Question 1

What is the best area to stay in Bilbao?

Accepted Answer

The best area to stay in Bilbao is Abando, particularly around the Ensanche district, for its central location and easy access to the city's main attractions.

Abando is Bilbao's commercial and financial heart, characterised by its wide boulevards and elegant 19th-century buildings. The Gran Vía Don Diego López de Haro, often simply called Gran Vía, is the main thoroughfare, lined with high-end shops, department stores, and hotels. The area is well-connected by public transport, including the metro and trams, making it simple to get around.

For couples, Abando offers a sophisticated base. You'll find many excellent restaurants, including those with Michelin stars, superb for a special evening out. The proximity to the Museo de Bellas Artes and the Guggenheim Museum means you can easily enjoy art and culture. The Doña Casilda Iturrizar Park provides a lovely green space for a relaxed stroll.

Solo travellers will also find Abando very convenient. The area is bustling during the day and has a good selection of bars and cafes for an evening drink or meal.

Question 2

What are the best hotels in Bilbao that travellers recommend?

Accepted Answer

Two of the best hotels in Bilbao that receive consistently high recommendations from travellers are The Artist Grand Hotel of Art and Hotel Miro.

The 5-star The Artist Grand Hotel of Art, with an exceptional 9.8 rating, is a luxury option known for its Art Deco design and amenities like valet parking and a Turkish bath or hammam. Guests frequently praise the great location, the spacious rooms, and the amazing breakfast. It is incredibly close to the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, just 0.1 km away, and the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum, which is 0.3 km away.

Another highly recommended option is the 4-star Hotel Miro, which has an excellent 9.4 rating. This hotel is praised for its comfortable and clean rooms, excellent service, and friendly staff. It is also well-located, being only 0.2 km from the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao.

The 5-star Hotel Melia Bilbao, rated 9.0, is another excellent choice. It offers amenities such as a rainfall showerhead and some rooms feature a balcony with river views. It is conveniently located near San Mames Stadium and the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum.

Question 3

What are the best family hotels in Bilbao?

Accepted Answer

For families travelling to Bilbao, excellent options include The Artist Grand Hotel of Art, Hotel Melia Bilbao, and Hotel Puerta de Bilbao.

The 5-star The Artist Grand Hotel of Art, with an outstanding 9.8 rating, is an ideal choice for families. It offers complimentary cribs, connecting rooms, and specific kids' meals. Additional conveniences include onsite babysitting and childcare services, along with indulgent amenities like bathrobes, premium bedding, and 24-hour room service. Its prime location places it just 0.1 km from the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao and 0.6 km from Funicular de Artxanda. Guests consistently praise its superb location, helpful staff, and spacious rooms.

Another superb option is the 5-star Hotel Melia Bilbao, rated 9.0. This hotel provides rollaway extra beds, onsite babysitting and childcare, and complimentary cribs. Families can also benefit from spacious suites and complimentary toiletries. It is conveniently located 0.6 km from the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao and 0.7 km from San Mames Stadium. Guests frequently highlight its excellent location, comfortable and clean rooms, and friendly staff.

The 4-star Hotel Puerta de Bilbao, with an 8.4 rating, is also well-suited for families. It features complimentary accommodation for children per adult, sofa beds, free cribs, and travel cribs. The hotel also boasts a children's pool, stair gates, connecting rooms, and child-friendly window designs, ensuring a comfortable and secure stay for younger guests. Guests appreciate the comfortable rooms. Find more child-friendly accommodations in Bilbao

Question 4

What are the best 5-star hotels in Bilbao?

Accepted Answer

For exceptional 5-star accommodation in Bilbao, consider The Artist Grand Hotel of Art, Hotel Melia Bilbao, Radisson Collection Bilbao, and Palacio Arriluce Hotel.

The Artist Grand Hotel of Art is a 5-star hotel with an outstanding 9.8 rating. It is celebrated for its Art Deco design, premium bedding, and luxurious amenities such as deep soaking bathtubs and a Turkish bath or hammam. Guests consistently praise its superb location, with the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao just 0.1 km away and the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum 0.3 km away. The staff are described as extremely helpful, and the rooms as spacious.

The 5-star Hotel Melia Bilbao, rated 9.0, offers comfortable and clean rooms, many with river views or balconies. It features suites and rainfall showerheads, and guests frequently praise the excellent location, with the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum just 0.4 km away and the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao 0.6 km away. The staff are noted for being very friendly.

