Bilbao is the largest city in the Basque Country in Northern Spain. Though often overlooked by tourists to Spain, the city has a lot of unique attractions that are worth exploring. Though the Guggenheim Museum, designed by Frank Gehry, is its most well-known attraction, there are plenty of other great reasons to visit including Basque culture, pintxo restaurants and great bars!

As a less well-visited city, figuring out where to stay in Bilbao can be difficult. That’s where we come in!

This guide has a rundown of the seven best areas to stay in the city, as well as tips on who these areas best cater to. Whether you’re looking for nightlife or a family-friendly getaway, we’ve got you covered.

Let’s jump right into it!

Quick Tips – Where to Stay in Bilbao

• Where to stay in Bilbao for your first time? Casco Viejo – 
• Where to stay in Bilbao close to everything? Abandoibarra – 
• Where to stay in Bilbao for nightlife? Indautxu – 
• Best neighborhood in Bilbao for families? Santutxu – 
• Where to stay in Bilbao on a budget? Deusto – 
• Where to stay in Bilbao for couples? Bilbao la Vieja – 
• Where to stay in Bilbao for alternative culture? San Francisco – 

Where to Stay in Bilbao

Looking for a specific place to stay? These are our highest recommendations for places to stay in Bilbao.

Bilbao 7 Best Neighborhoods to Stay in

Let’s take a look, in more detail, at the five best neighbourhoods in Bilbao. Each caters to different interests, so be sure to pick the neighbourhood that’s right for you.

Neighborhood #1 – Casco Viejo

 Best neighbourhood in Bilbao for your first time!

• COOLEST thing to do in Casco Viejo – catch a live theatre, dance or music performance at Arriaga Theatre
• BEST place to visit in Casco Viejo – head to Mercado de la Ribera – the largest covered market in Europe with great fresh produce!

Casco Viejo, which translates as Old Town, is Bilbao’s main historic district and a great spot if you are interested in architecture and local culture! The narrow streets are filled with historic buildings, magnificent churches and hole-in-the-wall restaurants showcasing local cuisine.

Of these restaurants, we recommend trying out the pintxo bars. Pintxos are the Basque version of Tapas and are highly popular with locals and tourists alike! Though there is some nightlife in Casco Viejo, it is a little more touristy than in other areas of the city – perfect if you are simply looking for a cheap place to grab a drink.

• Irrintzi is a popular pintxos restaurant by the side of the river – serving typical cuisine at great prices it draws tourists and locals alike
• If you are interested in learning about the Basque Language, Euskaltzaindia Palace has some great resources and tours
• For nightlife, head to Bar Charly where you can enjoy well-priced cocktails, light bites and a gorgeous outdoor seating area
• Casco Viejo is full of beautiful churches and cathedrals including Santiago Cathedral, Iglesia de los Santos Juanes and Iglesia de San Antón
• Euskal Museoa is an excellent collection of ethnographic and historic exhibits detailing the history and culture of the Basque Country

Best Budget Hotel in Casco Viejo

Hotel Bilbao Plaza

Despite being a two-star hotel, Bilbao Plaza is packed with little extras that can make it easy to forget you’re staying in budget accommodation! Rooms are equipped with smart TVs, air conditioning and luxury toiletries. A buffet breakfast is provided every morning, and bike hire is also available from the 24-hour tourism desk.

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Have some time? Get out of the city with these epic day trips from Bilbao!

Best Mid-range Hotel in Casco Viejo

Barrio la Cruz

This beautiful apartment has some of the most luxurious facilities in Bilbao but at mid-range prices! With a sleek and modern interior along with comfortable furnishings and cozy living area, it’s a superb place to stay in Casco Viejo.

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Best Luxury Hotel in Casco Viejo

NYX Hotel Bilbao

NYX is one of the highest rated luxury hotels in Casco Viejo thanks to the excellent guest reviews! There is a restaurant and bar on-site, as well as a large terrace area where you can unwind after a long day of exploring the city. A buffet breakfast is provided every morning.

