Bilbao or San Sebastian? Which is the Best City to Visit in Spain’s Basque Country?

Bilbao vs San Sebastian? It’s a question those with limited time ask themselves when visiting the Spanish Basque Country. Is Bilbao or San Sebastian the best city in the Basque Country?

These two cities are popular destinations for exploring the Spanish Basque Country, a distinct region found in Northern Spain that sits next to the border of France.

Both San Sebastian and Bilbao offer a unique and different vibe, even though they are both located in the Spanish Basque Region.

San Sebastián is found along the Bay of Biscay and offers a more beach resort vibe. The Nervion River flows through the heart of Bilbao and eventually reaches the shores of the Ria of Bilbao.

The short answer is, why not visit both? Bilbao and San Sebastián are two of the most famous cities of the Basque Region. Both cities are easily connected via public transportation, and Bilbao and San Sebastian are only a short distance apart!

This comparative guide includes things to do in Bilbao and San Sebastian and highlights each city’s main attractions. Many of the attractions can be visited in a full day, but there are plenty of day trips to take from both Bilbao and San Sebastian. Included in this overview are the best ways to reach the Basque Country in Spain and how to travel between the cities.

This is my breakdown to compare Bilbao vs. San Sebastian.

Table of Contents

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• Where is the Basque Country?
• How to Visit the Spanish Basque Country Cities of San Sebastián and Bilbao
• Bilbao or San Sebastian |Things to Do & Attractions
• Where to Sleep in the Spanish Basque Country
• Conclusion | Which Spanish Basque Country City Should You Visit: Bilbao or San Sebastián?

Where is the Basque Country?

sThe Basque Country is fascinating and is found in the northeastern corner of Spain and a small section of southwest France. The Basques have their own language (Euskara), cuisine, and culture. The roots of the Basque heritage are closely connected with the sea due to its privileged location on the Bay of Biscay.

What’s also unique about the Basque culture is that it is found across two countries (Spain and France). The Spanish Basque Country covers a much larger area and takes a huge sense of pride in its heritage.

The French Basque Country is smaller in area than the Spanish region and is a little more blended with French culture. Bayonne and Biarritz are the most well-known Northern Basque Country cities, but the mountain hamlet of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port is famous as being the official starting point of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route of the Camino Frances.

Both the Basque regions in Spain AND France are worth a visit. If looking to spend time in the Northern Basque Country mountain villages and coastal villages are worth a stop. With that being said, a car is extremely useful when looking to explore the countryside and villages along the sea.

How to Visit the Spainish Basque Cities of San Sebastian and Bilbao

It’s super easy to visit San Sebastian and Bilbao due to its numerous transportation options from planes, trains, and buses.

Those short on time may opt for an organized tour, while those exploring the Basque Country slowly can enjoy it on foot can as San Sebastián and Bilbao are both on the Camino de Santiago.

San Sebastian vs Bilbao Transportation Options

San Sebastian (Donostia-San Sebastian)

• San Sebastian has a very small airport (EAS) that is located about 30 minutes from the city center in Hondarribia
• Donostia San Sebastian Train Station is centrally located close to the Old Town of San Sebastián and connects to major train stations from Madrid.
• San Sebastián’s Bus Station is located steps away from the main train station and offers numerous routes provided by almost 15 different companies, including Alsa and FlixBus.
• Along the northern coast, the Euskotren connects the border town of Hendaia, France, all the way to Bilbao.

Bilbao

• Bilbao has an airport Aeropuerto de Bilbao (BIO), that offers domestic flights throughout
• Spain and numerous locations to Europe, UK, and Morocco.
• Bilbao’s main train station is Abando Indalecio Preito, which is located across the river from Old Town. This is the main station that offers destinations to places in Spain outside the Basque region.
• The main bus station is located at the Bilbao Intermodal Station. This major transportation hub has everything you need, from the underground bus station, cafes, lockers, a parking lot, and more.

Frequent San Sebastián and Bilbao Connections

San Sebastian and Bilbao are easily connected via bus and Euskotren. The buses are much faster than the local train.

• The most frequent bus between San Sebastian to Bilbao is run by Alsa Bus Company. The direct bus takes less than an hour and a half, and the cost is approximately €8.
• Another option is to take the Spanish Basque train of Euskotren. This is a slower, but scenic journey, with the route taking around 2 and a half hours. The average train fare is €7. Look for the Euskotren E1.
• The most centrally located station in San Sebastián is Amara Donostia Station, and those looking to explore the heart of Bilbao can use Abado Station or Casco Viejo Zazpikaleak.

Popular Spanish Basque Country Day Tours

If short on time, a guided tour may be the best option to get an overview of the Northern Basque Country. The most popular places for Basque tours to depart are from Bilbao or San Sebastián. Make sure to always verify the departure location.

As the Basque Country is a culinary destination, many of the organized tours include food and wine tours.

➜ Explore San Sebastian’s Old Town by sampling pintxos and trying the wine of the region.

➜ This full-day trip from San Sebastian includes a stop in Bilbao, the Guggenheim, and the famous site of Gaztelugatxe

➜ Biarritz and French Coast Small Group Tour from San Sebastian is a great way to experience the French Basque Countryside

➜ Take a full-day tour of San Sebastian and the stunning Basque Coast Tour from Bilbao

➜ This is one of the highest-rated Foodie Tours in Bilbao and includes a stop at 5 different bars

➜ Visit the famous Rioja Wine Region of the Basque Country (Rioja Alavesa )and tour three different wineries from Bilbao

San Sebastián and Bilbao and the Camino de Santiago

San Sebastian and Bilbao are both beloved villages on the Camino de Santiago North Way. The official Camino del Norte starting point is in Irun, with the 830 Km (515 miles) journey taking an average of 34 days to reach Santiago de Compostela.

Those pilgrims walking from Irun will first walk to San Sebastian, where they may wish to spend a day or two resting and indulging in all the pinchos. In around six walking days, they will reach Bilbao, another popular city, to take a rest day and visit the Guggenheim museum.

If considering walking the Camino de Santiago, make sure to pack light and check out these game-changing tips for first-time pilgrims. Here are some frequently asked questions about the Camino when preparing to walk this life-changing journey.

Bilbao vs San Sebastián | Attractions & Things to Do

Bilbao is not located directly on the sea, but straddles the Nervión River. It’s close to the Ria de Bilbao, which can easily be reached via the metro. While Bilbao is a much larger city, there are lots of cultural aspects to appreciate, from its condensed Casco Viejo (Old Town) with its narrow cobblestone streets, the impressive Guggenheim museum, lively neighborhoods, and of course, delicious cuisine.

Donostia-San Sebastián is famous for being one of Spain’s most culinary-rich cities. It’s located on the Bay of Biscay and known for its stunning beach, La Concha, and nearby surfing spots. San Sebastián is much smaller and offers a small Old Town, an aquarium, seaside boardwalks, and its numerous Michelin Star Restaurants. San Sebastian was a popular summer destination for the Spanish aristocracy, and to this day, the city still feels like it was built for royalty. 

When I first visited the Basque Country, I was enchanted by San Sebastián and used it as my base for the Basque Region. The more time I spent in Bilbao, the more it “grew on me.” There was much more to see than the Guggenheim Museum. These days, I love both cities and think they both offer different experiences, but I tend to lean towards staying in Bilbao.

My best advice is to split your time between San Sebastián and Bilbao. There are also numerous day trips that are worth seeing from each city. I’ve included a section for day trips that are closest to both Bilbao and San Sebastián.

Bilbao Attractions

Most visitors visit Bilbao only to spend time at the impressive Guggenheim Museum. The modern building designed by Frank Gehry attracts nearly 1 million visitors a year and has put Bilbao on the map for a tourist destination in Spain.

Visitors are welcomed to the museum by Puppy, a fun and flowery living statue created by Jeff Koons. Inside the Guggenheim, find both permanent and roating modern art exhibits.

While most visitors spend the day at the Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao has plenty of attractions scattered around town. In my humble opinion, Bilbao is worth at least 2 days to explore.

The Casco Viejo, the historic Old Town of Bilbao, is a delight to wander. Find no shortage of pintxos bars, lively plazas, churches, and twisting cobblestone streets. There are also a few smaller museums within the Old Town.

Just outside the Old Town on the shores of the Nervion River, find the La Ribera Market. This market was built in 1929 and is now home to numerous different types of Pintxos Bars. Grab a plate and glass of wine and head outside to savor the river views.

Take a stroll along the river or head up to the hills to get a different view of Bilbao from the Artxanda Mirador by taking the Bilbao Funicular. Those looking to explore more of the pinxtos scene in Bilbao should head to Ledesma Street in the Abando neighborhood, which has a fun and local feel.

➜ Short on time? Indulge in this highly-rated pintxos tour with wine pairing and see the Guggenheim Museum with a guide. Looking for something different…. join a bike tour of Bilbao.

Best Day Trips near Bilbao Spain

Bilbao has lots of unique day trip options, especially as it is closer different autonomous regions (Rioja, Cantabria). While it’s possible to visit many of these places as day trips from San Sebastian as well, these places are much closer and easier to reach from Bilbao.

✔ San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is a beautiful natural site and is by far the most popular day trip from Bilbao. Climb the 241 stairs to reach the top of the Chapel of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe. Visitors will recognize San Juan de Gaztelugatxe from the TV series “Game of Thrones.” Bilbao offers tons of guided tours to Gaztelugatxe that typically include a few different stops.

✔ Getxo is a seaside town just outside the limits of Bilbao on the shores of the Bilbao Estuary. Getxo is known for its affluent neighborhoods lined with mansions and sandy beaches surrounded by cliffs. Its most iconic structure is the iron Bridge of Vizcaya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Another popular way to visit Getxo is on a Bike Tour.

✔ Head inland to visit Vitoria-Gasteiz, the official capital city of the Basque Region. This spectacular and underrated Basque city has a well-preserved medieval old town, a funky art scene, delicious pintxos bars and restaurants, and tons of green spaces. We ended up sleeping here two nights and were so glad we did! 

✔ Bermeo is a colorful fishing village that is worth a stop, especially for those visiting San Juan de Gaztelugatxe. The small village boasts a colorful old port and a few places to enjoy a drink or a meal. The old town is built along the hill and provides numerous pedestrian-friendly streets. Bermeo is included on this Bay of Biscay Tour.

✔ Leave the Basque Country and head next door to the Cantabrian village of Castro Urdiales. This seaside village is small, but it boasts a lively old town, the 13th-century Church of Santa María de la Asunción, an old castle with some ruins, and a medieval bridge that follows along the pier. The tapas scene in Castro Urdiales is fun, and each bar has its own specialty item.

✔ The Basque Country has its own territory in the famous La Rioja region, the Rioja Alaves. It is much more convenient to visit the Rioja Alavesa from Bilbao than from San Sebastian. There are plenty of must-see villages in the region, but Laguardia may be the most picturesque. Those visitors who loved the Guggenheim will want to visit Eltziego to see the Winery and Hotel Marques de Riscal, designed by Frank Gehry, too.

⁉️A guided tour from Bilbao is recommended so you don’t have to worry about driving logistics. This highly rated Rioja Wine Tour includes two different wineries, and this is another popular La Rioja Boutique Wine Tour from Bilbao that includes a picnic lunch.

Who Will Love Bilbao Spain?

Bilbao’s biggest attraction is the Guggenheim Museum, but the city will appeal to everyone besides those who adore modern art. Bilbao is a much bigger city than San Sebastian, but within the Old Town and nearby neighborhoods, it doesn’t feel like a metropolis. While the Old Town and surrounding areas are extremely walkable, the city’s public transportation is flawless, with buses, trams, metro, and the local train.

Bilbao can also give San Sebastian a run for its money when it comes to food. There are tons of delicious pintxos bars and 5 Michelin Star Restaurants within the city limits. While Bilbao can seem a little gritty and industrial at first, those who spend time here, will appreciate all the parts of Bilbao.

San Sebastian Attractions

San Sebastian is an iconic food city in Spain. The must-see attractions can all be explored on foot, from the atmospheric Parte Vieja (Old Town), the San Telmo museum, and a casual hike up Mount Urgull, home to an old fortress built in the 12th century. Those interested in marine life can visit the San Sebastián Aquarium.

No visit to San Sebastián is complete without a “bar crawl” to sample the best pintxos. Look for the crowds in Parte Vieja, order a drink, and choose a pintxo out on display or on the menu. If looking for a more local feel, head to the Gros neighborhood. Foodies can also try a tasting menu at one of the 19 nearby Michelin-star restaurants or browse the local markets.

La Concha Beach is an amazing place to watch the sunset. During the summer months, it’s filled with sunbathers and umbrellas. Numerous beaches line the coastline.

Besides the main Monte Urgull, there are also two more Montes worth exploring. Monte Igueldo has a funicular and amusement park at the top. Monte Ulia has tons of hiking trails, a restaurant, and viewpoints.

In my opinion, try to spend at least 2 days in San Sebastian. One day in San Sebastian is enough to dip your toes in the culinary scene, but two allows time to see the main attractions at ease.

➜ Short on time? Try out this Eating San Sebastian: Beyond Pintxos Tour
that highlights pinxto bars in Gros neighborhood and Old Town. This Small-Group Electric Bike Tour also visits the main attractions in San Sebastián.

Best Day Trips near San Sebastián

Blessed to be on the sea, San Sebastián offers a ton of fabulous day trip options. Here is my complete guide for the best day trips from San Sebastián, but below are the closest day trip options from San Sebastián compared to Bilbao.

✔ Getaria is a fantastic Basque fishing village famous for its many grilled fish restaurants and Txakoli vineyards. Getaria boasts a walkable Old Town, a peninsula park with a lighthouse, and two lovely beaches. (Guided Tour Option)

✔ Explore the traditional Basque cider houses known as Sagardotegia in the nearby village of Astigarraga. A guided cider tour is a fun way to experience the revival of this popular beverage, or take the short bus ride to Astigarraga and visit the Cider Museum and a Cider House.

✔ The small fishing village of Zumaia is a great access point to the Flysch hiking route. The Flysch Route is part of the official GR-121 hiking trail, and this section showcases the unique rock sediments of Flysch. The lovely trail runs between Zumaia and Deba and is part of the protected Basque Coast UNESCO Global Geopark. If you don’t wish to hike, there are organized tours that showcase the many lovely coastal towns from San Sebastian.

✔ Visit the French Basque Country and see Biarritz and Bayonne France. Both cities can be explored within a day and offer a different feel of the French Basque Region.

✔ Pamplona is a historical city found in the Navarre region of Spain. This city was one of Hemingway’s favorite places, with museums, churches, and plenty of places to eat in the old town. Pamplona is most famous for its San Fermin Festival and the Running of the Bulls, and there are tours available from San Sebastian.

Who Will Love Donostia San Sebastian?

San Sebastian is a fabulous option for those looking to dive deep into the culinary treasures of the Basque Region. It’s located on the sea and offers boardwalks, sandy beaches, and the bonus of having small green mountains nearby. San Sebastian is smaller, so it’s more walkable, and the Old Town is condensed with some of the best pintxo bars. There are also nearby Michelin Star restaurants within the city and nearby.

San Sebastian is a great option for those looking to dip their toes into the Basque Region.

Sleeping in Spanish Basque Country

When it comes to Bilbao and San Sebastian, and where to sleep in the Spanish Basque Country, there are numerous options.