Another excellent choice is the 5-star Radisson Collection Bilbao, which holds a 9.0 rating. This hotel is located within a shopping district and offers spacious, clean rooms, bathrobes, and an indoor pool. Guests highlight its brilliant location, with the Arriaga Theater 0.3 km away and the Palacio de la Diputación Foral de Vizcaya 0.4 km away. The staff are friendly, and the food is described as incredible.

Finally, the 5-star Palacio Arriluce Hotel, with a 9.0 rating, provides lovely rooms and a beautiful location, particularly appealing for those who enjoy sea views. It features premium bedding and air conditioning. It is located near Playa de la Bola, just 0.4 km away, and Abra Getxo Marina, 0.2 km away. The staff are noted for being friendly and helpful. Find more luxury hotels in Bilbao

Question 5

What are the best spa hotels in Bilbao?

Accepted Answer

For a relaxing stay with excellent spa facilities in Bilbao, consider the Mercure Bilbao Jardines De Albia, The Artist Grand Hotel of Art, and Catalonia Gran Vía Bilbao.

The 4-star Mercure Bilbao Jardines De Albia, with a 9.0 rating, offers an extensive spa experience including detoxification wraps, hot stone massages, body treatments, and aromatherapy. It is conveniently located just 0.7 km from the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao and 0.8 km from the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum. Guests frequently praise the clean and spacious rooms, excellent breakfast, and friendly staff.

The 5-star The Artist Grand Hotel of Art, boasting an exceptional 9.8 rating, features a full-service spa with Turkish baths, hammam, body scrubs, and steam rooms, with treatments available daily. Its location is superb, being only 0.1 km from the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao and 0.3 km from the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum. Reviewers consistently highlight the superb location, extremely helpful staff, and spacious rooms.

Another excellent choice is the 4.5-star Catalonia Gran Vía Bilbao, rated 9.6. This hotel provides a full-service spa with a steam room, sauna, and massage treatments available daily. It is centrally located, 0.4 km from the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum and 0.8 km from the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao. Guests often praise the friendly staff, fabulous central location, and great rooms. See all spa hotels in Bilbao

Question 6

What hotels in Bilbao offer free breakfast?

Accepted Answer

For hotels in Bilbao that offer complimentary breakfast, consider the Basoan, Holiday Inn Express Bilbao by IHG, Petit Palace Tamarises, and Pensión AliciaZzz Bed & Breakfast.

The 4-star Basoan, with an exceptional 10.0 rating, provides free continental breakfast daily. Guests consistently describe the rooms as fabulous.

The 3-star Holiday Inn Express Bilbao by IHG, rated 8.4, offers a free buffet breakfast and free airport transportation. Guests frequently praise the friendly and helpful staff, the great breakfast, and the spacious rooms.

The 3-star Petit Palace Tamarises, also rated 8.4, includes a free buffet breakfast daily. Guests often highlight the great and comfortable rooms, as well as the great location. It is also conveniently located near Playa de la Bola, which is just 0.7 km away.

Pensión AliciaZzz Bed & Breakfast, with an 8.2 rating, provides a free continental breakfast daily. It is well-situated near the Museum of Passages of Bilbao, only 0.3 km away.

Question 7

What are the top pet-friendly hotels in Bilbao?

Accepted Answer

For top pet-friendly hotels in Bilbao, consider Palacio Urgoiti and Sercotel Ayala Bilbao.

The 4-star Palacio Urgoiti, with an excellent 9.2 rating, warmly welcomes pets and provides food and water bowls for their comfort.

Another superb choice is the 4-star Sercotel Ayala Bilbao, also rated 9.2. This hotel is very accommodating for both dogs and cats, offering food and water bowls. Guests consistently praise the comfortable, clean rooms and the friendly, helpful staff. Its location is excellent, being just 0.9 km from Guggenheim Museum Bilbao and 0.8 km from Funicular de Artxanda. See more pet-friendly hotels in Bilbao

Question 8

What are the top boutique hotels in Bilbao?

Accepted Answer

For top boutique hotels in Bilbao, consider The Artist Grand Hotel of Art, Casa Rural Errota-Barri, Petit Palace Tamarises, Petit Palace Arana, and Hotel Sercotel Coliseo.

The 5-star The Artist Grand Hotel of Art, with an outstanding 9.8 rating, embodies boutique luxury with its Art Deco design. Guests can enjoy premium bedding, 24-hour room service, and a deep soaking bathtub. It is exceptionally well-located, being just 0.1 km from the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao and 0.3 km from the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum.