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Recommended reading – The 7 Best Neighborhoods in Barcelona, Spain (for all budgets!).

Neighborhood #2 – Abandoibarra

 Where to stay in Bilbao close to everything!

• COOLEST thing to do in Abandoibarra – stroll around Dona Casilda Park and admire the beautiful nature and large ponds
• BEST place to visit in Abandoibarra – the world famous Guggenheim Museum is based in this part of Bilbao

Abandoibarra is Bilbao’s central neighbourhood and the heart of all the action! This ultra modern area consists of shopping boulevards, architectural wonders and some of the most well-known attractions in the city. The Guggenheim Museum is by far Bilbao’s most recognisable landmark as one of Frank Gehry’s best architectural masterpieces.

As you head south of the Guggenheim, the leafy area has some great parks where you can unwind and enjoy some people watching. The restaurants are a little more upmarket than those found elsewhere in the city, and feature some of the most innovative cuisine in Spain! Abandoibarra is also well connected to most of the other neighbourhoods in this list.

• Shop until you drop at Plaza Moyuá – the main shopping district in the city with a good range of international and local brands
• Learn about the city’s seafaring history and importance as a Spanish port at the Museo Maritimo Ria de Bilbao
• Try out some excellent pintxos, cheap drinks and innovative café style food at Cafe Iruna, located close to the river
• If you’re more interested in seafood, La Despensa del Etxanobe is a well-rated restaurant with an upmarket vibe
• Head to the riverside where you can hire a kayak, take a boat tour or simply enjoy a calm stroll through the city

Best Budget Hotel in Abandoibarra

Cosmov Bilbao Hotel

This is another excellent two-star offering that doesn’t scrimp on perks! Rooms are fully equipped with modern technology, air conditioning and large bathroom suites. Guests are given access to private parking, as well as free high-speed WiFi throughout the hotel. The 24-hour reception also offers car hire.

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Best Mid-range Hotel in Abandoibarra

Guggenheim Bilbao Center

A beautifully designed homestay with special added touches in every room along with some of the most welcoming staff members in Bilbao, Guggenheim Bilbao, is a great option for your time in Bilbao. The hotel is also located in the heart of the Abandoibarra neighborhood just moments away from some of the city’s top sites, including the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum and the Euskalduna Conference Centre.

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Best Luxury Hotel in Abandoibarra

Gran Hotel Domine Bilbao

This hotel is as central as it gets, located directly opposite the Guggenheim Museum! There is a large roof terrace giving you excellent views across the city, and providing an excellent setting for the complimentary breakfast. There is a fitness suite, sauna and Turkish bath located on-site, as well as a restaurant and a café.

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Neighborhood #3 – Indautxu

Where to stay in Bilbao for nightlife!

• COOLEST thing to do in Indautxu – head to the Garcia Rivero zone where most of the bars and nightclubs are located
• BEST place to visit in Indautxu – enjoy a wide range of activities – from art to sports – at Azkuna Zentroa, a large building that serves as the hub of the region

Located just west of Abandoibarra, Indautxu is an eclectic region offering a mix of culture, nightlife and cheap dining. Most of the nightlife is centred around the Garcia Rivero area. Though many guides suggest you head to Casco Viejo for nightlife, Garcia Rivero offers a much more local experience with dive bars and unique nightclubs!

Like Abandoibarra, Indautxu is a very modern area of the city with excellent tourism facilities. The Azkuna Zentroa building is popular with visitors and locals alike, hosting art galleries, a swimming pool and sporting events amongst other attractions! Indautxu is great if you want to see the many different sides of Bilbao.

• Marquee is a popular nightclub with the young crowd serving cheap drinks and playing popular music
• If you want somewhere with a slightly older clientele, Cotton Club has a great vibe for a more relaxed night, with classic rock being the main genre
• Zaka is a great, upmarket restaurant serving a wide range of Spanish wines, excellent cocktails and modern takes on pintxos
• Arriquibar Plaza is a popular green space just outside Azkuna Zentroa where you can relax and admire the atmosphere of the city
• Want a good feed to cure your hangover? Bar El Eme is a bit of a hole-in-the-wall style restaurant serving filling toasted sandwiches – arrive early to avoid the queues!

