The perfect 2 day culture hit in Spain's Basque Country.

Since I moved to London last year, the end of Winter / start of Spring city break to Spain is not a nice to have.. it's essential to thaw out from 6 months of cold, dark depressing weather that this little Aussie isn't built for...

You can't go past Bilbao for a weekend of traditional Basque pintxos bars and a wander around the Guggenheim, a absolute world class art gallery - what more could you wish for on a sunny weekend mini break?

Basque Country, the north eastern region of Spain holds a little place of my heart since I moved to and lived on the French side of the border in a chic coastal town called Biarritz 10 years ago now. Memories of life in Basque country for me is all rolling green hills and surf beaches, the iconic slanted red rooftops, weekend market life, Basque festivals and loads of ham. (Plates of jamón on the Spanish side.. jambon & fromage on the French side.. same levels of daily dependancy and a habit that's hard to drop once you leave..)

With Bilbao being the major airport and gateway to the rest of Basque Country's beautiful sights, it's a great weekend on it's own, or worthwhile stop on a longer trip around the region.

I hope my Bilbao mini guide will help set you off in the right direction!

A Few Pintxos Spots & Tapas Bars To Try

In the central old town area and around Nueva Plaza there's loads of options for a lazy afternoon of tapas and bar hopping in the sun. A few favourites we found:

Gure Toki

For contemporary Basque tapas and regional wines in a lovely industrial space backing onto the square - pull up with a glass of txakoli and try the traditional Basque cheese soup, topped with adorable flower petals.

Cafe Bar Bilbao

A bit of a local institution with traditional tiled walls, plenty of bar stools and cool vintage art collection - please never change!

A great selection of tapas featuring the best of Basque hams, olives, sardines and peppers available under the glass counter with plates of fried squid, grilled fish and steaks make this a great local spot for a long lunch that you may accidentally stay for longer than expected.

Baster

A cool corner cafe during the day with sunny outdoor terrace, and bar into the evening where the house made vermut is a must try, along with the delicious calamari brioche sandwiches.

Restaurant Saibigain

A favourite little find where Basque tradition and the love of sport runs strong. Local football heroes and vintage sports posters on the walls, and a meeting spot for the local retirees. My dream retirement program.

Basque Country's Creative Jewel: The Guggenheim Bilbao

When planning your visit, the building itself is the first artwork to wrap your head around. Frank Gehry's titanium curves change colour with the weather, and half the joy is circling the outside perimeter first to take in the river views, Puppy the giant flower-covered dog out front, and Maman the giant spider by the river.

Inside it's walls of modern art, from Lichtensteins to Basquiats, and an amazing place to lose a day in. Walk through Richard Serra's enormous curved steel walls in the main gallery and check the latest temporary exhibitions that are consistently brilliant.

Where to stay in Bilbao

I found a great hotel Letoh Letoh right in the middle of the old town that in the off-season was honestly one of the best value hotels I think I've ever booked - super clean, new and stylish for the price. And super central to everything you'd need to walk to.

Co-working cafe downstairs too with great coffee and loads of hot desks if you're nomading on the way through.