Things To Do
in Santurce-Antiguo
Santurce-Antiguo sits along the Cantabrian coast near Bilbao, blending Basque maritime heritage with a lively port atmosphere. The neighborhood features a working harbor, colorful facades, and a vibrant pintxos scene just steps from the old city and the river estuary. Visitors enjoy fresh seafood, easy access to Bilbao's cultural highlights, and scenic coastal walks with sweeping sea views.
It is a walkable quarter where tradition meets modern dining and waterfront charm.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Santurce and check into your quaint accommodation, taking your time to savor your first breakfast of local pastries and cafecito. Stroll along the coastal promenade, enjoying the fresh sea breeze and picturesque views of the bay. Visit the Mercado de Santurce to immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere and pick up local snacks.
Explore the nearby Parque de Santurce, where you can relax under the shade of trees, and perhaps indulge in some people-watching. Dive into a local seafood restaurant for lunch and try the delicious 'pintxos', a regional specialty. Afterwards, visit the nearby Centro de Arte Contemporáneo to appreciate some contemporary art exhibits.
As the sun sets, find a charming beachfront bar where you can enjoy cocktails while listening to live music. Take a leisurely walk along the beach as the stars begin to appear, soaking in the lively ambiance of the area. Wrap up your day with a spontaneous visit to a local flamenco show, letting the passionate performances captivate you.
Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at a local café in Antiguo, famous for its rustic charm and inviting atmosphere. Spend the late morning wandering the streets, admiring the stunning architecture and vibrant murals that tell the story of the district. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the nearby beach, taking a refreshing dip or sunbathing.
After a leisurely lunch, hop on a guided bike tour to discover hidden gems of the Antiguo district. Stop at local artisanal shops where you can find unique crafts and souvenirs to take home. Engage with friendly locals who are eager to share stories about their community.
As evening falls, choose a terrace restaurant offering breathtaking views of the sunset over the coastline. Enjoy traditional Basque cuisine paired with local wines, savoring every bite as the sky changes color. Cap off your night with a visit to a tapas bar where you can join the lively atmosphere and sample various delicious small plates.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee or pastry | $3-5 |
| 🍷Pintxo and drinks | $6-12 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (1 night) | $90-180 |
| 🚆Public transit day pass | $6-12 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Coastal beauty and seafood
- Walkable neighborhoods with rich history
- Vibrant pintxos scene and culture
- Good access to Bilbao and mountains nearby
- Weather can be rainy and windy
- Touristy areas can get crowded in peak season
- Some places may be cash-only or have limited English spoken
- "Hola" - Hello
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "La cuenta, por favor" - The check, please
- "Kaixo" - Hello (Basque)
- "Eskerrik asko" - Thank you (Basque)
Places to Visit in Santurce-Antiguo
Visit one of these nice places.
Colorful boats, fishing nets, and moored barges with the sunrise or golden hour reflections.
Narrow lanes with Basque timber-framed houses and balconies laden with flowers.
Architectural icon—best at dusk when the titanium panels reflect the city lights.
Slim white arch bridge over the Nervión river; captures the modern Bilbao skyline.
Food in Santurce-Antiguo
Santurce-Antiguo Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Spider crab meat baked in the shell, a seafood specialty at local taverns along the harbor.
Must-Try!
Cod in a rich red pepper and tomato sauce, a Basque classic found in many restaurants.
Crispy calamari typically served with lemon and a sprinkle of salt, perfect as a tapa.
Varied skewers and bites in pintxería bars—don’t miss the anchovy and green pepper combo.
A light Cantabrian sponge cake often enjoyed with coffee after a meal.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Seasonal seafood and produce stalls along the port; ideal for tasting fresh picks.
Older-market stalls offering local cheeses, peppers, and baked goods.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A polite greeting like ‘Hola’ or ‘Kaixo’ (Basque) is appreciated; handshakes are common in business contexts.
Keep hands on the table; avoid rushing meals in family meals; wait to be seated in many traditional taverns.
Safety
Tipping in Santurce-Antiguo
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory; rounding up or leaving 5-10% in nicer places is common.
Cash and cards are widely accepted; some small cafés may be cash-only; ATMs are common.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild to warm days with sea breezes; expect crowds near the harbor and beach areas; carry sunscreen and water.
Pleasant temperatures with colorful foliage; great for coastal hikes and city strolls; occasional rain showers.
Cool and damp; daylight hours are shorter; indoor dining and tapas bars are cozy and lively.
Comfortable temperatures; blooming flowers along streets; best for walking tours and outdoor cafés.
Santurce-Antiguo at Night
Hiking in Santurce-Antiguo
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Scenic city overlook with easy-to-moderate trail starting near Bilbao; offers panoramic views.
Popular hiking route with views over Bilbao and surrounding countryside; longer route from the valley.
Extensive hiking area with varied trails through forests and high meadows, reachable within a couple hours by car.
Airports
How to reach Santurce-Antiguo by plane.
Main international gateway to the region; easy access to Santurtzi by train or taxi.
Regional airport with services to Spain and some European destinations; reachable via bus or car from the coast.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Mostly Basque and Cantabrian communities, with a growing expatriate and student population.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Popular spectator sport with local teams and amateur leagues.
Coastal activities common along the harbor and estuary.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Santurce-Antiguo.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many pintxos bars offer cheese, peppers, and mushroom-based options; ask for ‘sin carne’ or ‘sin pescado’; restaurants can prepare vegetarian dishes upon request.