Best Budget Hotel in Indautxu

Central

Another hotel in an excellent location, Central is a pretty basic hotel but offers some excellent amenities for those visiting the area on a budget! Rooms come with modern technology, coffee machines and free toiletries. The 24-hour reception offers excellent tourism advice, and the hotel is well rated by previous guests.

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Best Mid-range Hotel in Indautxu

Catalonia Gran Vía Bilbao

This beautiful 4-star hotel has a 9.0/10 start rating on Booking.com with over 2,000 reviews and we can see why! The hotel features a delicious buffet breakfast every morning, serving up a tasty storm of continental and cooking treats along with modern and deluxe rooms with polished furnishings.

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Best Luxury Hotel in Indautxu

Hotel Carlton

Hotel Carlton is one of the best rated five-star hotels in Bilbao! It has large rooms with elegant decor, as well as air-conditioning and luxury bathroom suites. There is a gym on-site, as well as a business centre. The restaurant offers an American style buffet breakfast each morning, as well as typical Basque cuisine throughout the day.

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Editor’s Note – If you are visiting Spain, you HAVE to check out our article about some of the most AMAZING places to visit and things to see in Spain!

Neighborhood #4 – Santutxu

Best neighbourhood in Bilbao for families!

• COOLEST thing to do in Santutxu – hike around the hills of Parque Larreagaburu for stunning panoramas of the city
• BEST place to visit in Santutxu – visit the Museum of Sacred Art to discover artefacts from Europe’s religious history

Though Santutxu is mostly a residential area, it offers some excellent attractions for visitors looking for a more local experience. The calm atmosphere and easy-going nature of Santutxu make it perfect for families looking to be based away from the hustle and bustle of Central Bilbao!

Santutxu also offers some great green spaces to admire the gorgeous nature of the Basque Country! Parque Larreagaburu is quite hilly, but hikers are rewarded with gorgeous vistas across Bilbao. For an easier going stroll, there are some excellent parks in the centre of the area. The Museum of Sacred Art also offers a unique insight into the impact of religion on Bilbao.

• Escape rooms are popular recreational activities in Santutxu, particularly with families and large groups – we recommend Escapa de la Colmena
• Located next to the Museum of Sacred Art, Iglesia de la Encarnacion offers a more up close and personal insight into religion in the city
• Tximipark is an indoor carnival in the heart of Santutxu – popular with locals, it’s a perfect place to take the kids to let off some steam
• For great pintxos, head to Meson Lambrusko where you can pick up some cheap plates and mingle with locals
• As a residential, family friendly area Santutxu is sparse for nightlife – however, IRV is popular with locals if you are looking for a typical Basque bar experience

Best Budget Hotel in Santutxu

Bilbao Apartamentos Atxuri

Located only a short walk from the Old Town, Bilbao Apartamentos Atxuri is perfect for those wishing to stay close to the main attractions whilst still being in a calm area! This hotel offers apartments, giving you extra privacy – perfect for families. Apartments come with a kitchenette and clothes washing facilities.

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Best Mid-range Hotel in Santutxu

Urruti Apartment

Unfortunately, Santutxu isn’t home to any mid-range hotels, however, this brightly decorated apartment in the heart of the neighborhood is the next best thing. With colorful and modern furnishings throughout and homely added touches, it is a great choice for a place to stay in Bilbao.

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Best Luxury Hotel in Santutxu

Occidental Bilbao

Occidental Bilbao comes with a large outdoor swimming pool – a rarity for hotels in Bilbao! Rooms are fully air-conditioned and come with high-speed WiFi, as well as coffee making facilities. The on-site restaurant serves Mediterranean style cuisine throughout the day and a complimentary buffet breakfast every morning.

