In Bilbao there are not residents, there are txikiteros. Txikiteros are names given to those who drink txikitos, small glasses of wine served in the bars.
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Once you arrive in the Villa, there are certain things you must do without fail. Of course, you must visit the main monuments and attractions of Bilbao. And if we talk about food, there are two things you can't forget; a route of the best Pintxos bars and tasting the typical dishes of Bilbao.
There is so much more, so much more to see, do and taste. But I'm sure you've asked yourself, what will a real Bilbao local do? Here's a challenge for you.
Get away from the mass of tourists and join the locals. We bring you activities to do and places to visit that only locals know about. Enjoy the Siete Calles and the rest of Bilbao like a local.
Our first stop is the perfect place to take a break on your route around Bilbao. Next to the San Mamés stadium, this park is a place of peace and tranquillity amidst all the traffic in the centre of Bilbao.
Very close to another of the Villa's great green corners, the Doña Casilda Iturrizar Park, the Misericordia Park is smaller but hides great finds for those who want to discover them.
These are the gardens of the Santa y Real Casa de la Misericordia, a 19th century building which gives its name to the area and which has impressive views of both the estuary and the football stadium.
This park is full of centenary trees, flora that will delight botany enthusiasts and an atmosphere and romantic touches that make it a corner where you can take shelter from the weather and enjoy the peace and quiet.
I'm sure that in your list of things to do, you have marked as a priority in red a visit to the best museums and art galleries in Bilbao. It's completely logical and you should do so. But art overflows in Bilbao and appears in every corner.
And that's not a saying, literally, you'll find scraps of artistic expression here and there. One such place, enjoyed by locals on a daily basis, is located in the Ribera, next to the Mercado de la Ribera, one of the most Instagrammable places in Bilbao.
As you walk along the Ribera, you'll see that there are arches in the portico above you. These arches are decorated with paintings by five different artists telling moments, stories and legends of the city of Bilbao. Like everything in the city, it has its history, its raison d'être, always linked to its roots.
If we combine art and culture with intimate cuisine, made with the best local products of Basque gastronomy, the result is Epelde & Mardaras, a completely innovative concept.
Imagine going to eat at the home of a friend who collects art. Well, that's what will happen to you when you visit Emilia. She is the owner of this small palace that houses a small art collection and, in addition, she feeds you with the love that your own mother would.
Her menu is closed, so all you have to worry about is taking a stroll through the Casco Viejo and arriving at Epelde & Mardaras at Calle Jardines, 10, to enjoy a unique and little-known experience.
We are going to Zorrotzaurre, the Basque Manhattan, to discover one of those corners that are not secret, but which for the moment seems to be resisting the idea of being an exclusively tourist place.
On this peninsula turned island, we can visit what used to be Bilbao's biscuit factory, now the modern Espacio Open de Zorrotzaurre. As is foreseen with much of the island, this is a cultural and leisure centre, as well as the seed of great economic and social projects.
But if you just want to relax and enjoy a few drinks and watch the day go down over the town, stop by the Secret Garden, and discover its incredible charm and the reason for its success with the locals.
Something the locals enjoy that has become part of their daily lives and has started to attract the curious eyes of tourists is the salsa at El Eme.
Bar El Eme, at Calle General Concha, 5, is known by all locals for its triangle and tower sandwiches. The sauce they use, besides being tasty, is a mystery. Nobody knows what it's made of, but what is certain is that it's a big hit.
So don't accept copies, escape to Eme to try this total hit and be part of the Bilbao locals who are still wondering, what's in the sauce at Eme?
We bring our list of non-touristy but very local things to do in Bilbao to a close with more food and mystery. This time, a Chinese restaurant.
At first glance, it doesn't seem like much of a mystery. But when you get to Calle Iturriza, 19, we dare you to find it. You have the exact address, but where is it?
From the outside, the place looks like anything but a restaurant. Once inside, things change radically. You will find a real Chinese restaurant with a beautiful decoration and a very complete menu.
This is the perfect place to eat something lighter if you want to take a break from Basque cuisine. One of the things that make this one of the best Chinese restaurants in Bilbao is the fact that a large part of its clientele is Chinese.
