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San Sebastián and Bilbao in 3 Days: what to see, where to eat, and where to stay
If you’ve been following me for a while, you already know how much I love desserts, and one in particular holds a special place in my heart: the San Sebastián cheesecake. When I found out that this masterpiece was created right in San Sebastián, I couldn’t resist—I had to visit the city and try the cheesecake where it all began.
So, I took the opportunity to plan a long weekend in the Basque Country, using Bilbao as my base. Are you ready to explore my 3-day itinerary together? 😊
Day 1 – Bilbao
If you’re planning a stay in Bilbao, I recommend choosing your accommodation carefully. I wasn’t particularly impressed with my hotel, so I suggest looking for a place in the heart of Casco Viejo, the city’s oldest and most charming area, just a short walk from the main attractions.
Here are a few suggestions for where to stay:
- Bilbao City Rooms: just a 3-minute walk from the Guggenheim Museum. You can find it here.
- Habitación con baño privado en el centro de Bilbao: very centrally located in the shopping district but close to Casco Viejo. You can find it here.
- Pensión Boutique Caravan Cinema. in the heart of Casco Viejo with excellent reviews. You can find it here.
- Casual Mardones: in the heart of Casco Viejo with excellent reviews. You can find it here.
The day began at Parque Doña Casilda Iturrizar, a peaceful oasis created in 1907. This park, considered one of the most beautiful in Bilbao, is a perfect example of a romantic garden with fountains, ponds, and paths surrounded by lush greenery.
We then made our way to Plaza Moyúa, one of Bilbao’s most significant squares. Located in the heart of the city center, it is surrounded by stunning buildings, including the Chávarri Palace.
For lunch, we couldn’t skip trying the famous pintxos at Abando restaurant. But what’s the difference between pintxos and tapas? While tapas are served in more flexible portions, pintxos are small delicacies served on slices of bread and “pinned” with a toothpick. They’re a true institution in the Basque Country and an absolute must-try for anyone visiting Bilbao!
After lunch, we crossed the river to explore Casco Viejo, the oldest part of the city. This area is a maze of cobblestone streets filled with colorful buildings and traditional shops. I fell in love with the lively and authentic atmosphere here—it’s the perfect place to wander aimlessly and let yourself be inspired.
We ended the day with a visit to the famous Zubizuri Bridge, designed by renowned architect Santiago Calatrava. This pedestrian bridge, with its white structure and futuristic curve, is a modern symbol of Bilbao.
For dinner, I recommend “La Viña del Ensanche” in the same area—you can check out the menu here. Alternatively, in Casco Viejo, try “Antxoa Taberna” for its pintxos, or “Coppola Bilbao” for another great option.
Day 2 – Bilbao
For your second day in Bilbao, don’t miss the Guggenheim Museum. Designed by architect Frank Gehry, this masterpiece of contemporary architecture is renowned for its undulating titanium-clad forms. Inside, you’ll find modern and contemporary art pieces, as well as interactive installations. Outside, make sure to see the giant flower-covered puppy, Puppy, one of the most photographed sculptures. You can find the official website to purchase tickets here.
After visiting the Guggenheim, head to La Ribera Market for lunch. This indoor market has it all: fresh produce, local specialties, and small taverns where you can enjoy traditional dishes. It’s a fantastic spot to dive into Basque culinary culture.
We couldn’t skip dessert: we tried the cheesecake at the famous Bascake. Unfortunately, we weren’t very lucky with ours—it wasn’t as creamy as I’d hoped (you know how I am, haha). I even mentioned it on Instagram, and the team managing Bascake’s page quickly responded, admitting I was right. They explained that it hadn’t been baked properly, apologized, and assured me they’d be more careful in the future. That said, the flavor was fantastic, so I still recommend it—I’m sure you’ll have better luck than I did! 🙂
In the afternoon, you can explore the areas around Bilbao with a short trip. About 45 minutes by car, you’ll find San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, a small island connected to the mainland by a long staircase of 241 steps. This spot gained fame as a filming location for the series Game of Thrones.
Another interesting destination is Guernica, which is about a 30-minute drive from Bilbao. This town is known for the bombing during the Spanish Civil War, famously depicted in Picasso’s painting. Today, Guernica is home to the Peace Museum, which delves into its history and promotes a culture of peace.
If you have more days to spare, you can also visit Santander.
You can also find a variety of guided and organized tours on GetYourGuide here, so you won’t have to worry about anything!
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Day 3 – San Sebastián
Our third day was dedicated to San Sebastián, located about an hour away from Bilbao. To get there, you have two options: take a bus or rent a car.
We started at La Concha, often described as one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe. This shell-shaped bay is framed by lush green hills and offers stunning ocean views. We strolled along the promenade, taking in the golden sand, stopping often to snap photos, and simply enjoying the breathtaking scenery.
After our walk, we headed to Parte Vieja, the old town—a true paradise for food lovers. This historic neighborhood is renowned for its pintxos bars, where you can sample the best Basque specialties served on small slices of bread. Every spot offers an incredible variety of pintxos.
San Sebastián has a unique atmosphere that feels a bit like Paris, thanks to its elegant architecture and its proximity to the French border, just 20 km away. Strolling through its streets, you can sense the captivating blend of Spanish culture and French influences.
Here’s a list of the main attractions you shouldn’t miss:
Monte Igueldo: accessible by a funicular, it offers breathtaking panoramic views of La Concha Bay and the entire city.
Monte Urgull: a hill rich in history, featuring a castle and a statue of the Sacred Heart overlooking the city.
Aquarium: one of the oldest aquariums in Europe, perfect for a family visit.
San Telmo Museum: a museum dedicated to Basque culture, housed in a former Dominican convent.
Cathedral of the Good Shepherd: an iconic neo-Gothic church in the city center.
Zurriola Beach: the beach for surfers, ideal for water sports enthusiasts.
Plaza de la Constitución: a lively square surrounded by historic buildings.
Fun fact
San Sebastián is world-renowned for its exceptional culinary scene, boasting one of the highest concentrations of Michelin-starred restaurants in the world. In fact, apart from Kyoto, no other city has such a dense collection of Michelin stars per square kilometer. Among the most famous are Arzak, Martin Berasategui, Akelarre, Amelia, and many more! Click on the individual restaurants to visit their official websites and check out the menus. 🙂
During our visit, we chose to dine at La Viña, a historic spot located in San Sebastián’s Parte Vieja. This restaurant is famous for creating the iconic Basque cheesecake—San Sebastián cheesecake—known for its creamy texture and slightly burnt surface. Tasting the cheesecake where it was first made was an unforgettable experience.
For more details about our experience at La Viña and the history of Basque cheesecake, you can read my dedicated article here.
During our visit, we chose to dine at La Viña, a historic spot located in San Sebastián’s Parte Vieja. This restaurant is famous for creating the iconic Basque cheesecake—San Sebastián cheesecake—known for its creamy texture and slightly burnt surface. Tasting the cheesecake where it was first made was an unforgettable experience.
For more details about our experience at La Viña and the history of Basque cheesecake, you can read my dedicated article here or watch my video/reel on Instagram here.
Bilbao, with its perfect blend of modernity and tradition, and San Sebastián, with its elegant atmosphere and stunning beaches, offer the ideal mix for an unforgettable long weekend.
If you love good food, you won’t be able to resist the pintxos in Bilbao or the Basque cheesecake from La Viña in San Sebastián. Meanwhile, art and architecture enthusiasts will find true gems in the Guggenheim Museum and the charming streets of Parte Vieja.
Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram to see videos from this trip and discover many more helpful tips. Have a great trip and enjoy! 😊✈️
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