Las 7 Calles

Whether someone tells you to head to Casco Viejo or Siete Calles, they’re pointing you to the same place, the heart of old Bilbao.

This crossroads, where seven narrow streets converge, including Artekale Street where you are currently standing is believed to be the very birthplace of the city. This is backed by 15th-century records, which show that these streets once served as the city’s first trading hub, back when it was still a bustling port town.

Fully restored and pedestrianised in the 1980s, the area has stayed true to its lively, commercial roots. Packed with restaurants, monuments, shops, and traditional pintxos bars, it’s the perfect place to soak up Bilbao’s food, culture, and local charm.

As for the setting, well, it doesn’t get much more Basque than this.