Hotels in Bilbao Old Town (Casco Viejo), Bilbao
Updated 31 August 2026 · 13 real hotels
The Casco Viejo, or Old Town, is Bilbao's most atmospheric neighborhood and a strong base for first-time visitors who want walkable access to pintxos bars, the Ribera Market and historic churches. It suits couples, solo travelers and cultural explorers more than those who need quiet nights, as the area stays lively well into the evening.
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Bilbao's Casco Viejo sits on the eastern bank of the Nervion river, a compact grid of medieval streets known as the Siete Calles (Seven Streets) that forms the oldest part of the city. Staying here puts you within a short walk of the Mercado de la Ribera, the Gothic Cathedral of Santiago, and dozens of bars serving the city's famous pintxos. The area is pedestrian-friendly and dense with character, which means noise from terraces and nightlife is a reality on weekend evenings, something lighter sleepers should factor in when choosing a room.
Transport connections are straightforward: the Casco Viejo metro station (lines 1 and 2) links the neighborhood to Abando railway station, the Guggenheim Museum and the broader city in under ten minutes. Buses and tram stops are also close by. Hotels here range from budget-friendly two-star guesthouses to the four-star Hotel Tayko Bilbao overlooking the river, so the district works for a range of budgets. Rates in the area currently start around 107 €/night at Arenal Rooms Bilbao and reach 280 €/night at Hotel Tayko Bilbao, with most options sitting comfortably in the 130 to 180 € range.
Where to stay on any budget?
A real selection, real prices, from the most affordable to the showstopper.
| Hotel | Area | Rating | Price / night |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arenal Rooms Bilbao ★★ | Vieille ville de Bilbao | ★ 4.2 | 78 €/nuit |
| Casual Blue ★★ | Vieille ville de Bilbao | ★ 4.2 | 90 €/nuit |
| Casual Bilbao Mardones ★ | Vieille ville de Bilbao | ★ 4 | 90 €/nuit |
| AliciaZzz Bilbao by Gaiarooms ★★ | Vieille ville de Bilbao | ★ 4.1 | 95 €/nuit |
| Casual Bilbao Gurea ★★ | Vieille ville de Bilbao | ★ 4.3 | 106 €/nuit |
| LETOH LETOH Bilbao ★★ | Vieille ville de Bilbao | ★ 4.6 | 122 €/nuit |
| CASUAL FUENTES ★★ | Vieille ville de Bilbao | ★ 4.6 | 122 €/nuit |
| Petit Palace Arana ★★★ | Vieille ville de Bilbao | ★ 4.2 | 129 €/nuit |
| Select Bilbao ★★ | Vieille ville de Bilbao | ★ 4.2 | 130 €/nuit |
| Sercotel Arenal Bilbao ★★★ | Vieille ville de Bilbao | ★ 4.5 | 151 €/nuit |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Casco Viejo a good area to stay in Bilbao?+
Yes, for most leisure travelers it is one of the best bases in the city. The neighborhood is walkable, full of restaurants and bars, and historically rich. It is particularly well suited to visitors who want to explore Basque food culture and local street life without relying heavily on public transport. Those traveling for business or planning frequent visits to the Guggenheim may prefer a hotel closer to Abando or the Abandoibarra waterfront, though both are easily reachable by metro from the Old Town.
How far is the Casco Viejo from the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao?+
The Guggenheim is roughly 1.5 to 2 kilometers from the heart of the Casco Viejo. You can walk along the Nervion riverbank in about 20 to 25 minutes, which is a pleasant route past the Zubizuri footbridge. Alternatively, the metro takes just two stops and a few minutes from Casco Viejo station to Moyua or Abando, both within comfortable walking distance of the museum.
What are the best hotels in Bilbao's Casco Viejo?+
Among the hotels currently available in the area, Hotel Tayko Bilbao (4 stars, from 280 €/night) earns the highest guest rating at 4.8 out of 5 and offers riverside views. For strong ratings at a more moderate price, LETOH LETOH Bilbao (2 stars, from 158 €/night, rated 4.5/5) and CASUAL FUENTES (2 stars, from 131 €/night, rated 4.6/5) stand out. Sercotel Arenal Bilbao (3 stars, from 177 €/night, rated 4.5/5) is a reliable mid-range choice, while Arenal Rooms Bilbao (2 stars, from 107 €/night) is the most affordable entry point in the neighborhood.
Is the Casco Viejo noisy at night?+
It can be, especially on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings when the pintxos bars and terraces fill up. The Siete Calles and the streets around the Arenal garden are particularly active. If you are a light sleeper or traveling during a local festival such as Aste Nagusia in August, it is worth checking whether your chosen hotel offers rooms facing a quieter interior courtyard or has adequate soundproofing. Reading recent guest reviews on this point before booking is a practical step.
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