The Mercado de la Ribera on the Nervión riverbank at the edge of the Casco Viejo is the largest covered market in Europe and one of Bilbao's most satisfying places to spend a morning. Three floors of stalls sell fresh fish, meat, vegetables, cheese, and pintxos, all under an Art Deco structure that opens onto the river with tall arched windows.
The ground floor is where the fish market is at its most intense early in the morning — local fishermen bring in the catch and the mongers negotiate loudly over anchovies, spider crabs, and local sea bream. The upper floors have more pintxo bars and café counters where you can eat well and cheaply. Come between 8am and 2pm on weekdays for the full experience.