Accommodations and other info on Bilbao

[peregrina2000]

A group of us has started a detailed planning thread for the Camino Olvidado, which starts in Bilbao and goes southwest to near Ponferrada. I haven’t started posting the walking stages yet, since we are still focused on the city of Bilbao itself.

I have never slept in a Bilbao albergue, because I have a couple of favorite small family-run pensiones that are clean and cost around 25€ for room and private bath.

But since Bilbao is also on the Norte, I’m posting this for the broader forum community to see if any of you have recommendations or ideas — for restaurants, hotels, things to do.... If so, post them on our Olvidado thread.

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/virtual-planning-thread-for-the-camino-olvidado.69681/

And just in case you are wondering, the Olvidado is IMO the hands down best for mountain walking of any Camino I have walked, so feel free to come along with us on the thread!

Buen camino, Laurie

 

[Former member 95219]

A group of us has started a detailed planning thread for the Camino Olvidado, which starts in Bilbao and goes southwest to near Ponferrada. I haven’t started posting the walking stages yet, since we are still focused on the city of Bilbao itself.

I have never slept in a Bilbao albergue, because I have a couple of favorite small family-run pensiones that are clean and cost around 25€ for room and private bath.

But since Bilbao is also on the Norte, I’m posting this for the broader forum community to see if any of you have recommendations or ideas — for restaurants, hotels, things to do.... If so, post them on our Olvidado thread.

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/virtual-planning-thread-for-the-camino-olvidado.69681/

And just in case you are wondering, the Olvidado is IMO the hands down best for mountain walking of any Camino I have walked, so feel free to come along with us on the thread!

Buen camino, Laurie

Thanks Laurie. Will follow with interest! Have a flight to Bilbao in early May with a view to doing Norte if restrictions allow but will follow this alternative with interest!

 

[DanielH]

Bilbao is one of my favorite cities and I've stayed there coming or going during three separate legs of the Camino Frances. I would recommend staying at the Petit Palace Arana Hotel. It's on the trolley line and near the plaza of shops and restaurants. It's also walking distance to the outdoor market where you will find vendors of various types selling their goods. Further down the walk is the incredible Guggenheim Museum of Art and the gigantic outdoor sculpture of "La Arana" (giant spider). There you will find a restaurant/bar and outdoor musicians.

 

[Former member 91017]

Bilbao is one of my favorite cities and I've stayed there coming or going during three separate legs of the Camino Frances. I would recommend staying at the Petit Palace Arana Hotel. It's on the trolley line and near the plaza of shops and restaurants. It's also walking distance to the outdoor market where you will find vendors of various types selling their goods. Further down the walk is the incredible Guggenheim Museum of Art and the gigantic outdoor sculpture of "La Arana" (giant spider). There you will find a restaurant/bar and outdoor musicians.

I intend to visit Bilbao on my Norte if I ever get to walk it. You mention the spider... sculptor is Louise Bourgeois, and she has similar spiders in other locations. We have “the mother” outside the national gallery in Ottawa. I think it would be interesting and fun to travel to all the Bourgeois installation sites and collect photos of all her spiders.

 

[Marbe2]

There was not a lot around the airport when we visited Bilbao in The Spring of 2019. We came in by Train to Abando-Bilbao Station. The stain glass window itself was a treat and welcome surprise. We did not have much time,so we walked around the river area for a while, before taking a cab to the airport. I lamented not having more time to stay in Bilbao. It cost about 25 euros then for us to get to the Holiday Inn Express Airport Hotel which was convenient for our early morning flight. The HIE served breakfast but that is it. There is a bar where you can buy snacks. Rooms were clean and spacious and there is an elevator and air-con. But if you stay there without a car, eat before you arrive, or bring your own food.

 

[FSP]

I stayed at Poshtel in Bilbao when I did the Norte in 2018. Great location about half a block from the Guggenheim. It has very nice lounge areas for guests, laundry, its own bar/restaurant. About a 20minute riverside stroll to old town. I found a good mix of ages in the hostel and great staff. Safe area of the city as well. Not too noisy at night either. https://www.poshtelbilbao.com/

 

[naplesdon]

There is a newer hostel, Optimi Rooms, with space age sleeping modules. I haven't stayed there yet but I had reservations for a trip in 2020, they are honoring a voucher I prepaid. it is not far from the bus depot and near public transportation.