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.
With stunning views of the old city, this apartment located in the heart of Bilbao is the perfect place to call home while exploring the city. With its spacious rooms, dim lighting, and atmosphere which makes you want to cozy up on the couch with a good book, you won’t find a better BnB in downtown Bilbao!
Poshtel is a luxury hostel concept right in the centre of Bilbao! It is beautifully decorated with modern furnishings in the rooms and quirky upcycled interiors in the common areas. They offer excellent social facilities and events throughout the year and are well rated by previous guests.
Despite being a two-star hotel, Hotel Bilbao Plaza offers some great additional perks that will ensure a comfortable, yet budget-friendly, stay in the city! The complimentary breakfast is particularly popular in guest reviews, and some rooms come with patios that allow you to enjoy the outdoor spaces.
This gorgeous five-star hotel is one of the most popular in the city, with fantastic facilities and great standards of service! It comes with a gym, dedicated business centre and high-quality restaurant on-site. Free high-speed WiFi is available throughout the property, and an American style buffet breakfast is provided in the mornings.
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 Air BnB in Casco Viejo
Amaia’s BnB
With its large bright open windows, you will have all of the ancient city of Bilbao filling each pane of glass! This apartment’s style is unmatched and with breakfast served every morning, you won’t find a more luxurious BnB in Casco Viejo. With all be best sites just a short walk from your door, Amaia’s AirBnB is one of the best stays in all of Bilbao!
Best Hostel Casco Viejo
Ganbara Hostel
Located right in the heart of Casco Viejo, Ganbara Hostel is ideally located for exploring the old side of Bilbao! It comes with excellent facilities including high-speed WiFi – making it a popular choice with digital nomads. The large common area is perfect for socialising with other guests, and they also provide bike hire.
Need more info? Here’s a rundown of things to do in Bilbao to fill your time there!
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 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 Air BnB in Abandoibarra
Nerea’s BnB
This ultra-modern, bright, minimalist AirBnB gives you all the comfort of home with a hotel’s standard of luxury. With all the best sites of the city within a stone’s throw away from your cozy flat, you won’t find a better location in downtown Bilbao. With great views, relaxing rooms, and a one of a kind experience, you won’t want to miss out on staying at this B&B!
Best Hostel Abandoibarra
Poshtel Bilbao
Luxury isn’t normally the first thing you think of when you imagine a hostel, but Poshtel aims to change this with their high standards of service! The rooms come with comfortable mattresses and sturdy beds, whilst the common areas are decorated with upcycled furniture giving it a unique and interesting atmosphere.
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 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 Air BnB in Indautxu
Manu’s BnB
If you are wanting to pretend you are moving right into Bilbao, there is no better place to stay that Manu’s BnB. This apartment isn’t just located near tons of grocery stores and restaurants, but the bright airy atmosphere of this flat will make you feel right at home!
Best Hostel Indautxu
Bilbao Central Hostel
As the name suggests, this is a very central hostel located on the boundary between Indautxu and Abandoibarra! It’s also one of the cheapest hostels in the city, making it perfect if you are sticking to a strict budget. A complimentary breakfast is included in the rate, as well as free high-speed WiFi throughout the hostel.
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 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 Air BnB in Santutxu
Fernando’s Air Bnb
This sparkling clean, modern, and spacious apartment is just the beginning of a wonderful stay in Bilbao. You host will make sure you are feeling right at home in your flat in the middle of the city. With insiders tips, you will be exploring all of Bilbao like a local in no time!
Best Hostel Santutxu
BBK Bilbao Good Hostel
This is a very homely hostel with a welcoming atmosphere and great levels of service. Breakfast is included in the rates, helping to set you up for the day ahead. The communal terrace is perfect for mingling with other guests. BBK Bilbao attracts quite a varied clientele – and even families will feel welcome!
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 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 Air BnB in Duesto
Garbi’s BnB
Some BnB lacks a more personal touch, but you will find that Garbi’s apartment will make you feel right at home! Putting you 15 minutes away from the old town, you will find there is a perfect balance between living like a local and exploring all the best tourist places in Bilbao when staying at this homey B&B!
Best Hostel Duesto
Moon Hostel Bio
This modern hostel is located right in the centre of Deusto! It’s decorated in a pop style and is designed to cater for budget-friendly travellers. WiFi is available throughout the hostel, as well as lift access and central heating. The large lounge area is designed to encourage a social atmosphere.
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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 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 Air BnB in Bilbao la Vieja
ACB Apartment
Putting you just a short walk away from the nearby train station ACB Apartment will have all of Bilbao in the palm of your hand! With its bright rooms and cozy atmosphere, this flat is sure to feel like your long lost home away from home! With a great location and balconies perfect to just hangout on and enjoy the city, ACB Apartment is one of the best places to stay in Bilbao!
Best Hostel Bilbao la Vieja
Quartier Bilbao Hostel
Though located in Casco Viejo, Quartier Bilbao is the closest hostel to La Vieja – just across the river! A complimentary breakfast is included in the rate, and there are excellent social spaces for meeting other visitors to the area. Free WiFi and linen is available for all guests, and rooms are fully air-conditioned.
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 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 Air BnB in San Francisco
Eugenia’s BnB
Take a break from all of those bright impersonal minimalist BnBs and stay in this stunning apartment decked out in homey antique furnishings. With a location right in the heart of Bilbao, you will find tons of things to do around the apartment, from the restaurants to the historical sites!
Best Hostel San Francisco
Bcool Bilbao
Straddling the boundary between San Francisco and La Vieja, Bcool Bilbao is the city’s hippest hostel with excellent social facilities! Designed with backpackers in mind, this is the perfect choice for meeting like-minded travellers looking to discover an alternative side of Bilbao. They also offer breakfast for a small surcharge.
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 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!
Editor’s Note – No matter where you are traveling, you NEED to have great travel insurance. We have personally tested TONS of travel insurance companies, and can say without a doubt that World Nomads is the absolute best (and most affordable!). Fill out this form to get a quote for your trip to Bilbao!
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