For a first visit, base yourself in Casco Viejo (the old town) for atmosphere and walkable sights, or Abando for central convenience and transport links. Indautxu suits those who want a smart, modern district near the shops and the Guggenheim Museum, while Deusto and the riverside areas work well for a quieter, more residential stay. Nightlife lovers gravitate to the old town's bar-lined streets, and families often prefer the calmer, greener pockets across the river.
The areas, by traveller
Casco Viejo
Bilbao's medieval old town, a warren of pedestrian streets packed with pintxos bars, cafés and the Ribera market. Lively into the evening and central to the city's historic core.
Explore Casco Viejo →Abando
The commercial heart on the river's south bank, home to the main train stations and easy metro access. A practical, well-connected base within walking distance of both the old town and the Guggenheim Museum.
Explore Abando →Indautxu
An elegant, business-and-shopping district around a leafy central square, lined with boutiques and restaurants. Close to the museum quarter and the wide Gran Vía avenue.
Explore Indautxu →Abandoibarra
The redeveloped riverfront around the Guggenheim Museum, with modern architecture, promenades and green space. Airy and photogenic, though quieter after dark than the old town.
Explore Abandoibarra →Deusto
A university neighbourhood across the river with a local, everyday feel and its own cafés and shops. Well linked by bridge and metro to the centre while staying calmer.
Explore Deusto →Uribarri
A residential hillside district north of the river with good views and easy metro connections. Away from the tourist bustle but a short ride from the main sights.
Explore Uribarri →
Practical basics
- Getting in
- Bilbao (BIO) airport sits north of the city, with a direct airport bus and taxis running to the central Abando and old-town areas in around half an hour.
- Getting around
- The compact centre is very walkable, and a clean metro, tram and bus network links the neighbourhoods along the river.
- Best time to visit
- Late spring and early autumn bring mild weather and fewer crowds, while summer is busiest and warmest.
- Currency
- Bilbao uses the euro (EUR), and cards are widely accepted across the city.
Frequently asked
Where should first-time visitors stay in Bilbao?
Casco Viejo or Abando are the easiest choices: the old town for atmosphere and dining, Abando for central transport links, both within walking distance of the main sights.
Is Bilbao walkable, or do I need transport?
The centre is compact and easy to explore on foot, and the metro and tram make longer hops between neighbourhoods quick and simple.
Which area is best for a quieter stay?
Deusto and Uribarri, across or north of the river, offer a calmer, residential feel while staying well connected to the centre by metro and bridge.
Hand-picked hotel guides for Bilbao — real hotels, exact prices and distances — are on the way. This page will grow into the full recommendation set.
An independent guide to where to stay in Bilbao — hotel recommendations are on the way.