Where to Stay in Bilbao?

It's almost time for your big departure to Bilbao and you haven't booked a hotel room yet? In that case, I suggest checking out this guide to discover the best neighborhoods to stay in Bilbao. You will also find my selection of recommended accommodations in the city for a peaceful and stress-free vacation!

Nestled between the mountains and the Bay of Biscay, Bilbao is a city of unique beauty. Its rich and complex history is reflected in its architecture, ranging from the old to the contemporary and modern. If you're looking for a place to go in Spain in the north of the country, I recommend Bilbao!

To fully enjoy the warm and friendly atmosphere of Bilbao, I highly recommend choosing the best base possible. To find the best places to stay in Bilbao, I invite you to continue reading this article!

As the capital of the Spanish Basque Country and the province of Biscay, Bilbao is increasingly attracting tourists, especially from France. This highly sought-after destination is one of the most popular cities in Spain for its historical charm, local culture, and laid-back atmosphere!

To ensure you find accommodation on-site, be sure to plan ahead! But not just that, target your searches according to your budget and expectations. The city has a large number of interesting neighborhoods, and ideally, it is better to stay in the more central areas of the city. To enjoy the best prices and a wide range of accommodations, also consider booking your accommodation as soon as possible!

The historic centers of Bilbao and Ensanche are the two neighborhoods to prioritize. They provide access to all the shops and monuments in the city. However, it is possible to venture a little further by choosing a quieter neighborhood, provided you stay close to a metro or tram station for easy transportation

My recommended ❤️ places to stay in Bilbao

Don't have time to read the entire article? Here's a summary of the best places to stay in Bilbao:

In Ensanche, Bilbao City Rooms offers modern rooms near the Guggenheim Museum starting at $55 per night.

In Casco Viejo, Room Select Bilbao offers lovely comfortable and spacious rooms just steps away from shops and transportation starting at $95 per night.

Hotel Bilbi: If you have a moderate budget for staying in Bilbao, I can recommend Hotel Bilbi, which offers rooms near attractions for $56 per night.

Ensanche is one of the most iconic neighborhoods in Bilbao! Located in the city center, it stretches along the right bank of the Nervion River and serves as the commercial and financial heart of Bilbao. It's truly an ideal place to stay to be close to everything, including a wide variety of available accommodations.

One of the main attractions of Ensanche is the Guggenheim Museum, designed by architect Frank Gehry and world-renowned for its bold architecture and modern art exhibitions. On-site, you can admire works by renowned artists such as Jeff Koons and Pablo Picasso!

As you explore the streets of the neighborhood, beautiful examples of neoclassical and modernist architecture await you. You can't miss La Gran Vía, the main avenue lined with buildings, high-end shops, and cafes offering pintxos, traditional Basque small bites similar to tapas!

The Mercado de la Ribera is a must-visit food market showcasing fresh local products, including seafood, cheeses, and cured meats. And if you enjoy immersing yourself in local culture, it's also a great place to experience the daily life of Bilbao's residents!

Finally, Plaza Moyúa is a central point in the neighborhood, surrounded by luxury shops and beautiful fountains. Alongside nearby restaurants and bars, don't miss the Arriaga Theatre, a 19th-century architectural gem, or the Chavarri Palace, the seat of the provincial government of Biscay!

Book your activities now!

If you're still not sure what to do in Bilbao, no worries! From visiting the Guggenheim Museum and its contemporary art collection, exploring the old town on foot, tasting local culinary specialties, and enjoying the entertainment, there will be plenty to keep you busy! Remember to book ahead to properly plan your visits!

Bilbao City Rooms: Located just a short walk from the Guggenheim Museum, this property boasts a prime location in the center of Bilbao. The rooms are modern, featuring a unique and pleasant design! You will stay in a vibrant area during the day and quite calm at night. Expect to pay at least $55 for a night in a double room.

Inside Bilbao Apartments: For a more comfortable and intimate stay, you can choose this rental apartment in the heart of Bilbao. Ultra-modern, stylish, and spacious, you'll be near all the shops and popular spots in the city. Expect around $85 per night for two people.

The Vincci Consulado de Bilbao offers air-conditioned rooms with free Wi-Fi, private parking, and room service. The rooms provide views of the city, with some also offering views of the river. The property features a terrace, restaurant, and bar. Rates start at $132 per night.

The Casco Viejo neighborhood, known as the Old Town of Bilbao, is a historical treasure. With its cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and atmosphere steeped in history, this neighborhood is a must-visit for those seeking a more authentic place to stay while still being close to everything!

One highlight of this area is Plaza Nueva, a square surrounded by neoclassical buildings, where locals come to refresh and enjoy tapas. Not far away is the Santiago Cathedral, an impressive gothic church dating back to the 14th century with an interior open to the public.

For shopping, the La Ribera market is one of the largest covered markets in Europe, offering an incredible variety of local products, food, textiles, and even crafts! But if you're more interested in contemporary art, don't miss the Guggenheim Bilbao Museum. I mentioned it in the previous section, but know that this point of interest remains nearby if you stay in Casco Viejo

Finally, all lovers of Basque cuisine will be delighted to taste the many culinary specialties offered in the numerous pintxos bars in Casco Viejo. In fact, the neighborhood is really full of local taverns and restaurants, so take the opportunity to discover a few before you leave.

