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 All kinds of coffee and cakes |
Rodríguez Arias, 4 Bilbao, Vizcaya 48008 Spain +34 94 415 1603 |
This was one of those pioneering cafes which was one of the first to serve coffee from all over the world, and which has now become a small but cozy place devoted entirely to coffee. The decor is typical of any Spanish cafe-bar. It has a special appeal, however, as it retains the charm of the old-style cafes. It is in one of the busiest streets in Bilbao, Rodriguez Arias. When you visit Arabicas, do try one of its pastries, such as croissants and little rice cakes, or a savoury tapa such as ham canapés or stuffed pepper, etc. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Fantastic rice cake for breakfast |
Rodríguez Arias, 28 Bilbao 48011 Spain +34 94 427 6472 |
This bar, which is very close to the Guggenheim Museum, and strategically placed in the city centre, has a lot to offer. Firstly, it's open from sunrise to sunset. The waiters are also efficient and friendly, whether you're there at 7a in the morning or 1:30p at night. The cafeteria is owned by the Atlanta restaurant located on another street. For breakfast, Atlanta has the classic array of pastries available, but don't leave without trying their famous home-made rice cake, which is both nutritious and tasty. In the afternoon be sure to order their octopus, "rabas" (fried strips of squid or cuttlefish), or hearty Spanish omelette or ham sandwiches. You can dine in or outside in the terrace section which is open all year round: They remove the awning in summer and close it in winter, a very important detail if you consider how much it rains in Bilbao. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Home-made cakes and photo exhibition |
Torre, 1 Bilbao, Vizcaya 48005 Spain +34 94 416 5882 |
The Bizitza cafe-bar is in the old part of the city, in a street with lots of atmosphere, especially at the weekend. It is a quiet place, where attention is given to the decor and music, creating a pleasant location on two floors where you can enjoy a good cup of coffee or tea. The sweet-toothed might like to try a piece of home-made cake (all sorts of cakes made on the premises), and take a look at the latest photo exhibition. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Speciality coffee and tea |
Plaza Santos Juanes, 2 Bilbao, Vizcaya 48006 Spain +34 94 415 6147 |
The Botxo Kafe is an attractive renovated cafe, where you can try one of its speciality coffees or teas. You can eat there too, as it is also a restaurant where the warm salads are recommended. The cafe is done out in wood with modern lamps hanging from the ceiling, eye-catching, carved wooden tables, each of a different design, and a big white clock on the end wall. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Traditional cafe opposite Teatro Arriaga |
Paseo del Arenal, 1 Bilbao, Vizcaya 48005 Spain +34 94 415 0282 |
There are various establishments opposite the Teatro Arriaga, including the El Tilo bar and cafe, which is named after the imposing tree in the Paseo del Arenal, which has a very pleasant smell in summer. This is a small bar with walls decorated with lovely fresco paintings, where you can drink excellent coffee, with peaceful classical music playing constantly in the background. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Old, pretty and atmospheric |
Plaza Circular, 3 Bilbao, Vizcaya 48001 Spain +34 (0)944 23 1813 |
Come in the morning and you'll find this place full of local workers, students and tourists having breakfast and reading the newspapers. Come after work and it's full to the brim with people having drinks and tapas, and it gets really busy at night when the music is turned up loud for dancing. La Granja opened for business in 1926 and it has been doing a roaring trade ever since! Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Prestigious venue |
Paseo del Arenal, 3 Bilbao, Vizcaya 48005 Spain +1 34 94 415 3128 |
An atmospheric 19th century cafe that was later refurbished in Art Deco style, it's become a meeting place for literary discussion groups on Tuesdays. It's popular with the general public as well and you'll find it opposite Arriaga Theatre. It serves excellent tapas, or pinchos, of things like potato omelette and peppers stuffed with cod along with sandwiches and ham and cheese on toast to eat with your drinks. You have to book the restaurant and arrange a menu in advance if you want to eat a proper sit-down meal here. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Thomas Cloer |
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Traditional cafe in old town |
Ribera, 16 Bilbao 48005 Spain +34 94 415 0267 |
This is an old cafe in the old part of the city, which has a traditional atmosphere, where time seems to have stood still, and where you can have something to eat with your coffee from the selection on the bar. The Merced is not just a cafe. If you are in a hurry you can have the set menu or eat a la carte for a reasonable cost. Or if you would rather dine with your friends you can have a delicious evening meal. Review © 2007, Wcities |