City BuddyCityBuddy
English
Breathtaking aerial view of the famous La Concha Bay, San Sebastian, showcasing the coastline and cityscape under a cloudy sky.

8-Day Basque Country Summer Experience

⚖️Balanced Mix
8 dayssummer

Discover the vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, rich cuisine, and historical gems of Basque Country this summer.

|
Day 1Bilbao Highlights
Morning

Guggenheim Museum

Guggenheim Museum

Located along the Nervion River, spend the morning exploring iconic contemporary art and the building's striking architecture. Arrive early to avoid crowds and consider a guided audio tour for deeper insight.

4.5(93k reviews)~2.5 hours
Afternoon

Bilbao Old Town

Bilbao Old Town

Walk through the historic Casco Viejo neighborhood. Visit Plaza Nueva and sample pintxos in traditional taverns on Calle Somera and Calle Jardines. Don't miss the Santiago Cathedral.

4.5(93k reviews)~3 hours
Evening
Find a traditional Basque cider house

~2.5 hours

Head to a sidrería typically found in the Deusto or Abando neighborhoods. Order a glass of Txakoli, the local sparkling white wine, and sample Piquillos Rellenos as a starter with cider.

Experience local cider and cuisine in a traditional Basque setting.

Meals

Recommended traditional local cuisine

Pantxineta
Breakfast€4-6

Find a nearby café in Abando and order a cortado with a sweet Basque pastry called Pantxineta, a puff pastry filled with custard and almonds.

Pantxineta
Bacalao a la Vizcaína
Lunch€12-18

Look for a casual eatery in the Old Town serving Bacalao a la Vizcaína, cod in a rich red pepper sauce. Pair it with a glass of local Txakoli wine.

Bacalao a la Vizcaína
Piquillos Rellenos
Dinner€15-20

Choose a cider house serving traditional Basque cider and try Piquillos Rellenos, roasted red peppers stuffed with cod or meat, a perfect accompaniment to the cider.

Piquillos Rellenos
Use Metro Bilbao to reach most locations quickly; taxis cost about €1.2/km and apps like Uber, Cabify, and Bolt are reliable for short trips.

AccommodationAbando (central business district with easy access to transport and city sights)

Abando offers great access to main attractions and transport for this day, plus plenty of dining options.

Hotel in Abando (central business district with easy access to transport and city sights)
€60-90/night

Abando offers great access to main attractions and transport for this day, plus plenty of dining options.

Search hotels in this area
Day 2San Sebastian Beaches and Culture
Morning

La Concha Beach

La Concha Beach

Spend your morning at La Concha Beach, the iconic city beach framed by the old town and Ondarreta. Walk along the wooden promenade on Avenida de La Concha and enjoy the views of the bay.

4.7(23k reviews)~3 hours
Afternoon

Mount Urgull

Mount Urgull

Hike up Mount Urgull from the old town side via the steep Calle Pescadería. Explore the castle, enjoy panoramic city and sea views, and visit the small history museum inside.

4.7(713 reviews)~2.5 hours
Evening
Explore a pintxos bar in San Sebastian

~2 hours

Head to the Old Town's Calle 31 de Agosto for a lively pintxos bar experience. Try diverse small plates with local ingredients and pair with a glass of Txakoli, the Basque sparkling white wine.

Meals

Recommended traditional local cuisine

Pantxineta
Breakfast€4-6

Find a café near La Concha Beach and try a Pantxineta, a traditional Basque almond pastry, with your morning coffee.

Pantxineta
Lunch
Look for a seafood spot near the beach promenade and order grilled fresh fish with local sides. This is a casual meal with a great view.
€12-18
Piquillos Rellenos
Dinner€15-20

Choose a pintxos bar in the Old Town and enjoy small plates including Piquillos Rellenos, peppers stuffed with seafood or meat, along with a glass of Txakoli.

Piquillos Rellenos
The best way to get around is on foot as all sights are close; for longer trips, taxis cost about €1.2/km and apps like Uber, Cabify, and Bolt operate here.

AccommodationParte Vieja (Old Town, central and lively historic district)

This area keeps you close to the beach, pintxos bars, and cultural sites for easy walking.

Hotel in Parte Vieja (Old Town, central and lively historic district)
€60-90/night

This area keeps you close to the beach, pintxos bars, and cultural sites for easy walking.

Search hotels in this area
Day 3Cultural Immersion
Morning

San Telmo Museoa

San Telmo Museoa

Explore the extensive Basque history and culture exhibits housed in a former convent. Located near the Old Town, focus on Basque traditional crafts and contemporary art.

4.5(4k reviews)~2 hours
Afternoon
Plaza Nueva

~1.5 hours

Wander around this iconic neoclassical square in the Old Town. Great place to relax on terraces and observe local street musicians and artisans.

4(1 reviews)
Google Maps DirectionsBook tours & ticketsView details, tips, opening times & more
Evening
Visit a local food market

~2 hours

Visit Mercado de la Ribera for an extensive selection of Basque produce and delicacies. Try small bites from different stalls to sample regional specialties.

Meals

Recommended traditional local cuisine

Pantxineta
Breakfast€3-5

Find a café near the Old Town serving strong coffee with a slice of Pantxineta, a local custard-filled almond pastry.

Pantxineta
Piquillos Rellenos
Lunch€12-18

Look for a tavern in Plaza Nueva and order Piquillos Rellenos, stuffed piquillo peppers, accompanied by local cider or Txakoli wine.

Piquillos Rellenos
Txangurro
Dinner€15-22

Dine at a market-side eatery and try fresh seafood tapas including Txangurro, a spider crab dish, paired with a glass of Kalimotxo, the red wine and cola mix.

Txangurro
Use local buses and metro for easy access to the Old Town; taxis cost around €1.2/km and apps like Uber, Cabify, and Bolt are reliable.

AccommodationOld Town (historic and central area with many attractions)

Staying here keeps you close to the day's main activities and vibrant nightlife.

Hotel in Old Town (historic and central area with many attractions)
€60-90/night

Staying here keeps you close to the day's main activities and vibrant nightlife.

Search hotels in this area
Day 4Coastal and Marine Exploration
Morning

Aquarium

Aquarium

Visit the Aquarium located in the port area of San Sebastián. Focus on the Basque marine life exhibits and the impressive oceanarium with its underwater tunnel.

4.4(15k reviews)~2 hours
Afternoon
Try surfing at Zarautz Beach

~3 hours

Head to Zarautz Beach, one of the top surfing spots in the Basque Country. Rent a board from one of the local surf shops right on the beach and take a beginner's class if new to surfing.

Evening
Sunset walk along the Basque coast

~1.5 hours

Walk along the coastal promenade starting from La Concha Beach towards Ondarreta and Zurriola Beach. The route offers beautiful views of the cliffs and the Bay of Biscay at sunset.

Meals

Recommended traditional local cuisine

Pantxineta
Breakfast~€4

Find a local bakery in the Centro area and try Pantxineta, a traditional Basque almond-filled pastry, with a strong coffee.

Pantxineta
Txakoli
Lunch~€18

Look for a casual seafood restaurant near Zarautz beach and order grilled fish and a glass of Txakoli, a local white wine.

Txakoli
Piquillos Rellenos
Dinner~€20

Find a tapas bar in the Gros neighborhood and try Piquillos Rellenos, stuffed piquillo peppers, paired with a cold Kalimotxo, a mix of red wine and cola.

Piquillos Rellenos
The best way to get around for the day is by Euskotren train to Zarautz and local buses for short trips. Use Uber or Cabify for taxis at about €1.2/km.

AccommodationCentro (central neighborhood near the Old Town and beaches)

Centro is a convenient base allowing easy access to both the city attractions and Zarautz for surfing.

Hotel in Centro (central neighborhood near the Old Town and beaches)
€60-90/night

Centro is a convenient base allowing easy access to both the city attractions and Zarautz for surfing.

Search hotels in this area
Day 5Mountain Adventure
Morning

Txindoki Mountain

Txindoki Mountain

Start early at Txindoki Mountain located near Abaltzisketa. It's a popular hiking spot so wear sturdy shoes and bring water and snacks for the 4-hour round trip hike with scenic views.

4.8(161 reviews)~4 hours
Afternoon
Explore the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve

~3 hours

Spend your afternoon exploring the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve, especially the town of Gernika. Visit the market and the peace museum, then stroll along the estuary for birdwatching and picturesque landscapes.

