Bilbao and San Sebastian has always been an exciting route for food lovers. The Basque country is famous for their flavourful meat and succulent seafood. As my friend Raul was living in Spain we had a great opportunity to do a mini road trip together. He is driving of course.
To be honest I didn't do much research of tourist sights. You can only see so many cathedrals and churches in one life time. Saying that both places had plenty of amazing architecture and magnificent coastlines for your instagram.
Bilbao
Accommodation
We stayed at the Mercure Bilbao Jardines de Albia quite close the the city centre by a canal. The hotel is part of the Accor group so it is a safe mid price option for city travels. The rooms are decent and it has a nice al fresco bar which is ideal for smokers.
Sightseeing
The below places may not be the most interesting places for you to see, but IT IS something we did walk pass and took pictures of. Like I said I didn't do much research on the cultural stuff.
Mercado de la Ribera
The Mercado de la Ribera is a market square in Bilbao. Its built area of 10,000 square metres makes it the biggest covered market in Europe. Do check out their website for opening hours as they are quite sporadic. They do have bars there so you can spend an evening here or just do lunch. However if you would like to get some more premium Iberico ham you should head across the road and go to Carniceria charcuteria JABUGO instead.
Plaza Nueva
The Plaza Nueva or Plaza Barria of Bilbao is a monumental square of Neoclassical style built in 1821. Its name comes from the previously existing Plaza Vieja or Old Square in the place where the Ribera Market was built. This place is great for coffee and people watching but it is a bit touristy.
F.C De Santander A Bilbao
To be honest I still don't know what it is. I think it is an old station that's no longer in use.
Guggenheim Museum Bilbao
The Guggenheim Museum Bilbao is a museum of modern and contemporary art designed by Canadian-American architect Frank Gehry.
Restaurants and Nightlife
Calle Ledesma
Parallel to the city's main shopping street (Gran Vía), Calle Ledesma has numerous bars to stop off for a snack and rest, some of which boast decades. For our first night we had a causal drink and went to a place called 18 Lobster Bar (18 is the street number), but sadly it is now closed.
Etxanobe
I believe this Michelin starred restaurant had a revamp after our visit and now has 2 locations; La Despensa del Etxanobe and Atelier Etxanobe. With most fine dining you are there for the experimentation and experience. I enjoyed the meal enough to try their new locations should I ever go back. Fine dining in Europe in general is a lot cheaper than in HK.
Around Bilbao
Bilbao is pretty much a land-lock city so since we had a car we decided to driver down to Portugalete. It is a town lying to the west of Bilbao at the mouth of the Estuary of Bilbao on the left bank. It is a relaxing day out by the river mouth compared to Bilbao.
Leiketio is in town right in the middle of Bilbao and San Sebastian, which makes it a perfect pit stop should you are driving between the two. We didn't find anything interesting food wise but it has a beautiful coastline to stretch your legs before you continue with your journey.
San Sebastian
Accommodation
We stayed at Hotel Niza which is located on the further end of their famous promenade. It is about 10 min walk from the city centre and it has a fantastic view of the ocean. It is a slightly dated establishment but instead of stuffy it adds to the charm of the hotel. The rooms are not that big but not small enough to make a complain about. It has an apparently famous restaurant in the basement but I refused to eat at the hotel that I'm staying in.
Sightseeing
Basílica de Santa María del Coro
Historic 18th-century Catholic church & minor basilica with ornately carved exterior doors. It is located in the Parte Vieja (old town) area surrounded by narrow streets with interesting shops. Worth spending some time walking area the area.
Plaza de la Constitucion
The Constitution Square or Consti, as it is known by Donosti inhabitants, was constructed in the year 1817 by architect Ugartemendia, one of the most involved in the rebuilding of San Sebastian after the devastating 1813 fire. The square is good for a casual afternoon coffee and people watching.
Restaurants and Nightlife
Bar Nestor
Considered to be one of the best steak place in town and it doesn't disappoint. The place does get busy but it is definitely worth waiting for.
Arkaitzpe Disco Pub
I think the name speaks for itself but it's also pretty chill on a week night. Also very easy to meet new people there too.
Around San Sebastian
My parents recommended me El Astillero/Asador Astillero located in Getaria, a fishing port town 40 min drive from S.S to the west. There is not a lot happening over here so unless you really like seafood it is not worth the fuss. As they have a large variety of fish you really need to know what fish you like and what you don't. Fear not if you don't like seafood as they do steak as well.
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