Hotels in the Old Town of Bilbao, Spain
Updated 12 July 2026 · 10 real hotels
The Casco Viejo, or Old Town, is Bilbao's most atmospheric and walkable district, packed with pintxos bars, historic churches and narrow medieval streets. It suits couples, solo travellers and culture seekers who want to be at the heart of the action without relying on public transport. Those sensitive to nighttime noise should look for rooms facing inner courtyards, as the area stays lively well into the evening.
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Bilbao's Casco Viejo (Old Quarter) sits on the east bank of the Nervión river and forms the historic core of the city. Its street grid, known as the Siete Calles (Seven Streets), dates to the medieval period and today blends centuries-old architecture with a buzzing food and bar scene. Staying here puts you within a short walk of the Mercado de la Ribera, one of the largest covered markets in Europe, the Basílica de Begoña steps, and a dense concentration of pintxos bars along Calle del Perro and Calle Barrencalle. The Guggenheim Museum is roughly a 15-minute walk across the river, and the metro stop at Casco Viejo station connects you quickly to the rest of the city and to Bilbao Airport bus links.
Hotels in the area range from compact guesthouses to well-appointed four-star properties, and rates tend to reflect peak Basque Country demand rather than budget travel. Options currently available include the highly rated Hotel Tayko Bilbao (4 stars, 321 EUR/night, 4.8/5), which occupies a converted building right in the quarter, and the Sercotel Arenal Bilbao (3 stars, 245 EUR/night, 4.5/5), a reliable mid-range choice near the Arenal gardens. For travellers comfortable with a two-star property, LETOH LETOH Bilbao (290 EUR/night, 4.6/5) punches above its category in guest satisfaction. The Petit Palace Arana (3 stars, 237 EUR/night, 4.1/5), NYX Hotel Bilbao by Leonardo Hotels (3.5 stars, 265 EUR/night, 4.5/5), Arenal Rooms Bilbao (238 EUR/night, 4.2/5), Pensión AliciaZzz Bed & Breakfast (273 EUR/night, 4.1/5) and Roquefer Bilbao by gaiarooms (301 EUR/night, 4/5) round out a varied selection for different budgets and comfort levels.
Where to stay on any budget?
A real selection, real prices, from the most affordable to the showstopper.
| Hotel | Area | Rating | Price / night |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petit Palace Arana ★★★ | Vieille ville de Bilbao | ★ 4.1 | 237 €/nuit |
| Arenal Rooms Bilbao ★★ | Vieille ville de Bilbao | ★ 4.2 | 238 €/nuit |
| Sercotel Arenal Bilbao ★★★ | Vieille ville de Bilbao | ★ 4.5 | 245 €/nuit |
| NYX Hotel Bilbao by Leonardo Hotels ★★★★ | Vieille ville de Bilbao | ★ 4.5 | 265 €/nuit |
| Pensión AliciaZzz Bed & Breakfast ★★ | Vieille ville de Bilbao | ★ 4.1 | 273 €/nuit |
| room Select Bilbao ★★ | Vieille ville de Bilbao | ★ 4.2 | 285 €/nuit |
| LETOH LETOH Bilbao ★★ | Vieille ville de Bilbao | ★ 4.6 | 290 €/nuit |
| Roquefer Bilbao by gaiarooms ★★ | Vieille ville de Bilbao | ★ 4 | 301 €/nuit |
| Hotel Tayko Bilbao ★★★★ | Vieille ville de Bilbao | ★ 4.8 | 321 €/nuit |
| Bilder Boutique Hotel ★★ | Vieille ville de Bilbao | ★ 4.7 | 409 €/nuit |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Casco Viejo a good area to stay in Bilbao for first-time visitors?+
Yes, for most first-time visitors the Casco Viejo is the most convenient base. The historic streets, the best pintxos bars and key landmarks such as the Mercado de la Ribera are all within walking distance. The metro station at Casco Viejo and nearby tram stops also make it easy to reach the Guggenheim, the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum and the broader city without needing a car.
Is the Old Town noisy at night?+
The Casco Viejo is an active nightlife district, particularly on weekends and during local festivals. Bars and restaurants in the Siete Calles tend to stay busy until late. If you are a light sleeper, it is worth requesting a room that faces an interior courtyard or a quieter side street when you book, and checking recent guest reviews for specific noise mentions.
How do I get from Bilbao Airport to a hotel in the Casco Viejo?+
The most common option is the Bizkaibus A3247 bus, which runs from Bilbao Airport to the city centre in around 30 to 40 minutes depending on traffic, dropping passengers near the Termibus station. From there a short metro or taxi ride brings you to the Casco Viejo. A direct taxi from the airport to the Old Town typically takes a similar time and costs more, but is straightforward with luggage.
Are there budget-friendly hotels in the Casco Viejo?+
The Casco Viejo is a sought-after location and prices across the board tend to be higher than in some other Bilbao districts, even for two-star properties. Among the current listings, Petit Palace Arana (237 EUR/night) and Arenal Rooms Bilbao (238 EUR/night) are the most affordable options, though rates vary significantly by season and availability. Booking well in advance generally helps secure lower prices.
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