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.

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.

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.

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.