Walking Tour of Bilbao's Old Quarter and the Seven Streets

Bilbao's Old Quarter, widely known as the Seven Streets (Siete Calles), is the historic core of the city. Declared a Historic-Artistic Site in 1972 and fully pedestrianised since 1979, this neighbourhood packs over five centuries of history into a compact and lively area. Cobbled streets, narrow passages and squares preserve the memory of a town that grew through trade and its port on the Nervión river. The route takes in the Gothic Cathedral of Santiago — a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2015 as part of the Camino de Santiago —, the Church of San Antón and its ancient ruins, the Plaza Nueva, the Ribera Market, the Basque Museum and the Archaeological Museum, among others. Traditional bars, restaurants and shops complete a setting where history and everyday life coexist effortlessly. For those who want a more structured experience, Bilbao Turismo organises guided walking tours of the Old Quarter. As part of a wider journey through the Basque Country, the Old Quarter offers a grounded understanding of how Bilbao came to be, long before its contemporary transformation