Where to Stay In Bilbao: Popular Areas + Best Accommodation

The Basque region is situated in Northern Spain and has its own culture, language, and traditions. It's also home to the hidden gem, Bilbao. Known for golden beaches, tasty pintxos (the Basque version of tapas, typically served on toasted bread), and its incredible art culture, Bilbao is a must-add to your Spanish travel bucket list.

Famous for its Guggenheim Museum, home to some of the most impressive contemporary works of art you can imagine.

The best Guggenheim Museum tours:

• Guggenheim Bilbao Museum Private Tour

• Bilbao: Guggenheim Museum Skip-the-Line Guided Tour

• Magic at the Guggenheim Museum inside and outside

Bilbao also boasts a ton of interesting architecture and other museums and art galleries for culture vultures of every type.

Want to know where to stay in Bilbao? I've put together a guide to the city's best neighborhoods and best luxury hotels, so you can plan out a stress-free trip in style.

The Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Bilbao

Explore the best area to stay in Bilbao for your needs with our ultimate guide to the city's neighborhoods.

Casco Viejo – This is Bilbao's Old Town, with its grand medieval streets and centuries-old buildings. It's one of the best neighborhoods in Bilbao for sightseeing and it's composed of Las Siete Calles, the seven main streets, and the narrow alleys that connect them. It's a great base for exploring the rest of the city.

Abando – Bilbao's more modern, historic center is where you'll find the majority of the city's shops and businesses. As well as comprising streets with tall buildings and plenty of hustle and bustle, Abando is home to green spaces where you can hang out, walk your dog, or meet a friend for a coffee.

Indautxu – Indautxu is a central part of the city that manages to combine plenty to do by day with some of the city's best nightlife. Here, you'll find enough bars to keep your bar crawl going into the early hours of the morning and avant-garde nightclubs that guarantee the best night out you've had for a while.

Uribarri & Matiko – If you're looking to get away from the crowds of tourists without straying too far from the action, consider staying in Uribarri or Matiko. They're also great destinations if you plan on taking the cable car as one of Bilbao's activities.

La Vieja & San Franciso – Like most cities, Bilbao has its more hipster neighborhoods, filled with independent coffee shops, vegan cafes, and vintage clothing stores. In Bilbao, you'll find this cool, laid-back vibe in La Vieja and San Francisco.

Santutxu – If you're the type of traveler who likes to see how the locals live, head straight to Santutxu. This popular residential neighborhood is full of family-friendly activities, green spaces, and laid-back coffee shops where you can find locals enjoying a cafe con leche on the weekends.

Deusto – Deusto is the student part of the city near the university, so you can expect to pay much less for luxury hotel and accommodation options in this area. Thanks to its student population, it also has a laid-back feel and plenty of cool bars.

1. Where to stay in Bilbao for the first time & sightseeing: Casco Viejo (Old Town)

Casco Viejo is Bilbao's Old Town and the cultural heart of this beautiful Basque city. This central district is just a short walk from other parts of Bilbao and is home to some of the city's biggest draws, such as Plaza Nueva and Euskaltzaindia.

Bilbao La Vieja is also where you'll find Mercado de la Ribera, the biggest covered market in Europe and home to fresh produce from local farmers and market stall holders.

Things to see & do

• Stroll around Plaza Nueva

• See the Euskaltzaindia palace

• Eat at the Mercado de la Ribera

• Go to the Portal de Zamudio

Best area for:

• Tourists

• First-time visitors

• History lovers

Best hotels to stay in Casco Viejo

($$$) Hotel Tayko Bilbao

Situated just 200 meters from the famous Catedral de Santiago, this stylish hotel is one of the best Bilbao hotels, with friendly and welcoming staff working 24 hours a day at the front desk.

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($$) NYX Hotel Bilbao by Leonardo Hotels

This incredibly modern hotel earns all of its 4 stars with state-of-the-art amenities, contemporary decor in all the rooms, and a friendly and professional team of staff.

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($) Pension Lo Bilbao

This cozy guest house has everything you need for a warm welcome to Bilbao and a peaceful night's sleep.

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2. Where to stay in Bilbao near the Guggenheim Museum: Abando (Downtown Bilbao)

If you plan on visiting the world-famous Guggenheim Museum during your visit to Bilbao, Abando is where you'll want to be. Abando is the city's commercial center, with most of Bilbao's businesses and shops situated here, making it the go-to destination for shopping sprees and business trips.

You'll also find multiple world-class museums here, cementing Bilbao's status as one of Spain's most cultural cities. Here are some of the best Bilbao hotels near Guggenheim.

