Plaza Nueva
A historic square buzzing with culinary delights and architectural beauty, serving as a vibrant heart in both Bilbao and Granada.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, perfect for photos
Plaza Nueva
Best Time
Fewer crowds, perfect for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic square buzzing with culinary delights and architectural beauty, serving as a vibrant heart in both Bilbao and Granada.
"It's such a lovely place with its exquisite architecture, hidden treasure-like restaurants and small shops."
🎯 Pintxo Hopping Guide
Explore multiple bars for the best pintxos experience. Try the Basque cheesecake and creative tortilla! :forkandknife:
📸 Capture the Architecture
The neoclassical buildings are stunning. Visit early for fewer people and better light. :camerawithflash:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Pintxo Paradise
Various bars around Plaza Nueva
Indulge in award-winning pintxos, from traditional tortilla to creative seafood creations. A must-try for foodies!
+1
Historic Architecture
Plaza Nueva itself
Admire the stunning neoclassical architecture surrounding the square, a beautiful backdrop for photos and people-watching.
Vibrant Atmosphere
Plaza Nueva
Experience the lively ambiance, especially when flamenco performances add to the charm.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Embrace the Local Flavors
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Pintxo Hopping Guide
Explore multiple bars for the best pintxos experience. Try the Basque cheesecake and creative tortilla!
📸 Capture the Architecture
The neoclassical buildings are stunning. Visit early for fewer people and better light. :camerawithflash:
🚶♀️ Use as a Landmark
Plaza Nueva is a central point in Granada, perfect for navigating to other attractions. :world_map:
🎶 Enjoy Live Music
You might catch spontaneous flamenco performances, adding to the square's lively atmosphere. :musical_note:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Pintxo Hopping Guide
Explore multiple bars for the best pintxos experience. Try the Basque cheesecake and creative tortilla!
📸 Capture the Architecture
The neoclassical buildings are stunning. Visit early for fewer people and better light. :camerawithflash:
🚶♀️ Use as a Landmark
Plaza Nueva is a central point in Granada, perfect for navigating to other attractions. :world_map:
🎶 Enjoy Live Music
You might catch spontaneous flamenco performances, adding to the square's lively atmosphere. :musical_note:
💰 Budget-Friendly Bites
Pintxos offer a delicious and affordable way to dine, with many options around the plaza.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Plaza Nueva for its stunning architecture and vibrant atmosphere, particularly highlighting the exceptional pintxo offerings in Bilbao and its central role in Granada. While some find the tourist-focused restaurants a bit overwhelming, the lively ambiance, potential for live music, and historical charm make it a memorable destination.
"Incredible architecture and history. The garden was very nice too. Make sure to buy tickets 3 weeks in advance either for guided tour or for Nasrid Palace."
Nick Vannelli
"Granada is beautiful. Lots to see and many places to hike to. Bring hiking poles"
Jolane Sundstrom
"Starting and ending points to get anywhere. It's such a lovely place with its exquisite architecture, hidden treasure-like restaurants and small shops. The Christmas lights are beautiful and cheerful. The Christmas lights are beautiful and so romantic."
M Pak
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Plaza Nueva is located in the heart of Bilbao's Casco Viejo (Old Town). You can easily reach it by walking from most central areas. If coming from further afield, public transport options like trams and buses stop nearby.
Yes, Plaza Nueva is a very central and useful reference point in Granada. It's a crossroads for many routes, making it easy to find whether you're coming from the Albaicín or heading towards the Cathedral.
Walking is the best way to explore the Casco Viejo around Plaza Nueva in Bilbao. For Granada, it's a great starting point for exploring the Albaicín and Sacromonte.
Parking in the Casco Viejo of Bilbao can be challenging. It's recommended to use public parking garages outside the immediate vicinity. In Granada, street parking is limited, and parking garages are available.
Absolutely! Bilbao's public transport network is efficient, with several bus and tram lines serving the Casco Viejo. In Granada, buses are a convenient option to get close to the plaza.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Plaza Nueva is a public square and there is no entry fee. You can freely wander and enjoy the atmosphere.
As a public square, Plaza Nueva is accessible at all hours. However, the surrounding bars and shops will have their own operating times.
The St. Ana Church near Plaza Nueva in Granada generally doesn't encourage casual visitors unless for spiritual purposes, and its interior may not be considered worth visiting by some.
For popular pintxo bars or restaurants, especially during peak hours or weekends, booking is recommended to secure a spot.
Yes, many walking tours of Bilbao's Casco Viejo and Granada's historic center include stops at Plaza Nueva, offering insights into its history and significance.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Plaza Nueva is famous for its pintxos! Don't miss the Basque cheesecake, tortilla de patatas, and creative seafood pintxos.
Highly recommended spots include @guretoki for Basque cheesecake, @laolladebilbao for steak pintxos, and @sorginzulo_bilbao for award-winning pintxos.
Pintxo prices typically range from €2 to €5, making it an affordable way to sample a variety of local flavors.
While many pintxos are meat or seafood-based, you can often find vegetable-based options like grilled vegetables or patatas bravas. It's best to ask at the bar.
Txakoli (a local white wine), cider, and small beers (cañas) are classic pairings with pintxos.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire square offers beautiful architectural shots. Focus on the arches, the central fountain (if present), and the surrounding buildings.
Early morning offers fewer crowds and soft light. Late afternoon provides a warm, golden hour glow.
Generally, photography is allowed in public spaces. However, be mindful of people's privacy when taking close-up shots.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expanse of the plaza and its architecture. A standard zoom lens is versatile for details.
If you capture spontaneous performances, it's polite to ask for permission or offer a small tip if it's a formal performance.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
In Granada, Plaza Nueva is a good central point to orient yourselves, and the general buzz of the square can be exciting for kids. Keep an eye on them in crowded areas. 💰 Budget Travelers
In Granada, the plaza itself is free to enter and explore, serving as a great starting point for discovering the city's many free attractions and affordable tapas bars. couples
In Granada, Plaza Nueva's historical ambiance and the possibility of stumbling upon flamenco performances make it a charming spot for couples. The Christmas lights add an extra touch of romance. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Culinary Heart of Bilbao
+1 Many bars here have won awards for their pintxos, making it a competitive and exciting culinary scene. Exploring Plaza Nueva is often described as a 'pintxo crawl,' where you hop from one establishment to another, sampling their specialties. When visiting, don't be afraid to try a little bit of everything. Popular choices include pintxos from @guretoki, @laolladebilbao, and @sorginzulo_bilbao, which have been highlighted for their quality and creativity.
+1 The atmosphere is lively, especially in the evenings, with locals and tourists mingling over drinks and delicious food. It's an essential experience for anyone wanting to taste the authentic flavors of the Basque Country. A Central Hub in Granada
The plaza is also known for its potential for spontaneous cultural displays, such as flamenco dancing, which adds to its vibrant atmosphere.
Historical Significance and Evolution
This neoclassical square was built in the 1820s and features arcades that provide shelter and a unique architectural character. +1 Interestingly, a statue that once graced the plaza has a curious history, with its whereabouts now a point of local intrigue. This historical context adds another layer to the visitor experience. As you stroll through the arcades or enjoy a pintxo, you're walking on ground steeped in history. The square has witnessed centuries of Bilbao's development, from its origins as a bustling marketplace to its current status as a cultural and culinary hotspot.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit