Bilbao Old Town

Bilbao
Ribera Market featuring a bar, interior views and food
Discover characterful bars, historic architecture, colorful independent stores and much more amid the largely pedestrianized streets of Bilbao’s atmospheric heart.

During your time in Bilbao, you may hear the city’s Old Town referred to by a range of different names. It’s often known as the Casco Viejo, but sometimes also called Las Siete Calles (in Spanish) or Zazpikaleak (Basque). These latter two nicknames, meaning “Seven Streets,” refer to the medieval streets that make up the core of the neighborhood.

Whatever you decide to call it, Bilbao Old Town is a wonderful place to spend time. Lose your way amid its maze of pretty, mostly pedestrianized streets, and you are sure to stumble across many interesting sights.

Head to Plaza Nueva on a Sunday morning to browse for one-off souvenirs at the flea market. This public square is one of the most popular spots in the Old Town, on any day of the week. It is a beautiful example of Neoclassical design, and is also known for its cafés, bars and restaurants. Sit outside and sample some pintxos, the northern Spanish take on tapas.

Walk south from the square for less than 5 minutes to reach the magnificent Catedral de Santiago, aka St. James’ Cathedral. Admire its beautiful exterior, a prime example of 14th-century Gothic architecture. Step inside for a moment of peace in its tranquil interior.

Within just a few minutes’ walk are several museums worth visiting. Learn about local history in the Bilboko Euskal Museoa and see the area’s past brought to life through archaeological artifacts in the Arkeologi Museoa. A little further to the east is the quirky Museo Pasos de Semana Santa, dedicated to religious art and Easter.

The Bidebarrieta Liburutegia Zentrale (Bidebarrieta Library) is one of the area’s most exceptional buildings. This grand 19th-century building is beautiful enough from the outside. Head inside, however, to truly appreciate its opulence.

The highlights of Bilbao Old Town sit on the eastern bank of the Nervión river. Make your way east from the main train station on foot for just under 10 minutes to reach Plaza Nueva, which is usually considered the hub of the neighborhood.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Top hotels in Bilbao Old Town

NYX Hotel Bilbao by Leonardo Hotels
NYX Hotel Bilbao by Leonardo Hotels
3.5 out of 5
Areatza Kalea 4, Bilbao
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P3,987 per night from 24 Nov to 25 Nov
P3,987
P4,385 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 24 - Nov 25
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Bilbao. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (755 reviews)
"What a beautiful hotel in an exceptionally nice area - the old down has been a highlight of my trip to Bilbao! Highly recommend the hotel, clean and veey accommodating staff. Thank you !"

Reviewed on Oct 29, 2024

NYX Hotel Bilbao by Leonardo Hotels
Hotel Tayko Bilbao
Hotel Tayko Bilbao
4 out of 5
Erribera Kalea 13, Bilbao
The price is P8,284 per night from 1 Dec to 2 Dec
P8,284
P9,113 total
includes taxes & fees
Dec 1 - Dec 2
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Bilbao. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (643 reviews)
"We have an attic suite. Very spacious. Great amenities. Very friendly staffs. Their recommendation on dinning are wonderful. We have a wonderful stay."

Reviewed on Oct 30, 2024

Hotel Tayko Bilbao
Sercotel Arenal Bilbao
Sercotel Arenal Bilbao
3 out of 5
Calle Fueros, 2, Bilbao, Vizcaya
The price is P4,101 per night from 4 Nov to 5 Nov
P4,101
P4,512 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 4 - Nov 5
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Bilbao. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a 24-hour front desk, and an area shuttle (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (365 reviews)
"Very nice hotel, literally around the corner from the Plaza Nueva, one of the best dining areas on n the old city."

Reviewed on Oct 29, 2024

Sercotel Arenal Bilbao
Petit Palace Arana
Petit Palace Arana
3 out of 5
C/ Bidebarrieta, 2, (en frente del teatro Arriaga), Bilbao, Vizcaya
The price is P4,058 per night from 17 Nov to 18 Nov
P4,058
P4,464 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 17 - Nov 18
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Bilbao. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8/10 Very Good! (972 reviews)
"Muy bien ubicado. Área tranquila y todo a una distancia “caminable”."

Reviewed on Oct 19, 2024

Petit Palace Arana
Casual Bilbao Gurea
Casual Bilbao Gurea
2 out of 5
C/ Bidebarrieta 14 3º, Bilbao, Vizcaya
The price is P3,452 per night from 3 Nov to 4 Nov
P3,452
P3,797 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 3 - Nov 4
Stay at this pension in Bilbao. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (443 reviews)
Nice room great location!
"Nice room and great location in Bilbao close to the old town and the main shopping area. The only negative of the room was bathroom size in particular the shower which was small. However if i was in Bilbao again i would certainly consider staying here again."

Reviewed on Oct 22, 2024

Casual Bilbao Gurea
Quartier Bilbao Hostel
Quartier Bilbao Hostel
2 out of 5
Artekale Kalea 15, Bilbao
The price is P3,163 per night from 7 Nov to 8 Nov
P3,163
P3,479 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 7 - Nov 8
Stay at this hostel in Bilbao. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Guggenheim Museum Bilbao and San Mames Stadium ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (74 reviews)
Great location, small rooms
"Very well-located and well-priced. However, rooms cramped and facilities basic. Good Wi-Fi."

Reviewed on Oct 3, 2024

Quartier Bilbao Hostel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Bilbao Old Town

Lovely small chilled out bar for  a decent beer.

San Francisco

You'll enjoy the bars and theaters in San Francisco. You might want to make time for a stop at Ensanche or Bay of Biscay.

San Francisco
Bilbao la Vieja lies just across the river from the Old Town. The streets in this space, which takes in the Bilbao la Vieja, San Francisco and Zabala districts, are covered with urban wall art and a very interesting collection of architecture. The barrio of San Francisco lies just south of Abando and is an immigrant area, a very lively neighborhood.
#Architecture
#Bilbao
#Spain

Bilbao la Vieja

While visiting Bilbao la Vieja, you might make a stop by sights like Bay of Biscay and San Anton Bridge.

Bilbao la Vieja
Plaza Nueva which includes outdoor eating as well as a small group of people

Casco Viejo

Museums, theaters, and historic 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.

Casco Viejo
Nave central de la basílica

Begoña

You'll enjoy the restaurants and museums in Begoña. You might want to make time for a stop at Basilica of Begona or Begoña BasIlica.

Begoña
San Mames Stadium which includes a river or creek and modern architecture

Bilbao City Centre

Guggenheim Museum Bilbao and Palacio de la Diputación Foral de Vizcaya are top sights in Bilbao City Centre, and you should be sure to explore the fascinating museums. Hop aboard the metro at Moyua Station or Abando Station to see more sights in the area.

Bilbao City Centre
Guggenheim Museum Bilbao which includes modern architecture, outdoor art and a sunset

Abando

Abundant dining options, interesting museums and stunning river views are just a few top things to explore in Abando. A visit to Plaza Moyua or Ensanche might round out your trip, and you can jump aboard the metro at Moyua Station or Indautxu Station to get around town.

Abando

Bilbao Old Town