathedral - Santiago Cathedral (often referred to as Bilbao Cathedral) is one of Bilbao's oldest buildings. Some parts of the cathedral are thought to predate the city, with parts dating back to the 13th century. Visitors are free to roam this beautiful Gothic Revival cathedral, admire the intricate stained glass windows, and pay their respects at chapels. One of the cathedral highlights is the Girola — an ornate, vibrant altar dedicated to Saint Joseph.