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.
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.
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.
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
Petit Palace Arana
Great location in the old town and not too noisy.
Reviewed on 14 May 2026
Hotel Tayko Bilbao
This hotel is in a great location in the heart of the old quarter of Bilbao. It’s also within easy walking distance of the museum, along the river, and the main shopping district. We arrived a couple of hours before check-in time and were able to leave our luggage with the reception staff, while ...
Reviewed on 14 May 2026
NYX Hotel Bilbao by Leonardo Hotels
American style hotel across the bridge from main city area that is easily walkable. It has an underground parking garage across the street and the old area of the city is right behind the hotel with GREAT dining options. Only complaint is that the bathroom is in the middle of the room with glass ...
Reviewed on 14 May 2026
Sercotel Arenal Bilbao
Great stay. Ideally placed for Casco Viejo, which is the heart of the real city.
Reviewed on 15 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
Casual Bilbao Gurea
Arriving later in the evening, the front door was locked and there was very poor information and communication as how to get inside the building. The girl at reception could have simply came down and opened the door, but instead I was trying to have an online conversation as to how to gain entry, ...
Reviewed on 9 May 2026
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, Bilborock and Ribera Market 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 Ribera Market or Plaza Miguel de Unamuno and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Basarrate Station or Santutxu Station.
