Where to Stay in Bilbao: Best Areas, Hotels & Airbnbs

Published September 21, 2026

From the downtown neighborhood of Abando near the Guggenheim Museum to the bustling historic quarter of Casco Viejo, these are the top two neighborhoods of Bilbao to consider staying in. When it comes to where you stay, both Casco Viejo and Abando offer wonderful bases for exploring. After spending nearly a week, I’m sharing what I loved about each.

We stayed for five nights in Bilbao, and split our time between two different areas: Abando and Casco Viejo. In Abando we stayed at a chic, well-run aparthotel called Batimont Suites. Then in Casco Viejo, we rented an apartment in Enea Living, a cluster of minimalistic Scandinavian-designed spaces.

While Bilbao is quite walkable, I’d still recommend staying in a neighborhood based on the atmosphere and what you’re looking to do. Abando offers more of a “city” experience as it’s the heart of the downtown; think lots of shops and more high-end restaurants, close to the popular museums. While Casco Viejo is historic with colorful streets and small bars perfect for pintxo hopping (this guided pintxo bar hopping tour was one of my favorite experiences of the trip).

Maybe you love historic charm and good food, or just want the best access to shopping and the Guggenheim. Whatever you’re looking for, I’ve outlined Bilbao’s main areas and my recommendations for each. Plus, I’ve included Castaños, a neighborhood that I discovered while there that may be worth considering for a quieter, family-friendly stay. Read on to plan where to stay in Bilbao, Spain.

Short on Time? Here’s My Quick Guide to Where to Stay in Bilbao:

For a first trip, I’d stay in Abando for the most central base, or Casco Viejo for historic charm and pintxo hopping.

1. Abando & Indautxu, best overall for first-timers
   Hotels: Batimont Suites ($$ / Where I Stayed), The Artist Grand Hotel of Art ($$), Miró Hotel ($$), Vincci Consulado de Bilbao ($$), Radisson Collection Bilbao ($$)
   Airbnbs: Airy 1 Bedroom Apartment in City Center, Historic 2 Bedroom Apartment Across From the Guggenheim, Chic 2 Bedroom Apartment Next to the Guggenheim
2. Casco Viejo (Old Town), best for food lovers
   Hotels: Enea Living ($$ / Where I Stayed), Tayko Bilbao ($$), Goien Boutique ($$), Bilder Boutique Hotel ($$$), NYX Hotel Bilbao ($$)
   Airbnbs: 2 Bedroom Historic Apartment with Elevator, Stunning 3 Bedroom Palace in the Old Town, Modern 2 Bedroom Apartment
3. Castaños, best for families and a quieter riverside stay
   Hotels: Hotel Hesperia Bilbao ($$), Hotel Conde Duque Bilbao ($), Barceló Bilbao Nervión ($$)
   Airbnbs: 2 Bedroom Riverside Modern Apartment, Chic 2 Bedroom Apartment with Patio, 1 Bedroom Apartment with Rooftop Views
4. Nearby Destination Hotels: Palacio Arriluce Hotel ($$$$ / 15-Minute Drive), Hotel Nafarrola Gastronomy & Wine ($$ / 40-Minute Drive)

Helpful Guides to Plan Your Trip

If you’re visiting more of the Basque Country, don’t miss my guides to Bilbao (things to do), San Sebastián (things to do, where to stay, where to eat, and the best day trips), Biarritz (things to do, where to stay), and Guéthary.

For more on where to go in Spain, start with my 10-day Spain itinerary and guide to the most beautiful cities in Spain. I also have everything you need for Barcelona (city guide, itinerary, where to stay, things to do, coffee, and restaurants), Madrid (where to stay), Seville (city guide, where to stay), as well as guides to Costa Brava, Granada, Andalucia, and Córdoba.

Travel Tip: The best way to explore Basque Country is by driving yourself. We use Discover Cars for our rental cars in Europe, choose full coverage insurance, and opt for trusted companies like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt. Renting a car and driving in Spain is quite easy. Book your car with Discover Cars here.

