If you’re trying to figure out the best areas to stay in Bilbao, you’re already asking the right question. Because while Bilbao is a compact, walkable city, where you base yourself will completely shape your experience, whether that’s lazy mornings wandering pintxos bars, sleek riverside strolls past modern architecture, or a quieter, more local rhythm.

I grew up in Bilbao, long before it became the polished, cultural city it is today. Back then, I watched the strange metal structure of what would become the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao take shape, and was deeply disappointed to discover it wasn’t a roller coaster. Today, I still prefer the outside to the inside, but I can appreciate what it did for the city.

If you’re wondering where to stay in Bilbao, this guide breaks down each neighbourhood in a way that actually reflects how the city feels on the ground, not just how it looks on a map. Because in Bilbao, a 10-minute walk can take you from medieval streets to futuristic architecture, and choosing the right base makes all the difference.

If you’re still deciding whether Bilbao is even worth your time, you might want to start with my honest take on Is Bilbao worth visiting?

Disclaimer! All of my blogs may contain affiliate links. This means that if you click on the link and make a purchase I may receive a small amount of commission for the referral at no extra cost to you. This commission is what allows me to continue creating guides to help travellers plan their next trip!

Quick Answer: Best Areas to Stay in Bilbao

If you just want the quick version, these are the best areas to stay in Bilbao depending on your travel style:

• Casco Viejo – Best for atmosphere, pintxos, and nightlife
• Abando (Ensanche) – Best for first-time visitors and convenience
• Indautxu – Best for local life and food
• Deusto – Best for a quieter stay
• Bilbao La Vieja – Best for alternative, creative vibes
• Getxo – Best for beaches and coastal Bilbao

If you’re in the planning stage, check out my Bilbao Itinerary to figure out how best to plan your days!

A Quick Way to Visualise Where to Stay in Bilbao

If you’re trying to picture the best areas to stay in Bilbao, here’s the simplest way to think about it:

• Casco Viejo sits on one side of the river: historic, lively, full of pintxos bars
• Cross the river and you’re in Abando, the elegant city centre
• Walk west and you’ll reach Indautxu, where locals live and eat
• Follow the river north and you’ll hit the Guggenheim and Abandoibarra
• Cross over again and you’ll find Deusto, quieter and more residential
• Head out by metro and you reach Getxo, where the river meets the sea

Bilbao isn’t a city where you need to overthink location, but understanding this layout makes choosing much easier.

Casco Viejo – Best Area to Stay in Bilbao for Atmosphere

If you want to feel Bilbao rather than just visit it, Casco Viejo is one of the best areas to stay in Bilbao.

This is the historic heart of the city, a maze of narrow streets known as the Siete Calles. It’s loud, lively, and unapologetically social. Bars spill out onto the streets, conversations are shouted rather than spoken (a very Basque trait), and there’s always something happening.

Growing up, this was where weekends meant rabas (fried calamari) and wandering between bars with family. That hasn’t changed, just now there are more visitors joining in.

If you want a proper introduction to the city, this free Bilbao walking tour is a great way to get your bearings.

Best for

• First-time visitors
• Food lovers
• Short stays

Where to Stay in Casco Viejo

If you’ve decided that Casco Viejo is for you (excellent choice, by the way), here are some solid options depending on your budget:

💸 Budget: Ganbara Hostel

Right in the heart of the Old Town, this is one of the best-value options in Bilbao. It’s clean, social, and exactly what you need if you plan to spend most of your time out eating pintxos and soaking up the atmosphere rather than sitting in your room.

Ideal if you want location over luxury.

🛏️ Mid-range: NYX Hotel Bilbao

This is where things start to feel a bit more polished. NYX Hotel sits right on the edge of Casco Viejo, giving you easy access to the Old Town without being quite as deep in the chaos. Stylish rooms, great location, and a good balance between comfort and price.

One of the best picks if you want character and a good night’s sleep.

✨ Luxury: Hotel Tayko Bilbao

This is one of the most interesting stays in Bilbao, and one that actually feels connected to the city rather than just sitting in it.

Set in a beautifully restored 1920s building right on the edge of Casco Viejo, Tayko manages to strike that rare balance between design, location, and personality. You’re a couple of minutes from the pintxos bars, but just far enough removed to actually sleep at night.

