La Ribera Market

The building opened in August 1929, designed by Pedro Ispizua in a rationalist Art Deco style. Ispizua had trained alongside Antoni Gaudí, and the market's striking riverside facade reflects that influence. In 1990, the Guinness Book of Records certified it as the largest covered food market in the world.

The market was renovated in 2015, when a food court was added to the ground floor alongside the existing fishmonger stalls. Today it draws both local shoppers doing their weekly shop and visitors curious about Basque food culture. The upper floors are quieter and more relaxed, while the ground floor gets lively on weekday mornings.

The market is laid out by food type across three floors. The ground floor is dedicated to fish and seafood from the Cantabrian coast, alongside the food court. The first floor houses meat and charcuterie stalls selling Basque cuts, cured meats and sausages. Head to the second floor for fruit and vegetables, along with regional products including Idiazabal cheese, local honey, olive oil and dried fruits.

The food court is a good place to try pintxos and gildas, the classic Basque skewer of anchovy, olive and pickled pepper, without committing to a sit-down meal. Several gastrobars also host live jazz on weekend evenings.

For other municipal markets in Bilbao, including neighbourhood options in Deusto and Santutxu, see the full city guide.

The market is at Calle Ribera s/n, 48005 Bilbao, on the riverfront in Casco Viejo. Take the Metro to Casco Viejo station (lines 1 and 2), a two-minute walk away. Several Bilbobus routes also stop nearby. Coming from across the estuary, the San Antón bridge connects directly to the market entrance.