Where to Stay in Bilbao
Your guide to the best areas and accommodation types
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Best Areas to Stay
Each neighborhood has its own character. Find the one that matches your travel style.
The medieval heart of Bilbao features narrow cobblestone streets, pintxo bars on every corner, and historic architecture dating back seven centuries. This atmospheric district sits on the right bank of the Nervión River and pulses with local life day and night. The area perfectly blends authentic Basque culture with tourist-friendly amenities.
- Walking distance to major attractions and pintxo bars
- Authentic local atmosphere with historic charm
- Excellent public transport connections
- Vibrant nightlife and dining scene
- Can be noisy at night, especially on weekends
- Streets are steep and challenging with heavy luggage
Bilbao's business and shopping district centers around Gran Vía de Don Diego López de Haro, the city's main boulevard. This elegant area features belle époque architecture, upscale shops, and the city's financial institutions. It's the most cosmopolitan part of Bilbao with a sophisticated urban atmosphere.
- Central location between Old Town and Guggenheim
- Wide selection of restaurants and shops
- Well-connected by metro and tram
- Safe and well-maintained streets
- Less character than historic neighborhoods
- Higher prices for dining and accommodation
A residential and commercial neighborhood that offers a more local experience while remaining centrally located. Indautxu is popular with both business travelers and tourists who want to experience everyday Bilbao life. The area has numerous restaurants, cafes, and shops frequented primarily by locals.
- More affordable than central tourist areas
- Authentic residential neighborhood feel
- Good metro connections
- Plenty of local restaurants and supermarkets
- 15-20 minute walk to main attractions
- Fewer English-speaking services
Located on the left bank of the river, Deusto is a university district with a youthful, energetic vibe. The area has undergone significant development and now mixes student life with modern residential buildings. It offers a quieter alternative to the city center while maintaining good connections.
- Lower accommodation costs
- Peaceful residential atmosphere
- Close to University of Deusto and waterfront
- Good selection of affordable eateries
- Requires metro or tram to reach main sights
- Limited nightlife compared to city center
This modern waterfront district represents Bilbao's urban renewal at its finest, built on former industrial docklands. Home to the iconic Guggenheim Museum, the area features contemporary architecture, riverside promenades, and upscale hotels. It's Bilbao's showcase neighborhood, designed to impress visitors with its transformation.
- Steps from the Guggenheim Museum
- Beautiful riverside walks and modern infrastructure
- High-quality hotels and restaurants
- Safe and pedestrian-friendly
- Premium prices for everything
- Can feel sterile compared to historic areas
An up-and-coming multicultural neighborhood undergoing gradual gentrification while retaining its working-class roots. This area on the right bank offers street art, alternative culture, and the most diverse dining scene in the city. It's grittier and more authentic than tourist-focused areas.
- Most affordable accommodation in central Bilbao
- Diverse food options and vibrant street life
- Growing arts and culture scene
- Close to Casco Viejo via bridges
- Some streets can feel less safe at night
- Less polished infrastructure than other areas
The 19th-century expansion district features a grid layout with wide streets, elegant buildings, and a mix of residential and commercial spaces. This area includes parts of Abando but extends further, offering a refined atmosphere with excellent shopping and dining. It's where many locals choose to live and work.
- Elegant architecture and well-maintained streets
- Central location with easy access everywhere
- Excellent restaurant and shopping options
- Quiet at night despite central location
- Can be expensive
- Less nightlife than Old Town
A largely residential neighborhood east of the city center that offers an authentic local experience away from tourist crowds. Rekalde is home to many working families and provides good value accommodation with easy metro access. The area has a traditional Basque character with local markets and neighborhood bars.
- Significantly cheaper than central areas
- Authentic neighborhood atmosphere
- Good metro connections to center
- Local markets and affordable dining
- 20-30 minutes to main tourist attractions
- Very limited English spoken
Accommodation Types
From budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels, here's what's available.
Bilbao has a growing collection of design-focused boutique hotels, particularly in the Old Quarter and near the Guggenheim. These properties typically occupy renovated historic buildings or showcase contemporary Basque design.
