A Delicious 3-Day Foodie Itinerary in Bilbao and San Sebastian

• Day 1: Bilbao
  • Visit the Guggenheim Museum and marvel at its impressive modern architecture, which houses contemporary art exhibitions inside.
  • Head to Plaza Nueva, a lively square surrounded by historic buildings and buzzing with pintxo bars.
  • Take a stroll through the charming Casco Viejo, the historic old town of Bilbao, filled with narrow streets, traditional shops, and hidden eateries.
• Day 2: San Sebastian
  • Embark on a Pintxo Tour and indulge in the culinary scene of San Sebastian's old town, tasting local delicacies and sipping on Basque wine while hopping between bars.
  • Explore the stunning La Concha Beach and walk along the promenade, admiring the picturesque views of the Bay of Biscay.
  • Take a cable car up to Monte Igueldo and capture a breathtaking panoramic view of the city and the coast.
• Day 3: Bilbao
  • Discover the Bilbao Food Market, a traditional market offering a wide selection of fresh produce and artisanal products, perfect for gourmet souvenirs.
  • Visit the Basilica of Begoña, one of the most iconic landmarks in Bilbao, situated on a hilltop and offering a splendid view of the city.
  • Enjoy a delicious seafood dinner at El Puerto Viejo, renowned for its grilled fish and seafood dishes.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Guggenheim Museum (2-3 hours, 16 EUR)
• Plaza Nueva (1-2 hours, 20 EUR)
• Casco Viejo (2-3 hours, 30 EUR)
• Pintxo Tour (3-4 hours, 50 EUR)
• La Concha Beach (1-2 hours, free)
• Monte Igueldo (1-2 hours, 7 EUR)
• Bilbao Food Market (1-2 hours, 20 EUR)
• Basilica of Begoña (1-2 hours, free)
• El Puerto Viejo (2-3 hours, 40 EUR)
Total Estimated Costs: 203 EUR

Transportation

Public transportation in Bilbao and San Sebastian is easily accessible and affordable. The Basque Country boasts a well-connected network of buses and trains, which provide a seamless way to hop between cities. For day trips, renting a car is also an option, but it's better to rely on public transportation to avoid parking hassles.

Estimated Travel Costs: Public transportation (15 EUR), Car rental (40-60 EUR/day), Taxi (average ride 10-20 EUR)

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider visiting the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum, the Alhondiga Cultural and Leisure Centre, or the San Telmo Museum in San Sebastian. For a relaxing day trip, head to the charming fishing village of Getaria or the natural park of Urkiola. If you have less time, prioritize the Pintxo Tour, the Guggenheim Museum, and San Sebastian's main attractions, as they offer a taste of Basque culture and cuisine.

Airports

The main airport in the Basque Country is the Bilbao Airport (BIO), located about 20 km north of Bilbao. It serves domestic and international flights from major European cities like London, Paris, and Frankfurt. San Sebastian also has a small airport, the San Sebastian Airport (EAS), which serves mainly domestic flights, but also has some international routes from London and Dublin. Both airports provide efficient shuttle services to and from the city centers of Bilbao and San Sebastian.