La Ribera Market
Located on the banks of the Nervión estuary, in the heart of Bilbao’s Old Town, the Mercado de la Ribera is one of the largest covered food markets in Europe, with nearly 10,000 square meters of retail space spread over three floors. Its elongated, rationalist-style structure, with viewing platforms and turrets that evoke the silhouette of a ship, has become an urban symbol of Bilbao. Inside, each floor has its own specialty: fish on the ground floor, next to the estuary; meat, offal, and deli meats on the first floor; and fruit, vegetables, and flowers on the second floor. In addition to traditional shops, it houses a gastrobar with more than twenty stalls where visitors can sample pintxos and local products. The combination of architecture, light filtering through its Art Deco stained-glass windows, and daily activity has made it a must-see for visitors.
What will I find at this market?
Food
Everything You Need to Know
Get to Know the Market
A little background
ommercial activity in the Ribera del Nervión neighborhood, next to the Church of San Antón, dates back to the 14th century, when the town’s residents would go to the square to buy fish and vegetables. Throughout the 19th century, the stalls were gradually enclosed, until the current building, designed by architect Pedro Ispizua, was inaugurated in 1929. Built of reinforced concrete with a rationalist exterior and Art Deco decorative elements—including polychrome stained-glass windows—it replaced the old 19th-century structure and, for the first time, organized the market into separate sections. In 1971, the opening of Mercabilbao shifted wholesale operations elsewhere, and the market shifted its focus to retail sales for the neighborhood. It sustained severe damage in the August 1983 flood, after which it was restored. In 1990, the Guinness Book of World Records recognized it as the world’s most comprehensive municipal food market in terms of the number of stalls and variety of goods. Between 2009 and 2011, a comprehensive renovation was undertaken to repair the structural deterioration of the original concrete and modernize its facilities, while respecting Ispizua’s design.
How to Find the Market
Address
Who's in the market?
There are currently no vendors with valid authorization in this market.
Coming Soon
The list of vendors will appear here as soon as the first valid authorizations are granted.
A unique experience
Tradition and Experience
A historic market, organized by the City Council with all the necessary safeguards.
Wide variety
Dozens of street vendors selling local products, handicrafts, and more.
Unique Setting
Enjoy the town's atmosphere and get to know the local shopkeepers.
Easy access
Well-connected and with a parking area nearby.
How to Get There and Park
Parking, public transportation, and services near the market.
⏱ Estimated time: 60–120 min
Where can I park?
How do I get there by public transportation?
You can park at Parking Estación de Abando (6 min on foot, 518 m away) or take streetcar from Ribera (the stop is just a step away, 106 m away).
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♿ Accessibility for People with Limited Mobility
Market status regarding accessible ramps, restrooms, and parking.
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Upcoming Dates
Calculated automatically based on market trends and the holiday calendar.
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Wed7OctNext
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Thu8Oct
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Fri9Oct
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Sat10Oct
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Tue13Oct
Holidays are automatically excluded.
Nearby markets
Other markets located near this one due to their geographical proximity.
How to Get a Stall in the La Ribera Market Market
Would you like to set up a stall at the La Ribera Market market, located at Bilbao? Since this is a permanent (food) market hall, access to a stall is not handled as street vending: it is obtained through a concession, lease, or transfer of an existing stall, typically through the town council or the merchants’ association that manages the market.
La Ribera Market opens on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. The exact fee is set by the Bilbao town council; please check it before submitting your application.
When a stall becomes available, it is usually awarded through direct concession; if there are multiple interested parties, the town council may hold a public selection process with a waiting list. The transfer of an already occupied stall, if permitted, is negotiated with the outgoing owner and requires municipal approval. You can download the municipal ordinance on markets from Bilbao (check the town council's official website to make sure it's still in effect, in case it has been updated).
You can contact the Bilbao town council at espaciopublico.up@bilbao.eus.
- Contact the town council's commerce or markets department, or the market merchants' association
- Gather the necessary documentation: registration as a self-employed individual or business, and proof that you are up to date with your tax and Social Security obligations
- Submit the application for a concession, lease, or transfer of the stall
- Pay the applicable municipal fee or tax, if required by the town council
- Pick up your pass and take your assigned stall
Frequently Asked Questions for Merchants
What do I need to get a stall at the La Ribera Market market?
How much does the stall cost?
Where and when do I apply?
Who should I contact at the Bilbao town council?
Are you interested in this market? Write to us
Leave us your contact information, and we'll forward it to the town council so they can let you know how to get your stall.
Documents and Resources
All official market documentation in one place.
La Ribera Market — street market in the municipality of Bilbao
The “La Ribera Market” is one of the most popular street markets in the municipality of Bilbao, in the province of Bizkaia (País Vasco). Its stalls offer a variety of items, including “textile products, footwear, fresh food, handicrafts, accessories, and household goods,” all in a lively, family-friendly atmosphere that makes it a regular destination for locals and visitors alike. The municipality has 351,124 inhabitants.
La Ribera Market is open Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, from Monday 08:00–14:30 · Tuesday 08:00–14:30 · Wednesday 08:00–14:30 · Thursday 08:00–14:30 · Friday 08:00–14:30 · Saturday 08:00–14:30.
The "La Ribera Market" has been part of the commercial and social fabric of the municipality of Bilbao for decades. Street markets have a long tradition in the province of Bizkaia, and this one is a must-see for anyone looking for fresh produce, local crafts, and market prices.
To get to the La Ribera Market by public transportation, the closest stop on the streetcar is “Ribera,” which is 106 meters away. For those traveling by car, Parking Estación de Abando is 518 meters away.
If the La Ribera Market is too far away, or if you want to plan a route through several markets in the area, here are the closest street markets by geographical proximity:
- Casco Viejo Street Market (Bilbao) 572 m
- Dominical Street Market (Bilbao) 662 m
- Santutxu Street Market (Bilbao) 685 m
- Flores de Bilbao Street Market (Bilbao) 735 m
See also all the practical information about the market: interactive map of the market · vendor directory · Bolueta Street Market · Otxarkoaga Street Market · Carlton Street Market.
La Ribera Market FAQs
Where is the "La Ribera Market"? La Ribera Market is located in the municipality of Bilbao, in the province of Bizkaia (País Vasco).
What can you buy at the "La Ribera Market"? At La Ribera Market, you'll find textile products, footwear, fresh food, handicrafts, accessories, and household goods, among other typical items from street markets.
On which days is the "La Ribera Market" open? La Ribera Market is open Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, from Monday 08:00–14:30 · Tuesday 08:00–14:30 · Wednesday 08:00–14:30 · Thursday 08:00–14:30 · Friday 08:00–14:30 · Saturday 08:00–14:30.
What time does the "La Ribera Market" open and close? La Ribera Market is open from Monday 08:00–14:30 · Tuesday 08:00–14:30 · Wednesday 08:00–14:30 · Thursday 08:00–14:30 · Friday 08:00–14:30 · Saturday 08:00–14:30. We recommend arriving early to find the best stalls.
Market Calendar
Is the "La Ribera Market" open today? Yes, the "La Ribera Market" opens today on 6 October. The schedule is available at from 08:00 to 14:30.
Is the "La Ribera Market" open tomorrow? Yes, the "La Ribera Market" opens tomorrow on 7 October. The schedule is available at from 08:00 to 14:30.