Bilbao offers roughly 120 hotels and 800+ short-term rental listings across six main areas. Your choice of location determines whether you walk to the Guggenheim in 5 minutes, spend your evenings on a quiet pintxo crawl in the Casco Viejo, or save 40% by staying across the river. Here is where to stay in Bilbao by area with specific hotel recommendations and real price ranges.
Where to Stay in Bilbao: Casco Viejo (Old Town)
The Casco Viejo puts you inside Bilbao’s medieval core, 2 minutes from Plaza Nueva’s pintxo bars and 5 minutes from the Mercado de la Ribera. Expect street noise on weekends. Choose a hotel on an upper floor or a quieter side street like Calle Perro or Calle Santa Maria. The Santiago Cathedral and the Arriaga Theatre are both under 5 minutes on foot.
Suggested Hotels in Casco Viejo
Hotel Tayko Bilbao
A 53-room design hotel in a restored 1920s warehouse on the riverfront edge of the Casco Viejo. Rooms feature exposed brick, concrete, and oak with rainfall showers. The Ola restaurant holds a strong local reputation for seafood-led Basque cuisine. Best for couples and design-conscious travelers who want Old Town access with modern comfort. Check rates and availability
Petit Palace Arana
Mid-range boutique hotel facing the Arriaga Theatre, 50 meters from the Casco Viejo Metro station. Rooms come with laptop-size safes and free iPads for guest use. A solid breakfast buffet is included. Best for first-time visitors who want a central, reliable base with none of the Old Town noise issues. Check rates and availability
Pension Manoli
Family-run guesthouse on a quiet pedestrian lane off Calle Somera. Ten simple, spotless rooms with private bathrooms, excellent local advice from the owners, and a shared kitchen for morning coffee. Best for budget travelers and solo visitors who want a local experience at 50-65 EUR per night. Check rates and availability
Where to Stay in Bilbao: Ensanche and Abando
The Ensanche is Bilbao’s upscale commercial district with wide boulevards, designer shopping on Gran Via, and a 15-minute walk to the Guggenheim. This area suits business travelers and visitors who prefer modern amenities. Hotels here are typically quieter than the Casco Viejo.
Suggested Hotels in Ensanche and Abando
Gran Hotel Domine Bilbao
Five-star design hotel directly opposite the Guggenheim, with a rooftop terrace framing the museum’s titanium curves. The 145 rooms are designed by Javier Mariscal with bold colors and contemporary art. The Beltz restaurant serves a well-regarded Sunday brunch. Best for Guggenheim-focused travelers and special occasion stays. Check rates and availability
Hotel Carlton
Landmark 1926 building on Plaza Federico Moyua, Bilbao’s most elegant square. The 142 rooms feature high ceilings, marble bathrooms, and classic decor. A grand staircase and chandeliered lobby give the hotel genuine period atmosphere without pretension. Best for travelers who want a classic luxury experience in a central location. Check rates and availability
Hotel Bed4U Bilbao
Budget-friendly hotel near the bus station and a 12-minute walk to the Casco Viejo. Clean, functional rooms with good WiFi and a 24-hour reception. The breakfast buffet is better than most at this price point. Best for travelers arriving by bus or those prioritizing value over a premium location. Check rates and availability
Where to Stay in Bilbao: Deusto and University Area
Deusto offers Bilbao’s best value for longer stays. The Metro connects Deusto station to the Casco Viejo in 3 minutes. Restaurants here cater primarily to students and locals, keeping prices 20-30% below the tourist center. The riverside path along Avenida de las Universidades is one of Bilbao’s best walking routes.
Suggested Hotels in Deusto
Hotel Melia Bilbao
Modern 5-star hotel on the Deusto riverbank with direct views of the Guggenheim across the water. The 211 rooms come with floor-to-ceiling windows, and the outdoor pool is Bilbao’s best hotel pool. A footbridge connects the hotel to the museum in a 3-minute walk. Best for travelers who want resort-style amenities next to Bilbao’s top cultural attraction. Check rates and availability
NH Bilbao Deusto
Functional mid-range hotel near the university campus with a 10-minute walk to the Guggenheim. Rooms are standard NH quality: comfortable beds, decent work desks, reliable WiFi. The quiet residential location means uninterrupted sleep. Best for business travelers and those attending university events. Check rates and availability
Residencia Universitaria Blas de Otero
University residence open to travelers during summer months (June through September). Basic private rooms with en-suite bathrooms starting at 35 EUR per night. Shared kitchen facilities and a common lounge. Best for student travelers and budget visitors who don’t mind a 20-minute walk to the center. Check rates and availability