Bilbao is a larger city, so it feels a little more lived-in and local. Most of the accommodation options are found in the Old Town, the nearby Abando neighborhoods, and close to the Guggenheim Museum.

Bilbao is the largest city in the Basque Region, so there are plenty of places to sleep. I find it’s cheaper to stay in Bilbao than in San Sebastian, especially in the off-season.

• Latroupe La Granja is my go-to accommodation option in Bilbao. Found in a beautiful and historic building, La Granja has private and hostel-style rooms steps away from it all. The cellar bar is cozy, and the staff is on-site 24 hours.
• Pensión Manoli is a great local pension found in the center of Casco Viejo
• Pensión Basque Boutique is one of the highest-rated accommodation options in Casco Viejo, with stylish decor and nice rooms
• Pensión Plaza Nueva is an affordable accommodation option that is located in bustling Plaza Nueva of Old Town.
• Bilder Boutique Hotel is a highly-rated hotel with large and modern rooms found right on the outskirts of Casco Viejo
• The Artist Grand Hotel of Art is right across the street from the Guggenheim Museum and boasts a rooftop terrace

➜ Browse all the Best Places to Stay in Bilbao Spain

San Sebastián can be a little more expensive as it’s a beach town. I find it’s definitely more expensive during the summer season. There are lots of different accommodation options in San Sebastián, and you’ll typically pay more for sea views. Most accommodation options are in the Old Town and the nearby Gros neighborhood or close to the beach.

• Koba Hostel is a popular hostel found in the Gros neighborhood of San Sebastian
• A Room In The City Hostel is located not far from La Concha Beach and is close to the main Amara Train Station.
• Pension Aida is a highly rated pension located on the outskirts of the Gros neighborhood
• Atotxa Rooms is a great option for those looking to stay outside of the busy city and close to the main Train Station and the Cristina Enea Park.
• Zenit Convento San Martin is a high-scale hotel with all the modern ammenities and a little extra that is located steps away from La Concha Beach.
• Hotel Maria Cristina is the iconic luxury 5-star hotel in San Sebastián

➜ Browse all the Best Places to Stay in San Sebastian Spain

Conclusion | Which Spanish Basque Country City is Better to Visit Between Bilbao and San Sebastián?

So, in the end, which Spanish Basque Country city is the best to visit when it comes to the Bilbao vs San Sebastián debate? The real answer lies in your interests!

Bilbao is most famous for its modern Guggenheim Museum, whereas San Sebastián is most famous for its high concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants. I would argue that both Bilbao and San Sebastián are known for their fabulous pintxos bars. And while San Sebastián has the highest concentration of Michelin-star restaurants, there are a handful in Bilbao.

Bilbao was once a gritty and polluted industrial river town, but today it offers numerous museums, new walkways, funiculars, and more. San Sebastián has always been a destination for the aristocrats and boasts one of Spain’s most beautiful beaches.

Both cities have an Old Town, with Bilbao’s being technically larger. Both cities are also historic stops on the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route. Both cities have very different and diverse day trip options.

As I stated earlier, I first fell in love with San Sebastián hard, and I have always preferred it. However, the more time I spent in Bilbao, the more I began to fall in love with the city. While San Sebastián has that love-at-first-sight charm, Bilbao may take some time. These days, I prefer to spend more days in Bilbao than in San Sebastián. Bilbao has that special place in my heart that took about three or four visits to find.

Bilbao and San Sebastián are so well connected via public transportation that you could see both cities! Although I don’t think that one day is enough in either Bilbao or San Sebastián. In my humble opinion, try to spend at least two days in each location.

The Bilbao vs San Sebastián debate is always so interesting and really depends on each person. I would love to know your preference on Bilbao or San Sebastián and your reasons. Let me know in the comments below!

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Disclaimer: There’s a chance this post contains affiliate links, and I receive a small (but grateful) portion of the sale. There’s no extra cost to you, and I only promote things that I use and love.