Evening
Find a local trout dinner spot

~2 hours

In the evening, head to Mundaka town to find a local restaurant famous for fresh trout dishes cooked traditionally. Ask for recommendations to try trout with garlic or Basque herbs.

Meals

Recommended traditional local cuisine

Intxaursaltsa
Breakfast€3-5

Find a café in Gernika and try Intxaursaltsa, a creamy walnut dessert drink that is traditional and filling to start your day.

Intxaursaltsa
Piquillos Rellenos
Lunch€12-15

Look for a small eatery near the Urdaibai Reserve serving Piquillos Rellenos, stuffed peppers with seafood or meat filling, perfect for a light Basque lunch.

Piquillos Rellenos
Txakoli
Dinner€18-22

Find a local dining spot in Mundaka for trout with garlic herbs paired with a glass of Txakoli, the Basque sparkling white wine that complements fish dishes well.

Txakoli
Rent a car or use taxis and local buses to move easily between Txindoki and Urdaibai. Use Uber, Cabify, or Bolt apps for taxis costing about €1.2 per km.

AccommodationBilbao Old Town (historic center near main attractions)

This area offers easy access to transport options for day trips and a great evening atmosphere with restaurants and bars.

Hotel in Bilbao Old Town (historic center near main attractions)
€60-90/night

This area offers easy access to transport options for day trips and a great evening atmosphere with restaurants and bars.

Search hotels in this area
Day 6Basque Culinary Day
Morning

Basque Culinary Center

Basque Culinary Center

Spend the morning exploring San Sebastián's Basque Culinary Center in the Amara neighborhood. Look for workshops or exhibitions about local gastronomy.

4.5(427 reviews)~3 hours
Afternoon
Take a Basque cooking class

~3 hours

Join an afternoon cooking class around the Old Town to learn traditional Basque recipes, focusing on hands-on preparation techniques.

Evening
Enjoy a wine tasting of Basque Txakoli

~2 hours

Attend a wine tasting event in the Gros district, known for its trendy bars, where you can try chilled Txakoli paired with pintxos.

Meals

Recommended traditional local cuisine

Pantxineta
BreakfastAround 5 euros

Find a café near the Amara neighborhood and try a coffee with Pantxineta, a flaky puff pastry filled with custard and almonds.

Pantxineta
Bacalao a la Vizcaína
LunchAbout 15 euros

Look for a local eatery in Old Town serving Bacalao a la Vizcaína, a traditional cod dish in a rich red pepper and tomato sauce.

Bacalao a la Vizcaína
Txakoli
DinnerAround 20 euros including drinks

Find a tapas bar in Gros and order pintxos paired with glasses of Txakoli, the local sparkling white wine.

Txakoli
Use the city bus or metro to get around San Sebastián. Taxi apps like Uber and Cabify operate here with about 1.2 euros per km fare.

AccommodationCentro (central neighborhood close to Main Street and Old Town)

Centro is ideal for easy access to the Basque Culinary Center, Old Town cooking classes, and Gros wine tasting spots.

Hotel in Centro (central neighborhood close to Main Street and Old Town)
$60-90/night

Centro is ideal for easy access to the Basque Culinary Center, Old Town cooking classes, and Gros wine tasting spots.

Search hotels in this area
Day 7Historical Treasures
Morning
Visit the Chillida-Leku Museum

~3 hours

The Chillida-Leku Museum is located a few kilometers from central San Sebastián in Hernani. Visit in the morning to appreciate Eduardo Chillida's sculptures. Take a taxi to save time as public transport connections here are limited.

View details, tips, opening times & more
Afternoon
Explore the medieval town of Hondarribia

~4 hours

Hondarribia's old quarter is best explored on foot. Walk along Calle Mayor to see colorful Basque houses and historic walls. Visit Plaza de Armas and the waterfront promenade for picturesque views.

Evening
Dine at a seaside restaurant in Hondarribia

~2 hours

Find a seafood restaurant near Hondarribia's marina. Order fresh grilled fish and sample local Txakoli wine for a true Basque experience.

