The 5 Best Hostels in Bilbao

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Without making you wait any longer, here are our top 5 hostels in Bilbao, divided into different categories. But just keep scrolling, there might be more options coming your way!

1. Quartier Bilbao Hostel – Best Overall Hostel in Bilbao

• Dorm (mixed): From $30
• Private Room: From $130
• Address: Artekale, 15, Bilbao, Spain

Quartier Bilbao is a great hostel for public transport and exploring the city, as the metro is a mere five-minute walk away. There’s also a free breakfast here, and a very cool terrace on the roof. An all-round cosy and well-maintained place (like hanging out in a cool cafe with beds), it’s the best overall hostel in Bilbao.

Why you’ll love this hostel:

• Sunny Roof Terrace
• Coffee Machine
• No curfew

There are plenty of reasons to love this hostel, but the main one must be the incredibly friendly and welcoming atmosphere. If you look at the reviews from previous guests, you’ll notice that pretty much all of them loved their stay, so you can turn up with high expectations!

You can choose between the typical dorm (mixed or female-only), but if you’re looking for a bit more alone time, book into one of the awesome private rooms. They come with an en-suite bathroom and free towels. No matter which room you go for, you’ll be guaranteed a comfy bed, a plug socket to charge your electronics and a locker that fits even the biggest backpack.

When it comes to amenities, this hostel can offer you a whole lot. Make use of the coffee machine in the morning, enjoy the tasty breakfast in one of the awesome common areas, or get some work done on your laptop with the high-speed Wifi (it’s free too by the way).

This Bilbao backpackers hostel is set close to the banks of the river and pretty much right in the middle of the old town. You know what that means – walking around charming, Instagrammable streets whilst hitting up some awesome historical sights. Pick up one of the free city maps from the reception and get ready to explore!

2. Residencia Universitaria Resa San Mamés – Best Hostel in Bilbao for Solo Travellers

• Private Room: From $113
• Address: Gurtubai Kalea 1, 48013 Bilbao, Biscay, Spain, Bilbao, Spain

This is the kinda place you can arrive at and feel totally comfortable literally right away. The staff welcome you into the vibrant atmosphere and tell you all about things to do in Bilbao – always handy. And great if you feel a bit weird showing up by yourself, as can sometimes happen when you’re travelling solo.

Really well run (i.e. security is taken seriously), this recommended hostel in Bilbao is also really clean and features some super big and very comfy beds. There is a 24-hour reception, massive common areas – none of that ‘cosy’ stuff – plus the ultra nice staff, which makes it the best hostel for solo travellers in Bilbao.

Why you’ll love this hostel:

• TV lounge
• Vending machine
• Games and Computer Room

If you want to meet new people and make friends, you’ve got plenty of opportunities to do so. Join the other Digital Nomads in the computer room. Or you can play a friendly tournament in the games room, or just chill with your new friends in front of the TV.

Or you could explore the area. The location of San Mames Residence is unbeatable, right next to the San Mames Stadium, so maybe you could go watch some football. Whatever you decide to do, do so knowing you’re sure to have a great rest in the private rooms.

3. Ekoos Hostel – Best Cheap Hostel in Bilbao

• Dorm (mixed): From $24
• Private Room: From $200
• Address: Bruno Mauricio Zabala Kalea, 15, 48003 Bilbao, Bilbao, Spain

Ekoos Hostel is the first eco-friendly and sustainable accommodation in the Basque Country that stands for conscious travelling. And, it’s conveniently the cheapest hostel on offer in Bilbao. With an epic community space, great bunk beds and air conditioning, you’ll want for nothing at this great value hostel.

The dorm rooms here might lack a bit of… pizzazz, but they’re well looked after – and these are really spacious too. So you can probably spread all of your belongings out over the floor with room enough for everyone else to do the same as well.

Why you’ll love this hostel:

• 18+ Dorm rooms
• Super central location
• Free city maps

While this place might be lacking a homely vibe and decor, I can’t recommend the Ekoos Hostel more to those who have to watch their budget. As one of the cheapest hostels around, you’ll get plenty of space and great amenities.

As I mentioned above, the rooms are super spacious, the hostel offers dorms and private rooms, which come with comfy beds and free linen. If you need a towel, you can rent one at the reception as well. The rooms are equipped with lockers, too, so you can store away all of your valuable belongings (for an extra cost).

If you’re a young backpacker, you might have to look for another place, as there’s an adults-only policy. Luckily, all travellers who fit the age category can enjoy a super central location and free city maps to explore the area in detail.

