The Best Hotels in Casco Viejo, Bilbao

The Casco Viejo is Bilbao’s Old Town, made up of seven main streets (Las Siete Calles) dating to the 1400s and located across the river from the newer part of the city.
Casco Viejo is full of sites such as the Plaza Nueva, surrounded by pintxo bars, the Bilbao Cathedral and the Mercado de la Ribera – Europe’s largest indoor market, where there are dozens of food and drink stalls and groceries to buy. There aren’t any big or luxurious chain hotels in this area of Bilbao, but it is filled with cute bed and breakfasts, small budget pensiones and a couple of boutique hotels. Here are some of the best spots to stay to be in the heart of the action.

Destinations Unlocked:
Let our travel expert Stefano help you find your perfect Culture tripCentralAmerica
1. Guatemala
An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.CentralAmerica
2. Belize
A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.CentralAmerica
3. Mexico
An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.SouthAmerica
1. Ecuador
A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.SouthAmerica
2. Peru
An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.Europe
1. Italy
The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.Europe
2. Scotland
Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.Europe
3. Portugal
A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.Asia
1. South Korea
Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.Asia
2. Thailand
From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.Asia
3. Sri Lanka
A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great priceAfrica
1. Morocco
An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!Africa
2. Egypt
From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.Hotel Tayko Bilbao
Hotel

The Hotel Tayko Bilbao occupies a 150-year-old building that was only the fourth in Spain to be constructed using concrete. Step inside, and you’ll discover chic industrial design, with exposed brick walls, minimalist lines and shades of grey. To see the city’s Old Town come to life in the morning, book one of the Tayko Street View rooms. These stylish doubles look out over the surrounding streets (those on the lower floors also have balconies). While there are hordes of restaurants on the doorstep, take time to check out the hotel’s exceptional culinary offering. The gastrobar and fine dining restaurant boast menus by Martin Berasategui, a Basque chef with 12 Michelin stars.
Mercure Bilbao Jardines de Albia
Hotel

Accor’s four-star Mercure Bilbao Jardines de Albia is well placed for exploring both the older and newer parts of the city. Located on the other side of the estuary from the Casco Viejo, a 15-minute walk away, it offers accommodation ranging in size from doubles to family rooms for four, with views over the skyline or an internal courtyard. All of the bedrooms have smart blue and white interiors, while the bathrooms are clad in polished stone. Secure parking is available for a daily fee, and there’s a decent on-site bar serving up drinks and snacks, although there are also several popular pintxo joints in the vicinity.
Sercotel Coliseo Bilbao
Hotel

The businesslike Hotel Sercotel Coliseo is a good option if you’re in Bilbao for work, as it offers full or half-day office rentals. If you opt to stay the night, there are various room sizes to choose from, and all have a bright and modern aesthetic. Stays include access to the casino next door, and on-site facilities include a partially covered terrace, gym and reading room.
Vincci Consulado de Bilbao
Hotel

Vincci’s ultra-modern Consulado de Bilbao outpost sits on the western riverbank, next to two of Bilbao’s most distinctive structures – the Salve Bridge and the Guggenheim Museum. Look out over the estuary towards the Casco Viejo (reached with a 15-minute walk) from the first-floor terrace, where you can also enjoy cocktails, locally produced wines and snacks. At Restaurant Kondutxo, the Basque cuisine is as vibrant and contemporary as the decor. A buffet breakfast is served every morning, and underground parking is available.
Occidental Bilbao
Hotel, Spa Hotel

If you’re looking to unwind as well as roam the Old Town, check out Barceló’s Occidental Bilbao, situated on the edge of the Casco Viejo and a 20-minute stroll from Plaza Nueva. Its shared amenities include an outdoor pool and terrace (open from June to September) and, for an additional fee, a spa with an indoor pool and a well-equipped gym. All of the 200 rooms wear light, conservative colours and can accommodate up to four, and the outward-facing superior doubles have city views.
Petit Palace Arana
Chain Hotel

The three-star Petit Palace Arana is located on the edge of Bilbao’s Casco Viejo and lies within walking distance of many major sights. Its rooms are cosy and compact, as well as sleek and modern in black-and-white tones, with all the necessary mod-cons. The hotel also has a breakfast room and charming lounge area, and it offers bike hire services.
Caravan Cinema
Hotel

The Caravan Cinema is a quirky cinema-themed boutique pensión in the heart of the Casco Viejo. It features just five rooms and two apartments, with decor based on famous films, actors and directors. Book the Alfred Hitchcock-inspired apartment, decorated in bright 1970s-style wallpaper, silhouettes of birds across the ceiling and a shadow of a person painted across the shower door. Or for something a little more Spanish, try the Pedro Almodóvar room, decorated with his old movie posters.
Hotel Bilbao Jardines
Hotel

The two-star Hotel Bilbao Jardines is located in the heart of the Casco Viejo and is both spacious and contemporary. The decor is simple and functional with lots of natural wood, green walls and pictures of plants, reminding guests of being in a garden. Rooms feature everything you’ll need for a comfortable stay. There is also a breakfast room, a separate dining room and free bikes for exploring the city.
Hotel Arenal Bilbao
Independent Hotel

Located on the edge of the Old Town, not far from the Bilbao Cathedral, the Hotel Arenal Bilbao is housed in a beautiful old red building with lots of character. The rooms are spacious and uncomplicated but are decorated in light colours with wooden period furniture and large windows. The hotel also offers a basic breakfast room and a meeting room.
7 Kale Bed and Breakfast
Bed and Breakfast

Named after the seven streets that make up Bilbao’s Casco Viejo, 7 Kale Bed and Breakfast is a charming little place with 23 en-suite rooms and a very homely feel. Decorated in shades of beige, white and teal, the rooms are comfortable and offer everything you need during your stay, including TVs, complimentary toiletries and free Wi-Fi. A continental breakfast is served in the bright dining room, and packed lunches can also be made upon request.
Basque Boutique
Hotel

A great value-for-money hotel, Basque Boutique may only be a two-star pensión, but it rivals even some of the finest hotels in the city. Right in the centre of the Old Town, it is delicately decorated with handmade wooden furniture, eccentric sculptures and lots of wood. Original features such as beams and exposed brick walls also add to the ambience. There are just nine themed rooms, which are individually decorated and centred on Basque culture. Choose from the Gernika room, the txakoli (Basque white wine) room or the Basque language room.
Mark Nayler contributed additional reporting to this article.
Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip
meet our Local Insider
Hanna

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!


Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.


KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?
Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.