Meals

Recommended traditional local cuisine

Pantxineta
Breakfast€4-6

Find a café in San Sebastián and order coffee with Pantxineta, a puff pastry filled with custard and almonds, popular in Basque Country.

Pantxineta
Lunch
Try pintxos (Basque tapas) in Hondarribia's old town. Look for bars with fresh seafood and try anchovies, cod, and local cheeses.
€12-18
Bacalao a la Vizcaína
Dinner€20-30

Dine seaside in Hondarribia and order Bacalao a la Vizcaína, a traditional Basque cod dish cooked with red peppers and onions. Pair with Txakoli, a sparkling white wine typical of the region.

Bacalao a la Vizcaína
For this itinerary, taxis are the most efficient way to reach Chillida-Leku Museum. Use Uber, Cabify, or Bolt with fares around €1.2/km. Walking will cover exploring Hondarribia's old town.

AccommodationParte Vieja (historic center of San Sebastián)

Central location with easy access to cultural sites, dining, and transport connections.

Hotel in Parte Vieja (historic center of San Sebastián)
€60-90/night

Central location with easy access to cultural sites, dining, and transport connections.

Search hotels in this area
Day 8Relaxation and Departure
Morning
Relax at Ondarreta Beach

~3 hours

Ondarreta Beach in the Gros neighborhood is great for a relaxed morning. Walk the shoreline or lounge on the sand near Playa de la Concha for scenic views and calm waters.

Afternoon
Find souvenir shopping spots in San Sebastian

~3 hours

Explore the old town (Parte Vieja) for shops selling local crafts and delicacies. Check out Calle Mayor and Plaza de la Constitución to find typical souvenirs such as Basque textiles and ceramics.

Evening
Farewell dinner in a local tavern

~3 hours

Head to Gros or Parte Vieja neighborhoods and seek out traditional taverns. Order Piquillos Rellenos, roasted red piquillo peppers stuffed with filling, for a classic local flavor.

Meals

Recommended traditional local cuisine

Pantxineta
Breakfast€3-5

Find a bakery near Ondarreta Beach and try a slice of Pantxineta, a puff pastry dessert filled with custard and almonds, paired with coffee.

Pantxineta
Lunch
Look for a pintxos bar in the Parte Vieja area and sample various pintxos alongside a glass of Txakoli, a local sparkling white wine.
€10-15
Piquillos Rellenos
Dinner€15-20

For your farewell dinner, seek a local tavern and order Piquillos Rellenos accompanied by a glass of Patxaran, a sloe berry liqueur.

Piquillos Rellenos
Use local buses or walk to get around the city. For taxis, use apps like Uber, Cabify, or Bolt with fares around €1.2 per km.

AccommodationGros (vibrant beachside neighborhood with good access to central San Sebastian)

This area is convenient for beach access and close to many dining and shopping options, ideal for a relaxed final night.

Hotel in Gros (vibrant beachside neighborhood with good access to central San Sebastian)
€60-90/night

This area is convenient for beach access and close to many dining and shopping options, ideal for a relaxed final night.

Search hotels in this area

Export Your Trip

Get your trip plan as a PDF with maps and a CSV spreadsheet.

Loading

Budget Breakdown

Accommodation / night$60
Food / day$20
Transport / day$10
Activities / day$20
Daily total$110
Trip total$880

Accommodation is approximately 60 Euros per night. Food budget includes 15 Euros for restaurant meals and 5 Euros for street food or beer/coffee. Transportation is estimated at 10 Euros per day with public transport and occasional taxi rides. Activities budget is estimated at 20 Euros per day for general sightseeing and entertainment.

Good to Know

Tap Water: Safe to drink
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Power Plugs: Types C and F
Best Taxi Apps: Uber, Cabify, Bolt
Public Transport: Metro Bilbao, Euskotren, Bizkaibus
Languages: Spanish, Basque, English
Safety: Good traffic safety and excellent violent crime safety
Food Scene: Excellent local food options
Tipping: Moderate tipping common, 5-10%
Vaccinations: Hepatitis A, Tetanus, Influenza recommended

Pre-Trip Checklist

Documents

Health

Packing

Connectivity

Get eSIM for Basque Country, Spain

The easiest and most affordable way to get mobile internet wherever you travel.

Booking