4 of us staying 5 days in the Basque region in late Sept. We can fly into either city from Barcelona. Just not sure which city is recommended over the other. Thanks!
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16894 posts
If you don't want to sleep in both, then lot of people would use San Sebastian for the home base and day trip to Bilbao by bus. S.S. has a big beach and a big foodie scene, from pintchos to Michelin stars. It may also have more lodging options, though you only need one.
Posted by
Ontario, Canada
364 posts
San Sebastián! Creative, delicious pinxtos! Take the funicular up Monte Igueldo for phenomenal view of the bay. Bilbao is an hour away by bus, easy day trip.
Posted by
OP
Bellevue, wa, usa
61 posts
Any lodging suggestions in SS? We prefer to stay in one place, not both. One other question...are there any smaller towns in the area with nice places to stay?
Posted by
New York, NY, USA
11294 posts
It's not a matter of one being "better" than the other - they're very different. Whichever one you stay in, you should definitely visit both.
San Sebastian is smaller and prettier; the view from the top of the Monte Igueldo funicular really is gorgeous. Bilbao is a bigger city, with great museums (the Museum of Reproductions and the Fine Arts Museum, in addition to the famous Guggenheim), a larger and more interesting Old Town, and more of a big city vibe. For me, San Sebastian is lovely but I was bored after a day or so, as it's pretty to look at, but but unless you're going to the beach, there's not much to do. I preferred Bilbao, but I realize it's too much of a city, or not pretty enough, for others' tastes.
If you're looking for a smaller town, Hondarribia (right next to the San Sebastian airport) is a very pretty town right at the French border (almost all the visitors seemed to be French). If you're looking for a smaller city that still has more museums and such than San Sebastian, Vitoria is very nice, and not at all touristed.
Posted by
OP
Bellevue, wa, usa
61 posts
Thanks! We plan to visit both towns, as well as others in the area, since we have lots of time. I like the idea of Hondarribia.
Posted by
Atlanta, GA
19 posts
Think of San Sebastian as a Lady, and Bilbao a rock star. Two very differenct places and scenes. Two of my favorite places in Euskadi are Guernica and Lekeitio.
Posted by
OP
Bellevue, wa, usa
61 posts
Excellent anology! We are pretty sure we'll be staying in Lekeitio now, after everyone has been so helpful in answering my original question. Seems like the best location for our group.
Posted by
New York, NY, USA
11294 posts
I finally finished and posted my trip report from my Basque country trip of May 2017. Two warnings: it's long, and it wasn't my favorite place. Nevertheless, you may find some useful tips anyway: https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/trip-reports/basque-country-trip-report-bayonne-san-sebastian-vitoria-gasteiz-and-bilbao-may-2017