Before developing the article I respond quickly to the title: Ribera Market is an essential visit in Bilbao and not a tourist trap.
Located in front of the estuary, this Art Dec贸 market supplies mainly to the neighbors of Casco Viejo and Bilbao la Vieja, although there are many people from Bilbao who come from any neighborhood to buy groceries. In the year 1990 the book Guiness recognizes the Market as the most complete market of supplies of the world and nowadays is also the largest covered market in Europe, with 10,000 square meters.
Comparing it perhaps with other more famous tourist markets like the Market of San Miguel in Madrid or the one of the Boquer铆a in Barcelona, I would say Ribera Market is more authentic than the others. The percentage of locals doing their own shopping is infinitely higher than tourists admiring it and that in my opinion adds an extra romanticism difficult to find in the markets of other cities.
Here you can see the origin of the fame of Basque gastronomy where the producers expose their vegetables and fresh fruits, mushrooms, cheeses, meat, honey, seeds, fish … that then arrive at our tables in the form of pintxos.
To finish, I told you how it would be my perfect visit to the Ribera Market in 3 essential tips:
1-. I think the most beautiful views of the market are from the bridge called also Ribera, from where it looks like a little boat anchored on the banks of the estuary. You will see 馃檪
2-. Have a drink in one of its many bars and enjoy the beautiful terrace.
3-. Lose yourself among the more than 50 stalls, buy what you want and go to get lunch at the neighboring Etxebarria Park.
DO YOU WANT TO KNOW BETTER RIBERA MARKET? Join our classic walking tour during the morning and I will give you a guided tour among many other tastings and surprises. You have more information here.