4. Latroupe la Granja – Best Party Hostel in Bilbao

• Dorm (mixed): From $62
• Private Room: From $193
• Address: Plaza Circular, 3, Bilbao, Spain

Ok, so bear with me, BEST PARTY HOSTEL is definitely a stretch, but half of what makes a party hostel is the vibes and the drinks. And if you bring the vibes, these guys provide the drinks, so you’re sussed! There isn’t the typical party hostel scene here, but this hostel attracts heaps of people, it’s relatively cheap and has epic co-working spaces.

If you know what’s up in the backpacking world, you’ll know that more and more people are becoming digital nomads… And everyone likes to part,y so this doesn’t mean your hostel’s going to be full of boring workaholics. With epic communal spaces and located in central Bilbao, you’re sure to find a good crew.

Why you’ll love this hostel:

• Spacious rooms
• Located in a lively neighbourhood
• Very affordable

Don’t expect a lot of bling and luxury, though. Instead, look forward to a super welcoming and cozy atmosphere. This Bilboa hostel is a great place to make new friends, have a laugh and have a super relaxed stay. There are daily events which are a great way to meet crew to party with, too.

The spacious dorms offer comfy beds and lockers to put your stuff away safely while you’re exploring the area. You’ll be located in Plaza Circular, which is a great budget backpacking area, so if you’re watching your expenses, this hostel and neighbourhood will give you the most for your money.

5. Optimi Rooms – Best Hostel for Digital Nomads in Bilbao

• Private Room: From $31
• Address: C/Doctor Areilza 58, Bajo, Bilbao, Spain

Forget the days of lounging in a hammock, trying to block your screen from the sun – this Bilbao hostel is designed to get work done. Perfect for digital nomads, the set-up of the communal spaces is very conducive to working. Whether you work best from a conference table or a high stool and bar type set up, you’re covered.

Your sleep hygiene will be on point (great for getting work done IMO) with storage lockers outside the sleeping capsule.

Why you’ll love this hostel:

• Edgy designer decor
• Free Saturday walking tours
• Family rooms

Since I already mentioned the beds above, let’s get more into the room details of this awesome hostel. While you can obviously enjoy the comfort of your own four walls in a capsule room, there are epic common spaces, too. But, with the seclusion of the pods, you can get a bit of alone time at least.

But that’s not all – Optimi also offers a special, superior double bed pod so lovers can stay together. On top of that, the ground floor rooms are all wheelchair accessible and specially adapted for people with disabilities. No one is being left out at this hostel!

Once you’ve settled in, it’s time to explore the area; get your hands on one of the free city maps at the reception and head out. You’ll quickly realise that you won’t need that map since you’re located close to some of the best attractions in Bilbao. If you want to get to know the city in its full details, join the free walking tour on Saturday.

Haven’t found the right hostel for you yet? No need to panic, I’ve got a few more awesome places in Bilbao coming right your way!

Bilbao Akelarre Hostel

• Dorm (mixed): From $23
• Private Room: From $61
• Address: Morgan, 4-6, Deusto, 48015 Bilbao, Spain

Positioned on Camino Santiago, Bilbao Akelarre Hotel is a fabulous option for backpackers. There are dorm rooms and private rooms to choose from, whether you’re travelling solo on a budget or balling with a crew, you’ve got options. The private rooms each have a coffee machine in them, which is a lovely touch if you ask me.

Close to the metro station for easy access around the city, Bilbao Akelarre Hostel is in an epic location in the heart of the city centre. The rooms are clean and the staff are lovely and more than happy to help yo out with anything you need in Bilbao.

Poshtel Bilbao

• Dorm (mixed): From $32
• Private Room: From $108
• Address: C/ Heros 7, 48009 Bilbao, Bilbao, Spain

Fancy a little break with your partner? Then you should definitely stay in this cool Bilbao hostel, with vintage-style shabby-chic common rooms, leather sofas, indoor plants, and all that Insta-friendly stuff. Bike seats for stools, here at Poshtel Bilbao, inexplicably.

Private bedrooms here at Poshtel Bilbao if you want ’em – they’re pretty decent. But this is the best hostel for couples in Bilbao because it just feels like a little city escape. It’s not about group activities at Poshtel Bilbao, just having a stylish place to stay and hang out while you explore.

Residencia Blas De Otero

• Private Room: From $100
• Address: C / De Las Cortes, 38, Bilbao, Spain

The Bilbao branch of YHA this place is surprisingly chic, one of the coolest hostels in Bilbao – almost like a boutique hotel. Seriously, like, the private rooms here are in a palette of muted grey and are very design-y.

