Where to stay in Bilbao
Bilbao stretches along the Nervión River, flanked by steep hills that dictate its elongated urban structure. The Casco Viejo forms the historic core, while the Ensanche represents the modern grid expansion. Choosing your base depends on whether you prefer medieval stone alleys or the sophisticated, wider boulevards of the 19th-century expansion. Everything is connected by the efficient metro, but staying centrally near the river keeps the major museums and dining districts within easy walking distance.
Casco Viejo
This is the medieval heart of the city, characterized by the 'Siete Calles'—seven original streets packed with bustling taverns. It is entirely pedestrianized and deeply social. You are steps away from the Plaza Nueva for evening drinks and the Santiago Cathedral. The area feels ancient and noisy, filled with locals and visitors navigating the narrow, stone-paved lanes until the early hours.
Abando
Abando serves as the modern commercial spine. It feels polished, orderly, and grand, housing the ornate buildings of the Gran Vía shopping street. From here, you are a short walk from the Zubizuri bridge and the riverside promenades leading to the Guggenheim. It offers a sophisticated urban rhythm with high-end dining and convenient access to both the metro and the Renfe train station.
Indautxu
This district feels like the city's living room. It is centered around the redesigned Plaza Indautxu, a popular social hub for residents. The streets are lined with boutiques and excellent restaurants that cater to a local crowd rather than just tourists. It is highly walkable, sitting between the commercial center and the San Mamés stadium, offering a more authentic, less frantic city experience.
Rent a car in Bilbao
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Avoid booking accommodation directly near the main bus station, Termibus, unless you have an early departure. It is a sterile, industrial-feeling area far removed from the city's charm. You will find yourself constantly commuting to the center just to find a decent meal or an interesting street to walk.
Other places to stay in Spain: lastminute.com · Megabon
Once you have a bed
The things that sell out first in Bilbao are the small-group tours and the skip-the-line tickets.
Top tours & activities in Bilbao
Common questions
Do I need to rely on public transport to see the sights?
The city is incredibly compact, especially if you stay along the river. You can walk from the Casco Viejo to the Guggenheim in about twenty-five minutes. The Metro Bilbao is clean and efficient for reaching the beach areas in Getxo or the funicular to Artxanda, but your daily sightseeing can mostly be done on foot.
What is the etiquette for eating pintxos?
Pintxos are not a sit-down meal; they are a roving social activity. You enter a bar, order a drink, and select your snacks from the counter. It is standard to move between two or three bars in one evening, having one drink and a signature bite at each, rather than staying in one spot all night.
Is English widely spoken in hotels and restaurants?
In the main tourist hubs, museums, and hotels, English is standard. However, in smaller traditional taverns or shops within the Casco Viejo, you will encounter more Basque and Spanish. Learning a few basic phrases in Spanish is appreciated, and you will find that a friendly attitude goes much further than expecting perfect English everywhere.
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