The best neighbourhoods for students in Bilbao

Deusto - (San Pedro de Deusto)

Deusto is actually a district that includes several neighbourhoods that can be considered when looking for accommodation, such as San Pedro de Deusto (also known simply as Deusto), San Ignacio, Ibarrekolanda, Sarriko, and Arangoiti. San Pedro de Deusto is, without a doubt, one of the best neighbourhoods for students in Bilbao, since it's the area with the best location and a lively student atmosphere. IAlso, it's where the main campus of the University of Deusto is, so it's ideal for those who’re going to study there.

In this neighbourhood there are a large number of bars and taverns, as well as affordable pintxos and international gastronomy restaurants for university students. It also has libraries and various sports facilities that can be used, as well as some nightclubs to which you can go out to enjoy the local nightlife.

Deusto isn't known for its cultural visits, but it does have access to a lot of natural sites to enjoy the outdoors. For example, the Botica Vieja park is ideal for taking walks or exercising along the River Nervión. In fact, the walk along the river is used by many cyclists and runners.

This neighbourhood is very well connected to the rest of the city through the Bilbao metro and several bus lines. In addition, it offers a network of bike lanes that connect with the centre and other areas, so you can also use that means of transportation.

San Ignazio - Sarriko (Deusto)

These neighbourhoods, which are also part of the Deusto district, attract the attention of students who want to be close to the University of Deusto but with a slightly quieter atmosphere. This area is also convenient for students of the University of the Basque Country, since it’s located halfway by public transport between the Ciudad Universitaria (University City) of Lejona-Erandio and the centre of Bilbao. Furthermore, the Faculty of Economics and Business of this institution is in Sarriko.

Both in San Ignazio and Sarriko there’s a variety of affordable restaurants, bars, and taverns, so, although they don't have the same university atmosphere as Deusto, they also have good options to spend time with friends.

The Sarriko Park provides a space to enjoy picnics, walks or exercise outdoors. It has grass esplanades, children's games, the historic Larrako Tower, an outdoor fitness park, among other attractions. Likewise, in these two neighbourhoods you can enjoy walks along the river Nervión.

Keep in mind that, regarding public transport in San Ignazio and Sarriko, both the metro stations and bus stops are mostly located on Agirre Lehendakariaren Avenue. There are also bike lanes along its main avenues and the rest of the streets.

Indautxu

Indautxu is one of the best neighbourhoods for students in Bilbao, especially for those who prefer to be in the city centre and have good access to universities. It’s one of the most active neighbourhoods in the city, with a great cultural and commercial offer. It’s part of the Abando central district.

In Indautxu, there’s a wide range of bars and taverns to go out to, although it’s advisable that you check the prices carefully because there’s something for all budgets. The same goes for the restaurant options, which are very varied and have cuisines from different parts of the world in addition to the famous local pintxos. In this neighbourhood there are also several nightclubs, so it's ideal for students who want to be close to the nightlife.

Among the cultural visits in Indautxu, some highlights are:

• The Bilbao Maritime Museum (Itsasmuseum Bilbao)
• The port with its sculptures
• The Museum of Fine Arts of Bilbao (Bilboko Arte Ederren Museoa)
• The Cultural centre (Azkuna centre-Alhóndiga)
• The Convention Palace with all its events (Euskalduna Jauregia)

The Doña Casilda Iturrizar Park is a big green space in the middle of the city that allows you to walk, have picnics or exercise among ponds, fountains, and its famous pergola. There's also access to riverfront walks on the Nervión (on the other side of the river regarding the neighbourhoods named above).

Being a central neighbourhood, Indautxu is very well-connected by public transportation. It has several lines of bus, tram, and metro. It also has bike lanes and the Abando train station is a few minutes walk away.

Old Town (Casco Viejo)

The Old Town of Bilbao, also known as the “Seven Streets”, is a unique area in which to live, with its cobbled streets and bohemian atmosphere. It’s the oldest neighbourhood with the most interesting history, and it’s also the cultural and social epicentre of the city.

This neighbourhood’s full of bars, taverns, restaurants, and cider houses that offer local cuisine, both pintxos and drinks. It also has some cocktail bars and nightclubs. It's a very lively neighbourhood, both during day and night!

Some of the cultural and historical visits that you should explore in the Old Town of Bilbao are:

• The picturesque Plaza Nueva with its shops
• The Archaeological Museum of Vizcaya (Bizkaiko Arkeologia Museoa)
• The Museum of Passages of Bilbao (Bilboko Pasoen Museoa)
• The beautiful Arriaga Theatre (Arriaga Theater)
• Bilbao Cathedral (Bilboko Donejakue Katedrala)
• The Church of Saint Nicholas (San Nikolas eliza)

Regarding natural spaces, in addition to having walks along the river and the Arenal park, the Old Town is home to another of the city's green lungs: the Etxebarri Park. It extends on the side of a hill and offers beautiful views of Bilbao.

Much of the Old Town is mostly pedestrian, but you can quickly access stations of all means of transport: bus, tram, metro, and train. In addition, it’s an ideal neighbourhood to move around by bicycle or on foot.

FAQ about neighbourhoods in Bilbao