Where to Stay in Bilbao, Spain

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Bilbao Neighborhood Comparison and Map

Bilbao Neighborhoods at a Glance

Area	Best For	Vibe	Transit	Price Tier
Abando & Indautxu	First-timers and a central location	Modern and elegant in Abando, more local in Indautxu	Central and walkable, Indautxu is 10–15 minutes from the Guggenheim on foot	$$–$$$
Casco Viejo (Old Town)	Food lovers and historic charm	Lively and busy, can be noisy at night	Small and walkable, under 20 minutes to the Guggenheim on foot	$–$$$
Castaños	Families and a quieter riverside stay	Calm and laid-back, local feel	10–15 minutes walk to the Guggenheim and Casco Viejo’s pintxo bars	$–$$

Map of the Best Areas to Stay in Bilbao

If you prefer the interactive version, you can open the full Bilbao neighborhood map here.

1. Abando & Indautxu (YELLOW)
2. Casco Viejo (Old Town) (PURPLE)
3. Castaños (BLUE)

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Where I Stayed in Bilbao

We ended up staying more time than anticipated in Bilbao, clocking in 5 nights over two separate stays, one stay at the beginning and then the end of our trip in the Basque Region. I really got to know the city over the course of our week there, split across the two stays.

• Batimont Suites ($$) — For our first stay, we booked the Batimont Suites in the heart of Abando. It felt like the best of both worlds for location, as 10-15 minutes on foot in either direction gave us easy access to the Casco Viejo and then the Guggenheim. The Batimont Suites themselves were wonderfully run with a helpful front concierge, and they even helped us park our rental car. The room itself was clean and modern, and I appreciated having a small kitchenette as we did cook a meal while there. Plus, it was very quiet given it was right in the heart of the downtown area.
• Enea Living ($$) — For our last stay in Bilbao, we did two nights just next to Casco Viejo in Enea Living, a chic collection of high-end apartments. These were very spacious, with lots of light and very Scandinavian design. The check-in was seamless with a front-door code, and the space operates more like an apartment than a hotel. It’s footsteps from Casco Viejo but just outside, so you can drive up to it, which is wonderful for not having to trek your luggage to an accommodation in the middle of Casco Viejo.

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Best for First-Timers: Abando & Indautxu

If it’s your first time traveling to Bilbao, I’d recommend Abando and Indautxu for where to stay. Right on the river, Abando is where the renowned Guggenheim Museum is (which is likely on your list!). It’s a beautiful and scenic part of the city. Abando is also considered the city center, and is where many tourists opt to stay.

Indautxu is also a great option to consider. This neighborhood has a more local feel, with plenty of buzzy restaurants and cafes, and is still only a 10-15 minute walk from the Guggenheim. During our first stop in Bilbao, we stayed in Abando at the Batimont Suites and loved that we were between both the Guggenheim and the Old Town.

What to Consider About Staying in Abando & Indautxu

Both Abando and Indautxu are central, walkable, and great options, especially if it’s your first time visiting Bilbao. Abando has a modern, elegant atmosphere, and Indautxu has a bit more of a local feel. Abando is one of the neighborhoods we stayed in during our visit to Bilbao, and I loved how central and walkable it was.

Best Hotels in Abando & Indautxu

1. Batimont Suites ($$ / Where I Stayed): We stayed at Batimont Suites during our trip to Bilbao, and found it was a chic modern option. The hotel offers gorgeous renovated rooms with kitchenettes, in a stunning 19th-century building. It’s a great option if you’re looking for a hotel in the middle of the city with great amenities.
2. The Artist Grand Hotel of Art ($$) — This gorgeous hotel is right across from the Guggenheim Museum. Art is a focus here, with design-forward rooms and contemporary works in each room. Plus, the hotel also has incredible views of the museum and green hills beyond.
3. Miró Hotel ($$) — This elevated boutique hotel features interiors from fashion designer Antonio Miró. Many rooms offer views of the Guggenheim or the city center, perfect if you’re looking to feel immersed within the city. Miró Hotel also offers a wellness area and breakfast with local Basque ingredients.
4. Vincci Consulado de Bilbao ($$) — This hotel has a modern, nautical-themed interior and a stunning terrace that overlooks the Guggenheim. The hotel also features an on-site restaurant with Basque cuisine.
5. Radisson Collection Bilbao ($$): This elegant, elevated hotel features modern rooms housed in Bilbao’s former Banco Hispano Americano building. There’s a restaurant with contemporary Basque cuisine. And the Radisson in Bilbao is also known for having a luxurious spa.

