Ribera Market

Foodies will love this hangout in Bilbao’s old town: one of the biggest covered markets in the world, it’s a lush, colourful extravaganza of wonderfully fresh produce.

Enormous, hanging hams, gawping fish slung on crushed ice, pungent shellfish, piles of glossy fruit – and even some sit-in wine bars, where you can order a glass and a plate of pintxos (Basque-style tapas).

Built in 1929, the design still has lots of gorgeous Art Deco touches, modernised by escalators, hip tiling and communal wooden benches to eat at.

Even if you haven’t got a kitchen, come down to get an education in Basque cuisine – or assemble some tasty local treats for a picnic in the sun.