Things to do & places to visit in Basque Country, Spain

Situated at the feet of the western Pyrenees near the French border, Spain's Basque country comprises three provinces: GuipÃºzcoa and the popular beachfront capital of San Sebastian; Viscaya, where capital Bilbao houses the jaw-dropping Gehry-designed Guggenheim Museum; and Alava, whose capital Vitoria teems with medieval architecture. Running with the bulls at Pamplona and drinking rioja from area wineries add to the region's exotic romanticism. Travel in early summer and fall to dodge the madding crowds.

Basque Country #8 destination in Spain 2023. The average rating score is 4.41 based on 95.5k traveler reviews, of 94 attractions. Timezone: Europe/Madrid, current date and time: Monday, April 29, 2024, 13:59.

Top things to do (28)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Bodega Casa Primicia (329 reviews)
- Wonderful experience
Monday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Wineries & Vineyards

Casa Primicia is the oldest civil building in the medieval town of Laguardia, the place where the Church received the taxes of the peasants since the XV Century, the first winery in Rioja Alavesa. Visiting Casa Primicia you will discover the true history of wine in Rioja and you will be amazed by our incredible caves digged 900 years before where we keep our best secret; our wine. See more..
4.5 Guggenheim Museum Bilbao (17.8k reviews)
- Such a unique building, not just an art museum
Monday: Art Museums

American architect Frank Gehry is responsible for this architectural masterpiece: this fantastic chrome and metal creation houses a large collection of modern and contemporary art, a continuation of the Guggenheim legacy. See more..
4.5 La Concha Beach (9.196 reviews)
- Fishing with shoes
Beaches

The tide flooded the whole beach - it made for so much fun! My brother and I swam very far out and we also spent a lot of time trying to catch fish. We were using our shoes and empty water bottles to try and trap them. The water was a lovely warm temperature and the sand was nice and soft. We also made some great sandcastles. We were very hungry at the end of the day and we had a yummy burger and fries. We loved our time there and hope to return one day. See more..
4.5 Casco Viejo (5.351 reviews)
- It opened my eyes to Bilbao
Monday: 9:00 AM - 1:30 PM, 3:30 PM - 7:30 PM Spent 2-3 hours Neighborhoods • Historic Walking Areas

An old, pleasant neighborhood best known for its open-air food markets, where shoppers can buy some of the freshest and best-tasting fruit and vegetables in Europe. See more..
4.5 Parte Vieja (4.544 reviews)
- One of Spain's most beautiful cities
Neighborhoods

The Old Town of San Sebastian is very beautiful, buildings are well maintained and it is very clean. I saw how they clean the streets with machines in the morning. On a Saturday night very full and alive. On a Sunday morning, very calm. This city is great and worth visiting. See more..
4.5 Plaza Nueva (3.772 reviews)
- Could use a bit more landscape greenery to soften things
Monday: Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks

This is the oldest surviving square in Bilbao and is surrounded by 60+ covered arches. Three levels of housing sit upon the arcade with their beautiful white French doors opening into the square. There is a language school there with a very interesting emblem on its roofline: a lion with its two human hands on either side of a shield. On Sundays, the square hosts a flea market and at other times, concerts and community events are held here. The covered arches are a great place to retreat from blazing sun (it was quite hot in July) and many arches open onto cafes, traditional taverns, and small shops. Seating is fairly limited for people who are not sitting at a cafe. The building style is Roman Neoclassical which, in itself, adheres to design simplicity and is a reaction to the excesses of Rococo style. Nice place to stop with our tour group but not for too long. See more..
4.5 San Juan de Gaztelugatxe (3.088 reviews)
- Nice hike in perfect weather
Spent More than 3 hours Geologic Formations

