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city; and Hotel Tayko Bilbao, in a beauti- Highlights of Old Town
fully restored building in Old Town, with a
rooftop bar and panoramic views.
• Seven Streets (Siete Calles) – The
After checking in, we explored Casco charming, narrow medieval streets are
Viejo (Old Town) in the historic heart of Bil- lined with traditional shops, bakeries, and
bao. We wandered the narrow streets and pintxo bars.
plazas without a plan to get a feeling for the • Mercado de la Ribera - The largest
local culture and the personality of the re- covered market in Europe and a great
gion, which we like to do in new cities.
place to experience the local food culture.
We started at the Plaza Nueva, known Steady and sometimes surging waves of
for its lively cafes, bars, street musi- shoppers and tourists flow through the
cians, and historic architecture. Take aisles to select from an impressive array
your time strolling through the narrow of fresh produce, meat and seafood stalls,
streets and alleyways, with aromas of and pintxo counters. The bantering and
Basque cooking wafting from colorful cornucopia of aromas add to the experi-
buildings all around. Stop on occasion ence for all the senses (free samples at
for a taste treat or two from a pintxos many counters).
bar. We like grazing, and Basque Country • Plaza Unamuno - Lively Square often
is perfect for it, as covered below.
hosts open-air concerts and events. Great
88 WINE DINE & TRAVEL MAGAZINE WINTER/SPRING 2024
