The capital of the Basque Country is located in northern Spain and surrounded by green mountains. Although known as a port city, Bilbao’s downtown is filled with skyscrapers. You should be able to find dozens of interesting places in this Biscay province area. Especially considering the fact that the home of the chimbos is also known as the city of art. The key is finding the right place to stay among the best hotels in Bilbao Spain.
Where to Stay In Bilbao
Those who appreciate design and architecture should stay near Nervion. The river that flows through the city of Bilbao to the Cantabrian Sea is the link between a number of beautiful iconic architectures. Starting from the Guggenheim art museum designed by Frank Gehry, the Zubizuri bridge by Santiago Calatrava, to the Azkuna Zentroa, wine storage turned cultural center.
But if you’re more into natural scenery, pack your bags and head to the city center. There you’ll find many parks and plazas with breathtaking views. One we recommend is Parque de Dona Casildade Iturrizar, a riverside beauty with its iconic three-line path and ornamental pond. Don’t miss the impressive panoramic views of the entire city from the height of Artxanda, which you can enjoy on an exciting funicular trip. At the end of the day, stop by Getxo Beach for its dramatic cliffs.
Bilbao is also known for its vibrant culture. If you want a quick glimpse of the past, you’re in the right place. The city is home to the Euskal Museoa and Museo Archeology, two museums with thousands of collections of Basque antiques and middle age treasures. For something more contemporary, head to the Euskalduna Palace art hall or the Antzokia Café, both of which are located in the city center.
In the end, choosing where to stay in Bilbao will depend on your budget and preferences. Always prioritize safety and easy access to the places you want to visit. But one thing we can confirm is, whatever your choice, you’ll be spoiled by the beauty of Baroque architecture from the 17th century.
Gran Hotel Domine Bilbao
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There are several hotels in Bilbao Spain located near the Guggenheim Museum and the Gran Hotel Domine Bilbao is one of them. Just a five-minute walk, you’ll arrive at Frank Gehry’s titanium-clad building. If you just want to admire it from the outside, you can do it while relaxing near the hotel room window.
Each room at the Gran Hotel Domine Bilbao has a USB connection, free WiFi, and a 40-inch TV with international satellite channels. Perfect for those who want to organize a temporary workspace, before going around enjoying the beauty of the Basque. But before that, you might want to freshen up first because they also provide a private bathroom with bathrobes and slippers.
For your culinary desires, Gran Hotel Domine Bilbao has great Belz. The on-site restaurant serves breakfast on the rooftop terrace with great panoramic views of the city. But if you want something more casual, just head to Le Cafe or Sixty-One Lobby Bar.
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Hotel Carlton
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Your stay at the Hotel Carlton is guaranteed to be very memorable. That’s because this place is also one of the most important and impressive landmarks in Bilbao. Get ready to be amazed by its elegant classic style architecture, which blends well with its more contemporary interior design.
Among all the best hotels in Bilbao, this one is recommended for business trips. Hotel Carlton has it’s own business center, complete with computers, printers, and free Internet access. Need to let off some steam? Pay a visit to their minibar.
If you’re interested in exploring Bilbao culinary, there’s a Grand Restaurant that’s ready to welcome you at any time. They serve Basque specialties, including pintxo, their own version of tapas. When you feel more energized, visit the Guggenheim Museum. It’s only 10 minutes walk from the hotel.
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Hotel Melia Bilbao
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There are many hotels in Bilbao Spain that have architectural nuances of art and the Hotel Melia Bilbao is no exception. From a distance, the building looks like it was taken straight from an 80s art-deco poster, simply brilliant and awe-inspiring. It’s no wonder that this hotel, whose design is inspired by sculptor Eduardo Chillida, is quite popular in the Basque country.
Hotel Melia Bilbao is also home to two culinary destinations that shouldn’t be missed. First, there’s Aizian Restaurant, which received a Michelin star in 2014. Here you can satisfy your culinary cravings while sitting relaxed on its terrace, enjoying the beautiful view of Dona Casilda Park. Next, there’s the stylish Q Lounge. Those who need their daily dose of cocktails and tapas shouldn’t hesitate to come here right away.
When you’re done with your belly, pick your favorite sneakers and don’t forget to wear a hat, because this hotel is surrounded by many interesting places that must be visited. There’s the Ella Artes Museum and Palacio de Congresos Exhibition Center which are only a five-minute walk away. And don’t forget to stop by the San Mames Stadium, the pride of all Bilbao which can be reached by a 10-minute walk.