It’s also home to a Michelin-starred restaurant, which is either very convenient… or a dangerous idea, depending on your level of self-control.

Perfect if you want somewhere stylish, memorable, and properly “Bilbao” rather than just comfortable.

💡 Local tip:
If you’re staying in Casco Viejo, ask for a room that doesn’t face the street (or make sure it has double glazed windows!). Bilbao nightlife isn’t “a couple of drinks and home by 10pm”, it’s loud, social, and ongoing. Fun when you’re part of it… less fun when you’re trying to sleep.

If your priority is atmosphere, this is easily one of the best areas to stay in Bilbao… just go in knowing what you’re signing up for.

If food is a big part of your trip (and it should be), don’t miss my Bilbao food itinerary and guide to the best pintxo bars in Bilbao. And if you don’t want to guess your way through pintxos, this guided food tour in Bilbao is one of the best ways to experience it properly.

Abando (Ensanche) – Best Area to Stay in Bilbao for First-Time Visitors

If it’s your first visit, Abando is one of the best areas to stay in Bilbao. It’s central, elegant, and makes navigating the city effortless.

But here’s something most guides won’t tell you: Abando isn’t just one place. It’s actually three distinct areas, and choosing the right one matters.

1. Abando Station Area

Around Abando train station, this area is practical and well connected but less charming. Think convenience over character.

2. Ensanche (Gran Vía & Moyúa)

This is the sweet spot. Wide boulevards, shops, restaurants, and beautiful architecture. From here, you can walk almost everywhere.

3. Abandoibarra (Guggenheim Area)

This is the modern riverfront where the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao sits. It’s sleek, open, and feels completely different from the rest of the city. If you’re planning to visit the Guggenheim, it’s worth booking your ticket in advance, especially in summer.

Best for

• First-time visitors
• Culture lovers
• Convenience

Where to Stay in Abando

If you’re leaning towards Abando (and most people should), the key is choosing the right part of the district.

Here are the best hotel options depending on budget, and where in Abando you actually want to be:

💸 Budget: Hotel Bilbao Plaza

A really solid budget option just on the edge of Abando, close to the river and within easy walking distance of both Casco Viejo and the Guggenheim.

Rooms are simple but modern, and the location is far better than most cheaper hotels near the station.

Ideal if you want to save money without ending up somewhere dull.

🛏️ Mid-range: Sercotel Ayala Bilbao

This is one of those places that quietly ticks every box. It’s close to Abando station (great for transport), but positioned well enough that you’re still within easy walking distance of Gran Vía and the nicer parts of the district.

Clean, comfortable, and excellent value.

A great “safe choice” if you don’t want to overthink it.

✨ Mid–High (Sweet Spot): Hotel Carlton Bilbao

Right on Plaza Moyúa, this is exactly where you want to be in Abando.

It’s one of Bilbao’s most iconic hotels, with classic elegance, large rooms, and a location that puts you right in the heart of the city; halfway between Casco Viejo and the Guggenheim.

If you want that “I picked the perfect location” feeling, this is it.

💎 Luxury: The Artist Grand Hotel of Art

If you want to stay somewhere that actually feels like part of Bilbao’s transformation, this is it.

Set right next to the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, this hotel leans into the city’s art and design identity without feeling overdone. It’s modern, stylish, and has one of the best locations in Bilbao, especially if you’re planning to spend time along the river or around Abandoibarra.

There’s also a rooftop terrace with views over the museum, which is one of those “this is why I travel” moments.

Perfect if you want a high-end stay that feels memorable, not just convenient.

💡 Local Tip (This is the bit most people get wrong)

When booking in Abando, aim for:

• Gran Vía / Plaza Moyúa → best overall location
• Near the river (towards Guggenheim) → more modern, quieter
• Avoid going too far south of the station → less atmosphere

Abando is one of the best areas to stay in Bilbao, but within it, location still matters.

Indautxu – Best Area to Stay in Bilbao for Local Life

If you want to experience Bilbao beyond the tourist layer, Indautxu is one of the best areas to stay in Bilbao.

This is where locals live. The bars are less polished, the food is just as good (if not better), and the atmosphere feels more relaxed.

It’s also where you’ll find some of the best everyday pintxos, not the ones designed for Instagram, but the ones people actually eat.

