7 Day Itinerary for Bilbao and San Sebastian
Planning a 7-day itinerary for Bilbao and San Sebastian? You are in for a treat. These two Basque cities sit about 100 kilometres apart, yet they feel wonderfully different. Bilbao suits art lovers, architecture fans and anyone who enjoys a lively old town. San Sebastian suits beach lovers, foodies and travellers who like a slower pace. Between them, you will find world-class museums, dramatic coastline and some of Spain’s best food. Not sure which city fits you best? Read our guide to San Sebastian or Bilbao. Better still, this itinerary lets you enjoy both. You will spend three nights in Bilbao and three in San Sebastian. Along the way, you will visit a Game of Thrones island, a fishing port and a hilltop fairground. It works well in spring and autumn, when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller.
Day 1: Arrive in Bilbao and Explore the Old Town
Fly into Bilbao Airport, then take the metro or a taxi into the centre. Drop your bags and head straight out.
Casco Viejo
Start in Casco Viejo, Bilbao’s medieval heart. Seven narrow streets, known as the Siete Calles, form its core. Stroll past the Gothic Santiago Cathedral and the arcades of Plaza Nueva. Shops, balconies and tiny bars line every lane. Allow a couple of hours, because every corner tempts you to stop. Get directions.
Mercado de la Ribera
Next, visit the Mercado de la Ribera, one of Europe’s largest covered markets. It sits beside the river in a striking Art Deco building. Browse fresh fish, cheese and Basque produce downstairs. Upstairs, food stalls serve pintxos and wine. Get directions.
Pintxos on Plaza Nueva
Evening means pintxos. These small bites on bread are the Basque answer to tapas. New to them? Read what Spanish pintxos are first. Try the bacalao al pil-pil at Gure Toki, a modern favourite on the square. Get directions. Café Bar Bilbao is a classic that has served pintxos since 1911. Get directions. Finally, order the ham croquettes at Sorginzulo. Get directions.
Where to Stay in Bilbao
Bilbao has options for every budget. Hotel Miró is known for boutique design beside the Guggenheim. It scores around 4.5/5 on Google, and guests praise the personal service. The Artist Grand Hotel of Art faces the museum and scores around 4.6/5. Reviewers love its rooftop terrace and breakfast. Hotel Tayko Bilbao scores around 4.7/5, with guests mentioning stylish rooms and its riverside setting. Sercotel Ayala earns around 4.6/5 for clean, comfortable rooms. Petit Palace Arana scores around 4.4/5 and offers good value in the old town. For more ideas, see our guide on where to stay in Bilbao. We recommend searching for properties with free cancellation on Booking.com.
Day 2: Art, Architecture and Riverside Views
Guggenheim Museum Bilbao
No visit is complete without the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao. Frank Gehry’s titanium building shimmers beside the river. Inside, you will find modern and contemporary art from around the world. Outside, look for Jeff Koons’ flower-covered Puppy and Louise Bourgeois’ giant spider. Allow at least two hours inside. Queues build quickly, so book ahead. Get directions. Buy tickets and secure your place.
Bilbao Fine Arts Museum
Afterwards, stroll through Doña Casilda Park to the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum. Its collection includes works by El Greco, Goya and leading Basque artists. It is calmer than the Guggenheim, so you can browse at your own pace. Afterwards, relax with a coffee in the park. Get directions.
Vizcaya Bridge in Portugalete
Finish at the Vizcaya Bridge. This iron transporter bridge is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take the metro to Portugalete, then ride the gondola across the river. The views at sunset are lovely, and the crossing takes only a few minutes. Portugalete also has a pretty old quarter worth a short wander. Get directions.
Day 3: Gaztelugatxe and Bermeo
Today is easiest with a car. Hiring a car in Bilbao lets you explore the coast road at your own pace. Not sure it suits you? Read is renting a car in Spain worth it. Hire a car with Discovercars.
San Juan de Gaztelugatxe
Your first stop is San Juan de Gaztelugatxe. A stone bridge leads to this rocky islet and its hilltop hermitage. Climb the 241 steps, then ring the bell three times for good luck. Game of Thrones fans will know it as Dragonstone. Entry is free, but busy days need a timed reservation. Check the official site before you go. Wear sturdy shoes, because the steps are steep and can be slippery. Arrive early for the quietest views. Get directions.
