The Best Places to Buy Souvenirs in Bilbao

Food is a very popular souvenir to bring back from your holiday – even though it usually doesn’t last long. Being so well known for its gourmet and award-winning cuisine, taking back some Basque products is a must. Head to La Delicada, a chic delicatessen, selling everything from txakoli (a sparkling Basque white wine), to local cured meats and chorizos,Basque cider and salted cod.

Going back more than 160 years, Sombreros Gorostiaga is one of the oldest and most emblematic shops in Bilbao. The shop is solely dedicated to hats, particularly the local Basque txapelas, which look similar to French berets. If you truly want to blend in with the locals, why not stop here to buy yourself one? https://instagram.com/p/9_6rRiKgn8/?taken-at=384921955

Sitting next to La Salve Bridge, near the Guggenheim Museum, you’ll find Espacio Aerre – a workshop and design store run by a collective of graphic design professionals. Full of unique products made by local artists, you can buy a range of items here, from stationery and posters to cards and textiles. There are also a number of items for sale, printed with an exclusive map of the city. https://instagram.com/p/BOVsj73AZeF/?tagged=espacioaerre

Recuerda Bilbao specialises in typical Basque souvenirs, and has been selling in the city for more than ten years. The shelves are packed with artisanal figurines, key-rings in the shape of Basque symbols, Basque dolls in traditional costumes and books on the city. There are also lots of typical souvenirs such as t-shirts and mugs. Rucuerda Bilbao has three shops in town – one in the Casco Viejo district, one in the centre of the city near Plaza Federico Moyúa and one opposite the Guggenheim Museum.

Another typical Basque souvenir store is Gotzone, located in the Casco Viejo, just north of the Plaza Nueva. Browse through shelves of beautiful ceramics, shawls, txapela hats, Basque dolls and classic Basque espadrille shoes. They also have a lovely collection of jewellery, featuring Basque symbols and fan memorabilia from the Athletic Bilbao football club.

Persuade is one of the most iconic fashion stores in the city, housed in a stunning rambling old building with exposed brick walls, timber ceilings, and what look like half-finished rooms. With an air of hipster and shabby chic, it features items from many top designers such as Issey Miyake, Daniela Gregis and Shiro Sakai. It also sells lots of original furniture from the ’60s and ’70s, as well as a collection of Chinese antiques. Even if you can’t afford to buy anything here, it’s fun to look around and take photos and memories as your souvenirs. https://instagram.com/p/BT_nZTvhFbz/?taken-by=persuadebilbao

Another iconic Bilbao store is Power Records, who have been trading for over 25 years. They sell everything from CDs and vinyl to band memorabilia and posters. Every type of music is stocked here, including jazz, reggae, soul, indie, Americana, rock, blues and even local Basque groups. Why not pop along and see what treasures you can find to bring back home?