Best for: Couples and design enthusiasts seeking character and personalized service
Traditional Spanish guesthouses offer basic but clean accommodation throughout Bilbao, especially in Casco Viejo and residential neighborhoods. These family-run establishments provide authentic local hospitality at budget prices.
Best for: Solo travelers and budget-conscious visitors who value location over amenities
Bilbao's hostel scene caters primarily to young travelers and backpackers, with both dorm beds and private rooms available. Most hostels are concentrated in the Old Quarter and offer social atmospheres with organized activities.
Best for: Backpackers, solo travelers, and social travelers under 35
Self-catering apartments have become increasingly popular in Bilbao, offering more space and kitchen facilities. Options range from serviced aparthotels to privately-owned flats available through booking platforms.
Best for: Families, groups, and stays longer than 3-4 nights
International and Spanish chains operate modern business hotels throughout Bilbao, concentrated in Abando and near the conference center. These properties offer consistent quality, meeting facilities, and loyalty program benefits.
Best for: Business travelers and those who prefer predictable international standards
High-end accommodation in Bilbao includes historic grand hotels and modern design properties near the Guggenheim. These hotels offer full service, fine dining, and premium amenities with a Basque touch.
Best for: Luxury travelers, special occasions, and those wanting premium service
Booking Tips
Insider advice to help you find the best accommodation.
When Athletic Club de Bilbao plays at home, especially against rivals like Real Madrid or Barcelona, accommodation prices spike and availability drops. Check the football schedule before booking. San Mamés Stadium holds 53,000 fans, many from outside Bilbao, creating significant demand for rooms.
Some hotels offer packages including the Bilbao Bizkaia Card, which provides free public transport and museum discounts. This can offer better value than booking accommodation and attractions separately. The card is particularly worthwhile if you plan to visit multiple museums and use the metro frequently.
Many charming hotels in the Old Quarter occupy historic buildings without elevators, or with elevators that don't reach all floors. If you have mobility concerns or heavy luggage, specifically confirm elevator access to your room level. Buildings in Casco Viejo can have steep stairs across multiple floors.
Smaller hotels and pensiones often offer better rates when you book directly by phone or email, especially for stays of three nights or more. Many family-run properties also provide local tips and recommendations that you won't get through third-party booking sites. Direct contact also allows you to negotiate flexible check-in times.
During Aste Nagusia (mid-August) and Semana Grande, the city becomes extremely crowded and prices double or triple. If you must visit during festivals, book at least 4-6 months in advance or consider staying in nearby towns like Getxo or Portugalete, which are connected by metro. Alternatively, embrace the chaos and book a hostel where the social atmosphere matches the festival energy.
Bilbao's pintxo culture means bars stay lively until late, especially Thursday through Saturday. If you're a light sleeper, request rooms facing interior courtyards rather than main streets, particularly in Casco Viejo and Abando. Most hotels have double-glazed windows, but street-facing rooms in the Old Quarter can still be noisy until 2-3am on weekends.
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When to Book
Timing matters for both price and availability.
For July-September visits and Easter week, book 2-3 months in advance for mid-range hotels, 4-6 months for budget options and luxury properties. During Aste Nagusia (mid-August), book 6+ months ahead or expect very limited availability and inflated prices.
April-June and October-November offer the best balance of weather and value. Book 4-6 weeks in advance for good selection and reasonable rates. These months are ideal for visiting as the city is less crowded but weather remains pleasant.
December-March (excluding Easter) sees the lowest prices and easiest availability. You can often book just 1-2 weeks ahead and still find good deals, though the best boutique hotels may still fill up. Winter in Bilbao is mild but rainy, making it perfect for museum-focused visits.
Bilbao is a business destination during the week and a leisure destination on weekends, so booking patterns vary. For weekend stays, book further in advance. For weekday business hotel stays, you can often find last-minute deals. Always check the Athletic Bilbao fixture list before finalizing dates.
Good to Know
Local customs and practical information.