Bilbao has become a leading tourist destination. The city has a wide range of hotels to accommodate the hundreds of thousands of people who visit the city every year. However, many people wonder where to stay in the centre of Bilbao.
Most of the hotels are located in San Mamés, next to the city’s bus station and around the Athletic Club stadium. The traditional Basque atmosphere and accessibility make San Mamés one of the best areas to stay in Bilbao due to its strategic location.
Privileged location
San Mamés stands out for its central location and excellent connections to the rest of Bilbao. A few steps from the stadium is the San Mamés metro station, which allows you to quickly reach iconic places such as the Guggenheim Museum, about a 15-minute walk away, or the Old Town, the historic heart of the city.
In addition, the Intermodal bus station, located next to the stadium, offers direct access to Bilbao airport and the rest of the Basque capitals and major Spanish cities.
Nearby attractions
Staying in San Mamés means being just a stone’s throw away from some of Bilbao’s most important tourist attractions. The Guggenheim Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Euskalduna Palace and the Maritime Museum are just a few minutes away.
In addition to San Mamés itself, known as ‘The Cathedral’ of football, where you can visit the Athletic Club museum, AC Museoa, and take the San Mames Tour inside the stadium. You can also eat at one of its three restaurants (San Mamés Jatetxea, Geuria! and La Campa de los Ingleses).
And if your stay in Bilbao coincides with a home game for the Lions, and you are looking for tickets at San Mamés, go for The Lion Experience, which will allow you to enjoy the match with food (and drinks) included, prepared by a selection of Michelin-starred chefs from Bizkaia (Andra Mari, Azurmendi, Eneko, Boroa, Nerua Guggenheim Bilbao and Garena).
Before the match, you can also access different areas reserved for the players, such as the changing rooms, and watch the warm-up from the sidelines.
Once the match is over, you can enjoy the post-match in the mixed zone and the press room and meet a first-team player in person.
Accommodation options
The San Mamés area offers a wide variety of places to stay in Bilbao to suit all tastes and budgets. From boutique hotels such as BYPILLOW San Mamés, which combines modernity and proximity to the main points of interest, to four-star options such as the Hotel ILUNION San Mamés or the Abba Euskalduna Hotel, with a great view of San Mamés.
There are also apartments such as Dulcelia Bilbao and River Side Olabeaga, ideal for those who prefer greater independence, with amenities such as free Wi-Fi, fully equipped kitchens and views of the surrounding area.
Gastronomy and atmosphere
The area around San Mamés is full of bars and restaurants serving pintxos and typical Basque dishes, perfect for sampling the essence of Bilbao. The proximity to shopping areas such as the Indautxu neighbourhood and Gran Vía adds extra convenience for those looking for shops, cafés and a lively atmosphere.
