Mercado de la Ribera

Mercado de la Ribera is a bustling food market on the banks of the Nervión River in Bilbao's old town. Housed in a striking Art Deco building from 1929, it is one of the largest covered markets in Europe. The ground floor is a vibrant fish market with dozens of stalls displaying the day's catch from the Cantabrian Sea, while the upper level features meat, cheese, and produce vendors. The market also includes several pintxo bars and small restaurants where you can sample Basque specialties like txangurro (spider crab) or Idiazabal cheese. The atmosphere is lively, especially in the morning when locals shop for ingredients. The market's architecture, with its large central hall and colorful stained-glass windows, adds to the experience. It's a perfect place to immerse yourself in Bilbao's culinary culture.

Don't miss

• Browse the fish stalls on the ground floor for the freshest seafood.
• Sample pintxos at the market's bars, such as bacalao al pil-pil.
• Buy local cheeses like Idiazabal and Cabrales.
• Admire the Art Deco architecture and stained-glass windows.
• Visit on a weekday morning for the full local experience.

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Mercado de la Ribera

Cheapest way inSpanish Tour of Bilbao + Artxanda Funicular4.5★ · 30 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$33 per personSee dates →Most bookedThe Award-Winning Bilbao Food Tour & Wine Pairing by Basque Local5★ · 1,146 travelers~3 hoursFree cancellationFrom$122 per personSee dates →Private & flexibleBilbao Airport Private Arrival Transfer to Various Cities4.6★ · 17 travelersFree cancellationFrom$52 per personSee dates →

Getting there