It’s all very minimal, but young and fun, so it definitely feels like the best hostel with a private room in Bilbao. The lounge is also a pretty chill place to hang out. Some of the private rooms even come with kitchenettes and en-suite bathrooms for that extra luxurious touch.

All Iron Hostel

• Dorm (mixed): From $22
• Address: Jose Mª Ugarteburu 2, Bilbao, Spain

10 mins away from the city in a residential area, this top hostel in Bilbao is a super clean place to stay. The staff are also nice at Iron Hostel, which makes a big difference, and is great if you’re by yourself. Nothing worse than not feeling welcome, right?

This Bilbao backpackers hostel is REALLY close to the Guggenheim museum Bilbao, so if you’re into museums and stuff like that, you’ll love staying here. One extra good thing about Iron Hostel is that it’s been made accessible for people with disabilities, which isn’t always easy to find.

Ganbara Hostel

• Private Room: From $86
• Address: Prim 13, Bilbao, Bilbao, Spain

Funky and full of colour, this modern place is packed full of Bilbao memorabilia, like some sort of shrine to the city. Paintings, books, old adverts – it’s all here, like an Aladdin’s cave of everything Bilbao. You might like that, you might not, but at least it’s got character.

This top hostel in Bilbao is located in the old town, which means getting around the heritage sights of the area is easy. And the metro station is also nearby, so when you’ve had enough old town, you can get to another part of Bilbao with ease.

BBK Bilbao Good Hostel

The hostel offers dorms (female-only and mixed) and private rooms, which are both very affordable. Each bed comes with a power socket that fits the EU and GB standard plug. To make you feel even more at home, you also don’t have to worry about bringing a sleeping bed – the hostel offers free linen.

Location-wise, you’ll love this place as well. You’ll be in walking distance to the subway station, which connects you to all the parts of the city. If you’re arriving late at the airport, no worries, the hostel is only a short taxi ride away.

Bilbao Metropolitan Hostel Bossh Hotels

A basic stay in the city, sure, but this Bilbao budget backpackers hostel features rooms with en-suite bathrooms that are cleaned daily. Really big common rooms make this Bossh Hotel a good place to be able to spread yourself around. Good if you don’t like small spaces.

You’re close to public transport options, and the airport is only 20min by taxi. If you need help with figuring out what to do in Bilbao, just reach out to the helpful staff at this Bossh Hotel… They know the ins and outs of the city and will be happy to give their best recommendations.

Surfbackpackers Bilbao

Surrounded by bars and restaurants, this is our top pick for the best party hostel in Bilbao. It might not be the centre of crunk itself, but there’s a fun and friendly vibe at this place. One that’s good for making drinking buddies to hit the town with.

This Bilbao backpackers hostel (or should I say surfbackpackers) also features a free breakfast in the morning to help with that hangover. Helpful staff are pretty much the glue of this place, as usual, helping to create its sociable atmosphere.

B Cool Bilbao

B Cool. Yep. That’s the name, alright. But you CAN actually feel pretty cool at the best hostel for digital nomads in Bilbao. Nice tiles, shiny surfaces, wooden tables, generally stylish decor that makes it feel like staying in a shared working space… but with beds.

There’s also a cafe here, so when you’re done blasting out a few articles or emails or whatever it is you do on that laptop… You can take a break and enjoy some seriously tasty local food. Friendly staff make it so you don’t go stir crazy, and the surrounding area is multicultural and makes for an interesting, untouristed wander around.

Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting Bilbao

Everyone needs good hostel insurance. Your stuff might not be as precious as the exhibitions at the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, but it’s still worth protecting!

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

So there you have it, my selection of the best hostels in Bilbao. From the cheap and cool, to the more expensive and cool, many of this city’s hostels are pretty stylish. Which suits anyone with an eye for design!

And surprisingly, there’s actually a few options here for disabled travellers. Finding hostels that can accommodate you, with, or with wheelchair access, isn’t exactly what I’d call easy usually.

If you still can’t choose, then don’t you worry. I’d just say go for Quartier Bilbao Hostel! That’s my choice for the best overall hostel in Bilbao and a great all-round option for most people.

A curve ball though is Bilbao Akelarre Hostel if you’re looking for one. Stunning city centre location, easy to get to the metro station to see the Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao… What more could you ask for?

Wherever you stay in bilbao, so make sure you see the Guggenheim Museum, it’s FABULOUS. There is an epic selection of premium hostels to choose from in the city centre so you’re really spoilt for choice here, my fellow backpackers. 

If you think I’ve missed anything or have any further thoughts, hit me up in the comments, I’d love to chat!