Where to stay in Bilbao: best areas and neighborhoods

Bilbao is a relatively small city compared to other Spanish destinations and getting around is not difficult. From an administrative point of view, it is divided into 8 districts, with 4 of these being of interest to tourists: Ibaiondo (the fifth district, includes the neighborhoods of Casco Viejo, Bilbao la Vieja, and San Frantzisko), Abando (the sixth district, includes the neighborhoods of Abando and Indautxu), Begoña (the fourth district, includes the neighborhood of Santutxu), and Deusto (the first district, includes the neighborhood of Deusto). Here is everything you need to know about where to stay in Bilbao.

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In a hurry? Here's our recommended accommodation

Useful tips: the best neighborhoods to stay

Not recommended areas: there are no specific areas to avoid. Until a few years ago, San Frantzisko was considered a run-down neighborhood, but today it is one of the nightlife hotspots and has become the LGBT community neighborhood of Bilbao.

Bilbao has several central neighborhoods ideal for staying, especially if it is your first time visiting the city. For those seeking tranquility, Abando and Santutxu are recommended. The first hosts the famous Guggenheim Museum and represents the modern center of the city, also ideal for families who want services at hand. The second, on the other hand, is surrounded by large parks and is located a short distance from the Old Town.

If you are looking for fun, we recommend Casco Viejo, Indautxu, Bilbao la Vieja, and San Frantzisko. These neighborhoods are all very central and represent the heart of Basque nightlife. Each neighborhood offers different nightlife, from pintxos bars mainly in Casco Viejo to nightclubs in Indautxu.

If you want to save money, choose Deusto, the neighborhood that develops around the well-known university. As a university neighborhood, it is also ideal for young people with a lively nightlife.

Best accommodation: we have selected the best hotels, B&bs, and hostels in Bilbao. Discover our recommendations and book on Booking

Casco Viejo, best for first-timers

• Pros: This is the historic heart of the city, charming atmosphere and pedestrian-only streets
• Cons: It can get very crowded and noisy, especially on weekends and at night. Finding accommodation with modern amenities can be a bit more difficult.
• Main attractions: The Seven Streets (Siete Calles), Santiago Cathedral, and the Ribera Market.
• Average prices: From €70,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on Booking

Recommended accommodation

The Casco Viejo, in the local language Zazpikaleak, is the historic center of Bilbao, a real maze of streets full of typical shops, bars, and monuments. It is also full of famous attractions: here you can find the Cathedral of Bilbao, the Archaeological, Ethnographic and Historical Basque Museum, the Arriaga Theater, and the historic Erribera market.

Being the heart of the city, it is one of the best areas to stay, especially for a first visit to Bilbao, but it is especially recommended for those looking for nightlife and fun. The neighborhood is very lively and busy in the evening, especially in the streets around Plaza Nueva. Here you will mainly find pintxos bars, where you can taste pintxos, the Basque version of tapas.

Finally, by staying here you can move around on foot. The La Vieja neighborhood can be reached on foot by simply crossing one of the bridges over the river, the famous Guggenheim Museum is just a 20-minute walk away. The neighborhood is also served by the metro and the Casco Viejo train station.

Average prices in the neighborhood range from €70,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking Booking

Bilbao la Vieja and San Frantzisko, best for young and nightlife

• Pros: alternative and bohemian vibe. They are home to a thriving art scene, unique bars
• Cons: The area has a grittier feel and may not be for everyone. Some streets can be loud late at night due to the nightlife.
• Main attractions: The local art galleries, trendy bars, and the vibrant atmosphere.
• Average prices: From €70,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking

Recommended accommodation

Bilbao la Vieja and San Frantzisko are two small neighborhoods located on the opposite bank of the river from Casco Viejo and are the centers of Bilbao's nightlife. Bilbao la Vieja, in Basque Bilbao Zaharra, is the hipster and artistic heart of the city, full of boutiques and galleries as well as vintage shops and bars, while San Frantzisko is the multicultural neighborhood. They develop right next to each other, almost like a single neighborhood.

They are definitely two neighborhoods recommended for young people and those looking for fun. Here you will find numerous trendy bars and clubs, and they are very lively in the evening. Specifically, San Frantzisko, once a run-down neighborhood, has now been redeveloped and has also become the reference point for the LGBT community.

By staying here you can move around on foot or by public transport. Casco Viejo is reachable on foot by crossing one of the bridges over the river, as is the Abando neighborhood with the famous Guggenheim (20 min). The neighborhood is also served by the train station.

Average prices in the neighborhood range from €70,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking Booking

Abando, perfect for families

• Pros: elegant and modern, clean, safe, and has wide streets, making it easy to navigate.
• Cons: It's a more expensive area for both accommodation and dining. It lacks the historic charm of the Old Town.
• Main attractions: The Guggenheim Museum, the Fine Arts Museum, and the beautiful Moyua Plaza.
• Average prices: From €60,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking

Recommended accommodation

Abando is the central and modern neighborhood of Bilbao. Compared to Casco Viejo, where you can breathe a traditional atmosphere, this neighborhood has wide avenues, luxury shops, large hotel chains, and international restaurants. It also hosts important attractions such as the famous Guggenheim Museum, the Zubizuri Bridge, and Gran Via Don Diego Lopez Haro, the long avenue with luxury shops that also continues in the Indautxu neighborhood.

