Bilbao Old Town Travel Guide
Bilbao
Visit Bilbao Old Town
Popular places to visit
Plaza Nueva
Learn about the local history of Bilbao when you spend time at Plaza Nueva. Visit the area's shops or amble around its riverfront.
Ribera Market
During your trip to Bilbao, you can find the perfect gifts to bring home at Ribera Market. Stroll along the area's riverfront or experience its fascinating museums.
Arriaga Theater
Get tickets for a show at Arriaga Theater, a theatre with a story to tell in Bilbao. Stroll along the riverfront or visit the shops in the area.
Santiago Cathedral
After visiting Santiago Cathedral, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Bilbao. Stroll along the area's riverfront or experience its fascinating museums.
Plaza Miguel de Unamuno
Learn about the local history of Bilbao with a stop at Plaza Miguel de Unamuno. Stroll along the area's riverfront or experience its fascinating museums.
San Mames Stadium
Catch an event at San Mames Stadium during your trip to Bilbao. Discover the fascinating museums and shops in this walkable area.
Top hotels in Bilbao Old Town
Hotel Tayko Bilbao
The staff was very good and welcoming. The hotel is in a great location for visiting old town and 20 minute walk along the river to Guggenheim. The room is not very comfortable and the bathroom is incredibly small and difficult hard to have your personal toiletries out, the coffee machine is in very ...
Reviewed on 3 May 2026
NYX Hotel Bilbao by Leonardo Hotels
Terrific location for exploring the Ribera Market, the old town and the modern shopping area. Can walk to the Guggenheim in about 25 mins along the river. Staff were very helpful. Underground public parking available about 150 yds away with a hotel discount. Rooms are well appointed but quite small, ...
Reviewed on 16 Apr 2026
Petit Palace Arana
Very nice little hotel in the heart of vibrant Bilbao.
Reviewed on 22 Apr 2026
Sercotel Arenal Bilbao
This has a fantastic location and a decent breakfast with kind staff
Reviewed on 5 May 2026
Bilder Boutique Hotel
Great location right next to Plaza Nueva. Room was clean and comfortable and there is a friendly bar downstairs for a light breakfast.
Reviewed on 28 Apr 2026
Quartier Bilbao Hostel
Friendly staff and good location. Decent breakfast.
Reviewed on 20 Oct 2025
Other neighbourhoods around Bilbao Old Town
Casco Viejo
Museums, theatres and historical sites highlight some notable features of Casco Viejo. Make a stop by Plaza Nueva or Museum of Archaeology Bizkaya while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Casco Viejo Station or Arriga Tram Stop to get around town.
San Francisco
You'll enjoy the bars and theatres in San Francisco. You might want to make time for a stop at Bilborock or Ensanche.
Bilbao la Vieja
While visiting Bilbao la Vieja, you might make a stop by sights like Bay of Biscay and San Anton Bridge.
Zabala
While Zabala isn't home to many top sights, San Mames Stadium and Bilborock are some notable places to visit nearby.
Bilbao City Centre
Bilbao City Centre is highly notable for its fascinating museums, and you might want to visit top sights like Plaza Moyua and Gran Casino Bilbao. See more of Bilbao by jumping on the metro at Moyua Station or Abando Station.
Santutxu
When in Santutxu and the surrounding area, you'll want to check out sights like San Mames Stadium or Ribera Market and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Basarrate Station or Santutxu Station.