Best for

• Longer stays
• Food lovers
• Digital nomads

Where to Stay in Indautxu

💸 Budget: Hotel Ilunion Bilbao

A really reliable budget option in a great location. It’s not trying to be trendy, but it’s clean, comfortable, and well connected, exactly what you need if you’re out exploring most of the time.

Great value without compromising on location.

🛏️ Mid-range (Best Value): Hotel Ercilla de Bilbao

Right in the heart of Indautxu, this is where the neighbourhood really shines. You get that central Bilbao feel of shops, restaurants, and bars on your doorstep without the higher price tag of Abando.

One of the best value-for-money stays in Bilbao.

✨ Mid–High (Hidden Gem): Catalonia Gran Vía Bilbao

A newer, more stylish option that feels like a bit of an upgrade without going full luxury. Located closer to the park and Guggenheim side of Indautxu, it’s slightly calmer while still being central.

Ideal if you want something a little nicer without jumping in price.

💎 Luxury: Radisson Collection Hotel Gran Vía Bilbao

Sitting right on the edge between Indautxu and Abando, this is one of the most polished stays in the area. Modern design, excellent location, and a noticeable step up in comfort.

A great way to enjoy luxury without paying Guggenheim-area prices.

💡 Local Tip

Indautxu is where you go when:

• You want to eat where locals eat
• You want a more relaxed, less touristy vibe
• You still want to walk everywhere

It’s one of the best areas to stay in Bilbao if you want to feel like you’re actually living in the city, not just visiting it.

It’s also a great base if you’re trying to keep costs down, I break that down properly in Is Bilbao expensive?

Deusto – Best Area to Stay in Bilbao for a Quieter Stay

Across the river from the Guggenheim, Deusto offers a calmer, more residential feel.

It’s a university area, which means cafés, green spaces, and a slower pace. You’re still close enough to walk to the centre, but it feels removed from the tourist buzz.

Best for

• Families
• Slower travel
• Repeat visitors

Where to Stay in Deusto

💸 Budget: Hotel Ría de Bilbao

A simple, affordable option that does exactly what it needs to do. It’s not fancy, but it’s clean, well located, and a good base if you’re prioritising price over design.

Great for longer stays where budget matters more than aesthetics.

🛏️ Mid-range: NH Deusto Bilbao

A very solid choice in this area. Comfortable, modern, and within walking distance of the Guggenheim, it gives you a nice balance between calm surroundings and easy access to the city.

Ideal for families or travellers who want comfort without being in the middle of the action.

💡 Local Tip

Deusto is where you stay when:

• You don’t need to be in the middle of everything
• You prefer a slower pace and more space
• You’re staying long enough to appreciate a more residential feel

It’s one of the best areas to stay in Bilbao for families, longer trips, or anyone who values calm over constant activity.

Bilbao La Vieja – Best Area to Stay in Bilbao for Alternative Culture

Bilbao La Vieja is one of the city’s biggest transformations.

Once considered rough, it’s now a hub for creativity: street art, independent galleries, and multicultural food. It’s vibrant, a little chaotic, and not trying to be anything else.

Best for

• Younger travellers
• Creatives
• Alternative experiences

Where to Stay in Bilbao La Vieja

💸 Budget: Bilbao Metropolitan Hostel

A solid budget option if your priority is staying central without paying Old Town prices. It’s simple, modern, and gives you easy access to both Bilbao La Vieja and Casco Viejo.

Great if you want location and value, and don’t care about frills.

🛏️ Mid-range: Hotel Bilbi

Right on the edge of the neighbourhood, which is exactly where you want to be.

It gives you access to Bilbao La Vieja without fully committing to the noise and chaos. Rooms are comfortable, the location is practical, and it’s a good middle-ground option.

A smart choice if you like the area but want a bit of breathing space.

💡 Local Tip

Bilbao La Vieja is where you stay when:

• You like gritty, creative neighbourhoods
• You prefer independent cafés over polished restaurants
• You want to see a different side of Bilbao

It’s one a good area to stay in Bilbao for the right traveller, but not for everyone, and that’s exactly the point.

Getxo – Best Area to Stay Near Bilbao for Beaches

If you want both city and coast, Getxo is one of the best areas to stay near Bilbao.

