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Plaza Nueva, Bilbao

Plaza Nueva, Bilbao, País Vasco

Description

The Plaza Nueva (or Plaza Barria) in Bilbao is a square designed in Neoclassical style in the 1820s. It superseded the 'Old Square' where the Ribera market was built. It is surrounded by archways sheltering restaurants, bars and stores. The Royal Academy of the Basque Language is also housed in one of the buildings. A flea market is held there on Sundays.

Access & Transport

The square is in the historical centre of Bilbao. The 'Casco Viejo'/Zazpikaleak train and metro station is 150m away and the tram station Ariaga (5) 300m away.

Instructions & Recommendations

We suggest combining a visit of the square and surrounding streets with the Santiago Cathedral followed by the Ribera Market.

Meta review

The plaza gets consistent reviews: architecturally enjoyable without being special, it distinguishes itself for its lively (if sometimes noisy) atmosphere and its pintxos bars. The only downside is that it gets crowded in the summer, August in particular.

Environmental & Social

Environmentally, it is mostly concrete with some green spaces a little outside the neighbourhood. Part of the city's architectural heritage.

Conclusion

Bilbao's Plaza Nueva is not one of the most impressive squares in Spain by a long shot but it has retained a very genuine, busy and lively atmosphere. An essential part of the Old Quarter.

Key positive

Good place for pintxos and/or a drink

Centrally located

Key negative

Can be noisy with too many customer tables on terraces

Suitability

No restrictions

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

August 2024

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit

av. transport time:0h 15m

est. visit time:0h 45m

Sunlight based

Sunrise / early morningOk

MorningOk

Lunch timeOk

AfternoonOk

Sunset / eveningOk

Night – bef. midnightOk

Night – aft. midnightNo

Pricing
Free

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