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Hotels · Basque Country, Basque Country

NH Collection Bilbao Arenal

  • Price$$$
  • CategoryMid Range
  • Rating★ 4.4

NH Collection Bilbao Arenal is located at Calle Fueros 2 in the heart of Bilbao's Casco Viejo (old town), Bizkaia, on the west bank of the Nervión River directly alongside the Mercado de la Ribera — Europe's largest covered market — and within a 2-minute walk of the city's most celebrated pintxos streets.

A stylish hotel in a prime location in Bilbao's old town, steps from the Mercado de la Ribera and the Casco Viejo's pintxos bars. Rooms are modern and well-equipped, and the rooftop bar offers good city views.

NH Collection Bilbao Arenal is located at Calle Fueros 2 in the heart of Bilbao's Casco Viejo (old town), Bizkaia, on the west bank of the Nervión River directly alongside the Mercado de la Ribera — Europe's largest covered market — and within a 2-minute walk of the city's most celebrated pintxos streets. As part of the NH Collection brand, the hotel sits in the upper tier of the NH Hotels group, distinguishing itself through design, service, and location from the group's standard properties.

The hotel occupies a contemporary building that integrates sympathetically into the traditional architecture of the Casco Viejo, with well-appointed rooms finished to a high standard of comfort and contemporary style. Room sizes are generous by old-town standards, with quality bedding, modern bathrooms, and city or river views depending on floor and orientation. Upper floors command views across the Casco Viejo rooftops and the Nervión River to the Ensanche district on the far bank.

The hotel's rooftop bar is a particular asset: an open terrace looking out over Bilbao's old town and the surrounding hills, serving cocktails, craft beers, and pintxos. It becomes a popular gathering point on warm evenings and during Semana Grande in August. A restaurant at lobby level serves Basque-influenced cooking with an emphasis on local produce. The fitness centre is compact but well-equipped. The concierge is experienced in navigating the old town's pintxos culture — a practice involving specific etiquette, preferred timing, and street-by-street recommendations.

The hotel's Casco Viejo location places it within a 15-minute walk of the Guggenheim Museum, the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum, and the Arriaga Theatre.

Amenities

  • rooftop bar
  • restaurant
  • free wifi
  • concierge
  • fitness centre

Location

Calle Fueros 2, 48005 Bilbao, Bizkaia

43.2580, -2.9245 View on map

Highlights

  • Central Casco Viejo location, steps from the Mercado de la Ribera and Bilbao's famous pintxos streets
  • Rooftop terrace bar with views over the old town and the Nervión River, popular on warm evenings
  • Well-sized rooms with Basque market cuisine restaurant at ground-floor level
  • 15-minute walk to the Guggenheim Museum along the Nervión riverbank promenade
  • Expert concierge for navigating Bilbao's pintxos culture and restaurant reservations

Tips for visiting

  • Casco Viejo pintxos streets peak from 12:00–14:30 and 20:00–22:30 — plan meals around these windows
  • The Mercado de la Ribera is open in mornings and early afternoons; visit for fresh produce and local pintxos
  • The hotel rooftop is one of the better spots in the old town for a sunset drink before dinner
  • Bilbao's metro and tram network connects the Casco Viejo to the Guggenheim in 10 minutes
  • Semana Grande in August fills the old town with festivals — book rooms 3–4 months ahead for that period

Accessibility

The hotel has step-free access from the main entrance and a lift serving all guest floors. Accessible rooms with adapted bathrooms are available. Note that the surrounding Casco Viejo streets are old-town cobblestone, which may present challenges for some wheelchair users.

Frequently asked questions

Is the hotel well-connected to Bilbao Airport?

Bilbao Airport (BIO) is approximately 12 kilometres north. The A3247 Bizkaibus connects the airport to Bilbao's Termibus station in about 30 minutes; from there, metro or taxi to the Casco Viejo takes around 15 minutes.

What is the pintxos culture in Bilbao's Casco Viejo?

Pintxos are the Basque version of tapas, displayed on bar counters and consumed standing. The Casco Viejo has the densest concentration of pintxos bars in Bilbao; the practice follows informal social rules around timing and movement between bars.

Does the hotel have meeting rooms?

Yes. The hotel offers meeting and event facilities suited to small corporate meetings and private events, with full audiovisual support available.

Is parking available at the hotel?

The hotel does not have on-site parking. Several public car parks are within short walking distance, including those on Urazurrutia and Calle de la Ribera.

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NH Collection Bilbao Arenal

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