Bilbao Areas to Avoid: Honest Guide
An honest look at Bilbao's areas with higher incident reports. What to know about certain zones in Casco Viejo, San Francisco, and late-night spots.
Let's be honest: Bilbao doesn't have dangerous areas in the way some cities do. There are no neighborhoods tourists should completely avoid. However, some zones have higher incident reports and warrant extra awareness. Here's a nuanced, honest look at Bilbao's areas that require more attention—without fearmongering.
Context: Bilbao Is Very Safe
Before diving into specific areas, understand that Bilbao's 'problem areas' are safer than average neighborhoods in many European capitals. The city's crime rate (72.5 per 1,000) is well below Barcelona (90+) or Madrid (85+). Most incidents are petty: occasional theft, minor drug activity, weekend nightlife disturbances.
San Francisco Neighborhood (Ibaiondo District)
San Francisco is Bilbao's most discussed area. Located between Casco Viejo and Bilbao La Vieja, it has visible drug activity and some street-level dealing. The local government has invested heavily in regeneration, and many streets are now home to art galleries, alternative bars, and young creatives.
San Francisco: What to Know
- Visible drug users in certain streets—usually not aggressive
- Avoid very late night/early morning walks alone
- Main streets (Calle San Francisco) are busy and fine during day
- The area is gentrifying—many new restaurants and bars
- Police presence has increased significantly
Casco Viejo Late at Night
Bilbao's Old Town (Casco Viejo) is perfectly safe during the day and evening. However, weekend nights from 2-5 AM can see drunk crowds, occasional fights, and some petty theft. This is typical for any European city center with active nightlife. The main pintxo streets remain safe throughout.
- ✓Daytime and evening: completely safe, very touristy
- ✓Main streets busy until 2-3 AM on weekends
- ✓Side streets near San Francisco: more caution late night
- ✓Stick to well-lit streets if walking home late
- ✓Taxi ranks available at Plaza Nueva and Cathedral
Abando Nightlife Zone (Pozas Area)
The Pozas area in Abando is Bilbao's main nightclub zone. Like any nightlife district, the hours after club closing (4-6 AM) see more incidents. Drunk crowds, occasional theft, and rare fights occur. During normal hours, Abando is one of Bilbao's safest, most upscale areas.
Errekalde District
Errekalde has Bilbao's lowest safety perception score (5.52/10), but context matters. It's a working-class area with some occupied buildings and visible poverty—not dangerous, just less affluent. Residents report concerns about certain underpasses and some drug activity. Tourists rarely have reason to visit.
Areas That Are Actually Fine
Some areas get unfair reputations. Otxarkoaga and Txurdinaga are sometimes mentioned negatively, but these are normal residential neighborhoods. They're outside the tourist circuit, so visitors rarely go there—but if you do, you'll find safe, working-class communities.
Practical Safety Tips
- ✓The Guggenheim area, Abandoibarra, and central Abando are extremely safe
- ✓Casco Viejo pintxo streets are safe until late
- ✓If walking home very late, use main streets or take a taxi
- ✓San Francisco is fine during day—interesting galleries and bars
- ✓Trust your instincts: if a street feels uncomfortable, take another route
- ✓Emergency: 112. Ertzaintza (Basque police) are helpful
Conclusion
Bilbao has no genuinely dangerous areas for tourists. San Francisco has visible drug issues but isn't unsafe for passing through. Late-night Casco Viejo and Abando require normal nightlife awareness. If you've traveled to any major European city, you'll find Bilbao refreshingly relaxed. Enjoy exploring—this is one of Spain's safest cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is San Francisco in Bilbao dangerous?
Not dangerous, but it has visible drug activity. The area is gentrifying with new galleries and bars. Daytime visits are fine; avoid isolated streets very late at night.
Is Casco Viejo safe at night?
Yes, until about 2-3 AM when nightlife crowds thin out. The main pintxo streets stay busy and safe. Very late night (3-5 AM), stick to main streets or take a taxi.
Are there areas tourists should completely avoid?
No. Even San Francisco, Bilbao's most discussed area, is safe for walking through during the day. No neighborhood is off-limits for tourists.
Is Bilbao safer than Barcelona?
Yes, significantly. Bilbao has lower crime rates, virtually no organized pickpocketing, and fewer tourist-targeted scams. The smaller size and lower tourist numbers make it much safer.
Should I avoid any area during Aste Nagusia (August festival)?
During the festival, all areas are very crowded. San Francisco and Casco Viejo get packed. Normal festival precautions apply: watch your belongings in crowds, drink responsibly, and stick with groups late at night.