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Ercilla Lopez de Haro
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Gray and classic, those are the two words that come to mind when you see Ercilla Lopez de Haro. Opened for the first time in 1990, this hotel is the result of renovations to the office building of a well-known local newspaper. In fact, you can even see one of their last prints on the wall.
What’s more, Ercilla Lopez de Haro is the place that Frank Gehry himself chose as his home, during the process of designing the Guggenheim Museum. It’s no wonder that each room in this hotel carries a unique classic decoration, besides being equipped with standard facilities such as air conditioning, mini bar, and work desk.
Even so, you obviously don’t want to just sit around while staying here. Try to get around and enjoy the beauty of the surrounding architecture. We recommend stopping by Bilbao Old Town, which is only a 15-minute walk away. Here you’ll find many ancient Baroque-style buildings, plus a number of interesting local restaurants and bars to visit.
Among all the best hotels in Bilbao, this one is quite recommended. Especially for those who like to walk. Apart from the old city area, you can also easily reach the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum, Azkuna Zentroa, Catedral de Santiago, and San Mames Stadium.
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Vincci Consulado de Bilbao
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Compared to all hotels in Bilbao Spain, Vincci Consulado de Bilbao is relatively new. Even so, that doesn’t mean this hotel doesn’t have much to offer. One that stands out is the architectural design, which inspired by the sailboats that are often found in the estuary of Bilbao.
In fact, the Vincci Consulado de Bilbao actually stands on the river bank. You can spend the whole day relaxing on their avant-garde terrace, which boasts superb views of the Guggenheim museum and the Bilbao estuary. This is truly one of the best ways to discover all that Bilbao has to offer.
Regarding accommodation, this hotel, which is only 9 minutes’ walk from the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum, offers a private bathroom, flat-screen TV, air conditioning, and a sitting area in certain rooms. They also have an on-site restaurant that offers a full breakfast buffet.
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Hesperia Zubialde
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Situated on the bank of the Bilbao estuary, the Hesperia Zubialde is a hotel where luxury and comfort meet. You can spend the day on its sun terrace which boasts impressive views of the Basque. Not in the mood to go out? Feel free to just relax in their soundproof rooms. Browse around the Internet to plan your next destination, since they provide free WiFi.
Like most of the best hotels in Bilbao, the Hesperia Zubialde is also not far from the famous titanium-clad Guggenheim Museum. You can reach it on a 20-minute walk, strolling along the banks of the Bilbao estuary. In the same complex, you can also stop by New San Mames Stadium, the pride of all Bilbao. Once lunchtime arrives, sit on the terraces of local cafes while enjoying tapas or other Basque best culinary delights.
Overall, this four-star hotel represents Bilbao’s character. It’s cosmopolitan, has a strong character, and follows trends. You won’t regret every second you spend the night here.
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NYX Hotel Bilbao by Leonardo Hotels
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Art seems to have become a part of life in Bilbao. Every corner of its streets and buildings breathes beauty and elegance. Two things the NYX Hotel Bilbao captures well.
This four-star hotel tries to bring natural charm to all of its interiors and exteriors. The walls throughout the entrance hall are decorated with a number of beautiful oil paintings and murals. While in the room, you’ll find some wall paintings with nuances of wildlife. Of all the hotels in Bilbao Spain, NYX is quite serious about decor and a touch of art.
If you’re not sure where to go next, feel free to ask the NYX Hotel Bilbao staff. They’ll be willing to guide you to some of Bilbao’s most famous attractions. Places such as the Guggenheim Museum, Isozaki Atea – the tallest local tower, and Teatro Arriaga – a neo-Baroque style opera house, are only a few minutes’ walks from here. You can also sign up for a customized private tour and experience roaming around like a local.
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Hotel Tayko Bilbao
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Operating since 1924, Hotel Tayko Bilbao is among the oldest of all hotels in Bilbao Spain. It’s no exaggeration that this place called the best in reflecting the local history in the last 150 years. What’s more, their buildings are located in the old town area with a rich architectural and design heritage.
For those of you who are curious about Basque cuisine, pay a visit to Ola and Gastrobar Patri restaurants. Both are located within the hotel complex and managed by a Michelin-starred chef, Martin Berasategui. Satisfy your culinary cravings by tasting tapas or other local best.
Standing in one of Bilbao’s oldest districts, you’ll have no trouble finding interesting places around the Tayko Hotel. The Arriaga Theater is only 200 meters from here. Meanwhile, by walking for about 15 minutes, you can visit the Guggenheim Museum or Catedral de Santiago. Just make sure you bring along a travel-size sunscreen or polarized sunglasses, as the weather here can be very hot, especially around August.