Best Airbnbs in Abando & Indautxu

1. Airy 1 Bedroom Apartment in City Center, for the best bright, elevated stay
2. Historic 2 Bedroom Apartment Across From the Guggenheim, for the best architectural stay
3. Chic 2 Bedroom Apartment Next to the Guggenheim, for the best contemporary stay

Highlights of Things to Do in Abando & Indautxu

The top thing to do is undeniably the Guggenheim Museum. Designed by Frank Gehry, the exterior architecture is as incredible as the art collection indoors. The museum is such a popular spot to visit that it’s helped to put Bilbao on the map for travelers, so much that it’s even been dubbed “The Guggenheim Effect.”

I’d recommend stopping by the Doña Casilda Iturrizar Park for a nature break from the city atmosphere, too. Near the park, you’ll also find the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum. If you’re looking to add more art after the Guggenheim, there’s an enormous collection here to explore.

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Best for Food Lovers: Casco Viejo (Old Town)

Bilbao’s Old Town, or Casco Viejo, is the oldest neighborhood in the city. It’s also known as the Seven Streets, named for (you guessed it) seven historic streets from Bilbao’s past. You’ll find incredible architecture, history, and plenty of outstanding food.

In particular, I’d recommend basing yourself in Casco Viejo if food is high on your list for Bilbao. With pintxos bars, markets, and more, this is a great spot to experience Bilbao’s gastronomy. You will be further from the Guggenheim, but it is still under a twenty-minute walk to get there. We stayed just a block out of the Casco Viejo on the return trip to Bilbao, and loved how easily we could access all of the pintxo bars.

What to Consider About Staying in Casco Viejo

Casco Viejo is small, walkable, and easy to explore. It’s a convenient area to base yourself out of, with plenty of options for food just steps away. One of the benefits of Casco Viejo is how many bars and restaurants are nearby. But the other side of that is that it’s lively, busy, and can be noisy at night. Another thing to keep in mind is potentially smaller rooms than other areas. As a historic neighborhood, you’re more likely to find smaller, boutique hotels within old buildings.

Best Hotels in Casco Viejo

1. Enea Living ($$ / Where I Stayed) — Enea Living was one of the hotels we stayed at during our trip, and we found it really fit our needs. It’s an aparthotel, which means rooms offer kitchenettes and small living spaces. I loved this for preparing small meals or having a quick breakfast. Enea is modern and beautifully designed, and well-located right on the river.
2. Tayko Bilbao ($$) — In a 1924 building, the interiors of boutique hotel Tayko have been given a contemporary update. The design is modern, industrial, and stylish, and it also has a one Michelin star restaurant, Ola, on-site.
3. Goien Boutique ($$) — Within a restored building, this popular boutique hotel has a prime location on the oldest street in Bilbao. With only 13 rooms, the hotel has a calm atmosphere that’s perfect if you prefer smaller, quieter hotels.
4. Bilder Boutique Hotel ($$$) — Bilder offers a simpler, but still modern and updated, option within Bilbao’s Casco Viejo. Within an 18th-century building, the hotel also has a charming on-site restaurant serving Basque and European dishes.
5. NYX Hotel Bilbao ($$) — A design and art-focused hotel, NYX has stylish rooms and works from local artists throughout the property. There’s also a rooftop bar with sweeping city views, and a restaurant for dining at the hotel.

