If you are planning to visit Bilbao, here is a list of places not to be missed in the jewel of the Basque Country.

Bilbao is without a doubt a must-visit city if not only for its food, as Basque cuisine is one of the most delicious and most distinct in Spain.

The first thing you need to know is that whatever time of year you travel to Bilbao, there will always be some celebration that you can take part in and enjoy. While it is true that there are certain special dates in the year, Bilbao is a city that always knows how to have a good time.

Set to the rhythm of the Bilbainadas, the Casco Viejo quarter reveals the origins of the city that emerged 700 years ago on the right bank of the Nervión-Ibaizabal estuary.

Plaza Nueva, situated in the ancient Casco Viejo quarter, is an extraordinary place that gives a glimpse into Bilbao’s remarkable history

One thing is for sure, every visit to Bilbao should include a day put aside especially for a pintxo route through the city. This style of eating or dining is an experience that is unique to the Basque Country and, without a doubt, it is one of the most authentic ways to really get to know its spirit.

The La Ribera Market, situated on the banks of the Nervión river, blends traditional food stands with an innovative food court filled with the sounds of jazz.

The place of worship, built between the fourteenth and sixteenth centuries, has housed the Diocese of Bilbao since 1949 in a building replete with chapels and tombs belonging to ancient noble families.

The Basque capital’s emblematic Gothic church has borne witness to the history of Bilbao thanks to its central location on the Banks of the Nervión river.

The Archaeological Museum of Bilbao offers a comprehensive overview of Basque prehistory and has a wreck from medieval times on display.