Bermeo
Next, drive to Bermeo, a working fishing port. Wander the harbour and the old quarter. Spot the colourful boats moored along the quay. Then pause for grilled fish at a harbourside bar. Return to Bilbao in the evening for a final pintxos crawl. Get directions.
Day 4: Travel to San Sebastian
After breakfast, check out and head east. The bus from Bilbao to San Sebastian takes around one hour and 20 minutes. It is simple and affordable. Our guide on how to use Spanish buses explains the basics. Check bus schedules and buy tickets on Omio.
La Concha Beach
Drop your bags, then head to La Concha. This crescent-shaped bay is among Europe’s loveliest city beaches. Walk the elegant promenade, then swim or sunbathe on the golden sand. In the evening, locals gather here for a relaxed stroll, so join them. At the western end, look for Eduardo Chillida’s Peine del Viento sculptures. Get directions.
Where to Stay in San Sebastian
San Sebastian is compact, so most areas work well. Lasala Plaza Hotel sits in the old town and scores around 4.7/5. Reviewers praise its rooftop terrace, breakfast and location. Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra scores around 4.6/5, with guests loving its beachfront sea views. Room Mate Gorka earns around 4.7/5 for stylish decor and a central spot. Intelier Villa Katalina scores around 4.6/5, with comfort and value often mentioned. On a budget? Koba Hostel scores close to 4.8/5 and reviewers enjoy its friendly atmosphere. Our guide on where to stay in San Sebastian has more choices. We recommend searching for properties with free cancellation on Booking.com.
Day 5: San Sebastian’s Old Town and Food Scene
Parte Vieja
Begin in the Parte Vieja, San Sebastian’s compact old quarter. Visit Plaza de la Constitución, where numbered balconies once doubled as bullfight seats. Then step into the baroque Basilica of Santa MarÃa del Coro. Finally, browse the stalls at La Bretxa market. Get directions.
San Telmo Museoa
Next, visit San Telmo Museoa. It joins a former convent with a bold modern extension. Exhibits explore Basque culture, history and art. It is a peaceful break from the busy pintxos streets. Its garden cloister is a lovely spot to rest between exhibits. Get directions.
San Sebastian’s Signature Pintxos
San Sebastian is famous for its food, so try two specialities. First, taste the gilda, the city’s original pintxo. It skewers an anchovy, an olive and a spicy pepper. Try it at Bar Txepetxa. Get directions. Casa Vallés is another classic. Get directions. Atari Gastroleku also serves a fine version. Get directions.
Second, sample creative pintxos de autor. La Cuchara de San Telmo is known for slow-cooked beef cheeks. Get directions. Borda Berri and A Fuego Negro are also excellent. Get directions. Get directions. Round off the night with the burnt cheesecake at La Viña. Get directions. Our where to eat in San Sebastian guide has more ideas.
Day 6: Day Trip to Hondarribia
Today, take the bus from San Sebastian to Hondarribia. The journey takes under an hour. Check bus schedules and buy tickets on Omio.
Hondarribia Old Town
Climb to the walled upper town of Hondarribia. Its cobbled lanes lead to the Castle of Charles V, now a luxury hotel. Walk along the old ramparts for views across the bay to France. Look out for the grand stone mansions with carved coats of arms. Get directions.
La Marina
Then wander down to La Marina, the fishermen’s quarter. Wooden balconies in bright colours line its narrow streets. Calle San Pedro is packed with lively pintxos bars. Stay for lunch, then catch the bus back in the afternoon. Get directions.
Day 7: Monte Igueldo and Departure
Monte Igueldo
Ride the historic funicular up Monte Igueldo. The hilltop offers sweeping views over La Concha and the Cantabrian Sea. A vintage amusement park adds some old-fashioned fun, and the ride itself is charming. Go in the morning for clear skies. Get directions.
San Sebastian Aquarium
Before leaving, visit the San Sebastian Aquarium beside the port. Its underwater tunnel lets you walk beneath sharks and rays. It is a fun final stop for families. Get directions. Buy tickets and secure your place.
Finally, fly home from San Sebastian Airport or return to Bilbao Airport. Want to extend your trip? Browse our 7 day itinerary for the Basque Country and the best towns in Basque Country. You could also follow our three day Basque coast itinerary. Whatever you choose, this trip blends art, coast and unforgettable food. Book popular museums and restaurants early, especially in summer. Then pack comfortable shoes and an appetite.