Best Airbnbs in Casco Viejo

1. 2 Bedroom Historic Apartment with Elevator, for the best located stay
2. Stunning 3 Bedroom Palace in the Old Town, for the best luxury stay
3. Modern 2 Bedroom Apartment, for the best colorful stay

Highlights of Things to Do in Casco Viejo

One of the best things to do in Casco Viejo is simply to wander around. Explore the old narrow streets, look at the incredible architecture, and stop in any restaurants or pintxos bars along the way. In Casco Viejo, you’ll find some of Bilbao’s oldest buildings. As you explore the area, you can admire the 14th-century Gothic Catedral de Santiago, or the Neo-Baroque Teatro Arriaga.

Travel Tip: One of the best things I did in Bilbao was to join this guided pintxo bar hopping tour with a local. It was 3 hours of bar after bar, with drinks included, all while learning more about Basque history and how pintxos fit into the picture. It’s one of the top things I recommend to do while in Bilbao.

Beyond the pintxos bars, I’d also recommend stopping by the Mercado de la Ribera. This massive covered market is a great place to sample some of the region’s finest produce and goods. A must for any food lover.

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Best for Families and a Quieter Riverside Stay: Castaños

If you’re looking for a quieter area with a more local feel, Castaños is a great option. It’s charming and calm, but at the same time has a lively neighborhood feel to it. Castaños is a great option to get away from the busier parts of town. It’s also a wonderful way to get a sense of local Bilbao life. We spent a few afternoons in this pocket of Bilbao simply because the riverside area was so beautiful and home to so many wonderful parks for kids (Oilaskoaren Jolastokia Campo Volantinen and Jolastokia were our favorites here).

What to Consider About Staying in Castaños

If you’re looking for a quieter and laid-back area of Bilbao, this is a great option. It’s still well-located, as long as you don’t mind a walk to reach the Guggenheim and other major sites. You’ll also still find many local restaurants here, but some of the more well-known pintxos bars likely also require a walk into Casco Viejo. But if you’re happy to trade proximity for a more local atmosphere, this is a great spot.

Best Hotels in Castaños

1. Hotel Hesperia Bilbao ($$) — This contemporary hotel is just across the river from the Guggenheim, making it well located within Castaños. Some of the hotel’s suites have views of the city and the estuary, and the hotel has a cozy, light-filled restaurant.
2. Barceló Bilbao Nervión ($$) — Also along the river, you’ll find contemporary rooms, a wine bar, and a modern restaurant. This hotel caters especially to business travelers. But it’s still a great, comfortable option for a stay in Bilbao.
3. Hotel Conde Duque Bilbao ($) — This clean, comfortable hotel is along the river and perfectly located for exploring the city on foot. The rooms are simple and modern, and Hotel Conde Duque has breakfast options and a restaurant with traditional Basque cuisine.

Best Airbnbs in Castaños

1. 2 Bedroom Riverside Modern Apartment, for the best designed stay
2. Chic 2 Bedroom Apartment with Patio, for the best elegant stay
3. 1 Bedroom Apartment with Rooftop Views, for the best contemporary stay

Highlights of Things to Do in Castaños

Walking along the famous Zubizuri Bridge is a must-do in Castaños. You’ll likely walk along it if you’re exploring the city on foot, and the architecture is truly stunning. And, like much of Bilbao, one of the best things to do is simply walk around and get a feel for the city’s atmosphere, architecture, and food. There’s also a historic funicular to Monte Artxanda, a small mountain within the city. At the top, you’ll get incredible views of Bilbao, and there are even some small local restaurants to have lunch at the top.

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Destination Hotels Near Bilbao

If you’re looking for a quieter atmosphere than being in the middle of the city, you’ll find some great options outside of Bilbao. The surrounding countryside and towns are undeniably charming, while still offering great access to the city.

