BilbaovsSan Sebastián
Can't decide between Bilbao and San Sebastián? Compare these two amazing destinations to find your perfect match.
Bilbao
Bilbao transformed from industrial port to cultural powerhouse thanks to the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao. This Basque city offers world-class architecture, excellent pintxos, a charming old town (Casco Viejo), and a proud Basque identity.
Known for
San Sebastián
San Sebastián is Spain's culinary capital, a sophisticated Basque city with Europe's highest concentration of Michelin stars per capita. Set on a stunning shell-shaped bay, this elegant resort offers world-class pintxos bars, beautiful beaches, and vibrant Basque culture.
Known for
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Head-to-Head Comparison
See how these destinations stack up in key categories
Culture & History
Bilbao offers Guggenheim Museum, Casco Viejo (Old Town), Pintxos Bars
San Sebastián offers Pintxos Crawl in Parte Vieja, La Concha Beach, Monte Urgull
Food & Dining
Bilbao is famous for its local dining scene
San Sebastián is famous for its local dining scene
Nightlife
Bilbao offers a relaxed evening atmosphere
San Sebastián offers a relaxed evening atmosphere
Best Time to Visit
May to September
May to September
Weather
Summer: 22°C, Winter: 10°C
Summer: 22°C, Winter: 10°C
Top Attractions in Bilbao
- 1Guggenheim Museum
- 2Casco Viejo (Old Town)
- 3Pintxos Bars
- 4Mercado de la Ribera
- 5Puppy (Jeff Koons)
- 6Nervión River Walk
Top Attractions in San Sebastián
- 1Pintxos Crawl in Parte Vieja
- 2La Concha Beach
- 3Monte Urgull
- 4Monte Igueldo
- 5Michelin Restaurants
- 6San Telmo Museum
Bilbao is Popular With
San Sebastián is Popular With
Hidden Gems
Discover lesser-known attractions in each city
Hidden Gems in Bilbao
- 1
Alhóndiga Bilbao
A former wine warehouse transformed by Philippe Starck into a spectacular cultural and leisure center with a unique swimming pool on the top floor.
- 2
Museo de Reproducciones Artísticas
Museum of artistic reproductions housing exact plaster casts of classical sculptures from museums around the world.
Hidden Gems in San Sebastián
- 1
Monte Ulia
A coastal headland east of the city, offering rugged cliffs, hidden coves, and panoramic hiking trails far from the crowds of Urgull and Igueldo.
- 2
Museo Naval
A compact but fascinating museum located in the port area, detailing the Basque Country's rich maritime history, shipbuilding, and whaling traditions.
Neighborhoods to Explore
Discover the best areas to visit in each city
Top Areas in Bilbao
Casco Viejo
The historic heart of Bilbao, a maze of seven parallel streets filled with medieval architecture, traditional taverns, and bustling plazas.
Indautxu
An elegant commercial and residential district with beautiful Belle Époque architecture, upscale shopping streets, and sophisticated dining options.
Top Areas in San Sebastián
Parte Vieja (Old Town)
The historic and culinary heart of the city, a dense grid of narrow, lively streets packed with over 100 pintxos bars, traditional shops, and historic churches.
Centro - Amara
The modern commercial and administrative center, offering a contrast to the Old Town with wider avenues, high-end shopping, and elegant architecture.
Budget Comparison
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Budget in Bilbao
Budget in San Sebastián
Book Activities
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Book Activities in Bilbao
Skip the line with pre-booked tours and attractions
Book Activities in San Sebastián
Skip the line with pre-booked tours and attractions
Getting There
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Find cheap transport to Bilbao
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Find cheap transport to San Sebastián
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Our Verdict
Both Bilbao and San Sebastián are incredible destinations. Bilbao excels in Guggenheim and urban regeneration, while San Sebastián stands out for pintxos and Michelin stars.
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