Where to Stay in San Sebastian and Bilbao, Spain: Best Locations

If you’re planning a trip to Northern Spain, choosing the right place to stay in San Sebastián and Bilbao is key to making the most of your visit. While many guides overwhelm you with endless options in every neighborhood, I’ve narrowed down the ideal options in the best neighborhoods for where to stay in San Sebastian and Bilbao. After reading through tons of reviews and exploring the cities, I’ve picked out the best centrally located spots that are perfect for sightseeing, but still tucked away on quiet side streets for a peaceful night’s sleep. Whether you’re after a cozy boutique hotel in San Sebastián or a modern stay in Bilbao, I’ve got you covered. Keep reading to find out exactly where to stay in these amazing Basque cities!

San Sebastian Hotel Recommendations

If you’re in San Sebastian to eat, then staying in the Old Town of San Sebastián is the best choice. The area is packed with pintxos bars, so you’ll only be steps away from all the pintxo action. You can easily stroll from one bar to the next, sampling all the different bites and going back for more at your favorites. Plus, it’s super close to the beach promenade, where you can take a relaxing stroll along the coast after all that eating, and it’s near other top sights in the city. The lively vibe, beautiful streets, and prime location make it the perfect spot to enjoy both the local flavors and the best of San Sebastián. Check out my picks for where to stay to be in the heart of the Old Town, but on more peaceful side streets.

Pension Iturriza

We stayed at the Pension Iturriza and found it to be super convenient. While the rooms are on the cozy side, they are clean with minimalist vibes. Ideal for resting after a long day of eating. The location is my idea of perfect; right in the heart of the old town, but tucked away on a quiet side street. It is a short walk to all the pintxos bars and the beach.

Pension Garibai

Another option we considered is Pension Garibai, which is also in the Old Town but a little closer to the beach. The rooms have cute balconies overlooking the Old Town streets. This would also be a great option for families who need more space since they suites with a bedroom and a living room.

Haizean Apartment

If you’re traveling with a larger group or family, then an apartment rental is your best bet for more space. The Haizean Apartment is a 3 bedroom 2 bath apartment with a generously sized living room great for relaxing after a day of walking and eating. It has a great location in the Old Town but facing a small square. There’s no better place to feel like a temporary local and imagine yourself being lucky enough to eat this way every day.

If those stays are all booked up, check out these other highly rated accommodations in the heart of the Old Town:

Bilbao Hotel Recommendations

The two best areas to stay on a first visit to Bilbao are the elegant Ensanche district and the vibrant neighborhood of Casco Viejo (or Old Town). The Ensanche district is perfect for those who want to be in the heart of the city, with easy access to shopping, dining, transportation, and cultural attractions like the Guggenheim Museum. With its wide boulevards and stately buildings, the Ensanche district is the more modern area to stay.

If you prefer a more historic and charming vibe, then stay in Casco Viejo, or the Old Town. With its narrow, winding streets and traditional Basque bars, it’s ideal for those wanting that vibrant local atmosphere. While I usually prefer staying in the Old Town, we ultimately chose the Ensanche district because of convenience to the transportation.

Bilbao Ensanche District

Bilbao City Rooms

We stayed at the Bilbao City Rooms. The location is again fantastic since it is walking distance to the Guggenheim Museum and to the tapas bars. However, the room itself was not our favorite. It was definitely clean, but pretty close quarters. The bathroom was basically next to the bed, and separated by just a sliding glass door. You can imagine that using the bathroom was not the most private experience. The price is reasonable though, so you can’t expect luxury when paying budget prices.

Inside Bilbao Apartments

If visiting again now, I would probably consider the Inside Bilbao Apartments, which are in a similar location but are modern apartments with more space.

Bilbao Casco Viejo (Old Town)

Pension Boutique Caravan Cinema

The Pension Boutique Caravan Cinema is a great option for families because besides the standard rooms, they also have apartments available for more space. The rooms are decorated with a vintage vibe that really complements the Old Town atmosphere.

Pension Basque Boutique

The Pension Basque Boutique is in the Old Town and just one block away from the river. The location is amazing if you’re looking to be right in the middle of the action. Since it is right in the heart of the Old Town, this area can get loud on weekends. If you’re there for the lively atmosphere then you will be happy to be in the thick of it, but if you’re looking for quiet nights consider other options.

If those stays are not quite right, check out these other highly rated options in Bilbao:

Bonus: Barcelona Hotel Recommendation

Barcelona is one of the main international airports in Spain. If you find yourself flying into or out of Barcelona, definitely consider staying one night in Barcelona to explore!

Izaila Plaza Catalunya

We stayed at the Izaila Plaza Catalunya and loved it. The location right off Plaza Catalunya is amazing for ease of transportation. There are plenty of shops and restaurants walking distance away, and Gaudi’s houses and Las Ramblas are also just a couple minutes walk away. The room was clean, spacious, and modern. Of the places we have stayed in Barcelona, this was my favorite.

If this hotel is not quite what you’re looking for, check out these other hotels near Plaza Catalunya.

Don’t forget to check out our complete Northern Spain and Portugal Itinerary for recommendations on the best pintxos bars!