Things to do & see

• Visit the iconic Guggenheim Museum

• Stroll around the Plaza de Federico Moyua

• Go to the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum

• Visit the Maritime Museum

Best area for:

• Culture vultures

• Art lovers

• Shoppers

• Business trips

Best hotels to stay near the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao

($$$) Radisson Collection Bilbao

If you're looking for luxury hotels in Bilbao, this gorgeous 5-star offering from Radisson is a must-visit, with a 24-hour front desk, beautifully decorated air-conditioned rooms, and even a fitness center, so you can stay on top of your goals even on vacation.

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($$) Latroupe La Granja

Featuring air-conditioned rooms, a shared lounge, a bar, and free Wi-Fi, La Granja provides a stylish and relaxing place to stay during your trip to Bilbao.

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($) Hotel Abando

Offering excellent value for money, this hotel is just 500 meters from the famous Guggenheim museum and close to many other sights in the Abando area.

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3. Where to stay in Bilbao for nightlife: Indautxu

With a buzzing atmosphere, more bars than you could visit in one holiday, and food that's among the best in Spain, Indautxu is an excellent place to stay in Bilbao.

As well as the best selection of clubs and bars in the city (it's the best place to stay in Bilbao for a night out), you'll find plenty of places to enjoy pintxos, the Basque version of tapas.

Things to do & see

• Relax in Plaza Indautxu

• Visit the Azkuna Zentroa – Alhondiga Bilbao cultural center

• Go to the bars on Poza Street

• Stroll around Euskadi Plaza

Best area for:

• Nightlife lovers

• Foodies

• Groups of friends

Best hotels to stay in Indautxu

($$$) Catalonia Gran Via Bilbao

If you're looking for accommodation in Bilbao that's packed with amenities, you'll love this hotel, with a fitness center, a 24-hour front desk, a garden, private parking, and a shared lounge.

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($$) Hotel Ilunion Bilbao

With an excellent location near some of Bilbao's most vibrant streets, this hotel boasts a gym, free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and a 24-hour reception.

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($) NH Collection Villa de Bilbao

Located in the heart of one of Bilbao's thriving districts, the NH Collection hotels feature beautiful decor and modern amenities that will make your stay here relaxing and luxurious.

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4. Where to stay in Bilbao away from the crowds: Uribarri & Matiko

Located next to one another, Uribarri and Matiko are home to Bilbao locals, making them excellent destinations if you're hoping to escape the crowds while still staying near to the city's most impressive sights.

From here, you can also take the cable car to see the stunning scenery from Bilbao.

Things to do & see

• Take the Artxandako Funikularra

• Stroll around the vibrant streets

• Cross the bridge for an aerial view of the Guggenheim

Best area for:

• Families

• Travelers looking to escape the crowds

Best hotels to stay in Uribarri & Matiko

($$$) Barcelo Bilbao Nervion

With an on-site restaurant that serves us delicious Basque dishes, this stylish hotel is the perfect destination for travelers looking to experience local life.

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($$) Hotel Bilbao Plaza

This stylish hotel overlooks the River Nervion and boasts free Wi-Fi, private parking, and a buzzing on-site bar.

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($) Hesperia Bilbao

Boasting an eye-catching colored glass façade, this hotel offers spacious rooms at reasonable prices and proximity to some of Bilbao's best shopping streets and tapas bars.

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5. Where to stay in Bilbao for boho hipster vibes: La Vieja & San Francisco

The up-and-coming areas of La Vieja and San Francisco are filled with independent art galleries, hipster coffee shops, and vintage clothing stores.

They were once less desirable than they are now, but over the years they've become more polished and elegant and now attract thousands of visitors per year. If you're looking for the Bilbao equivalent of New York's Brooklyn or Madrid's Malasaña, stay in one of these cool districts.

San Francisco, in particular, has a cool international flavor, with a strong immigrant population that adds to this area's diversity. It's also become a popular area for the LGBTQ community, with plenty of gay bars along its narrow streets.

Things to do & see

• Enjoy a tipple of the many craft beer breweries in the area

• Have a drink in the popular Marzana 16

• Go vintage shopping

Best area for:

• Artists

• Hipsters

• Independent stores and coffee shops

• LGBTQ+ travelers

Best hotels to stay in La Vieja & San Francisco

($$$) Baps Apartaments

This apartment complex is home to stylish units with modern amenities, including kitchens, washing machines, and free Wi-Fi.

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($$) Ibis Bilbao Centro

Offering a delicious buffet breakfast to help you start the day right, the Iris Bilbao Centro is a clean and comfortable place to stay during your trip to Bilbao.

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($) Irala by Pillow

This boutique hotel in Bilbao promises a central location, contemporary decor, and friendly staff, all for a budget-friendly price that promises great value for money.

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6. Where to stay in Bilbao like a local: Santutxu

Satutxu is located just south of Casco Viejo and is more of a residential area than a tourist hotspot – so it's perfect for avoiding the crowds that can sometimes gather in Bilbao, especially in summer.

