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
Plane deine Bilbao or San Sebastián-Reise
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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
Geheimtipps
Entdecken Sie weniger bekannte Attraktionen in jeder Stadt
Geheimtipps 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.
Geheimtipps 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.
Viertel zum Erkunden
Entdecken Sie die besten Gegenden in jeder Stadt
Top-Gegenden 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-Gegenden 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.
Budgetvergleich
Vergleichen Sie die Reisekosten in jeder Stadt
Budget in Bilbao
Budget in San Sebastián
Book Activities
Find tours and experiences in both cities
Aktivitäten in Bilbao buchen
Warteschlangen überspringen mit vorgebuchten Touren und Attraktionen
Aktivitäten in San Sebastián buchen
Warteschlangen überspringen mit vorgebuchten Touren und Attraktionen
Getting There
Compare transport options to both destinations
Günstige Anreise nach Bilbao
Vergleiche Preise für Züge, Busse und Flüge nach Bilbao
Gib deine Abfahrtsstadt ein, um Preise zu sehen
Günstige Anreise nach San Sebastián
Vergleiche Preise für Züge, Busse und Flüge nach San Sebastián
Gib deine Abfahrtsstadt ein, um Preise zu sehen
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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