Things To Do
Bilbao
Bilbao is the largest city in the Basque Country and a perfect blend of industrial heritage and modern architecture. One of the best ways to experience Bilbao is walking along the Ría de Bilbao, where old industrial docks have been transformed into a vibrant waterfront filled with bridges and modern architecture. Some of the main attractions in the city are: The Guggenheim Museum, a titanium, glass, and limestone masterpiece that transformed the Basque Country into a global cultural hub for contemporary art. Casco Viejo, also known as Las Siete Calles, is Bilbao's vibrant medieval heart, famous for its historic architecture, lively pintxo bars, and charming narrow streets. Don Diego López de Haro Gran Vía - Bilbao's elegant main avenue, serving as the city's vibrant commercial and financial heart lined with grand 19th-century architecture, upscale shopping, and institutional landmarks.
Aste Nagusia - Bilbao's Great Week
If you're visiting during our wedding week, you'll have the chance to experience Aste Nagusia (Bilbao's Great Week), the city's biggest annual celebration. From 22–30 August 2026, Bilbao comes alive with free concerts, nightly fireworks over the estuary, traditional Basque sports, street performances, open-air dancing, and the famous txosnas (festival tents) run by local community groups. It's one of the best times of the year to experience the city's unique atmosphere. The full programme will become available on the official Bilbao Tourism website.
Bilbao Pintxo Route
A pintxo crawl is one of the best ways to experience Bilbao. The main pintxo bar areas in the city are: + Plaza Nueva – a classic starting point with numerous traditional pintxo bars. We recommend the following route for pintxo/bar hopping: Gure Toki, modern pintxos → Sorginzulo, creative Basque bites → Víctor Montes, traditional Basque classics → Baster, Famous creamy Basque tortilla → Con B de Bilbao, Modern, creative pintxos → Irrintzi, local favorite with great atmosphere + Diputación area – lively pedestrian street in central Bilbao famous for its magnificent palace and its high-end, bustling pintxo bars. These are our favorites: El Globo, iconic pintxos (txangurro, foie, beef cheek) → La Viña del Ensanche, jamon, croquetas and truffled egg + Ledesma Street – one of Bilbao's best streets for hopping between modern and traditional pintxo bars. These are the most popular: El Puertito, oysters + cava → Ledesma N°5, signature pintxos → Promenade, vermut and creative bites
San Juan de Gaztelugatxe
A dramatic island connected by a stone bridge and 241 steps. It became famous as Dragonstone in Game of Thrones, but in real life it feels even more impressive.
Bermeo
A historic and picturesque Basque fishing village famous for its colorful old port and deep-rooted maritime traditions
Donostia / San Sebastián
Often considered Spain's culinary capital, San Sebastián combines elegant Belle Époque architecture with spectacular beaches and an incredible food scene. It is consistently ranked among Europe's most beautiful coastal cities. We would highly recommend visiting: La Concha Beach - A beautiful, crescent-shaped city beach with soft sand and calm water. Parte Vieja (Old Town) - The lively historic neighborhood famous for its packed pintxo bars. Monte Igueldo viewpoint - The classic hilltop spot for the best postcard view of the bay. Peine del Viento sculpture - Rusty iron sculptures by the Basque artist Eduardo Chillida built directly into the coastal rocks where waves crash.
San Sebastian Pintxo Route
San Sebastian is known for having the highest density of Michelin star restaurants in Europe. If there is something you can't miss while visiting, that is experiencing the local food scene. After walking along la concha beach, there is no better plan than getting lost in the Old Town tasting local pintxos and sipping Txakoli wine. Here are our favorites: Txepetxa, famous anchovy pintxos → Nestor, legendary tortilla (limited daily servings) → Sport, one of the best foie pintxos in the city → Gandarias, grilled beef + classic pintxos → Atari, terrace by the Santa María del Coro church, perfect for txakoli → La Cuchara de San Telmo, iconic slow-cooked pintxos → Borda Berri, incredible warm pintxos → La Viña, original basque burnt cheesecake
Vitoria-Gasteiz
Vitoria is the capital of the Basque Country and Pablo’s hometown — calmer, greener, and deeply historic. Vitoria is not about rushing — it’s about slow walks, cafés, and everyday Basque life. While in the city, don't miss: Old Town - A medieval neighborhood packed with 15th-century walls, narrow cobblestone alleys, and historic Renaissance palaces. Cathedral of Santa María — whose restoration inspired Ken Follett while writing The Pillars of the Earth sequel World Without End. Plaza de España and its arcades - lively central meeting point of Vitoria-Gasteiz. Paseo de la Senda (beautiful walk from Parque del Prado to Plaza de la Virgen Blanca). Feeling hungry after a long day of exploring the city? Recharge with a pintxo in the following bars: + Sagartoki - Famous “egg yolk explosion” pintxo / Truffled tortilla (signature dish) + PerretxiCo - Modern reinterpretations of classics / Creative seasonal bites + El Toloño - Iberian ham / Croquetas / Traditional counter pintxos
Rioja Alavesa
Just outside Vitoria lies Rioja Alavesa — vineyard-covered hills, medieval villages, and some of the best wine in the world. Two towns you can't miss: + Laguardia - A perfectly preserved medieval hilltop town, considered one of the most beautiful villages in Spain. Walk along the medieval walls, visit underground wine cellars and explore the church of Santa María de los Reyes Don't miss the nearby iconic Marqués de Riscal winery by Frank Gehry. + Haro - The wine capital of Rioja. López de Heredia, Muga, CUNE, and La Rioja Alta wineries are located in this town. While visiting, explore Plaza de la Paz and Calle Santo Tomás for tapas and wine bars.