Located about 25 minutes away, this is where Bilbao meets the sea. Think beaches, coastal walks, and elegant old mansions.

It’s where locals go to breathe.

Best for

• Summer trips
• Families
• Beach lovers

Where to Stay in Getxo

💸 Budget: Hotel Igeretxe

A beachfront hotel with a fantastic location. It’s simple and slightly dated in places, but you’re paying for the sea view, and honestly, that’s a fair trade.

A great choice if you want to stay by the coast without stretching your budget.

🛏️Mid-range: Petit Palace Tamarises

Modern, comfortable, and right by the beach. You can step outside and be on the promenade within seconds, which makes it one of the easiest and most enjoyable places to stay in Getxo.

One of the best value coastal stays near Bilbao.

✨ Mid–High (Best Pick): Hotel Embarcadero

Set in a beautiful Basque-style building overlooking the water, this hotel feels special without trying too hard. It’s elegant, peaceful, and has that “I’ve escaped the city” feeling, while still being a short metro ride from Bilbao.

The best balance of charm, comfort, and location in Getxo.

💡 Local Tip

Getxo is where you stay when you want your trip to feel different.

You’re not rushing between sights. You’re slowing down, walking along the coast, and enjoying the kind of space you don’t get in the city centre.

It’s one of the best areas to stay near Bilbao if you want a mix of city and sea, and don’t mind trading a bit of convenience for a much more relaxed experience.

Getxo works really well if you’re planning to explore beyond the city. Here are some of the best Bilbao day trips to pair with it.

Bilbao Neighbourhood Comparison

Here’s a simple breakdown to help you choose between the best areas to stay in Bilbao:

Area	Atmosphere	Best For
Casco Viejo	Historic, lively	Food & nightlife
Abando	Elegant, central	First-time visitors
Indautxu	Local, lively	Food & longer stays
Deusto	Quiet, residential	Families
Bilbao La Vieja	Creative, edgy	Younger travellers
Getxo	Coastal, relaxed	Beaches

Where NOT to Stay in Bilbao

Bilbao is generally very safe, but if you want the best experience, avoid:

• Industrial outskirts
• Areas far from metro stations
• Business-only zones that empty at night

Stay central, you’ll enjoy the city much more.

How to Choose the Best Area to Stay in Bilbao

Still unsure? Here’s a quick guide:

• First time: Abando or Casco Viejo
• Food trip: Casco Viejo or Indautxu
• Quiet stay: Deusto
• Beach + city: Getxo

If you’re building a wider trip, you might also want to look at my full Basque Country guide or combine Bilbao with nearby San Sebastián.

Bilbao Accommodation Tips (Local Advice)

• Book early in summer
• Prices spike during Semana Grande
• Football matches impact availability
• Apartments are often better value for longer stays

FAQ: Best Areas to Stay in Bilbao

What is the best area to stay in Bilbao for tourists?

Abando or Casco Viejo.

Is Casco Viejo a good place to stay?

Yes, great atmosphere, just noisy.

Is Bilbao walkable?

Very. Most places are within 20–30 minutes.

Is Bilbao safe?

Yes, even at night.

Final Thoughts on the Best Areas to Stay in Bilbao

Choosing between the best areas to stay in Bilbao isn’t about right or wrong, it’s about what kind of experience you want.

Casco Viejo gives you energy and history.
Abando gives you ease and elegance.
Indautxu gives you real life.

And wherever you stay, Bilbao will reward you for exploring it properly, not just ticking off sights, but getting lost between them.

Further Reading for Your Bilbao Trip

If you’re planning your trip, these guides will help you go deeper:

• Is Bilbao worth visiting? (honest pros & cons)
• Things to do in Bilbao (must-sees + hidden gems)
• Bilbao itineraries (1–4 day plans)
• Bilbao food itinerary (how to eat your way through the city)
• Best pintxo bars in Bilbao (what and where to order)
• Is Bilbao expensive? (real cost breakdown)
• Best time to visit Bilbao (weather + festivals)
• Bilbao day trips (Getxo, Gaztelugatxe, Rioja…)
• Basque Country itinerary (how to combine everything)
• Basque Country guide (the bigger picture)
• San Sebastián guide (if you’re extending your trip)