Bilbao Neighborhoods, Locations and Districts

(Bilbao, Biscay, Basque Country, Spain)

Although the city of Bilbao is roughly divided in half by two main regions, the Old Quarter (Casco Viejo) and New Town (Ensanche), Bilbao is actually split into eight notable districts, with the main regions including the Abando, Begona, Deusto, Rekalde and Uribarri districts.

As you would expect, Bilbao's Old Quarter is where many of the most historic attractions in Bilbao can be found, together with plenty of local shops, restaurants and Tapas bars, which are particularly concentrated around the public square of Plaza Nueva. New Town Bilbao, otherwise known as El Ensanche, is a particularly lively part of the city, bordered by the scenic Nervión River. Also worth a mention, the coastal district of Bilbao is home to a good selection of beaches, which are located in the city's northern suburbs, alongside the mouth of the estuary. Here are Bilbao's main districts, neighborhoods and locations.

Old Quarter (Casco Viejo)

The Old Quarter of Bilbao is the epitome of a historic Spanish city, with narrow alleyways, winding streets, many stunning historic buildings and entertaining street musicians. Situated in the very heart of Bilbao, the Old Quarter is known locally as the Casco Viejo and much of this area has been renovated and refreshed following considerable flood damage during 1983. Bilbao's Old Quarter stands on the eastern side of the scenic Bilbao River, around the Las Siete Calles area.

Overflowing with bars and restaurants, many locals in Bilbao's Old Quarter travel between bars to drink (poteo), often just spending a few minutes at each bar, where Tapas is frequently served as an accompaniment. Drinks are generally small, so that you can visit a large number of bars without suffering the effects of alcohol too badly. The most lively areas of Bilbao's Old Quarter are centered around the seven streets (siete calles), which are bordered by the Calle de La Ronda and Calle Pelota, where there are a good selection of cafés and bars.

Home to a wealth of prominent landmarks and sightseeing opportunities, highlights in the Old Quarter of Bilbao include the Plaza Nueva, which is a beautiful public square, full of tables and offering scenic outdoor dining throughout the day and evening. Also worth a mention, the magnificent Teatro Arriaga stands on the Plaza Arriaga and is a popular theatre, with regular performances and stunning architecture. Other attractions include the 16th-century Gothic Catedral de Santiago (Santiago Cathedral), the Edificio de la Bolsa (Bilbao Stock Exchange) and the extensive Museum of Basque Archaeology, Ethnography and History.

New Town (Ensanche)

Many sights and top attractions in the New Town district of Bilbao are within easy walking distance of the city's central river. The main train stations stand close to the Puente de Arenal, next to the river. This part of Bilbao is often known locally as El Ensanche and stands in a fairly broad loop of the Nervión River.

Beaches

With its coastal setting, close to the Atlantic Ocean, Bilbao is well-served by a number of beaches, which can be found on the city's northern outskirts, standing alongside the estuary's mouth. Well-connected to central Bilbao by the fast Metro system, beaches here are centered around Sopelana, such as the Playa de Arrietara - a popular nudist beach, Getxo - lined by a long promenade, and Plentzia - home to a quieter beach which is less crowded, even during the high season.