Pintxos Tour in Bilbao: Plaza Nueva is a must-visit stop.

Pintxos Tour in Bilbao: La Plaza Nueva If you’re looking for the best pintxos tour in Bilbao, La Plaza Nueva is one of the most iconic spots in Bilbao’s Old Town and a perfect starting point. Its lively arcades, terraces, and specialty bars make this area a magnet for both locals and visitors who want to sample Bilbao’s best pintxos in a lively atmosphere. Here we suggest a tour of the most renowned bars, essential stops to enjoy the essence of Bilbao’s culinary scene. La Plaza Nueva is a must-visit.

La Olla de la Plaza Nueva, your first stop

At number 2 Plaza Nueva, you’ll find La Olla de la Plaza Nueva, a Basque restaurant with one of Bilbao’s most renowned pintxo bars. Every day, the bar offers a selection of hot and cold pintxos made with top-quality ingredients: Cantabrian tuna, acorn-fed Iberian ham, Tudela Artichokes (PDO), Bermeo anchovies, and select meats.
Here you can start your tour by trying some of our must-haves: the brioche filled with pulled pork, the mini burger made to order, the bonito montadito with Rioja-style salsa, or hot options like the Iberian pork shoulder pintxos or the “toro” scallop, perfect to pair with a wine from Rioja Alavesa or a well-chilled txakoli.

Next stop: El Globo

Right next door, you’ll find one of Bilbao’s all-time classics: the legendary El Globo bar, famous for its gratinated txangurro pintxo. They say you can’t claim to have been to Bilbao without trying this special treat, whose fame has spread far beyond our borders. But we’re going to let you in on a secret: in addition to the famous crab pintxo, we recommend trying the aged beef pintxo, the truffle-infused potato omelet, or the baby squid in their own ink. The bar is packed with irresistible options.

Don’t miss Víctor Montes

For the third stop on the route, we recommend another great classic that’s a must on any pintxo tour of Bilbao. It’s Víctor Montes, the legendary grocery store converted into a Basque restaurant with a spectacular pintxo bar, where highlights include the famous golden macaron stuffed with foie gras and the cod al pilpil pintxo. At this legendary bar, creative signature pintxos share the spotlight with more classic miniature bites that are just as delicious.

The tour continues with other highlights of the Old Town

Just a short walk from Plaza Nueva, Aitaren Boulevard awaits you—a dining destination that brings together the best of the Amaren grill and the Hambueysería in a meticulously designed Art Deco setting. While it’s known for its selection of long-aged beef cuts and burgers, you’ll also find pintxos at the bar that are perfect for continuing your culinary journey with a high-quality snack.
Its philosophy centers on the product and the flame: select cuts, dishes prepared to order, and a menu that lets you alternate between pintxos, small plates, and gourmet burgers, always paired with a carefully curated wine selection. Including Aitaren Boulevard on your Bilbao pintxo tour is a way to add the touch of a great grill to the classic experience of bar-hopping through the city center—don’t miss their mini burgers, beef croquettes, and gildas.

The trail ends at La Olla

Many of our customers end up returning to La Olla de la Plaza Nueva to wrap up their tour with a shared plate of tapas or a sweet treat, such as our caramelized torrija, which was named the best torrija in Bilbao in 2017 and ranked third in 2018. It’s the perfect way to put a sweet finishing touch on your pintxo tour through Bilbao’s Old Town.

Final tips for enjoying pintxos in Bilbao

Always order calmly at the bar; keep in mind that a pintxo is a casual snack typically enjoyed standing at the bar—it’s not meant to be eaten while seated at a table. Set aside your “tourist mindset” for a moment and immerse yourself in our customs. Embracing local traditions is the best way to enjoy the full experience.

Save room for the hot pintxos fresh from the kitchen, take advice from the waitstaff who know their pintxos inside out, and check out the sharing menus if you’re traveling in a group. But above all, enjoy the unique atmosphere that comes alive every day in Plaza Nueva amid pintxos, wine, and lively conversation.