The Stairs of San Antón - Disfruta Bizkaia

Bilbao is full of spots that you discover almost by accident, and the stone stairs of San Antón next to the estuary are one of them. Located in the area around the bridge and church of San Antón, they let you see one of those images that summarise the essence of the city very well, the old city, estuary, Marzana and one of the most recognisable symbols of historic Bilbao. The San Antón area is part of the medieval core of the city, and it remains one of the most emblematic points of the old quarter.

The special thing about this spot is the perspective. From the stairs that go down to the river walk in the Marzana area you can get a beautiful view of the San Antón and old city area, with that mixture so typical of Bilbao of stone, water and historic architecture.

In addition, the place has an obvious historical significance. The church of San Antón and the bridge with the same name are not a minor element in Bilbao, they’re part of the foundational image of the city and they even appear on its coat of arms. Remains of the old city wall can be seen inside the church, which makes this whole area one the spaces with the most historical significance in the city.

On top of that you have the draw of the Marzana side, one of the stretches with the most personality along the walkway next to the water. Old buildings where a lot of the houses were connected to the walkway by metal stairs when the river edge was transforming over time align with side walk cafés and a very characteristic atmosphere that makes this part of the estuary always have life.

It’s an area with strong ties to vermouth, bars, drinks and laid-back outdoor plans, especially when the weather is nice. Precisely that mixture of history, views and atmosphere make this spot even more charming.

It’s not a grand official lookout, or an independent monumental attraction, rather it’s one of those places where the city lays itself bare with a lot of authenticity. The plan here is simple, make your way down the stairs, look around and get a less-obvious perspective on one of Bilbao’s historic hearts.

The stairs of San Antón are, in short, a short stop with a lot of charm to discover another point of view of the old city. They’re a perfect spot for people who enjoy urban walks with history, good views and that feeling of having found a less well-known but very recognisable Bilbao.

What makes the stairs of San Antón special

They’re in one of the most historic settings of Bilbao, next to the church and bridge of San Antón.
They provide a very nice view of the estuary, Marzana and the old city.
They make it easy to put together a walk around La Ribera, Marzana and the Seven Streets.
They’re one of the spots where you can see the medieval and riverside Bilbao very well.