Where to Stay in Bilbao 2026 | Best Areas + Hotel Map
Bilbao transformed from industrial port to cultural capital with the Guggenheim's arrival. The compact city offers world-class pintxos, striking architecture, and genuine Basque culture. Stay in the atmospheric Casco Viejo for pintxos crawls or the elegant Ensanche for Guggenheim access. The excellent metro connects all neighborhoods quickly.
On This Page
Editor's Pick for First-Timers
Between Casco Viejo and Ensanche
The area around Arriaga Theatre and the riverside offers the best of both worlds - walking distance to Casco Viejo's legendary pintxos bars and an easy stroll to the Guggenheim. This central location captures Bilbao's remarkable transformation while keeping you close to traditional Basque culture.
Casco Viejo
Abando / Ensanche
Deusto
Getxo
Quick Guide: Best Areas
Things to Know
- • Some areas south of Casco Viejo can feel rougher - stick to the seven streets core
- • Very cheap hotels near Abando station may lack character
- • Getxo is lovely but requires commitment to metro for city activities
- • Booking during major events (BBK Live, Semana Grande) requires months advance
Understanding Bilbao Geography
Bilbao winds along the Nervión River. The Casco Viejo sits on the right bank, while the 19th-century Ensanche (including Guggenheim) extends on the left bank. The metro runs along the river to the coastal suburbs of Getxo.
Neighborhood Overview
Explore different areas by price range. Click a neighborhood to learn more.
Accommodation Map
Check availability and prices across Booking.com, Vrbo, and more.
Best Neighborhoods in Bilbao
Casco Viejo (Old Town)
Best for: Seven streets, pintxos bars, Plaza Nueva, traditional Bilbao
"Medieval lanes packed with legendary pintxos bars"
Pros
- Best pintxos
- Atmospheric streets
- Local nightlife
Cons
- Can be noisy
- Limited parking
- Narrow streets
Abando / Ensanche
Best for: Guggenheim proximity, elegant boulevards, business district
"19th-century expansion with grand buildings and cultural venues"
Pros
- Guggenheim walking distance
- Elegant architecture
- Best hotels
Cons
- More expensive
- Less traditional
- Business-focused
Deusto / San Mamés
Best for: University area, stadium, riverside walks, budget options
"University neighborhood with local bars and football culture"
Pros
- Budget friendly
- Local atmosphere
- Stadium access
Cons
- Far from old town
- Less touristy
- Basic amenities
Getxo / Portugalete
Best for: Vizcaya Bridge (UNESCO), beaches, seaside escape
"Elegant seaside suburbs with UNESCO transporter bridge"
Pros
- Beach access
- Vizcaya Bridge
- Quieter pace
Cons
- 20 min from center
- Less nightlife
- Need metro
Accommodation Budget in Bilbao
Budget
Hostels, budget hotels, shared facilities
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, boutique stays, great locations
Luxury
5-star hotels, suites, premium amenities
💡 Prices vary by season. Book 2-3 months ahead for best rates.
Our Top Hotel Picks
$ Best Budget Hotels
Pil Pil Hostel & Suites Bilbao
Deusto / San Mamés
A modern, artist-designed hostel located just steps from San Mamés Stadium and the main bus station, featuring a communal patio and shared kitchen.
ibis Bilbao Centro
Abando / Indautxu
Reliable and affordable chain hotel in central Bilbao with clean, functional rooms and a prime location perfect for walking to the Guggenheim Museum, Old Town, and major attractions.
$$ Best Mid-Range Hotels
Hotel Miró
Ensanche
Design hotel facing the Guggenheim with contemporary interiors by Antonio Miró.
Hotel Tayko Bilbao
Casco Viejo
An industrial-chic boutique hotel set in a landmark 1924 warehouse, featuring a Michelin-starred restaurant by Martín Berasategui and a prime location overlooking the river in Casco Viejo.
NYX Hotel Bilbao
Casco Viejo
Art-focused hotel with local artist collaborations, rooftop bar, and Guggenheim proximity.
Hotel Ercilla de Bilbao, Autograph Collection
Ensanche
Classic Bilbao hotel with modern renovations, excellent service, and prime Gran Vía location.
$$$ Best Luxury Hotels
The Artist Grand Hotel of Art
Ensanche
Design landmark directly facing the Guggenheim with Javier Mariscal interiors and rooftop terrace.
Hotel Carlton
Ensanche
Grand 1926 hotel where Hemingway stayed, with Belle Époque elegance and central plaza location.
✦ Unique & Boutique Stays
Hotel Palacio Urgoiti
Mungia (outside city)
18th-century palace hotel in the Basque countryside with golf course and restaurant. 20 min from Bilbao.
Goien Boutique Hotel Bilbao
Casco Viejo
Intimate boutique hotel offering a stylish, cozy oasis in the heart of the Old Town with personalized service, excellent made-to-order breakfast, and a tranquil lounge.
Smart Booking Tips for Bilbao
- 1 Book 2-3 months ahead for Semana Grande (August) and BBK Live festival
- 2 San Sebastian is only 1 hour away - many combine both cities
- 3 Pintxos crawls mean you don't need hotel restaurant - save money
- 4 Bilbao is rainier than you'd expect - bring layers even in summer
- 5 The Artxanda funicular offers great views - hotels on the hill are unique but isolated
Why you can trust this guide
35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
- All neighborhoods verified by walking them
- Curated locations based on walkability & safety
- Real-time availability via live partner maps
- Prices based on Booking.com & Numbeo averages
Methodology: This guide combines on-the-ground neighborhood research, current hotel pricing data, and real traveler feedback to provide honest, actionable accommodation recommendations for Bilbao.
Updated: February 25, 2026
Ready to Visit Bilbao?
Book your flights, accommodation, and activities
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best area to stay in Bilbao?
How much does a hotel cost in Bilbao?
What are the main neighborhoods to stay in Bilbao?
Are there areas to avoid in Bilbao?
When should I book a hotel in Bilbao?
More Bilbao Guides
Weather
Historical climate averages to help you pick the best time to visit
Best Time to Visit
Coming soon
Things to Do
Coming soon
Cost & Budget
Daily costs, money-saving tips, and budget breakdown
Itineraries
Coming soon
Overview
Complete travel guide for Bilbao: top things to do, itineraries, and typical costs.