Abandoibarra: Guggenheim – Riverside – Modernity

This neighborhood oozes modern luxury. Here is where you will find the city’s most famous symbol, the Guggenheim Museum. It is a beautiful, green area, but also one of the more expensive parts of town. There are high-end hotels and avant-garde architecture by world-renowned designers. The riverside promenade is lined with sculptures and glittering glass buildings. Highlights: The Guggenheim, Iberdrola Tower, Zubizuri Bridge, Fine Arts Museum, and the lush Doña Casilda Park.

Casco Viejo: Las Siete Calles – Plaza Nueva

The “Old Town” is the historical heart of Bilbao, and most of the city’s oldest sights are within walking distance in this pedestrian maze. The “Seven Streets” are a winding network of multi-faceted alleys that beg to be explored. It bursts with quaint boutiques, historic stone buildings, and traditional taverns. Plaza Nueva is the epicenter of the pintxos (Basque tapas) scene. Around each corner, you’ll discover architectural gems spanning the centuries, from the Santiago Cathedral to the bustling Ribera Market.

Abando: Ensanche – Gran Vía

The Ensanche is considered the “commercial center” of Bilbao, home to the famous department stores and international boutiques along Gran Vía. Heading south from the river, you’ll find the epicenter of 19th-century bourgeois life. Shopping aside, the area is a cultural destination, home to the majestic Arriaga Theatre and the Azkuna Zentroa (a stunning cultural center in a former wine warehouse). This is a neighborhood where afternoon people-watching from an elegant café is part of the daily fabric.

Indautxu: Gastronomy – Nightlife

Situated on the western edge of the center, this vibrant section is known for its high concentration of bars and fine-dining restaurants. Now it’s one of the more chic and lively areas in Bilbao, characterized by wide avenues and the popular Plaza Bizkaia. The neighborhood is home to many terraced cafes where locals gather for a poteo (drink crawl) before dinner. It is the best place to stay for those who want a mix of high-end shopping and a bustling nightlife scene that quiets down as you move toward the residential edges.

Bilbao La Vieja – San Francisco

Yomitan is situated on the west coast and is considered the heart of Okinawan traditional crafts. This neighborhood contains “Yachimun no Sato” (Potters’ Village), which is known for its wood-fired kilns. It is a stylish, artistic area filled with independent galleries and quiet cafes. The narrow, winding paths are lined with coral-stone walls and the UNESCO-listed Zakimi Castle Ruins. It is known for being a historically significant site for Ryukyu pottery and offers a slower pace of life than neighboring Chatan.

Deusto: University – Student Life

The area around the University of Deusto, situated on the right bank of the river, contains one of the city’s most prestigious educational institutions. Built during the 19th century, the university buildings are a gorgeous monument in themselves. It is located close to the Guggenheim via the Pedro Arrupe bridge. This neighborhood is home to many students and has a reputation for being lively and affordable, with numerous trendy bars full of young locals wanting to soak in the academic atmosphere.

Getxo: Coastal Mansions – Suspension Bridge

Tucked at the mouth of the estuary, this neighborhood is actually a separate town but easily accessible via the Metro. Today, this is an upper-class area where many of Bilbao’s wealthy call home. It is quiet but very stylish here. Bordered by the sea, the neighborhood is characterized by shaded avenues and luxurious palaces. You will also find the UNESCO-listed Bizkaia Bridge (Suspension Bridge). This is the area to stay for a discreet, old-world charm fueled by the sea breeze and lack of city-center noise.