Petit Palace Arana Bilbao: Despite its central location close to all the city's attractions, this property offers a stay in a calm environment. The rooms are comfortable and pleasant, and the staff is welcoming. Expect to pay at least $81 per night, breakfast extra. If you don't know where to sleep in Bilbao, this is a very good address!

Hotel Bilbao Jardines: With its modern and unique design, this establishment offers pretty comfortable and spacious rooms. You'll be just steps away from all the shops and also close to a tram station! Rooms start at $95 per night, breakfast extra.

Abando is a vibrant and modern neighborhood, serving as both the economic and financial heart of the city. It's the perfect place to stroll along the water and enjoy pleasant walks! Once an industrial center, this neighborhood is now a bit more bourgeois and residential, known for its charm. Why not?

The history of Abando dates back to the 19th century when the industrial revolution turned Bilbao into an important industrial and port center. The neighborhood experienced rapid growth, attracting businesses and wealthy industrialists. It was during this time that buildings such as the Abando Indalecio Prieto train station were constructed!

In addition to its proximity to the Guggenheim Museum, the neighborhood is home to Doña Casilda Iturrizar Park, a green haven in the heart of the city. Visitors can enjoy peaceful walks through its lush gardens, beautiful fountains, and artistic sculptures. For shopping, rely on Gran Vía Don Diego López de Haro, where you will find many luxury shops and department stores

And if you're eager to explore the surroundings, head to the train station and the Termibus bus station to discover other regions of the Basque Country or Spain!

Hotel Abando: By choosing this property, you will be just a hundred meters from the popular spots in Bilbao, including the Guggenheim Museum. The rooms feature very elegant and sophisticated interior decor and are available starting at $89 per night, breakfast extra.

Sercotel Ayala: Located 270 meters from the Campos Eliseos Theater in the historic center of Bilbao, this hotel features modern decor! The rooms are also tastefully and elegantly decorated, and the staff is appreciated for their attentiveness. Nightly rates start at $91, breakfast extra.

Once a working-class neighborhood, Bilbao La Vieja is now a vibrant area that attracts many people for its artistic vibe and lively nightlife. You'll find numerous bookstores, art shops, but also trendy bars and nightclubs that come alive at night!

The neighborhood gets its name from its industrial past, as it was once the heart of mining and metallurgy activity in the region. However, over the years, Bilbao La Vieja has undergone a major transformation and has become a place of creativity and culture. It is now considered one of the trendiest neighborhoods in the city!

By the way, know that this neighborhood pairs well with Sant Frantzisko, another neighborhood located nearby, which also highlights urban arts. Just as iconic, this area is famous for its mix of old and modern architecture. You will find old Basque timbered houses alongside more recent concrete and glass buildings, a beautiful testament to evolution!

Whether in Bilbao La Vieja or Sant Frantzisko, both share the same atmosphere, notably a bustling nightlife! There are quite a few trendy bars, nightclubs, and fashionable LGBTQ+ venues to party until sunrise. However, be cautious, as these neighborhoods are also known to be less safe at night, so families should avoid them!

Hotel Sirimiri: Located in the old town, across the river facing Bilbao La Vieja, this property offers lovely double rooms starting at $77 per night. The staff is appreciated for their extreme kindness, and you will sleep in a quiet area Breakfast is available for an additional fee.

Hotel Bilbi: If you have a moderate budget for staying in Bilbao, then this property might suit you. It features comfortable and spacious rooms for a minimum of $56 per night! You will be just steps away from the Nervion River, popular attractions, shops, and typical restaurants in the city.

If you're heading to Bilbao on a budget, then Deusto might be a good fit. This university district has many affordable accommodation options. Located on the right bank of the Nervion, and separated by the Deusto Bridge, it is very well served by public transport for easy access to the center.

The history of this neighborhood dates back to the Middle Ages, but it experienced significant development in the 19th century due to the industrialization of Bilbao. Deusto became a major industrial center, attracting a diverse workforce from across Spain and beyond! Today, it retains vestiges of its past, with old factories and warehouses transformed into modern lofts, offices, and cultural spaces

The neighborhood is a major center of intellectual activity thanks to the University of Deusto. Many graduate studies, conferences, and cultural events take place in the area! So you're likely to encounter a relatively young and dynamic crowd, especially in Doña Casilda Iturrizar Park, one of Deusto's highlights.

Regarding gastronomy, Deusto also offers a wide variety of restaurants, pintxos bars, and cafes to try Basque cuisine. Local specialties such as bacalao a la vizcaína (cod in tomato sauce) and pintxos are regularly served in the neighborhood's establishments

In summary, the Deusto neighborhood is very appealing. With efficient public transport and affordable rates for budget travelers, it's a place that can easily please everyone!

NH Bilbao Deusto: The rooms in this hotel feature stylish interior decor, balancing space and comfort. Located in the Deusto neighborhood, you'll be just 500 meters from the Guggenheim Museum and other points of interest. Expect to pay at least $89 per night, breakfast extra.

Hotel Ria de Bilbao: For budget travelers, this property offers spacious and comfortable rooms for about $68 per night. In addition to a monitored parking facility, you'll stay in a quiet place and be served by a metro line for easy access to the historic center of Bilbao.

That's it for this article, I hope you enjoyed it and now know where to stay in Bilbao! If you have other recommendations, feel free to leave me a comment