Bilbao’s hostel scene is seriously impressive – clean, modern, and way beyond the cramped bunks-and-broken-showers stereotype. Whether you’re a backpacker looking to meet people, a solo traveler on a budget, or even a couple wanting to save cash, Bilbao’s hostels deliver quality without the price tag. And honestly? For the money you save on accommodation, you can splurge on pintxos and actually visit that Guggenheim Museum.
The Basque Country takes hospitality seriously, and that extends to budget travel. Expect stylish design, good Wi-Fi, helpful staff who actually know the city, and common areas where you’ll meet travelers from around the world. Prices? Dorm beds start around €15-24 per night, with private rooms from €60-130. Not bad for one of Spain’s coolest cities.
Best Areas to Stay in Bilbao for Hostels
Casco Viejo (Old Town) – Best for Atmosphere
This is where you want to be if you love that authentic European vibe. Casco Viejo is Bilbao’s historic heart with narrow cobblestone streets, the famous Seven Streets (Siete Calles), endless pintxos bars, and a buzzing nightlife scene.
Hostels here put you steps from Plaza Nueva, the Ribera Market, and Santiago Cathedral. You can roll out of bed and directly into the best food and bar scene in the city. The Quartier Bilbao Hostel is right in the heart of the Old Quarter, offering “location, cozy vibes, and yummy breakfast”.
Pros: Unbeatable atmosphere, walking distance to everything, endless food options, perfect for meeting other travelers.
Cons: Can get noisy on weekends, streets are narrow (dragging luggage over cobblestones isn’t fun), buildings are older, so expect stairs without elevators.
Perfect for: Backpackers, solo travelers, foodies, and anyone who wants the full Bilbao experience.
Abando – Best Central Location
Abando is Bilbao’s modern city center – the business district meets residential elegance. You’re walking distance to the Guggenheim Museum, the Gran Vía shopping street, and it’s quieter than Casco Viejo while still being central.
The Abando train station gives you excellent connections to San Sebastián and other Basque cities. This area is cleaner, more organized, and feels safer for first-timers. Several hostels and budget hotels occupy this zone, offering good value with less party atmosphere.
Perfect for: First-time visitors, travelers who want museums and culture, and anyone who prefers quiet nights after busy days.
Indautxu – Best for Nightlife & Shopping
Indautxu is where young people and students hang out. It’s got a vibrant nightlife with bars and clubs staying open until early morning. The neighborhood also has excellent shopping and dining options.
It’s well-connected by metro and train, making it easy to reach both Casco Viejo and Abando on foot (20-30 minutes) or quickly by public transport. Hostels here offer that sweet spot of central location with a younger, more energetic vibe.
Perfect for: Young travelers, students, digital nomads, and anyone who likes staying out late.
Deusto – Best Quiet & Budget Option
Deusto is a residential neighborhood near the university with cheaper accommodation and a more local, less touristy feel. Bilbao Akelarre Hostel is positioned here on the Camino de Santiago route.
You’ll need to use the metro (three stations: Deustu, Sarriko, and San Ignazio connect you to Abando in 6 minutes and Casco Viejo in 7 minutes ). Prices here start from €60 per night, cheaper than in central areas.
Perfect for: Longer stays, budget-conscious travelers, pilgrims on the Camino, and people who prefer quieter residential vibes.
Best Hostels in Bilbao (Top Picks)
Social & Backpacker Hostels
Quartier Bilbao Hostel – Rated #1 Best Overall Hostel in Bilbao. Located in the heart of Casco Viejo at Artekale 15.
Dorms from €22-28 per night, private rooms from €58-130. Features include free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, board games, and a rooftop terrace perfect for sunset views. Guests use personal door codes instead of key cards. The hostel is 1.2km from the city center with convenient metro access.
Travelers love it for the location, cozy vibes, and excellent breakfast. Rating: 7.9 Very Good with 1,722 reviews.
