San Sebastián and Bilbao in 3 Days: what to see, where to eat, and where to stay

The Basque Country is one of Spain’s most underrated destinations: two cities with completely different characters, world-class food, and some of the most striking architecture in Europe — all within easy reach of each other. In 3 days you can explore both Bilbao and San Sebastián at a relaxed pace, eating extremely well along the way.

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

Where to stay in Bilbao: best hotels in Casco Viejo

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:

Bilbao City Rooms — just a 3-minute walk from the Guggenheim Museum.
Habitación con baño privado en el centro de Bilbao — very centrally located in the shopping district but close to Casco Viejo.
Pensión Boutique Caravan Cinema — in the heart of Casco Viejo with excellent reviews.
Casual Mardones — in the heart of Casco Viejo with excellent reviews.

Parque Doña Casilda Iturrizar and Plaza Moyúa

The day began at Parque Doña Casilda Iturrizar, a peaceful oasis created in 1907. Considered one of the most beautiful parks in Bilbao, it 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, surrounded by stunning buildings including the Chávarri Palace.

Pintxos vs tapas: where to eat in Bilbao

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!

Casco Viejo: Bilbao’s oldest neighbourhood

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 colourful 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.

Zubizuri Bridge: Bilbao’s most iconic modern landmark

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.

Where to eat dinner in Bilbao

For dinner, I recommend La Viña del Ensanche — 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 — Guggenheim, Local Markets and Day Trips

Guggenheim Museum Bilbao: tickets and what to expect

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 sculpture — Puppy — one of the most photographed works in the city. You can purchase tickets on the official website here.

La Ribera Market: the best place for lunch in Bilbao

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.

Bascake: is the cheesecake worth trying?

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 it hadn’t been baked properly, apologised, and assured me they’d be more careful in the future. That said, the flavour was fantastic, so I still recommend it — I’m sure you’ll have better luck than I did! 🙂

Day trips from Bilbao: San Juan de Gaztelugatxe and Guernica

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 — a spot that gained fame as a filming location for Game of Thrones.

Another interesting destination is Guernica, 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 explores 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 organised tours on GetYourGuide here — so you won’t have to worry about anything!

Day 3: San Sebastián — La Concha Beach, Pintxos and the Original Cheesecake

How to get from Bilbao to 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.

La Concha Beach: one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe

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.

Parte Vieja: San Sebastián’s old town and pintxos paradise

After our walk, we headed to Parte Vieja, the old town — a true paradise for food lovers. This historic neighbourhood 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.

What to see in San Sebastián: the main attractions

Monte Igueldo: accessible by 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 centre.
Zurriola Beach: the surfers’ beach, ideal for water sports enthusiasts.
Plaza de la Constitución: a lively square surrounded by historic buildings.

San Sebastián’s Michelin-starred restaurants: a world-class food scene

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 kilometre. Among the most famous are Arzak, Martin Berasategui, Akelarre, Amelia and many more! Click on each restaurant to visit their official website and check out the menus. 🙂

Dinner at La Viña: where the San Sebastián cheesecake was born

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 the full story behind the San Sebastián cheesecake — its history, origin and the best places to try it — read my dedicated articles:

Conclusions: is a long weekend in the Basque Country worth it?

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! 😊✈️