Susana Alaguero

Head of the Old Town Traders’ Association

She recommends starting your morning in Bilbao with a stroll through Plaza Nueva, Unamuno and the Cathedral of Santiago. Lift your gaze. “You have to admire the beautiful façades and balconies to discover all the details of the local historical heritage”, she suggests

Susana Alaguero, who was born in 1975 in Santurtzi, lives in the Old Town. She began her professional career at Olañeta, one of the leading shops in the Siete Calles district, in September 1991. She has been a director of Zazpi Kaleak since 2019 and its chair since 2025. She
knows the historic heart of the city well. She says that “everyone experiences the Old Town in their own way: for many, the Siete Calles are part of their daily routine; yet, at the same time, there are always visitors discovering it for the first time. That ability to be both familiar and surprising is our greatest strength”.

How would you describe Bilbao’s Old Town? The Old Town has a real character of its own. We are blessed with a blend of long-established shops and new businesses, offering a mix of retail, hospitality and services. Every street, square and shop has its own story. This combination of tradition and new ventures is what makes us so special. The local businesses bring this area to life, with shops, bars and services that keep the streets bustling all day long.

For anyone visiting Bilbao, why is a visit to the Old Town a must? To get to know Bilbao, it is essential to explore its origins and discover its identity. The Casco Viejo preserves the unique character that makes it so special. I invite people to experience our heritage. It’s well worth popping into the shops, having a pintxo, sitting in a square and exploring its hidden corners at a leisurely pace.

How would you suggest organising the perfect day out in the area? I’d start the morning with a stroll around Plaza Nueva, Unamuno and Santiago Cathedral. It’s key to lift your gaze: the façades and balconies have a lot to reveal. At midday, you should stop off to enjoy some delicious pintxos. In the afternoon, the best option is to explore, do some shopping and have a drink without following a set route. The beauty of the Old Town lies in discovering it as you go along.

What makes the Old Town unique compared to other areas? A blend of history and vibrant, everyday life. There are buildings packed with centuries of history where people shop, work, have a drink or meet up with friends. Its diversity is particularly appealing: long-established shops sit side by side with start-ups, giving the area its own unique identity.

The Casco Viejo-Zazpi Kaleak Traders’ Association, since 1969

The Casco Viejo Traders’ Association (Zazpi Kaleak) was founded in 1969 as a pioneering initiative to revitalise the Seven Streets.

It represents shops, the hospitality sector and services in the fields of fashion, homeware and gastronomy, with the aim of defending and safeguarding their commercial interests.