Casa Rural Errota-Barri, rated 9.8, offers a more rustic boutique experience with spacious rooms and complimentary parking options, including free self-parking and nearby free parking.

The 3-star Petit Palace Tamarises, with an 8.4 rating, provides a great location near the coast, being only 0.4 km from Abra Getxo Marina and 0.7 km from Playa de la Bola. Guests benefit from a complimentary buffet breakfast and free WiFi.

Petit Palace Arana, a 3-star hotel with an 8.2 rating, is situated in a historical district. It is conveniently located just 0.1 km from Arriaga Theater and 0.2 km from Santiago Cathedral. Guests frequently praise its excellent location and friendly staff.

The 4-star Hotel Sercotel Coliseo, rated 9.2, offers comfortable and clean rooms. It provides convenient accessibility features such as accessible parking and a fitness centre. The hotel is well-situated, being 0.2 km from Palacio de la Diputación Foral de Vizcaya and 0.5 km from Arriaga Theater. See all boutique hotels in Bilbao

Question 9

What are the best budget hotels in Bilbao?

Accepted Answer

For excellent budget-friendly hotels in Bilbao, consider the 3-star Petit Palace Tamarises, the 3-star Holiday Inn Express Bilbao by IHG, or the 7 Kale Bed and Breakfast.

The 3-star Petit Palace Tamarises, with an 8.4 rating, offers free WiFi and a complimentary buffet breakfast. Guests often praise its comfortable rooms and great location, being close to Playa de la Bola, which is just 0.7 km away.

Another great option is the 3-star Holiday Inn Express Bilbao by IHG, also rated 8.4. This hotel provides a free breakfast, free self-parking, and complimentary airport transportation, making it very convenient. Guests frequently praise the friendly and helpful staff, the excellent front desk service, and the spacious rooms.

The 7 Kale Bed and Breakfast, with an 8.6 rating, offers free WiFi, a complimentary continental breakfast, and free toiletries. This hotel is well-located for exploring, being only 0.4 km from the Museum of Passages of Bilbao and 0.5 km from the Church of the Sacred Heart. View all budget hotels in Bilbao

Question 10

What are the most romantic hotels in Bilbao for couples?

Accepted Answer

For a romantic stay in Bilbao, couples should consider The Artist Grand Hotel of Art, Hotel Tayko Bilbao, or Catalonia Gran Vía Bilbao.

The 5-star The Artist Grand Hotel of Art, with an exceptional 9.8 rating, offers a luxurious experience with its Art Deco design. Couples can enjoy premium bedding, 24-hour room service, and relax in a deep soaking bathtub or the Turkish bath. Its location is ideal for cultural excursions, being just 0.1 km from the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao and 0.3 km from the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum. Guests frequently praise the spacious rooms and exceptional service.

Another excellent choice for couples is the 4-star Hotel Tayko Bilbao, rated 9.6. This hotel is situated in a historical district, close to the Arriaga Theater (0.2 km) and Santiago Cathedral (0.2 km). Many rooms feature a balcony, great for enjoying the city views. Guests consistently highlight the friendly staff and the beautiful, clean rooms.

The 4.5-star Catalonia Gran Vía Bilbao, with a 9.6 rating, provides a relaxing retreat with its full-service spa, including a steam room and sauna. Some rooms offer a furnished balcony, ideal for a private moment together. The hotel is centrally located, with the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum just 0.4 km away. Guests often comment on the friendly staff and the fantastic breakfast. See all romantic hotels in Bilbao

Question 11

What are the best hotels in Bilbao near Guggenheim Museum Bilbao?

Accepted Answer

For hotels in Bilbao near the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, two excellent choices are The Artist Grand Hotel of Art and Bilbao City Center by abba Suites.

The 5-star The Artist Grand Hotel of Art, with an outstanding 9.8 rating, is exceptionally close to the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, just 0.1 kilometres away. This hotel is designed with an Art Deco style and offers luxurious amenities such as deep soaking bathtubs, premium bedding, and 24-hour room service. For families, the hotel provides free cribs, connecting rooms, kids' meals, and on-site babysitting services. Guests frequently praise its great location, spacious rooms, and exceptional service.

Another highly-rated option is Bilbao City Center by abba Suites, which holds a 9.8 rating. Located just 0.6 kilometres from the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, this hotel offers spacious and clean suites with kitchens, free Wi-Fi, and complimentary toiletries. It also provides free cribs and child-friendly window designs, making it a good choice for families. Guests often highlight the helpful staff and excellent location.

