La Ribera Market

La Ribera Market (Mercado de la Ribera) is Europe's largest covered food market, set in a striking Art Deco building on the right bank of the Nervión river in Bilbao's Casco Viejo. The market spans 10,000 square metres across three floors. Opening hours are Monday to Friday from 8am to 7pm and Saturday from 11.30am to 2.30pm, and it is closed on Sundays.

About La Ribera Market

The building opened in August 1929, designed by Pedro Ispizua in a rationalist Art Deco style. 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.

What to buy at La Ribera Market

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 without committing to a sit-down meal, and there is a seating area. Dogs are allowed inside the hall.

For neighbourhood alternatives, see the other municipal markets in Bilbao.

How to get to La Ribera Market

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. Everything is under cover, with wide aisles between the counters and public toilets on site.

Where to stay in Bilbao

La Ribera Market sits right on the riverbank in the old town, so staying in the Casco Viejo puts you within easy walking distance. Casco Viejo is full of good options at different price points, and you can be at the market in minutes on foot.

If you prefer something more polished, the Gran Hotel Domine Bilbao faces the Guggenheim and is an easy walk or metro ride from the market. The Hotel Miró Bilbao is another solid pick in the same area, well connected and comfortable.

What are La Ribera Market's opening hours?

La Ribera Market opens Monday to Friday from 8am to 7pm and on Saturday from 11.30am to 2.30pm. It is closed on Sundays. The Saturday hours are far shorter than the weekday ones, so a Saturday visit has to land inside that three-hour window between 11.30am and 2.30pm.

Can you eat at La Ribera Market?

Yes, La Ribera Market has a food court on the ground floor with pintxos bars and gastrobars where you can eat in. You can also buy fresh seafood, Basque cheese and cured meats from the stalls to take away, and there is a seating area and public toilets inside the hall.

Is La Ribera Market the biggest market in Europe?

La Ribera Market was certified by the Guinness Book of Records in 1990 as the largest covered food market in the world. It covers 10,000 square metres across three floors of fish, meat, produce and regional goods, making it the biggest market in Bilbao and one of the most significant in Spain.

Is La Ribera Market open on Sundays?

No, La Ribera Market is closed on Sundays. It trades Monday to Friday from 8am to 7pm and Saturday from 11.30am to 2.30pm, so Saturday lunchtime is the only weekend chance to see it. The nearby Arenal Street Market runs along the riverbank on Sunday mornings instead.