Bilbao
Where to stay in Bilbao: the best areas and hotels we recommend
By the Guggenheim and the river, in the shopping streets around Gran Vía or in the narrow lanes of the old town? This is Bilbao neighbourhood by neighbourhood, and the hotels we would choose in each.
Bilbao is a city you can walk across in a morning. From the Guggenheim along the river to the old town takes half an hour on foot, and the tram and metro take care of the rest. Yet the neighbourhoods have very different characters, and where you stay shapes your evenings.
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Short answer: where should you stay?
On a first visit, stay between the Guggenheim and Gran Vía. You can walk to the museum, the riverside and the shopping streets, and the old town is a short stroll away. If you want the pintxos bars on your doorstep, stay in the old town. Pintxos are the Basque answer to tapas, small bites served on bread and lined up on the bar.
By the Guggenheim and the river: art and architecture
The area along the Nervión river, around the Guggenheim, was docks and shipyards a few decades ago. Today it is promenades, parks and modern architecture. Here you stay with the museum, the giant flower dog Puppy and the spider sculpture Maman right outside.
The Artist Grand Hotel of Art: opposite the Guggenheim
A luxury hotel with a roof terrace and views of the museum. The closest you can get to the Guggenheim without sleeping inside it.
Book your stay: See rooms at The Artist Grand Hotel of Art
Hotel Miró: a design hotel between the museums
A design hotel between the Guggenheim and the Bellas Artes art museum, with a 24-hour gym.
Book your stay: See rooms at Hotel Miró
Hotel Meliá Bilbao: the tower by the river
A large, modern hotel with two restaurants, by the river and close to the Guggenheim and the Euskalduna concert hall.
Book your stay: See rooms at Hotel Meliá Bilbao
The Zubizuri bridge over the Nervión. Photo: Picolo
Ensanche and Gran Vía: shopping streets and elegant blocks
Ensanche, or Abando, is the district that grew up when Bilbao grew rich on iron and shipbuilding around the turn of the last century. Here are the main street Gran Vía, Plaza Moyúa and most of the shops. It is practical, with the metro and railway station, and a good choice if you want everything close by.
Hotel López de Haro: classic elegance
A classic luxury hotel with a restaurant, on a quiet street just off Gran Vía.
Book your stay: See rooms at Hotel López de Haro
Hotel Ercilla: a classic in the centre
A traditional hotel with a restaurant, in the heart of Ensanche and close to both Gran Vía and the Guggenheim.
Book your stay: See rooms at Hotel Ercilla
Radisson Collection Bilbao: luxury with a pool
A luxury hotel with an indoor pool, centrally located.
Book your stay: See rooms at Radisson Collection Bilbao
NYX Hotel Bilbao: urban and more affordable
A modern hotel with a restaurant, a more affordable option in the centre.
Book your stay: See rooms at NYX Hotel Bilbao
Casco Viejo: the old town and its pintxos bars
The old town, Casco Viejo, is the oldest part of Bilbao, built around its seven original streets, the Siete Calles. Here are the cathedral, the great Mercado de la Ribera market hall by the river and the arcaded Plaza Nueva, lined with pintxos bars. Stay here and the evening is right outside your door, though it can be lively at weekends.
Petit Palace Arana: in the heart of the old town
A hotel in an old townhouse in the Casco Viejo.
Book your stay: See rooms at Petit Palace Arana
Barceló Bilbao Nervión: by the river
A hotel with a restaurant on the riverbank, a short walk over the bridge to the old town and along the promenade to the Guggenheim.
Book your stay: See rooms at Barceló Bilbao Nervión
Pintxos in the Mercado de la Ribera. Photo: Picolo
Tips before you book
Stay central: Bilbao is compact, and a central hotel lets you walk almost everywhere.
Check match days: When Athletic Bilbao play at home at San Mamés, the city and its hotels fill up.
Combine with San Sebastián: Many spend a couple of nights in Bilbao before moving on. Read our guide to getting from Bilbao to San Sebastián.
From the airport: Buses run from the airport to the centre, taking about half an hour.
Read also about the Guggenheim Museum and 24 hours in Bilbao.
Frequently asked questions about where to stay in Bilbao
What is the best area to stay in Bilbao?
Between the Guggenheim and Gran Vía you are central, with the museum, river and shopping streets nearby. The old town suits you best if you want the pintxos bars on your doorstep.
Which hotel is closest to the Guggenheim?
The Artist Grand Hotel of Art is right opposite the Guggenheim Museum.
Is it safe to stay in Bilbao’s old town?
Yes, the Casco Viejo is a popular, lively area. It can be noisy at weekends, so ask for a room at the back if you are a light sleeper.
How long should you stay in Bilbao?
Two nights give you time for the Guggenheim, the old town and the pintxos bars, and perhaps a ride up the Artxanda funicular for the view.