There is so much to see and do when in Bilbao. While sightseeing, one can’t help but do a little (or maybe a lot) of shopping as well. From food markets to little old specialty shops, Bilbao also has a lot to offer when it comes to shopping. Here are 10 places you must check out when you’re in this beautiful city:
1. Mercado de la Ribera
Source: Matthew Black
Considered as Europe’s biggest covered market, Mercado de la Ribera is a population shopping site for both locals and tourists in Bilbao. It was built in 1929 and is 10,000 square meters in area. More than 60 merchants provide fresh and quality produce inside the market. One can find a wide variety of items here from meat and shellfish to cheese and cooked food.
Information
- Name: Mercado de la Ribera
- Address: Erribera Kalea, s/n, 48005 Bilbao, Bizkaia, Spain
- Phone: +34 944 79 06 95
- Opening hour: Monday and Saturday 8:00AM to 2:00PM, Tuesday to Friday 8:00AM to 2:00PM, 5:00PM to 8:00PM
- Holiday: Sunday
- Website: www.mercadodelaribera.net
2. Zubiarte
Source: Bilbao Kultur Lab
Located near the Guggenheim Museum by the Nervión River, the Zubiarte is a shopping center that houses more than 70 shops in four levels. Major international brands such as H&M and Zara can be found here. More than just shopping, the Zubiarte also offers other leisure services such as the cinema and beauty shops. There is also a supermarket on the lower level and a parking garage.
Information
- Name: Centro Comercial Zubiarte
- Address: Leizaola Lehendakariaren Kalea, 2, 48009 Bilbao, Bizkaia, Spain
Phone:+34 944 27 73 80- Opening hour: Monday to Saturday 7:00AM to 1:00AM, Sunday 10:00AM to 1AM
- Website: www.zubiarte.com
3. Persuade
Persuade is more than just a clothing store. Visitors who come in are treated with the very artistic and avant-garde décor of this historic yet trendy warehouse-turned-fashion house. Persuade offers a variety of products from collections of international designers to old original furniture and even Chinese antiques. They also sell vintage accessories such as hats and bags and exclusive items from some of the most well-known modern designers.
Information
- Name: Persuade
- Address: Villarías Kalea, 8, 48001 Bilbao, Bizkaia, Spain
- Phone:+34 944 23 88 64
- Opening hour: Monday to Saturday 11:00AM to 9:00PM
- Holiday: Sunday
- Website: www.persuade.es
4. Power Records
Power Records is a haven for vinyl lovers. This music store has been in the business for more than 20 years. Other than vinyl records, Power Records also has a huge stack of CDs and LPs from every music genre. They even sell collector’s sets and posters. More than just selling the latest release, this store has been a hit for having old and rare records.
Information
- Name: Power Records
- Address: Villarías Kalea, 5, 48001 Bilbao, Bizkaia, Spain
- Phone:+34 944 24 55 90
- Opening hour: Monday to Saturday 10:30AM to 2:00PM, 4:30PM to 8:00PM
- Holiday: Sunday
- Website: www.powerrecordsbilbao.com
5. Libreria Astarloa
Libreria Astoria is a perfect little shop for book lovers. With wooden shelves full of books, many are in leather and hardbound, visitors often enjoy browsing through this store. Although most of the books sold here are in Spanish, there are also a number of English titles. Libreria Astarloa also sells a variety of publications and postcards. They also hold different events for book lovers and also to promote literacy.
Information
- Name: Libreria Astarloa
- Address: Astarloa Kalea, 4, 48001 Bilbao, Bizkaia, Spain
- Phone:+34 944 23 16 07
- Opening hour: Monday to Friday 10:00AM to 2:00PM, 4:00PM to 8:00PM, Saturday 10:00AM to 2:00PM
- Holiday: Sunday
- Website: www.libreriastarloa.com
6. Chocolates de Mendaro Saint-Gerons
Saint-Gerons is one of the few remaining traditional chocolate makers left in Bilbao. It first opened in 1850 and since then has been making high-quality chocolates and sweets. They still don’t use any coloring or preservatives so every treat sold here is guaranteed tasty and delicious. One of their specialties is turron (nougat) which is a favorite of the locals.
Information
- Name: Chocolates de Mendaro Saint-Gerons
- Address: Poza Licentziatuaren Kalea, 16, 48011 Bilbao, Guipúzcoa, Spain
- Phone:+34 944 43 87 62
- Opening hour: Monday to Friday 9:30AM to 7:00PM, Saturday: 10:00AM to 2:00PM
- Holiday: Sunday
- Website: www.chocolatesdemendaro.com
7. Vaho Handmade Trashion Baggage
Vaho Handmade Trashion Baggage is a luggage store that sells bags and other accessories made from recycled materials. One of their special items is their bags that are hand-crafted from advertising banners that were hung out in the streets. These bags are one of a kind with their bold and bright designs. You can use these bags as your accessory or give them as a souvenir from Bilbao.
Information
- Name: Vaho Handmade Trashion Baggage
- Address: Correo, 25, 48005 Bilbao, Bizkaia, Spain
- Phone: +34 944 04 75 87
- Opening hour: Monday to Saturday 11:00AM to 2:30PM, 5:00PM to 8:30PM
- Holiday: Sunday
8. Gregorio Martin
Source: Daniel Lobo
Opened in 1931, this old little store near the La Ribera Market has been providing locals delicious and classic delicatessen food items for decades. Gregorio Martin sells bacalao (dried and salted cod), aging meat, and wine. You will also find a variety of beans and pulses at this store. The staff is friendly and will readily help you find whatever you’re looking for.
Information
- Name: Gregorio Martin
- Address: C/ Artecalle, 22, 48005 Bilbao, Vizcaya, Spain
- Phone: +34 944 15 37 07
- Opening hour: Monday to Friday 9:00AM to 1:15PM, 4:30PM to 7:45PM, Saturday 9:00AM to 1:30PM
- Holiday: Sunday
9. Pasteleria Arrese
Pasteleria Aresse has been baking delicious cakes and pastries for over 160 years and is considered as the best when it comes to desserts in Bilbao. Their bestseller is the Palmera de Chocolate which is always sold out fast. They also sell a variety of very tasty candies, chocolates, and cookies. Pasteleria Aresse is located in Bilbao’s Old Town and is pretty easy to find.
Information
- Name: Pasteleria Aresse
- Address: Gran Vía, 24., 48001 Bilbao, Vizcaya, Spain
- Phone: +34 944 23 40 52
- Opening hour: Daily 9:00AM to 9:00PM
- Website: www.arrese.biz
10. El Corte Ingles
Source: Metro Centric
Considered as one of the world’s most established department stores, El Corte Ingles has been in the business for more than 70 years. This Spanish rooted store values customer satisfaction and offers a variety of local and international brands. They sell fashion and accessories, sporting goods, household wares, and even cultural and gourmet items that are perfect to be given as gifts or souvenirs.
Information
- Name: El Corte Ingles
- Address: Gran Vía D. Diego López de Haro, 7-9 48001 Bilbao, Vizcaya, Spain
- Phone: +34 944 25 35 00
- Opening hour: Monday to Thursday 9:00AM to 7:30PM, Friday 9:00AM to 3:14PM
- Holiday: Saturday and Sunday
- Website: www.elcorteingles.es/eciseguros
Whether you want to find good food, fashion items or souvenirs, there’s a place for you to shop in Bilbao. Try to check out these stores and see what they have to offer. Enjoy the city of Bilbao and have fun shopping!
Have a good trip and travel!
