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.

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.

Pintxos & Nightlife

Casco Viejo

Guggenheim & Elegance

Abando / Ensanche

Budget & Local

Deusto

Beach & UNESCO Bridge

Getxo

Quick Guide: Best Areas

Casco Viejo (Old Town): Seven streets, pintxos bars, Plaza Nueva, traditional Bilbao
Abando / Ensanche: Guggenheim proximity, elegant boulevards, business district
Deusto / San Mamés: University area, stadium, riverside walks, budget options
Getxo / Portugalete: Vizcaya Bridge (UNESCO), beaches, seaside escape

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.

Main Districts Casco Viejo: Medieval old town, pintxos, nightlife. Ensanche/Abando: Guggenheim, business, elegant hotels. Deusto: University, stadium, budget. Getxo/Portugalete: Beaches, Vizcaya Bridge.

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

$65+ $130+ $270+
Mid-range
First-timers Foodies Nightlife Culture

"Medieval lanes packed with legendary pintxos bars"

15 min walk to Guggenheim
Nearest Stations
Casco Viejo (Metro) Arriaga (Tram)
Attractions
Plaza Nueva Cathedral Ribera Market Seven Streets (Siete Calles)
9
Transit
High noise
Safe area, lively at night with bar-hoppers.

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

$86+ $173+ $378+
Luxury
Art lovers Business Central Shopping

"19th-century expansion with grand buildings and cultural venues"

Walk to Guggenheim
Nearest Stations
Abando (Metro/Train) Moyua (Metro)
Attractions
Guggenheim Museum Fine Arts Museum Gran Vía shopping Azkuna Zentroa
9.5
Transit
Moderate noise
Very safe, upscale business and cultural district.

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

$49+ $97+ $194+
Budget
Budget Sports Local life Students

"University neighborhood with local bars and football culture"

10 min metro to center
Nearest Stations
San Mamés (Metro) Deusto (Metro)
Attractions
San Mamés Stadium University of Deusto Riverside promenade
8
Transit
Moderate noise
Safe university and residential area.

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

$59+ $119+ $238+
Mid-range
Beach Architecture Quiet Families

"Elegant seaside suburbs with UNESCO transporter bridge"

20 min metro to Casco Viejo
Nearest Stations
Areeta/Neguri (Metro)
Attractions
Vizcaya Bridge Getxo beaches Old Port of Algorta Coastal walks
7
Transit
Low noise
Very safe residential beach suburb.

Pros

  • Beach access
  • Vizcaya Bridge
  • Quieter pace

Cons

  • 20 min from center
  • Less nightlife
  • Need metro

Accommodation Budget in Bilbao

Budget

$39 /night
Typical Range: $32 – $43

Hostels, budget hotels, shared facilities

Most Popular

Mid-Range

$91 /night
Typical Range: $76 – $103

3-star hotels, boutique stays, great locations

Luxury

$186 /night
Typical Range: $157 – $216

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

Casco Viejo

★ 8.5

Social hostel in the heart of pintxos territory with excellent common areas and local tips.

Solo travelersBudget travelersPintxos lovers
Check Availability

€€ Best Mid-Range Hotels

Hotel Miró

Ensanche

★ 8.9

Design hotel facing the Guggenheim with contemporary interiors by Antonio Miró.

Art loversDesign enthusiastsGuggenheim access
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Hotel Tayko Bilbao

Casco Viejo

★ 9

Trendy boutique in restored palace with rooftop terrace and excellent Casco Viejo location.

CouplesFoodiesCentral location
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NYX Hotel Bilbao

Ensanche

★ 8.7

Art-focused hotel with local artist collaborations, rooftop bar, and Guggenheim proximity.

Art loversYoung travelersDesign fans
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Ercilla Hotel

Ensanche

★ 8.6

Classic Bilbao hotel with modern renovations, excellent service, and prime Gran Vía location.

Business travelersReliabilityCentral location
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€€€ Best Luxury Hotels

Gran Hotel Domine Bilbao

Ensanche

★ 9.2

Design landmark directly facing the Guggenheim with Javier Mariscal interiors and rooftop terrace.

Guggenheim devoteesDesign loversSpecial occasions
Check Availability

Hotel Carlton

Ensanche

★ 8.9

Grand 1926 hotel where Hemingway stayed, with Belle Époque elegance and central plaza location.

History buffsClassic luxuryCentral location
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✦ Unique & Boutique Stays

Hotel Palacio Urgoiti

Mungia (outside city)

★ 9.1

18th-century palace hotel in the Basque countryside with golf course and restaurant. 20 min from Bilbao.

Romantic escapesGolf loversCountryside peace
Check Availability

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

We built this guide using recent climate data, hotel price trends, and our own trips, so you can pick the right month without guesswork.

Curated locations based on walkability & safety
Real-time availability via live partner maps
Jan Krenek

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best area to stay in Bilbao?
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.
How much does a hotel cost in Bilbao?
Hotels in Bilbao range from $39 per night for budget accommodation to $91 for mid-range and $186 for luxury hotels. Prices vary by season and neighborhood.
What are the main neighborhoods to stay in Bilbao?
Casco Viejo (Old Town) (Seven streets, pintxos bars, Plaza Nueva, traditional Bilbao); Abando / Ensanche (Guggenheim proximity, elegant boulevards, business district); Deusto / San Mamés (University area, stadium, riverside walks, budget options); Getxo / Portugalete (Vizcaya Bridge (UNESCO), beaches, seaside escape)
Are there areas to avoid in Bilbao?
Some areas south of Casco Viejo can feel rougher - stick to the seven streets core Very cheap hotels near Abando station may lack character
When should I book a hotel in Bilbao?
Book 2-3 months ahead for Semana Grande (August) and BBK Live festival

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