Whether on a road trip in the Spanish Basque country or a city trip, Bilbao is a pleasant place to discover. Finding a place to stay for a weekend or several nights is an important part of a pleasant stay in this Spanish city. In this guide, you’ll find all you need to know about where to stay in Bilbao.
For each of its different districts. We detail the atmosphere, location, places to visit and how to get around. A selection of establishments also awaits you, to suit every budget.
Main information
Before going into the description of the places to target when selecting accommodation in Bilbao, here are the essentials to know from a tourist point of view. They should give you a better idea of the city and its constraints.
Our favorite places to stay
For those in a hurry, here are our favorite places to stay in Bilbao:
- $ this well-located accommodation offers good value for money
- $$ this hotel offers a view of the city from its rooftop
- $$$ this luxury establishment, one of the best places to stay in the heart of Bilbao
Map of Bilbao’s different districts to stay in
To give you a quick overview of the different places we recommend to stay in Bilbao, you’ll find on the map below all the Bilbao accommodation recommendations we’ll be sharing in this guide. You can also use it to locate the various neighborhoods we’ll be detailing.
The essentials for choosing where to stay in Bilbao
Places to stay in Bilbao
Let’s get to the heart of the matter with a review of the main areas where we recommend staying in Bilbao.
Abando, modern city center where to stay
A modern, cultural district, Abando is one of Bilbao's most attractive places to stay. Situated in the heart of the city, close to Bilbao's must-see attractions and the historic part of the city, this area has a lot to offer.
The Guggenheim Museum is a must-see during your stay. With its collection of modern art, it's one of the Spanish city's landmarks. You can also admire the Plaza Moyúa, the Palacio de Congresos, the Bilbao Maritime Museum and the Zubizuri Bridge. The atmosphere is very lively, especially along the Gran Via, an avenue with numerous fashion boutiques, excellent restaurants and countless cafés.
As far as getting around is concerned, public transport, especially the metro (lines 1 and 2), is very easy. The Concordia train station is also located here.
Abando is an ideal place to stay, as the range of accommodation is very wide and, due to its popularity, quite expensive. However, if you book well in advance, you can still find good-value rooms.
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A fully equipped apartment with parking. Located next to the art museum. Very affordable, it's one of the cheapest places you'll find to stay in Abando.
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A quality youth hostel with family rooms, duo rooms and dormitory beds. Its location is ideal, and travelers appreciate its proximity to tourist attractions. Breakfast is included in most packages. A great place to stay.
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This establishment of the Radisson luxury chain is a rare pearl: its rooftoop overlooking the roofs of Bilbao, its modern, uncluttered decor, its location in the heart of the district and its spa. If you're on a budget, this is the place to stay.
Stay in the lively Indautxu district
Bordering Abando to the west, the Indautxu area also attracts many tourists. This chic financial district is very dynamic.
It's alsovery cultural, with several museums, including the Fine Arts Museum. The Azkuna Zentroa cultural center and the San Mamés stadium are also worth a visit. Evenings are lively thanks to the various nightclubs and concert halls, including the Euskalduna Palace.
The location is ideal for accommodation. To give you an idea: from the furthest point of this district, you're a 15-minute walk from the Guggenheim Museum, and 20 minutes by metro from the historic part of Casco Viejo. Which makes it a great place to stay.
When it comes to where to stay, you'll find plenty to choose from. There's a wide range ofhotels and apartments to choose from.
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You'll find comfortable rooms where to stay and a fitness center. Nearby parking and a metro station. Very quiet at night. A good place to stay on a budget.
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This Autograph Collection hotel is decorated with care. Guests will appreciate the rooftop overlooking the Spanish city, the cocktail bar, the gym and the restaurant. Private parking is available at an additional cost.
Stay in Casco Viejo, Bilbao's historic center
On the other side of the Nervión river lies Casco Viejo. This is the historic part of Bilbao, and is not to be missed. Ancient architecture and picturesque streets await you here. The atmosphere here is undeniably rich, with bars and restaurants featuring the local menu.
Many must-sees can be found here, from the Cathedral to the Arriaga Theatre, the Plaza Nueva, the Archaeological Museum, the Bidebarrieta Public Library and the Church of San Antón. If you're a food lover, take note of the Ribera market. But the main attraction is the famous "7 streets" (or"Las Siete Calles"), renowned for their authentic beauty. It's a walk not to be missed.
If you choose to stay here, the old town can be visited on foot, especially as it is entirely pedestrianized, but you'll need to take the metro to visit the other areas. It's also served by the metro, which is very convenient, although it's nice to get around on foot and enjoy the atmosphere of the narrow streets.
Bilbao's historic district is the place to stay, not only because it's a must-see, but also because of its authenticity. Note, however, that to get the best rates, you'll need to book your accommodation in advance. There are more apartments here than hotels.
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Simple and correct, this guesthouse offers well-equipped, quiet rooms. It's conveniently located at the gateway to the historic part of town. One of the few places to stay for this price.
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The establishment has pleasant rooms and a very good location in the old town. Parking nearby. A good place to stay for those in search of peace and quiet.
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Part of the Leonardo Hotels chain, this establishment stands out for its exceptional rooftop panorama. The decor is modern and elegant, and the location is excellent. There's a fitness center, bar and restaurant. It's an enchanting place to stay.
Last alternative where to stay in Bilbao: San Frantzisko
Located to the south of the above, San Frantzisko is a great place to stay in Bilbao. Travelers find it very charming , with all its colorful buildings.
Despite its residential aspect, it's a trendy district frequented by local youth and the LGBT community, and it's this cosmopolitan influence that makes this area so strong. Restaurants serving Indian, Oriental and African cuisine await you. Art boutiques rub shoulders with Spanish street art. The OKELA Sormen Lantegia gallery and the Museo de Reproducciones are places to discover. Relax in the trendy bars, vintage stores and nightclubs.
As for public transport, Bilbao's northern station is the same. There's no metro service here, but there are plenty of bus routes. There are far more apartments here than hotels, and the offer is very wide. Affordable for everyone. If this district is very pleasant during the day, be careful not to stay too late in the evening. It's not recommended for families.
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An inexpensive, quiet hotel located south of Bilbao. Private parking available. Close to good neighborhoods. Some rooms have city views. This is a convenient last-minute place to stay.
Summary
In conclusion, if you’re looking for the ideal area to stay in Bilbao and enjoy the atmosphere and must-sees to the full, opt for Abando or Casco Viejo. If, on the other hand, you prefer a bit of peace and quiet or a relaxing family break, we’d recommendIndautxu