Latroupe la Granja – The closest thing Bilbao has to a party hostel. Located at Plaza Circular 3, it offers air-conditioned rooms, free Wi-Fi, and a lively bar.
Dorms from €29-36 per night, private rooms from €120-193. While not a full-on party scene, if you bring the energy, they provide the drinks and atmosphere. Near San Mamés Metro Station and Funicular de Artxanda. Rating: 9.4 on Hostelworld.
Modern & Design Hostels
Poshtel Bilbao – This is boutique hostel style with vintage-shabby-chic common rooms, leather sofas, indoor plants, and Instagram-friendly decor. Bike seats for stools? Yep, they’ve got it.
Dorms from €20-32 per night, private rooms from €108. Located at C/ Heros 7, just 0.52km from the city center. Features free Wi-Fi and a trendy atmosphere perfect for couples or travelers who appreciate design. Rating: 8.7 Fabulous with 1,120 reviews.
Eco-Friendly & Sustainable
Ekoos Hostel – The first eco-friendly and sustainable accommodation in the Basque Country. It’s also the cheapest hostel in Bilbao.
Dorms from €24 per night, private rooms from €200. Located at Bruno Mauricio Zabala Kalea 15. Features an epic community space, great bunk beds, and air conditioning. Perfect for conscious travelers who want budget prices with environmental values.
Female-Only & Women-Focused
Lamia BBK Women’s Hostel – A women-only hostel offering safe, comfortable accommodation exclusively for female travelers.
Dorms from €15 per night. Guests consistently praise it as “calm, feels safe, and pretty clean overall. Beds were comfy, and the lockers were a decent size”. Rating: 9.2 Superb with 40 reviews.
For solo female travelers, this hostel plus general Bilbao safety (rated 7.9/10 overall safety index for solo women ) makes the city an excellent choice.
Budget-Friendly Basics
Bilbao Akelarre Hostel – Located in Deusto on the Camino de Santiago at Morgan 4-6.
Dorms from €23 per night, private rooms from €61. Private rooms include coffee machines. This is a fabulous option for pilgrims and budget backpackers who don’t mind being slightly outside the center.
Bilbao Aterpetxea Hostel – Located 10 minutes from the city center on a 22,000 m² estate with gardens and sports areas.
Dorms from €18.36 per night. Perfect if you want space, nature, and don’t mind a short commute. Rating: 6.9 Good with 203 reviews.
Hostel Facilities You Can Expect
Bilbao hostels typically include:
Free Wi-Fi – Standard across all hostels
Lockers – Secure storage in dorm rooms (bring your own padlock or rent one)
Shared kitchens – Save money by cooking your own meals
Common areas – Lounges for meeting other travelers, often with board games
24-hour reception – Many offer this, though some have limited hours (check policies)
Luggage storage – Useful if you’re checking out early but leaving Bilbao later
Laundry facilities – Some hostels have dryers and washing machines
Free breakfast – Quartier, Latroupe, and All Iron Hostel offer this
Tips for Booking a Hostel in Bilbao
Best Time of Year to Book
Book at least 72-89 days in advance for the best prices. The lowest prices appear when booking 3+ months ahead, around €31 per night.
High season: May is the most expensive month with average rates rising 342%. Low season: March and September offer the best deals with prices dropping up to 51%.
Cheapest days: Wednesday is cheapest at €25/night average, while Tuesday is most expensive at €68/night. Sunday also offers good rates at €28/night.
Choosing a Dorm vs Private Room
Dorm rooms: €15-36 per night, depending on hostel and season. Great for solo travelers on tight budgets and meeting people. Look for hostels offering female-only dorms if you’re a woman traveling alone.
Private rooms: €58-200 per night. Perfect for couples or travelers who want hostel prices with privacy. Some include en-suite bathrooms and coffee machines.
Safety Tips for Solo Travelers
Bilbao is very safe – rated 7.9/10 overall safety for solo female travelers. The city has generally low crime rates, and “a woman can walk alone safely at 3 a, according to locals.