It was closed for repairs when we visited last year so we were happy to find out it had opened. No tickets required in January. We stopped off on our way to San Sebastian having flown into Bilbao. The first car park was full with a queue of cars waiting but carrying on past leads to a bigger car park nearer the start of the hike. It's a fair hike down and then a fair hike up, but the weather was perfect walking weather, sunny and cold. We had worked up a sweat by the time we reached the hermitage at the top of the islet even though following a train of people. The top was pretty packed with people, so lots of photos and a quick rest before heading back down. At the bottom, instead of taking the same route we took from the car park, we took the seemingly far less popular path to the left which makes a less steep (but longer) loop back to the car park. Again, plenty of photo opps on this walk. We had good pintxos and a beer at the bar next to the car park. The bar staff kept track of who had arrived when and served in the correct order, despite the fact we didn't speak Spanish or Basque. Definitely worth a half-day from Bilbao. See more..
4.5 Peine del Viento (2.585 reviews)
- Don't miss this spot...
Points of Interest & Landmarks

A modern iron sculpture by Eduardo Chillida embedded in the rocks at the water's edge. See more..
4.5 Bilbao Fine Arts Museum (2.542 reviews)
- More enjoyable than the Guggenheim
Monday: 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Art Museums

The Bilbao Fine Arts Museum is an art museum located in the city of Bilbao, Spain. It is the second largest and most visited museum in the Basque Country and one of the richest Spanish museums outside Madrid. It houses a valuable and quite comprehensive collection of Basque, Spanish and European art from the Middle Ages to contemporary. See more..
4.5 Monte Urgull (2.455 reviews)
- Wonderful views, not too much of a hike!
Mountains • Lookouts

A walk up to the castle and statue gives you stunning views over the sea, city and beaches. The castle is interesting, and the paths up are partly covered in shade by trees, so not too bad on a hot day. We ended by walking round to the other side of the old city via the path/road round the headland, which I'd recommend. The museum was closed, but a very worthwhile thing to do regardless. See more..
4.5 Puente Colgante Vizcaya (1.816 reviews)
- UNESCO World Heritage Site
Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks • Bridges

This UNESCO World heritage site straddles the Ibaizabal estuary, west of Bilbao. Designed by Basque architect Alberto de Palacio it was completed in 1893. The 45m high bridge spans 160m. It uses 19th-century ironworking traditions and twisted steel ropes. The world’s first bridge to carry people and traffic on a high suspended gondola. Used as a model for many similar bridges in Europe, Africa and the Americas few of them still survive. Impressive but best viewed from the water or from up high. It was not possible to see the whole bridge, unobstructed, from where I was at street level on the Portugalete side. Admission for the Vizcaya Bridge Gondola: Pedestrian crossing on the gondola is 0.35€. Admission for using the lifts to visit and cross the walkway at the top of the bridge: Adults: 7€; seniors and children aged 5 to 12: 5.6€; children under 5 years are free. See more..
4.5 Catedral de Santa Maria (1.560 reviews)
- If You're In Vitoria, This Is A MUST DO
Monday: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM, 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Religious Sites • Churches & Cathedrals

Lets face it, Vitoria is nice city, but not lots to do. I've been going there as an American married to a Spaniard from here for 13 years. However, I just went on a tour this last Christmas of this place since its been renovated - a MUST DO - great tour guides, super well done tour, great blend of modern with ancient - and its like you're on an architectural / restoration tour in live format - hard hats and all - you'll go places in this church you cannot go elsewhere - really, I reemphasize, make your reservations and do this tour. See more..
4.5 Azkuna Zentroa (1.474 reviews)
- Pretty Building and Cultural Centre
Monday: 7:00 AM - 11:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Architectural Buildings • Civic Centres

Azkuna Zentroa is the centre for art and culture located right in the heart of Bilbao and is housed in one of the most emblematic buildings of the city, the former municipal wine exchange market. Refurbished and restored by Philippe Starck, Azkuna Zentroa has a diverse cultural programme where art, knowledge, design, science, new technologies and literature converge, as well as a varied physical activity offering. A multipurpose and contemporary centre where disciplines, contents and the general public are interrelated, which increases the cultural level of the general public and contributes to the enrichment of Bilbao and its internationalisation. See more..
4.5 Plaza de la Virgen Blanca (1.334 reviews)
- Unusual lovely plaza
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings

Wonderful atmospheric plaza as you go up the hill, with the old parts to two sides. Sheltered from the cold wind in March with cafes/bars around. See more..
4.5 Historic Center of Hondarribia (1.025 reviews)
- Refreshing Hondarribia
Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites

The ole town of Hondarribia sits atop a hiĺl in the village. There is a beautiful church one can go inside to appreciate architecture and religious art. Its not a large area but the homes and strèets are interesting and colorful to look at. There are a couple squares one can shop, eat, drink and sit at outside cafe style tables. Be mindful of Spain's siesta time as many of the shops will close in the afternòon. The rest of the town is a nice seaport with a long boardwalķ along the seawall. We watched the local crew teams practice, boys swimming, men fishing. There are many shops at one end. Some fine Basque fòod available. Personally, I enjoyed the quiet and còoler seaside town needing a break from 4 weeks of sightsèeing and hiking in hotter S France and eastern Spain. Refreshing. See more..
4.5 Zurriola Beach (860 reviews)
- Lovely beach
Beaches

Lovely at this time of year- lots of surfers out enjoying the waves. Warm enough for us to paddle! Easy to access from Gros for a lovely walk. See more..
4.5 Bodegas Solar de Samaniego (831 reviews)
- Must see evening tour
Monday: Spent 1-2 hours Wineries & Vineyards

Bodegas Solar de Samaniego are in Laguardia, medieval village in the heart of Rioja Alavesa and integrated in DOCa Rioja. This winery has restored its seventies architecture to become a space for wine and literature cultures, inspired by the Project Beber Entre Lineas (Drink Between the Lines). The monumental artistic intervention of muralist Guido van Helten on its old tanks has turned it into a great tourist attraction in the region. See more..
4.5 San Telmo Museoa (769 reviews)
- A must-do for the building & the exhibitions
Art Museums

I wanted to visit the museum to learn more about Basque life but I had the happy surprises of a temporary exhibition on Magellan and the discovery of a stunning convent cluster and church. You must go. The Magellan exhibition is very well done with the 5 ships and their itineraries meandering on the exhibition with massive screens showing the crew, the water etc. I was very impressed altogether. And at 6€ for a ticket, there's nothing not to like. To follow the visit, you can download an app on your mobile as not all displays are labelled in English (the Magellan exhibition is). There is a cafe next to the museum, which is at the bottom of Mount Urquell reachable via the stairs. Big bags can be left in lockable lockers at the entrance. See more..
4.5 Bodegas Baigorri (764 reviews)
- Great tour and tasting.
Monday: Wineries & Vineyards

Do you want to live through an exciting experience? BAIGORRI winery is UNIQUE. His concept and philosophy is to transmit the passion for the wine from the vineyard, taking care to the maximum of every detail. Because of it we want that you come to visit us and to remain to eating in our gastronomic restaurant, with a view to the vineyard, where our Chef will show you surprising plates with products of season of the Rioja Alavesa, and where our BAIGORRI's wines receive protagonism well as integral part of the plate or harmonizing the food. Do you know some warehouse with 7 underground plants? Inside an incomparable frame for the culture of the grapevine, sheltered by the "Sierra Cantabria" mountain, you can discover 7 plants of underground fret, where of didactic form you discover stepwise everything the process of production for gravity of our singular wines. You can come to visit us providing that you want. We offer you these magnificent options of visit: - Visit guided with degustation of 2 wines 2 "tapas gourmet": 12€ for person (VAT included). - Visit guided with a menu degustation in the Restaurant of the warehouse, consisted of 3 "tapas", first gastronomic plate, second plate, dessert, bread, coffee, water, and 4 references of wines harmonizing the food: 45€ for person (VAT included). Our Restaurant this one placed in the sixth underground plant, with a view to the vineyards and our spectacular room of casks. Still have not you surprised us? Follow us in Facebook and in Twitter and discover everything what we can do for you. See more..
4.5 Playa de Zarautz (747 reviews)
- A beautiful beach
Beaches