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Neighborhood #5 – Deusto

Where to stay in Bilbao on a budget!

• COOLEST thing to do in Deusto – take a tour of the city and surrounding areas with Feel Bilbao, departing from Deusto
• BEST place to visit in Deusto – party with the local youth crowd at Tobarisch, with cheap drinks and varied music sets

Deusto is Bilbao’s student district, offering plenty of cheap bars, restaurants and cafés! Due to the student crowd, it has a very youthful atmosphere that will appeal to backpackers. It is also very budget friendly, allowing you to stay relatively close to the city centre whilst saving on accommodation and food costs.

The main street in Deusto has some small, local bars and nightclubs that are popular with the local crowd – giving you a more authentic (and cheaper) experience than the more popular clubs of Casco Viejo and Indautxu! Neighbouring Ibarrekolanda also offers some more off-the-beaten-path attractions.

• Wander around the campus of Deusto University to admire the gorgeous architecture and discover cheap restaurants
• The Fingerprint Sculpture is an iconic landmark of Bilbao – the surrounding hill also provides great views of the city and there is a funicular to the top
• Enjoy the large wine menu, tasty cocktails and laid-back atmosphere of Ikatz Deusto – the perfect start to a night out in the city
• Cerveceria Gabina offer a good selection of cheap bears and are very popular with the youth and budget-conscious crowd
• For a large plate of typical Basque and Spanish food, head to Dena Ona which offers great prices and a hearty selection

Best Budget Hotel in Duesto

NH Bilbao Deusto

NH Hotels are a popular hotel chain throughout Spain, which is exemplified by the excellent reviews left for their Deusto accommodation! Rooms come with satellite TV, air conditioning and a pillow menu to ensure optimal comfort. The Txipiron Restaurant on-site offers a complimentary buffet breakfast and takes bookings throughout the day.

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Best Mid-range Hotel in Duesto

Hotel Artetxe

What was once a historic Basque farmhouse but has now been renovated into a charming and attractive rural hotel, Hotel Artetxe is a great place to stay if you’re looking for a unique accommodation option in Duesto. The hotel also offers stunning panoramic views throughout the property including over the nearby hilltops and bustling city of Bilbao.

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Best Luxury Hotel in Duesto

Hotel Meliá Bilbao

There aren’t any luxury hotels in Deusto, however, the Hotel Meliá is located just across the river giving you easy access to the area! There is a heated outdoor swimming pool on-site, as well as a full fitness centre and a great restaurant. A buffet breakfast is provided every morning and offers vegetarian and gluten-free options.

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Neighborhood #6 – Bilbao la Vieja

Best neighbourhood in Bilbao for couples!

• COOLEST thing to do in La Vieja – take part in art workshops, and admire the work of up and coming artists, at Bilbao Arte
• BEST place to visit in La Vieja – head to Trakabarraka for the latest in international fashion with a unique twist

Nicknamed Bilbi by locals, La Vieja is a bit of a hipster neighbourhood offering a wide range of modern attractions and facilities! Located just across the river from Casco Viejo it features some old architecture, though much of it has been renovated to reflect the artistic nature of the area.

Bilbao la Vieja is perfect for young couples looking for a short break in the city thanks to the wide range of shopping and dining facilities. The neighbourhood’s creativity is reflected in the wide range of boutiques offering local takes on modern fashion! The innovative restaurants serve high-quality food at reasonable prices, and the bars have a very relaxed atmosphere.

• The Museum of Artistic Reproductions showcases reproduced versions of famous sculptures from across the world
• Peso Neto is a bar with a cosy atmosphere – the seating is mostly armchairs, and they also offer some light bites
• Bar Marzana 16 has a good selection of local beers and is located right on the river, making its terrace particularly popular during the summer
• During the day, Bihotz Café offers speciality coffee and small bites, whilst craft beer is served during the evenings
• Dando la Brassa is a unique restaurant offering a fusion of Peruvian and Japanese cuisine – perfect for date night!

