Casco Viejo

Overview

The Casco Viejo (Old Town) is Bilbao's medieval heart, centred on the original Siete Calles — seven streets laid out when the city was founded in 1300. Today it's a dense, vibrant district packed with pintxos bars, independent shops, the Cathedral of Santiago, and Plaza Nueva.

Highlights

• Siete Calles: The original seven parallel streets — the DNA of Bilbao's urban layout.
• Pintxos Crawl: Dozens of bars competing for the best miniature Basque cuisine.
• Street Life: Buskers, artisan shops, and a buzzing café culture make it Bilbao's liveliest district.

History

Bilbao was founded on 15 June 1300 by Don Diego López V de Haro. The original settlement was confined to seven streets on the right bank of the Nervión, protected by walls. The Casco Viejo grew organically over the following centuries, acquiring churches, convents, and markets.

Visitor Tips

• Go at evening for the best pintxos atmosphere — bars fill up from around 20:00.
• Start at Plaza Nueva and work your way through the seven streets.
• Duration: 1.5–2.5 hours.