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Ercilla Hotel
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Located in the heart of Bilbao, Ercilla Hotel is a stylish accommodation that’s ready to cater to all your needs while staying in Europe’s Best City 2018. Each of their rooms carries a soothing brown-white tone. You’ll also get free WiFi and a private bathroom. If you need a little exercise, don’t hesitate to stop by their fitness center.
One thing that makes Ercilla stand out from other best hotels in Bilbao is its restaurant. They have Bermeo, which serves a variety of traditional Basque cuisine and international food. There’s also the Le Club Lounge, where you can satisfy your culinary cravings while enjoying panoramic views of the city from the rooftop. If you’re looking for something more casual, head straight to The Lobby, a stylish bar located near the receptionist.
Can’t wait to put on your new white sneakers and stroll along the Bilbao estuary? Don’t worry because there’s a lot to see here. You can start at the famous Guggenheim Museum, continue on to the magnificent San Mames Stadium, and finish by admiring the beautiful architecture of the Arriaga Theater or Catedral de Santiago. All these places are only about 15 minutes walk from the Ercilla Hotel.
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Hesperia Bilbao
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There are many hotels in Bilbao Spain, but maybe only a few that offer a picturesque appeal such as the Hesperia Bilbao. The exterior has become a prominent part of the city skyline, ever since it’s decorated with beautifully colored windows. What an eye-catcher!
Once you enter Hesperia Bilbao, you’ll be amazed by their excellent service. Whether it’s for leisure or business, their rooms and facilities will provide all the comfort you need during your stay. You’ll get all the standard facilities such as free WiFi, private bathroom, toiletries, and more.
Visit some of Bilbao’s biggest shopping streets in just a five-minute walk from Hesperia. Once the mealtime arrives, you can return to the hotel to stop by La Ria restaurant and taste some local Basque dishes. After that, you can continue relaxing at La Orilla, a terrace bar with views of the city center and their great flamenco concerts. We know, it’s perfect, right?
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Hotel Gran Bilbao
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This bright accommodation has stunning decor, distinctly charming from the moment you step foot into the front lobby. The atmosphere is just as welcoming as soon as you step into one of the rooms. Each of them is spacious, decorated with different backdrops and wooden furniture. Among other hotels in Bilbao Spain, this one really stands out.
Hotel Gran Bilbao is only 500 meters from the old town, one of the most scenic local districts. Often called Casco Viejo, this unique spot has a vibrant atmosphere. There’s Plaza Nueva, a large, open-air pedestrian area where you can find a variety of shops and bars. Five minutes from there, you can admire the stunning 14th-century gothic architecture of the Catedral de Santiago.
If you need to recharge, go straight to the on-site restaurant. Hotel Gran Bilbao has a bright cafe that serves a variety of avant-garde cuisine to satisfy your culinary cravings. For those who want to spend some time relaxing, there’s a cafe-bar and elegant lounge area in the lobby.
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Recommended Restaurants/Bars in Bilbao:
- Casa Victor Montes – Since its founding in 1849, Victor Montes has never failed to attract local luminaries and residents with its excellent wine list and great food. Make sure you order the txuleta, their unbeatable seven-year-old cow beef T-bone steak.
- La Vina del Ensanche – Any local would agree that La Vina del Ensanche is one of the best dining spots around. Since starting the business in 1927, they have always been adored by fans over the years. La Vina’s top-notch menu includes crispy asparagus tempura, seared mackerel, and more.
- Minra Restaurante – Reservation is a must here. Offering fine cuisine and stunning riverside views of Bilbao, Mina Restaurante is called by many to be the best around. Get ready to be surprised by unique dishes such as spider crab with passion fruit and bone-marrow cake with seasonal mushrooms.
Recommended Activities in Bilbao:
- San Mames Museum and Stadium Tour – Come and see the historic arena of the Athletic Club. Take in the Cathedral and all its glory, from the dressing room to the pitch. This tour is a must for all football enthusiasts.
- Sightseeing Boat Tour – There’s no better way to experience life in the heart of Bilbao than a two-hour boat tour of the City Hall bridge. Venture past local historic buildings, learn about their fascinating stories and soak up the vibrant atmosphere.
- Guggenheim Museum Private Guide Visit – Find out why architect Frank Gehry’s work has received worldwide recognition. Uncover the great story behind this titanium-clad building. The Guggenheim is one of the most important architectural pieces you won’t want to miss while in Bilbao.