Best Budget Hotel in Bilbao la Vieja

Hotel Bilbi

Though quite basic, this is the perfect option if you are on a budget and want to be based in the heart of trendy La Vieja! Rooms are equipped with TVs, air conditioning and large bathroom suites that come with complimentary toiletries. The modern hotel has high-speed WiFi throughout and private parking facilities.

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Best Mid-range Hotel in Bilbao la Vieja

Hotel Sirimiri Bilbao

Brightly decorated and well-lit by the natural light of sunny Bilbao this is the perfect place to stay for those on a mid-range budget in Bilbao La Vieja. The hotel also has a fantastic location in the heart of Bilbao’s old town and is just a 5-minute tram journey from Guggenheim.

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Best Luxury Hotel in Bilbao la Vieja

Hotel Gran Bilbao

This gorgeous hotel is the perfect choice for creative travellers looking for accommodation with a little bit of an artistic flair! Rooms are beautifully decorated, taking inspiration from local street art. A buffet breakfast is provided free of charge to all guests, and the restaurant serves innovative cuisine all day.

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Neighborhood #7 – San Francisco

Best neighbourhood in Bilbao for alternative culture!

• COOLEST thing to do in San Francisco – simply wandering the streets is a rewarding activity uncovering some great street art
• BEST place to visit in San Francisco – catch a concert or local sports game at the brand new Bilbao Arena

San Francisco has a somewhat notorious reputation as one of Bilbao’s roughest areas, however, recent regeneration efforts have made it an up and coming destination for visitors to the city! Though this is certainly better for more seasoned travellers, those who choose to stay in San Francisco will be rewarded with a multicultural atmosphere, amazing street art and authentic restaurants.

A hub for migrants to the Basque Country, San Francisco offers cuisine from across the world and a cosmopolitan vibe! It is also home to the local LGBTQ community, with some great gay bars throughout the area.

• Badulake is one of the oldest gay bars in the city and is perfect for LGBTQ travellers looking for a more underground experience
• El Rincon del Vino offers a good range of wines and cheap tasting experiences, as well as a laid back atmosphere
• If you’re interested in flea markets, Rastro 2 de Mayo is popular with Bilbao’s youth and alternative crowds
• Bullfighting is a popular, though somewhat controversial, sport in Spain – Bilbao’s main arena, Plaza del Toros, has a museum dedicated to the event’s history
• Rallye is an excellent grill restaurant with cheap prices, hearty food and a wide menu catering to a variety of tastes

Best Budget Hotel in San Francisco

Hotel Lidar

This two-star hotel comes with fully air-conditioned rooms that also include small workspaces! This is a great option for digital nomads and business travellers looking for economical accommodation with private rooms. Free high-speed WiFi is available throughout the hotel, and there is a large shared lounge area.

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Best Mid-range Hotel in San Francisco

Irala by Pillow

Irala by Pillow is a small boutique hotel located in the quarter of the picturesque San Francisco neighborhood. Throughout the hostel, you will find brightly lit furnishings and a plethora of beautiful plants and flowers that add a great natural atmosphere to the property.

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Best Luxury Hotel in San Francisco

Hotel Tayko Bilbao

Hotel Tayko Bilbao is elegantly decorated with modern design and great facilities! Rooms come with standalone baths as well as showers in the private bathroom suites. The bar and restaurant are run by a Michelin starred chef, and serve a complimentary buffet breakfast each morning. It is particularly popular with couples.

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Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Bilbao?

Bilbao is an exciting destination in the Basque Country region of Northern Spain! It offers a great mix of the old and the new – with groundbreaking postmodern architecture sitting alongside medieval buildings. It is particularly great for those interested in creative hubs and alternative culture.

For the best area, we have to go with Bilbao La Vieja! This region has seen a lot of renovation over the past few years and is the perfect example of the many facets of Bilbao.

Nevertheless, each area has something unique to offer visitors to the city. We hope this guide has helped you pick the best place to stay during your upcoming trip to Bilbao.

Have we missed anything? Let us know in the comments!

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