What are the best things about the Basque country?
In both places, I’ve always managed to have a great time without planning much or having a “must-see” list of any sort (like you said, except for the Guggenheim). That said, a few things come to mind: In Bilbao, I would make sure to take a ride in the subway. It’s all relatively new and sleek. The dramatic street-level entrances were designed by architect Sir Norman Foster. If you enter in the old part of town (Casco Viejo), you get a good idea of just how deep the system is dug. I would also try to get into the hills surrounding Bilbao, which offer some really excellent and dramatic views of the city. This can easily be accomplished via city bus (it’s not a day trip, more like an hour trip). As for San Sebastian, I agree with other posters: pintxos/tapas, esp. seafood, is the way to go. Stumple around the old quarter and go to someplace that looks appealing. There shouldn’t be much mystery about it, as most places will have stacks of their goodies on display on the bar. You can point
That was cheap, but … well, you’ll see. Couple of other things in the Basque country itself. Guernica? Is it worth a visit? Well, err, maybe. It’s a nice little town in the most beautiful location and with this wonderful legend, of the Great Oak and a very early democracy. Then of course there’s the legend we all know. If you want to sample small town Euskadi and just hang out (and get a very decent haircut), it’s nice enough but in honesty there’s not a lot to actually see. Press on to San Sebastian. Castro Urdiales is easily the smartest, most attractive and most interesting of the seaside towns and easy to reach from Bilbao. It’s a little fishing village which has grown into rather a smart resort without becoming a City, like San Sebastian. Stran