Long beach. Wide, room for everybody. Fine sand, no rocks apart from at the ends. Fresh but salty water. On most days it is easy and safe to enter the sea. Perfect place to learn to surf. A number of not expensive bars and restaurants. A number of beautiful sculptures can be enjoyed. A perfect beach for adults. Keep an eye on minor children that cannot bathe on their own. See more..
4.5 Ondarreta Beach (685 reviews)
- dog friendly
Beaches • Beach & Pool Clubs

lovely beach with plenty of bins for poo bags! Could only find a couple of cafes nearby but unfortunately none of them [that we found] allowed dogs inside See more..
4.5 Parque de la Florida (650 reviews)
- Nice park
Parks

it is a great park to walk, drink a coffee and relax. In a sunny day is a must to visit this park to relax. See more..
4.5 Anillo Verde (642 reviews)
- Wonderful Place
Nature & Wildlife Areas

Special... Wild nature. I love this place. Just walk and relax... Marvellous!! If u visit Vitoria, do not forget to check this beautiful area. See more..
4.5 Casilda Iturrizar parkea (634 reviews)
- Tranquil park in Bilbao
Parks

This park was a short distance from our hotel (Carlton) and near the Museum of Fine Arts and the Guggenheim. There are shaded areas with benches as well as fountains and some statues. It is a tranquil area which had many locals enjoying the solitude. See more..
4.5 Cristobal Balenciaga Museum (622 reviews)
- Unusual museum with spectacular architecture
Speciality Museums

One of a kind in the world, the venue has become the first large museum of its type dedicated exclusively to a fashion designer. Developed under the tutelage of the Cristobal Balenciaga Fundazioa Foundation, the Museum has accepted the mission of promoting, disseminating and making the most of the significance, relevance, importance and prominence of the brilliant designer himself and of his work in the world of artistic creation in general and ore specifically, of fashion and haut couture. The Museum, in addition to exhibiting more than 3,000 items, seeks to become an international center, involved in education, dissemination and investigation within the area of the fashion couturier. See more..
4.5 Bodega El Fabulista (608 reviews)
- Visit the Tunnels of Laguardia and Taste the Wine
Monday: 10:30 AM - 2:30 PM, 5:00 PM - 8:30 PM Wineries & Vineyards

This tour is better than most as you are taken below ground to the tunnels under the city where the wine is stored. The Tour ends with a tasting of four different wines along with some sausage, cheese and bread. Francesca and Antonio were very gracious hosts. Fun experience. See more..
4.5 Miramar Palace (607 reviews)
- Best views of San Sebastian
Castles

Free gardens to walk around with stunning views over the beaches. The palace itself is not open to the public, but well worth a pleasant half our sat watching the views. See more..
4.5 Puppy (532 reviews)
- Must see example of public art
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent < 1 hour Monuments & Statues

The puppy is a statue, a piece of public art outside the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao. It is huge, so it is easy to find. It is made of live flowering plants that are continuously tended. This is a photo opportunity. Lots of people take pictures or pose in front of it. Since it is outdoor public art, there is no charge to see it. There are benches and a tourism office nearby. See more..
4.5 Iglesia de Santa Maria de los Reyes (512 reviews)
- Go see the show
Churches & Cathedrals

We booked a tour to go see the show about the Portico. it was amazing. Call the tourist office or go there to book. Well worth it. It only last 9 minutes and then you can take photos and visit the church inside. We have many beautiful photos of this experience. We highly recommend it. See more..
4.5 Bodegas Campillo (498 reviews)
- Amazing tour with knowledgeable guide
Monday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Wineries & Vineyards

The connection between wine and architecture finds its finest example in Bodegas Campillo. Established in 1990, this is the first winery designed by an architect as an unique project, where the beauty of its architectural forms gets together with the best technical and functional requirements for the production and ageing of wine. The winery is built as a Bordeaux château, in the centre of a vineyard of 50 hectares of Tempranillo grapes, located in the foothills of the Sierra de Cantabria, at the foot of the medieval village of Laguardia. It is a winery to enter the world of wine and to live an unforgettable experience. See more..