• Palacio Arriluce Hotel ($$$$ / 15-Minute Drive) — This gorgeous hotel is a short 15-minute drive from Bilbao, in Getxo, Spain. A restored mansion, Palacio Arriluce has elegant rooms and views of the Bay of Biscay. If you’re looking for a palatial stay outside of the city, this is it. The hotel also has a pool with coastline views, a spa, and exceptional dining options.
• Hotel Nafarrola Gastronomy & Wine ($$ / 40-Minute Drive) — For a more rural stay, consider Hotel Nafarrola. About a 40-minute drive from Bilbao, you’ll be rewarded with peace, quiet, and picturesque scenery. With only a handful of rooms, it’s especially great if you’re looking for a more secluded feel in the Basque Country. The hotel specializes in food and wine, with an exceptional restaurant (Rola) and an extensive, thoughtfully curated wine cellar.

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What to Know Before Visiting Bilbao

What to Expect of Accommodations in Bilbao

You’ll find a range of options for where to stay in Bilbao. Whether it’s hotels in the heart of it all with bars and restaurants steps away, high-end stays, or quieter options with a more local feel, there’s something for everyone. My top tip? Stay within walking distance of what you want to do.

What to Consider When Choosing Bilbao Accommodations:

• Location — Bilbao is walkable, but location matters. From Casco Viejo with its pintxos bars to a quieter riverside stay in Castaños, there’s plenty on offer. You can find the right place to stay based on your main trip goals and what you want to be near.
• Room Size — Expect smaller rooms and atypical layouts if you’re staying in the Old Town (Casco Viejo). Newer buildings and neighborhoods will have more standard-sized rooms.
• Air Conditioning — Air conditioning can be helpful to have during warm summer nights in Bilbao. If it’ll be hot during your stay, it’s a good idea to check whether your hotel has air conditioning, as it isn’t standard across all hotels and vacation rentals.
• Parking — Parking can be difficult in Bilbao, especially in the Old Town. If you’re traveling with a car, be sure to check out whether your hotel offers parking. If not, there might be public parking lots nearby (although they can be expensive).
• Accessibility — Finding accessible hotels in Bilbao is possible, with some offering accessible facilities. Accessible rooms should be confirmed with the hotel prior to arriving.

How to Get to Bilbao

• Driving — Driving is a great way to get into Bilbao. Bilbao is about an hour and fifteen minutes from San Sebastian, and about four hours away from Madrid by car. If you’re driving, keep in mind that parking in the center of the city may be difficult to find or expensive.
• Flying — Direct flights to Bilbao are frequently available from major cities across Spain and Europe. The Bilbao airport is a quick (often 20-minute) drive from the city center.
• By Train — Bilbao is easy to reach by train from major cities around Europe. It’s less than a 5-hour direct train ride from Madrid. If you’re traveling by train, keep in mind that the area around the train station is unsafe come dark (especially the south side of the station along Bailén Kalea). My husband walked through this area to pick up our rental car from the station and confirmed it wasn’t the best place to be. It’s better on the north side along Hurtado de Amezaga Kalea.

How to Get Around Bilbao

Bilbao is walkable, and it’s easy to explore much of the city on foot. The public transit system is also modern and well connected, with a metro, tram, and buses. There are also plenty of taxis for longer distances or trips to and from the airport. We also used Uber often for longer distances when we needed a break from walking.

What is the Best Area of Bilbao to Stay In?

For first-time travelers, I’d recommend either staying in the Old Town (Casco Viejo) or Abando. The Old Town is incredibly charming with fantastic food, and you’ll find the famous Guggenheim Museum in Abando.

Best Time to Visit and Weather in Bilbao

I’d recommend visiting Bilbao during the summer, early fall, or late spring. Bilbao can get quite rainy, and weather is typically the warmest and driest during this time. The summer months can get a bit more crowded, but you can also expect the best weather.

How Long Should You Stay in Bilbao?

A two-night and three-day stay is a great amount of time to visit and experience Bilbao. Three days is enough to see the major sites, explore the city, and try a few of the city’s fantastic restaurants. But I’d say it also depends on your travel style. Two days is likely enough time but a bit rushed, but you could also allow yourself four or five days for a more leisurely pace.

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