Question 12

What hotels are near Bilbao (BIO)?

Accepted Answer

For hotels conveniently located near Bilbao Airport (BIO), consider the Holiday Inn Express Bilbao by IHG and the Hotel New Bilbao Airport.

The 3-star Holiday Inn Express Bilbao by IHG, with an 8.4 rating, offers a fantastic array of family-friendly amenities, including child-friendly window designs, connecting rooms, and free cots. Guests frequently praise the spacious rooms and the excellent, helpful staff. It also provides a free buffet breakfast, free self-parking, and complimentary airport transportation.

Another excellent choice is the 3-star Hotel New Bilbao Airport, rated 8.6. This hotel is commended for its comfortable and clean rooms and quiet location. It also provides free airport transportation through a scheduled shuttle service and offers free self-parking and complimentary toiletries.

Question 13

When is the best time to go to Bilbao?

Accepted Answer

The best time to go to Bilbao is during the spring months of April to June or the autumn months of September and October. These periods offer pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and a wide array of cultural events.

Spring in Bilbao sees temperatures ranging from 15°C to 22°C (59°F to 72°F), with a moderate amount of sunshine. This is an excellent time for exploring the city's architecture, enjoying walks along the Nervión River, and visiting outdoor cafes. The Aste Nagusia (Big Week) festival, though typically in August, means spring offers a good balance of good weather without the peak summer crowds.

Autumn provides similarly agreeable conditions, with temperatures between 18°C and 25°C (64°F to 77°F) in September, gradually cooling towards October. The city's culinary scene is particularly inviting during these months, as many local produce and mushroom festivals take place in the wider Basque Country. It's a prime time for food enthusiasts to experience the renowned pintxo culture.

While summer (July and August) is warm and sunny, with temperatures averaging around 25°C (77°F), it's also the busiest and most expensive time to visit.

Question 14

Where can I find the best nightlife in Bilbao?

Accepted Answer

Bilbao offers several distinct nightlife options, each with its own character.

The Casco Viejo (Old Town) is a popular choice, particularly around Plaza Nueva and Calle Somera. You'll find a high concentration of pintxo bars here, which transition into lively spots for drinks later in the evening. Many of these establishments are small and standing-room-only, fostering a sociable atmosphere. There are also several traditional pubs and some small music venues.

For a more modern feel, head to Abando, particularly the area around Indautxu and Moyúa. This district features a selection of cocktail bars, some with a more sophisticated design, and a few larger clubs that play a mix of popular and electronic music. It's generally a bit more spread out than the Old Town.

Calle Ledesma, just off Gran Vía, is another good option for an evening out. This street is pedestrianised and lined with numerous bars and restaurants that stay open late.

Question 15

Can I cancel my hotel reservation on Expedia?

Accepted Answer

You can cancel your hotel reservation on Expedia, although it depends on the cancellation policy of your booking. Most bookings are refundable if cancelled within 24 to 48 hours of the scheduled arrival. Be sure to check your booking confirmation for the exact cancellation policy. If free cancellation is available, you can cancel directly through your Expedia account by logging in, going to ‘My Trips’ and selecting your reservation. To find flexible deals, filter your search by ‘Fully refundable property’ for hotels in Bilbao.

Question 16

How can I save on a hotel booking in Bilbao with Expedia?

Accepted Answer

One Key™ – Expedia’s free travel rewards programme – gives you instant access to perks and Member Prices on Bilbao hotels. Plus, you’ll earn OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings to use on future trips. Booking an Expedia hotel and flight package is another great way to save, where bundling can result in significant savings.*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

Question 17

How much is the nightly rate for a hotel in Bilbao?

Accepted Answer

Prices for hotels in Bilbao often vary, but you can find a great deal from NZ$121 on Expedia. All sorts of factors affect price, such as the time of year or the days of the week you choose for your stay. Find the best deals by being flexible with your dates, and sort search results by ‘Price: low to high’ for our cheapest rates.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	48.4°F (9.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
February	48.6°F (9.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
March	51.4°F (10.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
April	54.1°F (12.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
May	58.3°F (14.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
June	63.9°F (17.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
July	67.8°F (19.9°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
August	68.7°F (20.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
September	66.6°F (19.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
October	62.2°F (16.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
November	55.0°F (12.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
December	50.9°F (10.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low

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