Choose hostels with:
- Safety scores of 8+
- Cleanliness ratings of 8+
- Female-only dorms if you’re a solo woman
- Keycard access or personal door codes for security
General safety tips:
- Keep belongings secure in hostel lockers
- Use the reliable metro system for safe nighttime transport
- Stick to well-lit, populated areas at night
- The Abando metro station offers efficient, safe navigation
Age Limits
Most Bilbao hostels have an 18+ age requirement. Minors can only stay if accompanied by a responsible adult and must book private rooms, never mixed dorms.
Maximum stay: Some hostels limit stays to 14 days.
Cost Guide: Hostel Prices in Bilbao
Average dorm prices:
- Budget hostels: €15-24 per night
- Mid-range hostels: €24-32 per night
- Premium/party hostels: €29-36 per night
Private room prices:
- Budget prices: €58-70 per night
- Mid-range privates: €108-130 per night
- Boutique privates: €130-200 per night
Seasonal variations:
- March (low season): Average €20-25/night
- May (high season): Prices spike 300%+, averaging €60-80/night
- September: Good shoulder season deals
Booking timeline:
- 72+ days ahead: €31/night average
- Last-minute (under 7 days): €50-70/night average
- Peak season/festivals: Book 3-4 months ahead minimum
FAQs
Are hostels in Bilbao safe?
Yes, very safe. Bilbao is considered one of the safer Spanish cities with low crime rates. Hostels maintain high safety and cleanliness standards, with many scoring 8+ on safety ratings. Female travelers rate Bilbao 7.9/10 for overall safety. Choose accommodations with keycard access, lockers, and good reviews.
What is the best area for backpackers?
Casco Viejo (Old Town) is perfect for backpackers who want atmosphere, nightlife, and social vibes. Quartier Bilbao Hostel offers the best combination of location, facilities, and community. For budget-conscious backpackers, Deusto offers lower prices and a quieter vibe.
Do Bilbao hostels have age limits?
Yes, most require guests to be 18 years or older. Minors can only stay if accompanied by adults and must book private rooms, not mixed dorms. There are no upper age limits – hostels welcome travelers of all ages.
Is Bilbao walkable from most hostels?
Absolutely. Bilbao is a compact, walkable city. Hostels in Casco Viejo put you directly in the historic center. Abando hostels are a 15-20 minute walk to major attractions. Indautxu is 20-30 minutes on foot to Casco Viejo. The metro system is excellent if you stay in Deusto – just 6-7 minutes to the central areas.
Choosing the Right Hostel in Bilbao
Best neighborhood summary:
- Casco Viejo: Atmosphere, nightlife, foodies, backpackers wanting social vibes
- Abando: First-timers, Guggenheim visitors, balanced central location
- Indautxu: Young travelers, nightlife seekers, shoppers
- Deusto: Budget travelers, longer stays, quiet residential feel
Match hostel to your style:
- Social butterflies: Quartier Bilbao or Latroupe la Granja
- Design lovers: Poshtel Bilbao
- Eco-conscious: Ekoos Hostel
- Solo female travelers: Lamia BBK WomeWomen’stel
- Serious budget: Bilbao Akelarre or Ekoos
Final budget travel tips:
Book 72-89 days ahead for €31/night rates
Visit in March or September for 51% discounts
Stay on Wednesday or Sunday for the cheapest nightly rates
Choose Casco Viejo to walk everywhere and skip transport costs
Cook in shared kitchens to save on food
Free breakfast hostels (Quartier, Latroupe) save €5-10 daily
Bilbao’s hostels punch way above their weight class – you get clean, modern, social accommodation in one of Spain’s coolest cities for backpacker prices. Whether you’re crashing in a €15 dorm or splurging on a €70 private room, you’re saving enough to actually experience what makes the Basque Country special: incredible food, world-class art, and that uniquely Basque mix of tradition and innovation. Book early, pick your vibe, and get ready for one of Europe’s best budget travel destinations.
