Bilbao Old Town

Bilbao
Ribera Market which includes a river or creek, a city and heritage architecture
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


Bilbao Old Town Hotel Deals

Quartier Bilbao Hostel
Quartier Bilbao Hostel
2 out of 5
Artekale Kalea 15, Bilbao
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥8,987 per night from May 22 to May 23
¥8,987
per night
May 22 - May 23
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! (63 reviews)
Good One
"It's centrally located in the old town. Walking distance to many places. Very helpful and friendly staff. Free breakfast, but it's not rich enough."

Reviewed on May 6, 2024

Quartier Bilbao Hostel
NYX Hotel Bilbao by Leonardo Hotels
NYX Hotel Bilbao by Leonardo Hotels
3.5 out of 5
Areatza Kalea 4, Bilbao
The price is ¥12,946 per night from May 12 to May 13
¥12,946
per night
May 12 - May 13
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Bilbao. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (612 reviews)
Bilbao 1 day stay
"Hotel was in an excellent location near all the major areas of the old city and walking distance to the Guggenheim museum. The hotel surprised us with a free room upgrade - which was lovely. As with other NYX hotels, the decor is modern and flashy with a good vibe in the lounging areas. Parking is ..."

Reviewed on May 8, 2024

NYX Hotel Bilbao by Leonardo Hotels
Petit Palace Arana
Petit Palace Arana
3 out of 5
C/ Bidebarrieta, 2, (en frente del teatro Arriaga), Bilbao, Vizcaya
The price is ¥17,235 per night from May 13 to May 14
¥17,235
per night
May 13 - May 14
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! (930 reviews)
Great stay in grand old building.
"Hotel location in Old Town was excellently situated right next to the river and all the hot spots. The room and bathroom was very spacious. Beds and bedding were clean and comfortable. The room was very quiet thanks to the enclosed balcony that kept all the street noise out of the room. There was ..."

Reviewed on Apr 20, 2024

Petit Palace Arana
Hotel Tayko Bilbao
Hotel Tayko Bilbao
4 out of 5
Erribera Kalea 13, Bilbao
The price is ¥31,114 per night from May 14 to May 15
¥31,114
per night
May 14 - May 15
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! (546 reviews)
Lovely hotel with a great vibe and location
"We put Bilbao on the itinerary mostly because of the Guggenheim Museum, but after learning about the old town and some of the history, we opted to skip the huge hotels near the museum and found this gem. Great restaurants and night life right there, and it’s still an easy walk to the Guggenheim."

Reviewed on May 8, 2024

Hotel Tayko Bilbao
Casual Bilbao Gurea
Casual Bilbao Gurea
2 out of 5
C/ Bidebarrieta 14 3º, Bilbao, Vizcaya
The price is ¥15,079 per night from May 15 to May 16
¥15,079
per night
May 15 - May 16
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! (412 reviews)
"It was all good"

Reviewed on Apr 28, 2024

Casual Bilbao Gurea
Sercotel Arenal Bilbao
Sercotel Arenal Bilbao
3 out of 5
Calle Fueros, 2, Bilbao, Vizcaya
The price is ¥18,531 per night from May 19 to May 20
¥18,531
per night
May 19 - May 20
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 breakfast and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (304 reviews)
"Love location and staff"

Reviewed on Mar 31, 2024

Sercotel Arenal Bilbao
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 neighborhoods around Bilbao Old Town

Lovely small chilled out bar for  a decent beer.

San Francisco

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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

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

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4.5/5(43 area reviews)

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Bilbao City Centre
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Abando

4.5/5(227 area reviews)

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Abando
Bilbao City Hall which includes modern architecture

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Castaños

Bilbao Old Town