Not your average hostel in Bilbao… discover the city in style

Hostel Bilbao? No, Poshtel Bilbao… live like royalty and stay here to explore the Basque Country’s greatest gem.

Mixing old with new, natural landscape with industrial architecture and centuries old history with current artistic performances, Bilbao is a city unlike any other.

And what better way to experience Bilbao’s unique culture and vibrant scenes than from a hostel offering a luxurious stay from the moment you step foot in the door?

From cuisine to cathedrals, this article covers the must-sees and must-dos of Spain’s stylish port city.

Must-do: Check into Poshtel Bilbao, the city's first ever premium hostel ideally located within walking distance from both the Old town and the New. Complete with its own bar and restaurant, decked out with plush leather sofas, antique bicycle stools and unique rustic decor... this swanky hostel captures the essence of the city perfectly as modernity and authenticity is expertly combined.

Photo credits @ucohrkw Instagram

Must-see: The architecture of Bilbao is outstandingly unique in the sense that you can find a different style on practically every street corner. Visit the internationally renowned Guggenheim Museum to experience avant-garde contemporary design at its finest, both inside and out.

Although the Guggenheim is the most well-known landmark of the city, there is actually a total of 11 museums, so we suggest making the most of what the vibrant, artistic city has to offer by going to see Bilbao Museum of Fine Arts, Sala Rekalde Contemporary Art Gallery and Azkuna Zentroa, depending on your artistic preference.

For those keen to scope out the best architecture in the city (aside from the Guggenheim), we recommend taking a trip to the structures below:

1 - Teatro Arriaga, a Neo-baroque-style Spanish opera house.

2 - Catedral de Santiago, a Gothic-style Cathedral, and the oldest building in the city.

3 - Estación de Abando, Bilbao's most important Train Station complete with an incredible stained-glass window that spans across an entire wall.

Must-do: Eat! Basque Country cuisine has become world famous for its unique, traditional dishes, and Bilbao offers authentic Spanish dining at its finest.

Bacalao pil-pil (cod fish fried with garlic and olive oil) is one of the city's most iconic dishes, available in almost every restaurant in the city, so no excuse to miss out on this local favourite.

Another tasty seafood delicacy is the Txangurros, or spider crabs (they taste better than what you may assume from the name!) Picture a mixture of crab meat, bread crumbs, tomato, onions, garlic and parsley... trust us when we say they are worth a try!

Finally, for dessert, it has to be the pastel Vasco (Basque tart). This soft pastry is accompanied by creamy custard and cherries... guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Hungry yet? Why not follow our guide to Pintxos (Bilbao's version of Tapas) for a low-cost, tasty trail across the city!

Must-see: Bilbao's night scene has something for everyone, so it's wise to spend the evening outdoors on your visit.

Head to the lively streets of Ledesma, Casco Viejo or Ensanche to soak up some true Baroque culture with a few beers in one of the local bars, or if you're feeling more fancy, why not start the night by checking out one of Bilbao's cocktail bars? We recommend Karola if you happen to be walking along the river, as high-quality cocktails, bohemiam vibes and modernist decor make it the perfect place for sunset drinks on the terrace.

For something a bit more lively, check out Bilbao's nightlife gem Kafe Antzokia. What was once an old cinema now hosts major international artists across two floors with several bars, a great spot for a boogie at the end of the night.

ART is where the fashionable, 'artsy' twenty-somethings tend to let loose on the weekend. Located close to the buzzing area of Azkuna Zentroa, it is undoubtedly one of the most stylish, modern joints you'll find in the city. If mainstream music, good cocktails and a chilled atmosphere sounds tempting, ART is the place for you.

Last but not least, for a nightclub where you can dance your socks off till dawn, make your way to Fever. This superclub is home to international DJs, superb sound-systems, and combined with the extensive size of the venue, it's an ideal location for those looking to bust some serious moves. Want to know the coolest part? If you're 'in-the-know', you may be lucky enough to experience the ART AFTER DARK after-party, held in the Guggenheim Atrium... Night at the Museum is taken to the extreme!

Convinced? Yes, we thought so... Have a browse over our selection of low-cost hostels, book your trip to Bilbao and experience Basque Country culture for yourself!