Hotels in Bilbao Old Town, Bilbao

Visit Bilbao’s Casco Viejo Old Town

The city of Bilbao dates back to the 1400s and the Casco Viejo, or old town, is its oldest part. A twisting, turning maze of cafe, bars, restaurants, hotels and markets, this charming old quarter is based around the original city’s design of just seven streets – las Siete Calle. And at the heart of the seven streets, you’ll find the huge arcaded Plaza Nueva, with dozens of tiny pintxo (tapas) bars. Join the locals for a drink of the local sparkling txakoli wine and work your way through the tapas!

Hotels in Bilbao’s Casco Viejo Old Town

In this part of the city, you’ll find mostly small independent one-, two-and three-star hotels, B&Bs and guesthouses tucked away in well-preserved centuries-old buildings. Just beyond the limits of the old town’s seven streets, you’ll find the four- and five-star hotels, especially near the Plaza de Moyúa and world-famous Guggenheim Museum.

Along the winding river banks which divide the city, you’ll find modern hotels and familiar brands including Holiday Inn, Mercure and ibis. There are also plenty of four- and five-star hotels for business visitors with all possible amenities and meeting spaces, as well as a great selection of romantic boutique hotels with views over the river and spires of the old town.

Must-See Attractions in Bilbao’s Casco Viejo Old Town

Learn more about the people, culture and history of Bilbao at the Basque Museum in the heart of the Casco Viejo. Explore their relationship with the sea and the voyages they made as whalers, which took them around the world, and discover their arts and crafts – especially their beautiful striped linens. Head to Santiago Cathedral to see more of the city’s past. Dedicated to Bilbao’s patron saint, St. James the Apostle, the cathedral was built in Gothic style in the fifteenth century, but there has been a place of worship here since the 1300s.

No matter whether you’re looking for a good deal on a B&B in an old-fashioned building, or a business hotel with all the modern touches, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for in Bilbao’s old town.