Welcome to the Basque Country, where medieval streets meet cutting-edge architecture, world-class cuisine, and stunning coastal landscapes. Whether you’re wandering through Bilbao’s urban charm or soaking in the seaside beauty of San Sebastián, this guide will take you through the best destinations, natural wonders, food, travel tips, and cultural etiquette to make your trip unforgettable!
🌟 Top Destinations in Bilbao & San Sebastián
🔹 Bilbao: The Industrial Gem Turned Cultural Powerhouse
- Guggenheim Museum 🏛️ – A must-see! Frank Gehry’s architectural masterpiece houses contemporary art and is guarded by the iconic “Puppy”, a giant flower-covered dog.
- Casco Viejo (Old Town) 🏘️ – Cobbled streets, lively pintxos bars, and historic buildings dating back to the 14th century.
- Ribera Market 🛍️ – Europe’s largest covered market, perfect for tasting Basque cheeses, seafood, and fresh produce.
- Zubizuri Bridge 🌉 – A sleek white pedestrian bridge offering fantastic river views.
- Mount Artxanda 🚡 – Take the funicular up for panoramic views of Bilbao!
🔹 San Sebastián: The Elegant Coastal Beauty
- La Concha Beach 🏖️ – One of Europe’s most stunning city beaches, perfect for sunbathing and people-watching.
- Parte Vieja (Old Town) 🍷 – The heart of San Sebastián, packed with bars serving the best pintxos in the world!
- Monte Igueldo 🎡 – Ride the vintage funicular up to a scenic amusement park with breathtaking ocean views.
- San Telmo Museoa 🏛️ – A deep dive into Basque history and culture in a stunning 16th-century monastery.
- Peine del Viento (Wind Comb Sculptures) 🌊 – Eduardo Chillida’s striking seaside sculptures, where the waves interact with the art.
🌿 Best Natural Wonders in Bilbao & San Sebastián
🏞️ Near Bilbao
- Gaztelugatxe 🌊 – A Game of Thrones filming location (Dragonstone), this tiny island is connected to the mainland by a winding stone bridge. Climb 241 steps for magical coastal views!
- Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve 🦜 – A UNESCO-listed paradise of wetlands, beaches, and forests perfect for birdwatching and hiking.
- Sopelana Beach 🏄♂️ – A stunning surfing hotspot with golden cliffs and crystal-clear waters.
🏝️ Near San Sebastián
- Zumaia Flysch Cliffs 🌍 – Ancient rock formations along the Basque coast, where you can literally see millions of years of Earth’s history in the layers of rock.
- Monte Urgull 🌿 – A lush green hill with fortress ruins and the best aerial view of San Sebastián.
- Hondarribia 🏡 – A colorful seaside village with a mix of Basque and French influences, just a short trip from San Sebastián.
🍽️ Must-Try Foods in Bilbao & San Sebastián
🔥 Pintxos (Basque Tapas) – The Crown Jewel of Basque Cuisine
- Gilda 🫒 – A simple but legendary combo of green olives, anchovies, and pickled peppers.
- Txangurro 🦀 – Spider crab prepared in the most delicious way imaginable.
- Foie Gras Pintxo 🍞 – A melt-in-your-mouth delicacy served on toasted bread.
- Bacalao al Pil Pil 🐟 – Codfish in a garlicky olive oil emulsion.
- Txuleta 🥩 – A massive, juicy Basque-style steak cooked over hot coals.
🍷 Drinks You Can’t Miss
- Txakoli 🍾 – A slightly sparkling Basque white wine, best enjoyed with seafood.
- Sidra (Basque Cider) 🍏 – Pour it from a height for the ultimate local experience!
📝 Pro Tip: In San Sebastián, hop from bar to bar in the Old Town, ordering one pintxo and a drink at each stop – it’s the ultimate pintxos crawl experience!
🚆 How to Travel in Bilbao & San Sebastián
- 🚆 Train: The best way to travel between the two cities is by train (Euskotren), which takes 2 hours and costs ~€7.
- 🚍 Bus: Faster (1 hour 15 mins) and still affordable (~€10).
- 🚗 Car Rental: Ideal for visiting remote beaches, mountains, and villages.
- 🚶 Walking & Cycling: Both cities are pedestrian-friendly, and San Sebastián has excellent bike lanes!
⏳ Best Time to Visit Bilbao & San Sebastián
- 🌸 Spring (March–May) – Mild weather, fewer crowds, and beautiful green landscapes.
- ☀️ Summer (June–August) – Perfect beach weather, but book early because it’s peak season!
- 🍂 Fall (September–November) – Fewer tourists, amazing food festivals, and still warm.
- ❄️ Winter (December–February) – Quieter, but still a great time for food lovers (San Sebastián’s pintxos bars are always buzzing!).
💃 Bilbao & San Sebastián Culture & Etiquette
- 👋 Greetings – People greet with a kiss on each cheek (men and women) or a handshake.
- 🍻 Bar Etiquette – Order your pintxo at the bar, keep your napkin on the floor (yes, it’s normal!), and don’t tip like in the US – rounding up is fine.
- 🕰️ Late Dining – Locals eat lunch around 2 PM and dinner around 9–10 PM. Don’t expect restaurants to be open at 6 PM!
- 🗣️ Language – Spanish is widely spoken, but you’ll also hear Euskara (the Basque language). Try saying Eskerrik asko (thank you) to impress the locals!
- 💃 Festivities – If you’re lucky, catch Semana Grande (August), a wild week of concerts, fireworks, and street parties.
🎉 Final Thoughts
Bilbao and San Sebastián are two of Spain’s most exciting cities, blending history, food, and nature in a way that few places can match. Whether you’re an art lover, foodie, surfer, or hiker, you’ll find something extraordinary in the Basque Country.
Ready for an adventure? Pack your bags, bring your appetite, and let the Basque magic unfold! 🇪🇸✨
Do you need recommendations on hotels, day trips, or hidden gems? Let me know! 😃
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