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Market · Bilbao, Basque Country
Mercado de la Ribera
Covered market from 1929 on the banks of the ria, in the Casco Viejo, with art déco stained glass, fish, meat and produce stalls and a ground floor of pintxos bars.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Mercado de la Ribera
The Mercado de la Ribera sits on the bank of the ria, at the tip of the Casco Viejo, where an open-air market had operated since the Middle Ages. The current building, from 1929, was designed by Pedro Ispizua in a rationalist style with art déco details, and has a large glazed façade with colorful stained glass facing the street.
At around 10,000 square meters, it is a large covered market. After a renovation completed in 2011, the fish, seafood, meat, cheese and produce stalls were placed on the upper floors.
The ground floor became a gastronomic area, with counters serving pintxos, beers and wines and tables with views over the ria, which fills up in the late afternoon and on weekends.
Outside, a promenade runs along the ria to the church of San Antón and the bridge of the same name, images that appear on Bilbao's coat of arms.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
30 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, with pintxos.
Best time
In the morning to see the fish stalls full; in the late afternoon for the ground-floor pintxos. The stalls close in the afternoon and on Sundays; check opening hours.
How to get there
It is on Calle de la Ribera, on the bank of the ria, in the Casco Viejo, a 10-minute walk from Abando station and 5 minutes from the cathedral.
Tip
Go up to the fish stalls in the morning and return to the ground floor to eat. From the market window you can see the church of San Antón and the bridge, the scene from the city's coat of arms.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Mercado de la Ribera
Does the Mercado de la Ribera have a place to eat?
Yes. The ground floor has pintxo and drink counters with tables, open into the evening.
When are the stalls open?
Monday to Saturday, mainly in the morning. Check opening times, which vary by stall.
How old is the market building?
From 1929, designed by Pedro Ispizua, with art déco stained glass on the façade.