Spain, Bilbao, circular bandstand by the architect of Bermeo Pedro Ispizua in Plaza del Arenal.

@RICARDO ALGAR/Shutterstock

Plaza del Arenal

Bilbao


The morphing ground between the Casco Viejo and the newer parts of Bilbao, the Plaza del Arenal is a large open space that frequently plays host to outdoor exhibitions. On Sunday mornings it's home to a sweet-smelling flower market.

The playground on the south end of the plaza is a major draw for families.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Bilbao attractions

1. Iglesia San Nicolás de Bari

0.04 MILES

This landmark church by the northern entrance to the Casco Viejo was consecrated in 1756. Dedicated to St Nicholas of Bari, the patron saint of sailors,…

2. Plaza Nueva

0.11 MILES

The main square of the old town, Plaza Nueva is lined with pintxos bars tucked inside the arch-lined colonnades. The neoclassical square opened in 1851…

3. Concordia Train Station

0.13 MILES

The Concordia train station, with its art nouveau facade of wrought iron and tiles, was built in 1902 and for many years provided colour and interest in a…

4. Arkeologi Museo

0.16 MILES

This two-storey museum takes you deep into the past, beginning with 430,000-year-old fossils found in the Sierra de Atapuerca. On the 2nd floor, along the…

5. Casco Viejo

0.17 MILES

The compact Casco Viejo, Bilbao’s atmospheric old quarter, is full of charming streets, boisterous bars and plenty of quirky and independent shops. At the…

6. Euskal Museoa

0.19 MILES

One of Spain's best museums devoted to Basque culture takes visitors on a journey from Palaeolithic days to the 21st century, giving an overview of life…

7. Fuente del Perro

0.19 MILES

Designed by Juan Bautista de Oureta and Miguel de Maruri in 1800, this neoclassical fountain is located at a natural spring where market animals used to…

8. Catedral de Santiago

0.23 MILES

Towering above all in the Casco Viejo (although strangely invisible in the narrow streets) is the Catedral de Santiago, which has a vaulted cloister and…