Bilbao & San Sebastian, Spain - Travel Guide

Bilbao offers stunning modern architecture, including the Guggenheim Museum, vibrant culture, and a burgeoning culinary scene. San Sebastian is renowned for its beautiful beaches, world-class gastronomy (especially pintxos), and charming old town, making it a perfect blend of urban sophistication and coastal relaxation.

Quick Facts

Recommended Stay6 days

Budget$75/day

Mid-range$200/day

Luxury$500/day

Known For

BilbaoSan SebastianBasque CountryBay of BiscayNorthern Spain

🇪🇸 Country Information: Spain

CapitalMadrid

CurrencyEuro (€)

Language Spanish , Catalan, Galician, Basque, Valencian

Phone Code+34

Electricity230V (Type C, F)

Tap WaterSafe to drink

Tipping

Tipping is generally not obligatory but appreciated for good service; 5
10% in restaurants is common for good service, rounding up taxi fares, small change for baristas

Money & Payments

ATMs are widely available, especially in urban areas
Credit cards are widely accepted, especially in cities and tourist areas, but smaller establishments might prefer cash
It's good to have some cash for small purchases and less urban areas
There is no black market for cash

Cultural Norms

Meal times are typically later than in many other countries, with dinner often starting at 9 PM or later
Siesta is less common in major cities but still observed in smaller towns
Personal space can be closer than in some other cultures
Dress codes are generally casual but respectful, especially when visiting religious sites

LGBTQ+ Information

Generally LGBTQ+ friendly. Spain is very LGBTQ+ friendly with comprehensive anti-discrimination laws and legal same-sex marriage since 2005. There is strong societal acceptance.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

Legal drinking age is 18
Drug laws are complex: private use and cultivation of cannabis are decriminalized, but public consumption and trafficking are illegal and carry severe penalties

Special Laws

It is illegal to drink alcohol in public spaces outside of designated areas
Smoking is prohibited in many public indoor spaces
Nudity and topless sunbathing are allowed on some beaches but can be restricted in others

Common Phrases

HelloHola (OH-lah) Hola

PleasePor favor (por fah-VOR) Por favor

Excuse mePerdón (per-DOHN) Perdón

Thank youGracias (GRAH-see-ahs) Gracias

Climate

Both cities share a similar climate type, but Bilbao is slightly more inland with less direct coastal influence than San Sebastian.

Climate Zone: Marine Oceanic

Best Time to Visit

Bilbao and San Sebastian do not typically experience hurricanes, earthquakes, or monsoons
Flooding can occur in the winter months (Dec
Feb) due to heavy rainfall, but it's not a frequent major concern
The region generally has a mild climate, with warm summers and cool, wet winters

Getting There

Fly into Bilbao Airport (BIO) or San Sebastian Airport (EAS)
High
speed trains connect major Spanish cities to Bilbao and San Sebastian
Buses are also a common and affordable way to travel between cities in Spain

Getting Around

Bilbao has a metro system, trams, and buses
San Sebastian has an extensive bus network
Taxis are readily available in both cities
Ride
sharing apps like Uber and Cabify operate in major Spanish cities, including these

Health & Vaccinations

Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, Varicella) are recommended
Hepatitis A and B are also generally advised for travelers to Spain
No specific altitude sickness medication, probiotics, motion sickness remedies, or malaria tablets are typically needed for these destinations

Staying Connected

eSIMs are widely available in Spain
Major providers include Orange, Vodafone, Movistar, and Yoigo
Airalo, Nomad, and other global eSIM providers also work well here

Local Cuisine

Pintxos (General) must_try

These are small, sophisticated, culinary appetizers, often skewered with a toothpick, found on bars throughout the Basque Country. Unlike traditional

Basque Cheesecake (Tarta de Queso) dessert

A crustless cheesecake with a signature 'burnt' or deeply caramelized top and a creamy, molten interior. Originating in San Sebastian, it is less swee

Txakoli alcohol

A slightly sparkling, very dry white wine produced in the Basque region, often poured from a height to aerate it and enhance its characteristic spritz

Sardines/Anchovies (Cantabrian) regional_speciality

The Cantabrian Sea provides high-quality anchovies and sardines, often served cured or marinated as a classic pintxo. The Gilda, a famous pintxo, comb

Cider (Sagardoa) seasonal

Basque cider is a dry, tart, and uncarbonated apple beverage. February is considered 'cider house season' (Txotx), where people visit cider houses in

Book in Advance

Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:

🔴 Must Book in Advance

Dining at Michelin-Starred Restaurants (e.g., Arzak, Akelarre, Martín Berasategui) Dining

Book 2–6 months in advance

San Sebastian is a global fine-dining destination; tables at top-tier restaurants book up months in advance the moment they become available.

🟡 Recommended to Book Ahead

Guggenheim Museum Bilbao Guided Tour tour_or_activity

Book at least 2 weeks in advance

Guided tours must be booked at least two weeks in advance, according to museum policy.

Accommodation in San Sebastian Accommodation

Book 2–6 months in advance

San Sebastian has limited accommodation, and prices skyrocket or inventory disappears, especially during the summer and major festivals.

Fun Facts

1. San Sebastian has a higher density of Michelin-starred restaurants per square meter than almost any other city in the world, making it a global culinary hotspot
2. Bilbao's Old Town, Casco Viejo, was originally made up of only seven streets, which can still be explored today: Somera, Artekale, Tendería, Belostikale, Carnicería Vieja, Barrenkale, and Barrena
3. The Basque language, Euskera, spoken in both Bilbao and San Sebastian, is the oldest known European language still in use and is unrelated to any other Romance or Germanic language
4. San Sebastian's City Hall building was originally a grand casino that opened in 1887 and served as a gambling establishment until the practice was banned in 1924

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