Where to stay in Bilbao
Old bones, new openings, easy to get around. Choosing the right area in Bilbao matters more than choosing the right hotel — a central room saves an hour a day, and an hour a day is a whole day on a week's trip. Rooms start from around $240/night.
The best areas to stay in Bilbao
The historic centre
If it's your first time in Bilbao and you're here for three nights or fewer, stay central. You'll pay a premium per night and win it back in taxi fares and walking time. Use Booking.com's map view and draw your search around the oldest part of town.
One neighbourhood out
The band just outside the centre is where Bilbao gets interesting and considerably cheaper — usually 25–40% less for the same standard of room, and a ten-minute walk or one stop on public transport from everything.
Near the main station or transport hub
Staying near Bilbao's main transport hub makes day trips and airport runs painless. Rates are usually lower than the centre; check reviews for street noise before booking.
How to choose in five minutes
Open the map view, drop pins on the two or three things you're definitely doing in Bilbao, then search only inside that shape. Filter to 8.5+ review score and free cancellation, sort by price, and take the first place with photos of the actual room type. That's the whole method.
Hotels in Bilbao by type
- Best hotels in Bilbao
- Cheap hotels in Bilbao
- Luxury hotels in Bilbao
- 5-star hotels in Bilbao
- Boutique hotels in Bilbao
- Family hotels in Bilbao
- Adults-only hotels in Bilbao
- Romantic hotels in Bilbao
- Beach hotels in Bilbao
- Hotels in Bilbao with rooftop pools
- Hotels in Bilbao with a spa
- Hotels in Bilbao with balconies
- Hotels in Bilbao with breakfast included
- Hotels in Bilbao with free parking
- Hotels in Bilbao with pets allowed
- Hotels in Bilbao with airport shuttle
Where to stay in Bilbao — FAQs
- Where is the best area to stay in Bilbao?
- For a first trip to Bilbao, stay central — you'll pay more per night and save it back in time and taxis. For a longer or repeat trip, one neighbourhood out is typically 25–40% cheaper for the same standard of room.
- How much does a hotel in Bilbao cost?
- Well-reviewed rooms in Bilbao start from around $240/night on Booking.com. Shoulder season and midweek stays are consistently the cheapest; school holidays and weekends the most expensive.
- Is it better to stay in the centre of Bilbao?
- Central is right for short trips and no-car trips. If you're staying five nights or more, or you're driving, the value is better slightly outside the centre — check the walking time on the map view before you commit.
- How far in advance should I book a hotel in Bilbao?
- Six to eight weeks ahead for Spain in peak season, two to three weeks off-peak. Book a free-cancellation rate early and re-check prices a fortnight out — if it's dropped, rebook.