Its pedestrianized streets are home to plenty of friendly bars and restaurants, many of which have much lower prices than you'll find in Casco Viejo.

Things to do & see

• Visit the Mina del Morro gardens

• Take a stroll around the Parque Larreagaburu

Best area for:

• Travelers wanting a local vibe

• Couples

• Families

Best hotels to stay in Santutxu

($$$) Hola Bilbao!

Promising gorgeous city views, Hola Bilbao! is a seriously stylish contemporary apartment with excellent reviews and all the amenities you could need for your visit.

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($$) Occidental Bilbao

With a gorgeous seasonal outdoor swimming pool, a restaurant serving fresh local cuisine, and free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, Occidental Bilbao makes for a relaxing stay.

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($) Hotel Sirimiri

Located just a 5-minute tram journey from the Guggenheim Museum, this budget accommodation is affordable yet stylish, making it one of the best budget hotels to stay slightly outside of central Bilbao.

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7. Where to stay in Bilbao on a budget: Deusto

If you're wondering where to stay outside Bilbao city center but still within transit distance of the main sights, Deusto should be your go-to destination.

Located near the university, the abundance of students in this area makes Deusto not only a great place to find affordable accommodation but also gives the area a vibrant atmosphere, with plenty of bars are places to grab pintxos in the immediate vicinity.

Things to do & see

• Stroll along the river

• Visit the Deusto University campus

• Stop for a pintxo in one of the cheap student bars

Best area for:

• Students and young people

• Groups of friends

• Travelers on a budget

Best hotels to stay in Deusto

($$$) Livensa Living Studios Bilbao – SK

This stylish air-conditioned apartment is located just outside Bilbao's incredible city center and boasts a kitchen, air conditioning, and private parking on site.

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($$) NH Bilbao Deusto

With views of the city, a delicious on-site restaurant, and plenty of public transit options nearby, NH Bilbao Deusto is a clean, contemporary hotel that promises a calming stay.

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($) Hotel Artetxe

Set in a charming basque farmhouse, this unique hotel promises stunning panoramic views over Bilbao as well as plenty of outdoor space to help you feel close to nature.

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Where to Stay in Bilbao – Frequently Asked Questions

⭐ Why is Bilbao popular and worth visiting?

Bilbao is worth visiting for multiple reasons. First, you have the incredible food culture, with Bilbao being famous for its particular brand of tapas – pintxos. Then, there's the unrivaled art scene, with the Guggenheim Museum and other art galleries and museums to keep you occupied for an entire trip. Plus, there's an attractive port as well as plenty of nearby beaches where you can top up your tan.

As well as all the attractions Bilbao has to offer, one of the main reasons why it's so popular is that it offers a glimpse into a culture that's not as well known as traditional Spanish or Catalan culture – the culture of the Basque region. Visitors to Bilbao feel like they're getting to know somewhere entirely new, with its own traditions, cuisine, and even language.

📍 Where is the Old Town and main area in Bilbao?

Bilbao's Old Town (Casco Viejo) is near the center of the city and is home to many of Bilbao's most impressive sites as well as historical buildings and bustling streets filled with tapas bars and beautiful architecture. The city's economic city center (or ‘downtown') is Abando, home to many shops and businesses.

📅 How many days is enough to stay in Bilbao?

Bilbao isn't huge, so you can see a good chunk of the city in a long weekend. If you do want ample time to explore all of the neighborhoods to their fullest and also do some day trips, you might want to stay for 5-7 days.

🚶 Can I walk around Bilbao, or do I need a car?

One of the best things about Bilbao is that you don't need a car to visit. While there are public transit options, in many cases, you'll be able to make the journey on foot. You might want to hire a car if you plan on going further afield, visiting the coast, or hopping over to San Sebastian (although you can get a train between the two). I recommend hiring a car as early as possible and can recommend Discover Cars.

❓ Should I stay in Bilbao or San Sebastian?

If you get the chance, stay in both! Both Bilbao and San Sebastian are beautiful cities in the Basque Country that are exploding with culture, things to do, and delicious food to eat. San Sebastian is arguably the best city of the two for foodies (although both are great!) and is more convenient for a beach holiday. Bilbao is slightly better for history and architecture lovers.

Where to stay in Bilbao – Final Words

Where to stay in Bilbao depends on your personal preferences. Whether you're looking for a holiday that's heavy on nightlife, romantic strolls through ancient streets, or excursions to food markets and innovative restaurants, you'll find a neighborhood that's right for you in this beautiful city.

And with plenty of accommodation on offer, from 5-star hotels in Bilbao to Airbnb Bilbao, you'll be spoiled for choice with Bilbao accommodation. All that's left to do is sit back, relax, and enjoy a few pintxos.