If somebody were to ask you what your favourite shop in Bilbao was, what would you say to them?
Open, wide open… to you, to Bilbao.
This list of Bilbao’s favourite shops is intended as a tribute to the city’s true heroes: the shops that fill our daily lives with life, solutions, innovation and the future. Discover Bilbao’s eight favourite shops in 2024!
TRADITION WITH AN EYE ON THE FUTURE: FALSTAFF
A breath of fresh air in women’s fashion. Falstaff has been dressing the women of our city for the past 35 years: modern, up-to-date women with a style of their own, women who know what they like and are looking for something a little different. Their range combines youthful design and elegance, original and special clothes for women of all ages because, as Marisa and Naia, the mother and daughter team who run the shop say: style has nothing to do with age. They work mainly with European brands, some of which you won’t find anywhere else in Bilbao.
HEMENGO SHOPPING: MERCEDES DE MIGUEL
Fashion made in Biscay. The designer Mercedes de Miguel has been producing quality fashion made in Biscay for some 30 years, under the brands: M de Miguel and Poupee Chic. With more than 500 sales outlets in Europe, Japan, the Arab countries and China, her evocative collections are inspired by her own experiences of the world and art. Colour, thoughtfully designed interiors and innovative fabrics, her fashion is for the modern, urban woman who wants to be just that little bit different.
BETTER CONNECTED: BASQ COMPANY
Eco-friendly, recycled and vegan trainers. Basq Company was born from these guys’ dream of combining their passion for surfing with fashion and the protection of the environment. It all began with the idea of creating sustainable footwear that didn’t harm the planet or the oceans. After years of work, they have finally succeeded in transforming some of the most polluting waste that abounds in our seas into 100% recycled, vegan shoes made in Europe. They also make T-shirts and sweatshirts.
THE BEST CATERING CONCEPT: LA PALMA
A wide range of gastronomic delights for everyone and at any time of day. Located on the site of the former Calzados La Palma shoe shop , today it offers a culinary proposal that represents the very essence of our land. Without a doubt one of the most charming restaurants in the Casco Viejo, La Palma is the perfect place to have breakfast or enjoy some delicious pintxos. At lunchtime you can choose from a full menu of the day, or you can let yourself be tempted by their menu of seasonal cuisine based on local produce and traditional dishes from the Basque cookbook, with a few modern touches.
A BOOST FOR THE BASQUE COUNTRY: MARGARI PICKLES AND PRESERVES
Smoked and hand-cured preserves of the highest quality. When it comes to hand-cured preserves, who could possibly resist the seafood on offer at this authentic delicatessen. Their best sellers are the fried pickled tuna and anchovies from the Cantabrian Sea, which are simply unbeatable. They also offer the best selection of smoked fish, wild Alaskan salmon and cod, not to mention tinned txitxarro (jack mackerel), herring, sardines… and a wide range of olives and pickles.
A NEW SHOP: NAUBIS BOOKSHOP
Bilbao’s solarpunk bookshop. Pablo and Eva are the perfect tandem behind the independent Naubis Bookshop, which seeks to educate readers in values through solarpunk science fiction literature. Each book on their shelves is well worth reading, and together they form a collection of inspiring stories and essays that teach us how to build a better more ecologically conscious, egalitarian and sustainable world. Naubis organises all sorts of activities, including a book club, workshops, concerts, talks…
SERVICE COMPANY: GRUPO SANIMOTOR
Experience and quality, a benchmark in the automotive sector in Biscay. The official Opel dealer and an authorised multi-brand service centre, Grupo Sanimotor is synonymous with experience, professionalism and transparency. Put all this together and you have a firm commitment to providing a comprehensive service with the best possible quality-price relationship. Ranked among the top 50 garages in the country, its technicians undergo constant training in the repair of all major brands of vehicles with the manufacturer’s warranty.
PUBLIC AWARD: LANAS GORDOBIL
Wool of the highest possible quality, combining the best of classic designs with a more modern touch. For over half a century, Lanas Gordobil has been selling all kinds of wool by weight and on cones, even offering customers the option of creating their own custom blends. Environmentally aware, they not only offer a wide range of sustainable materials, but they also run crochet and knitting workshops for all levels, fostering a community that is passionate about the art of knitting, creativity and craftsmanship.