Given its characteristics and the large number of services, Abando is a neighborhood especially suitable for families and those seeking tranquility. It is indeed an elegant area, with evening bars but much quieter compared to other areas of the old town. Especially recommended if it's your first time visiting Bilbao due to its location.

From here, you can easily move around on foot. The main attractions, such as those in Casco Viejo, are a maximum of 20 minutes' walk away, and the Indautxu neighborhood with the Fine Arts Museum is right next door.

Average prices in the neighborhood range from €60,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking Booking

Indautxu, suitable for everyone

• Pros: great mix of shops, restaurants, and bars. It's centrally located and well-connected by public transport.
• Cons: It can be very busy, and finding parking can be a challenge.
• Main attractions: The Azkuna Zentroa cultural center, the large Indautxu Plaza, and plenty of local shops.
• Average prices: From €60,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking

Recommended accommodation

Indautxu is located right next to the Abando neighborhood, they are part of the same district, and it is a very lively and art-rich area. It hosts the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum, the wonderful Casilda Iturrizar park, and the large Euskalduna Palace event center. It is also crossed by the avenue Gran Via Don Diego Lopez Haro, full of shops and cafes.

And if Abando is the central neighborhood recommended for families, Indautxu is instead the central neighborhood recommended for young people and those looking for fun. In the evening, the neighborhood is very lively thanks to the numerous bars. You can opt for a cocktail in one of the many lounge bars or party in a club until the early hours.

By staying here you can move around on foot or by public transport. Abando is right next door, Casco Viejo can be reached in about 20 or 30 minutes on foot depending on the point of arrival. The neighborhood is also served by the metro and the train station.

Average prices in the neighborhood range from €60,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking Booking

Santutxu, green and quiet

• Pros: residential neighborhood. It's located on a hill, offering some great views
• Cons: It's not within walking distance of the main tourist attractions. You will need to rely on the metro to get around.
• Main attractions: The local parks and the authentic residential atmosphere.
• Average prices: From €60,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking

Recommended accommodation

Santutxu is a residential neighborhood south of Casco Viejo. It is a quiet area, surrounded by greenery: on one side there is the Mina Del Morro park, and on the other side is the Europa park. It does not have major attractions, but it has numerous services such as restaurants, shops, and hotels.

Given its characteristics, Santutxu is an ideal neighborhood for families and those seeking tranquility. Quiet both day and night, you will still be in a good location, although more off-center compared to the city center, and you won't have to give up on essential services.

Finally, by staying here you can move around on foot or by public transport. On foot to reach Casco Viejo, while to reach the Abando neighborhood it is advisable to take the metro from the Santutxu stop (5 minutes to Moyua station along Gran Vía de Don Diego López de Haro).

Average prices in the neighborhood range from €60,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking Booking

Deusto, to stay on a budget

• Pros: A university neighborhood, wide range of affordable accommodation, well-connected by metro to the rest of the city.
• Cons: It's located across the river from the main tourist areas. It's not a very scenic neighborhood.
• Main attractions: The University of Deusto and the riverside views.
• Average prices: From €60,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking

Recommended accommodation

Deusto is the university neighborhood of Bilbao. Here, in fact, is the Deustuko Unibertsitatea with several campuses, such as the Business and Economics campus, and the conservatory. It is therefore a very lively area both day and night, also thanks to the presence of several student residences.

Given all these premises, the neighborhood is definitely ideal especially for young people. Also, as a university neighborhood, even if it is farther from the center it is still very rich in services, from groceries to shops, from restaurants to bars. There are also large green areas and it enjoys a beautiful view of the river.

By staying here you can move around on foot, but the best solution is to use the metro. The neighborhood has three stops (Deustu, Sarriko, and San Ignazio) and the metro leads directly to the Abando neighborhood (6 minutes) until reaching Casco Viejo (7 minutes).

Average prices in the neighborhood range from €60,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking Booking

Places to stay near Bilbao

Usually, Bilbao is a transit city, where you stop for a few days before continuing along the Basque coast to discover this area of Spain. For this reason, the best solution is to stay in the city: as we have seen, there are many options and neighborhoods suitable for every need.

The surroundings are mainly small towns with fewer services and accommodation, thus offering a more limited choice. Also, staying outside means having to consider transportation, and for short stays, it is definitely not a recommended solution.

Travel Tips for Bilbao

• Public Transport: Bilbao has an excellent public transport system, including a metro, trams, and buses. The metro is clean and efficient, connecting most major areas of the city. A "Barik" card is a good investment, as it offers discounted fares on all public transport. The city is also very walkable, especially the central areas.
• Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Bilbao is from late spring to early autumn (May to October). The weather is mild and pleasant, perfect for exploring the city's streets and enjoying the outdoor cafes. The summer months of July and August can be busy, so consider visiting in June or September for a more relaxed experience.
• Local Currency: The official currency is the Euro (€). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but it's a good idea to carry some cash for small purchases, especially in smaller shops or pintxo bars that may have a minimum card payment.
• Local Vibe & Culture: Bilbao is a city with a strong Basque identity. The locals are known for their hospitality and pride in their culture. Tipping is not as common as in other countries, but leaving a small amount (5-10%) for good service is a kind gesture. It's a great city to embrace the "pintxo crawl" culture, where you hop from bar to bar trying different small bites.

Bilbao accommodation price map

Booking.com

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