22 Best things to see & do in Basque Country

A delightful fishing village with pretty architecture, food, beaches and superb wine – and it’s largely undiscovered by tourists.

This small museum tucked away in the small village of Balenciaga’s birth (1895), displays of 20th-century haute couture outfits by the famous designer. There are guided tours and even an onsite fashion school for teaching the tips of the trade.

The Euskal Museoa is a Basque ethnographic museum celebrating the culture and history of one of Europe’s oldest peoples.  It offers a comprehensive journey through Basque history, culture, and traditions, through archaeological artefacts, traditional costumes, Basque language and literature displays, and interactive installations. Closed on Tuesdays.

A local foodie institution, famous for some of the best pintxos in all Spain. Perfect for after a visit to Bilbao’s Guggenheim – it’s a 15-minute walk from there.

One of the biggest covered markets in the world, this Basque food market is a lush, colourful extravaganza of wonderfully fresh produce.

North of Bilbao, the Atlantic coast is lined with cliffs, stunning lookouts and beautiful beaches, perfect for an afternoon walk, swimming, surfing or even paragliding – all in easy reach of the city metro.

Ride the cable car up San Sebastian’s Monte Igueldo for superb panoramic views of the bay from the summit (head to Bar Danontzat). At the top, you’ll also find the historic Monte Igueldo amusement park, a charming, old-fashioned funfair with some inevitably enjoyable rides.

A world-famous art gallery housing some of the world’s most important contemporary art exhibitions. In Frank Gehry’s striking swirl of a building.

Bilbao’s fine arts museum boasts a superb collection of masterpieces, from El Greco and Zurburan to Gaugin and Francis Bacon, plus excellent contemporary art exhibitions.

Located in the city’s historic port area, this interesting museum explains the region’s rich maritime heritage, and Bilbao’s seafaring and shipbuilding past. Housed in the iconic Euskalduna Palace, it features a diverse collection of exhibits, historical artefacts, ship models, and interactive displays.