Exploring Bilbao with your pet
Travelling to Bilbao doesn't mean leaving your pet behind. Pet-friendly hotels here often provide a comfortable bed, a welcome bowl of water and treats, and front desk staff who tend to know the surrounding streets well enough to suggest nearby walking routes. Neighbourhoods like Casco Viejo and Abando offer walkable streets and cafes that often welcome dogs at outdoor tables. A pet-friendly hotel in Bilbao means your whole crew arrives together, already at ease.
Getting to Bilbao with a pet
Before booking your trip, it's worth knowing which airport is closest to Bilbao. Bilbao Airport (BIO) is about 5 kilometers from downtown.
Your airline sets the rules for travelling with a pet, and they aren't the same everywhere. Carrier size, weight limits, and whether pets are allowed in the cabin can vary. Keep this in mind when booking your flight and pet-friendly hotel in Bilbao.
You should also check the rules for entry. Getting your pet into Bilbao can mean different paperwork depending on where you set off from.
Taxis and public transport don't always have the same set policy. Some require leashes or carriers, while others may not accept pets at all. Knowing what to expect can make getting to the city centre from the airport much easier.
Book in advance
The 'Pets allowed' filter under amenities is an easy way to find hotels that allow pets in Bilbao. Availability can be tight, especially for larger dogs, since these rooms tend to go first. The earlier you book, the more choice and value you'll get.
...Or score a last-minute pet-friendly stay
Last-minute deals often appear when hotels have vacant rooms, especially during the quieter months. If your schedule is flexible, this approach can work well. And the more pet-friendly hotels there are to pick from, the more likely you are to find one.
Flexible dates can unlock better prices
Being flexible with your dates can help lower the cost. Compare rates across weekdays and weekends, and avoid popular events where you can. It also helps to travel outside of school breaks. With a pet it matters even more, as cheap pet-friendly hotels in Bilbao can sell out faster than standard rooms.
Things to know before staying in a pet-friendly hotel in Bilbao
Fees, size limits, and animal restrictions can vary from one pet-friendly hotel to the next. What's accepted at one place may not be accepted at another. Doing some research beforehand makes check-in simpler. Here's what to pay attention to.
Typical pet fees and deposits
Hotels that allow pets in Bilbao may apply a nightly fee, bill a flat rate for your entire stay, or include a one-time cleaning cost. Any deposit is usually returned when you check out. Ask the hotel to break down these costs before you arrive.
Check size and breed restrictions
Size limits for pets are common, and they can vary. Some hotels only accept small dogs, others just have a maximum weight. There could also be a cap on how many animals you can bring.
Some hotels consider breed as well as size. Certain dog breeds can be refused even at places where pets are welcome. Cat and dog policies can differ, so review both before you book.
Service animals are typically subject to different rules than pets. If this applies to you, get in touch with the hotel to understand its specific policy.
Look for pet-friendly amenities
Welcoming your pet is just the beginning for the best pet-friendly hotels in Bilbao. A few offer a dog bed, bowls, or a small welcome treat in the room.
Many hotels also offer extra services to make travel easier. Pet sitting lets you explore on your own for a while, and on-site grooming may also be available.
Easy access to green space and parks is a big plus while you're away with your dog. Use the map view while searching hotels with pets allowed in Bilbao to get a sense of what's nearby.
Understand local pet rules
Local pet rules can vary depending on where you are in Bilbao. Restaurant policies, leash requirements, and transport access all differ by area. A little research before you leave helps you plan around whatever applies nearby.
When to visit Bilbao with a pet
High season in Bilbao{BD}July, August, and September are Bilbao's busiest months, and the city feels it — hotels fill up fast and flight prices tend to rise. Booking early makes a real difference. Weather in these months is warm and often humid, which is something to keep in mind with a dog. Pavements can get hot enough to hurt paws, so stick to grassy areas where you can, and aim for early morning or evening walks when things cool down. On the upside, this is peak terrace season, and many outdoor cafe terraces in Bilbao are often welcoming to pets, so you can enjoy a drink or a bite with your animal alongside you rather than rushing back to the room.{NSN}Low season in Bilbao{BD}February, March, and June are quieter months to visit, and prices for pet-friendly hotels in Bilbao tend to drop during this period — flights can be cheaper too, which suits travellers keeping an eye on the budget. The city moves at a gentler pace, streets and parks are less crowded, and you're more likely to get into a restaurant without a long wait. That slower rhythm is often much easier when you have a pet in tow, and it generally makes for a more relaxed trip for both of you. The trade-off is that February and March in particular bring a fair amount of rain. Pack a waterproof, keep a towel handy for muddy paws, and plan your longer outdoor walks around drier windows in the day.
Best luxury pet-friendly hotels in Bilbao
Catalonia Gran Vía Bilbao is worth the extra spend, and you can bring your pet along too. With amenities like a pool and room service, this 4-star stay brings added comfort to your Bilbao trip.
Hotel Tayko Bilbao gives your stay an instant upgrade, with massage services, room service and more. This 4-star hotel also welcomes guests visiting with a pet.
Hotel Ilunion San Mamés has space for you and your furry friend, with a 4-star rating to match. Room service and a lobby bar are just the start of its many amenities.
Cheap pet-friendly hotels in Bilbao
Sercotel Arenal Bilbao checks all the right boxes for a cheaper, pet-friendly stay. This 3-star hotel offers a laundry and luggage storage.
Hotel Ilunion Bilbao is also easy on the budget. You can expect amenities like a cafe and Wi-Fi at this 3-star accommodation option.
Petit Palace Arana Bilbao keeps things simple. This 3-star hotel offers bicycle rentals and a ticket office, making it a good base for exploring Bilbao.
Where to stay with a pet near a Bilbao airport
If you're trying to find a hotel near Bilbao Airport that welcomes pets, this fits the bill. Catalonia Gran Vía Bilbao is about 5 kilometers away, making it easier to get to your flight. Sercotel Coliseo is worth a look too, and is around 5 kilometers from the airport.
