Basque Country People & Culture

Absolutely beautiful place to visit. The town itself is tiny but the people are friendly, the weather is gorgeous and it's close to the beach and the ocean is wonderful. It's a fabulous place to get a feeling for real spanish culture, though it's a bit of a culture shock for Americans who aren't used to *everything* closing during the siesta hours in the afternoon. Also, many of the older citizens speak only Euskara (Basque) and maybe a little spanish so it can be difficult to communicate. Many of the younger generation however speak passable English.

I suggest to visit san sebastian during the "cidra" season that goes from the beginnig of February to almost the end of April. The best place to eat a "cidra" menu is Irun. It's really a funny experience to eat and meet new people.

we were told before going the basque country could be pretty rough, but had no problems at all. people were friendly and sights were great!

A wonderful city to discovered. Now very famous for its Guggenheim Museum but do not forget, sightseeing, gastronomy and people!

San Sebastian is capital of Bask country. It has nice city beaches full of people and amazing modern building of opera. Its quite party city with lot of concerts.

A gem of a city in the Basque region of Spain, definitely worth visiting for its beautiful beaches, lovely weather and interesting culture. A word of advice though is don't expect to get by in English, or even Spanish in smaller stores or with older members of the population, many of them speak only Euskara (Basque).

Absolutely beautiful place to visit. The town itself is tiny but the people are friendly, the weather is gorgeous and it's close to the beach and the ocean is wonderful. It's a fabulous place to get a feeling for real spanish culture, though it's a bit of a culture shock for Americans who aren't used to *everything* closing during the siesta hours in the afternoon. Also, many of the older citizens speak only Euskara (Basque) and maybe a little spanish so it can be difficult to communicate. Many of the younger generation however speak passable English.

A great city to visit if you want to get a real taste of spanish culture. It's a tiny town and a bit of a culture shock for Americans who aren't used to *everything* shutting down for siesta hours in the afternoon. However, the weather is gorgeous, the views are breathtaking and it's right on the ocean. A word of warning though, many of the older citizens speak only Euskara (Basque) and maybe a little spanish so communicating can be difficult. However, many of the younger generation speak passable English, so don't let the language gap take this gem of a city off your list of possible vacation spots

One of the most amazing places I've ever been! San Sebastian is a hidden gem in tourism. I lived there for five weeks on a teaching english programme and it has been the best experience of my life. Beaches, a fantastic city, reasonably cheap for food and drink - which as it happens is fantastic - and the Basque culture in San Sebastian makes this place a must see. I know I'm certainly going back again next year!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RmYtLm6qZ8Y
http://www.bilbao.net/bilbaoturismo/ Capital of the universe (as Bilbao people like to say), here you can eat the best food of the world and visit the green mountains or the beautiful beaches. Of course, Guggenheim Museum is a must, and so is going out in Casco Viejo or Pozas to taste the great Bilbao's "pintxos"! On weekend you have many different enviroments for night lovers. And if you can, visit the city during Aste Nagusia week, where you will find the best party (San Fermin has nothing to do, and this is cheaper!) with many things to do during day and night. The city is safe for anyone and the people is very kind. You also have lots of culture like music festivals, museums and theatres.
You just have to visit Bilbao... you'll love it and sure come back!!

pub ostadar, good music (if you like u2) nice beers and most of the locals.

Karola Bar, in Olabeaga quarter, an old industrial quarter next to Nervión riverside. Good ambiance, great music, nice terrace

Beside all different 'plazas' where people celebrate with music and beer, there's a little spot where students meet.
Follow the promenade to its north end, then go along on the promenades wall to the followinf coordinates.
43°19'54.80"N
1°58'16.77"W
But make sure you are free from giddiness and don't drink alcohol. The way along the cliff might be very dangerous.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RmYtLm6qZ8Y
http://www.bilbao.net/bilbaoturismo/ Capital of the universe (as Bilbao people like to say), here you can eat the best food of the world and visit the green mountains or the beautiful beaches. Of course, Guggenheim Museum is a must, and so is going out in Casco Viejo or Pozas to taste the great Bilbao's "pintxos"! On weekend you have many different enviroments for night lovers. And if you can, visit the city during Aste Nagusia week, where you will find the best party (San Fermin has nothing to do, and this is cheaper!) with many things to do during day and night. The city is safe for anyone and the people is very kind. You also have lots of culture like music festivals, museums and theatres.
You just have to visit Bilbao... you'll love it and sure come back!!

If you have the possibility organize youself something like a quad bike or kayaking tour in the pyrenes mountains, its not far.

Hiking: Jaizkibel
Surfing: La Zurriola Beach

I purchased the most spectacular heavily detailed and textured cuff bracelet for 25 euros in a quaint shop along w/ the most beautiful pair of gold beaded Moroccan inspired ballet flats for only 10 euros. Great deals...and that was on a Sunday!! Can only imagine the great deals on Saturdays when ALL the shops are open. Must I not forget the discoteque....oh the discoteque...lol! All we could drink vodka con naranja for 20 euros, courtesy of a bartender intrigued w/ pilots and airplanes..thx buddy! ( ; Leaving the club, we contemplate a scooter but don't feel like dying so we opt for a taxi..pls driver, I've had 147 too many cocktails...can you find me a spot ANY SPOT that serves food at 4a, pronto!?...not a spot in sight, oh no!!.. What's a hungry intoxicated girl to do? Guess I'll just gnaw on my arm to hold me over. At last, we arrive...it's a small gas station selling 4 day old baguettes...reminiscent of those cobblestone roads we were just driving on...I sawed into the yeast cherishing every bite...beggers can't be choosers ya' know. ( ; Muchas Gracias San Sebastian! Dec 2, 2008  Edit Tip  Delete Tip

Hike up to the Jesus statue. The views of the Basque beaches are superb!

Take the suspended bridge over the River Nervion, it was built by Gustave Eiffel.

Si estas en la virgen blanca hay una tienda muy basca arriba donde empieza la calle zapateria.

Go to UNESCO patrimony, Puente de Vizcaya.

I recomend eating "pinchos" at "plaza mayor", they're a kind of incredible toasts...And of course the view of the citiy from the "mirador"...It's great!!!

DO NOT EAT AT TELEPIZZA!!!!