Plaza Nueva (New Square), Bilbao (must see)

Construction of the Neoclassical New Square began in 1828. The first stone was laid by King Fernando VII. The King's statue was to be in the center of the square. But Fernando died in 1833. A pond took center stage, replaced by a statue of Diego Lopez de Haro, founder of Bilbao, in 1890. Construction was ongoing. The square opened in 1851.

The New Square is surrounded by Askao Street (Calle Askao), Sombrereria Street (Calle Sombrereria), Fueros Street (Calle de los Fueros), and Correo Street (Calle del Correo). Sixty-four arches in colonnades with pintxos bars tucked underneath enclose the square. The main building of the Basque government on the New Square was replaced in 1890 by the Euskaltzaindia Palace, The Basque Royal Language Academy.

Every Sunday, there is a flea market in the square. There is a brisk trade-in of old books, coins, stamps, and even birds and flowers. Taverns, restaurants, and some unique shops nestle under the arches. Folkways events, festivals, and concerts are often hosted in the square. Since 2008, the Bilbao City Council has provided free Internet access via Wi-Fi in the New Square.