Casco Viejo Travel Guide
Bilbao
Visit Casco Viejo
Popular places to visit
Plaza Nueva
Feast on an appetizing variety of local gourmet dishes while marveling at the architectural splendor of this popular city plaza.
Santiago Cathedral
Wander through ancient chapels, admire centuries-old religious art and visit a Gothic cloister at this important Roman Catholic building.
Ribera Market
Bring your shopping bags for three floors of market stalls at this centuries-old fresh produce market in the city’s historical quarter.
Plaza Miguel de Unamuno
Revel in the lively ambiance of this old town square and tour some of the notable buildings in and around it.
Arriaga Theater
For your evening's entertainment while in the city reserve seats for a show or play at this spectacular 19th-century theater.
Etxebarria Park
Explore the great outdoors at Etxebarria Park, a lovely green space in Bilbao. Stroll along the area's riverfront or experience its fascinating museums.
Things to do
Bilbao: Gaztelugatxe, Bermeo, Mundaka and Gernika with Txakoli
San Sebastian & Biarritz full day tour
Bilbao: San Mamés Museum and Stadium Tour
1-Hour Bilbao city Boat Tour or 2-Hour cruise to Portugalete
Bilbao visits Architecture and History combined by Bus and Foot
Top hotels in Casco Viejo
Petit Palace Arana
"Hotel is in a great location. AC worked great and room was clean. That’s about the only positive thing. It’s a very old hotel that was semi remodeled. The bathroom were redone and look modern however the shower door didn’t close all the way and water was all over the floor. The bed was ‘newish’ and ..."
Reviewed on 20 Jun 2026
NYX Hotel Bilbao by Leonardo Hotels
"The rooms are small, very small single wardrobe , very little space for cases even for 2 small trolly cases ! I had booked Superior double ( Space) ! The location is very good , close to old town and all Pintxos and restaurants, Did NOT see any Roof terrace ! As it was closed ."
Reviewed on 20 Jun 2026
Hotel Tayko Bilbao
"Exactly as described. Perfect for a short break and right in the centre of everything."
Reviewed on 22 Jun 2026
Sercotel Arenal Bilbao
"A wonderful hotel in the old town and close to the river. The staff were lovely and extremely helpful. The room was spacious and spotlessly clean. We found the air conditioning a bit underpowered - more of an air cooler than an air conditioner - but we did visit in a 40 degree heatwave! There’s a ..."
Reviewed on 23 Jun 2026
LETOH LETOH Bilbao
"This was an amazing location in the old town, very nice, modern clean hotel aesthetic and staff were so friendly. The bed was so comfortable in the room too which strong air-con."
Reviewed on 23 Jun 2026
Goien Boutique Hotel
"Hi! I’m Tamara. I just loved loved loved my stay @ the hotel, sad it was just for 1 night. As soon as you walk in, you are greeted by the quaint, calm & quiet charm of the decor, as well as the amazing front desk staff. I was solo, so my room was on the small side, but the layout was amazing, so ..."
Reviewed on 23 Jun 2026
Where to stay in Casco Viejo
Bilbao City Centre
Bilbao City Centre is highly notable for its fascinating museums, and you might want to visit top sights like Guggenheim Museum Bilbao and Plaza Moyua. See more of Bilbao by jumping on the metro at Moyua Station or Abando Station.
Bilbao Old Town
Museums, shopping and theatres highlight some notable features of Bilbao Old Town. Make a stop by Plaza Nueva or Arriaga Theater while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Arriga Tram Stop or Casco Viejo Station to get around town.
Abando
Ample dining options, fascinating museums, and beautiful river views are just a few top things to explore in Abando. A visit to Guggenheim Museum Bilbao or Plaza Moyua might round out your trip, and you can jump aboard the metro at Moyua Station or Indautxu Station to get around town.
Indautxu
While you're in Indautxu, take in top sights like Ensanche or Euskalduna Conference Centre and Concert Hall, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Indautxu Station or Sabino Arana Tram Stop.
San Francisco
You'll enjoy the bars and theatres in San Francisco. You might want to make time for a stop at Bilborock or Bay of Biscay.
