Now that my taxi/train/bus problems are settled, I have a few questions on other Bilbao topics: (we will be there 2 days and 2 nights only)

1.) We have been to the Guggenheims in Venice and New York. Should we tour the one in Bilbao?

2.) What about renting a car and driving to San Sebastian? Is it worth the time and $$ or is there enough to see and do in Bilbao?

3.) We have heard about a wonderful restaurant east of San Sebastian on the border of France and Spain. Apparently it is accessed via a boat??. No one remembers the name but says "oh you MUST dine there".

4.) Is the Gehry vineyard worth the drive?

Thanks in advance

I'll jump in with my perspective on the Bilbao aspect of your question...

We did one day and an overnight in Bilbao specifically to go to the Guggenheim, and I thought that was perfect. Before going I had heard raves about the architecture and mostly unimpressed reviews of the actual art inside. But I thought the art was great and I would go back. Maybe it depends on whether you like modern art. We stayed at the hotel across the street to optimize time for our short stay. Spent most of the day at the museum and then took the tram into town to relax on the plaza and tapas-hop. I thought it was plenty for Bilbao even though I usually prefer to not do less than two days anywhere. I'll be interested to hear what others think about whether there's more to do there, but if it were me, I'd pass through to see the museum and then head on to San Sebastian to base there.

One caveat: If you decide to go, be sure to check the museum's website in advance as they can close down major portion's of the museum at one time for installations and you wouldn't want to get there and be disappointed. The site allows you to enter your date of visit and then provides a floor plan of the museum indicating any galleries that will be closed on that day. Not that that should deter you from going - just be prepared.

They do occasionally have something interesting at the Guggenheim, but the architecture itself is worth the visit, besides, the restaurant is also world class and one of the best in the city and the pintxos bar isn't too bad.

I think the Frank Gehry project in Elciego is worth a drive, but you might want to consider spending a day or two in the Rioja Alavesa if you actually head down. There is a lot more to see and do.

Have you read any of Maribel's Guides (Rioja, País Vasco, Pays Basque)? They are full of some very valuable information and are still free to download (maribelsguides.com).

There are several great Basque restaurants located east of San Sebastian-Donostia including Mugaritz in Errenteria, Zuberoa in Oiartzun and
Alameda in Hondarribia, just to name a few.

With just 2-days in Bilbao, forget San Sebastian! Concentrate on Bilbao, Capital of Vizcaya. Take a Bus Vision Tour of the City. We did such a Tour: left it at la Begonia (home Parish for all Euskadi). It was dinnertime, we went to one of my favorite Restaurants; Artxnta (pronounced ar chan ta) for lunch.

Frank Gehry's Guggenheim is worth a foto-opp, even though I'm not into Modern Art; but whether you want to tour the inside really depends on its featured exhibits

You'll probably spend another half day (at least) touring Casco Viejo or visiting the Mercado Central.

You are coming to the part of the world with the highest concentration of Michelin starred restaurants---and where food is a true religion for all of us living here. So there are plenty of good restaurants to go to.

San Sebastian may be the most beautiful town in Spain, so you canīt miss it. Bus is an excellent option, there is one every half hour (peak times), from Termibus. One and a half hour drive.

The arquitecture of the Gug museum at Bilbao greatly surpasses that of those in Venice or New York. A must.

And yes, the Gehry designed hotel, Marqués de Riscal, is worth it, as it the mediaeval town close to it, Laguardia, capital of wine country of Rioja.

Question for Mikelg:

You have made we VERY eager to visit your part of Spain. Thanks for all the information.

My husband wanted me to ask you about St. Jean de Luz just across the border into France. Worth time and effort?

With just 2 days and 2 nights I would think that you should spend all your time in Bilbao. The Guggenheim and old town are both must sees. You can hop on the subway and ride out to the beach, grab a bite and head back. There are lots of good places to sample the food and wines in Bilbao. San Sebastian is worth more than a day trip so plan a longer visit to the whole area. St Jean de Luz is a fun spot, more touristy, on the ocean, worth a stop if you were driving thru but your time would be better spent in San Sebastian. Have fun

It is a beautiful seaside town, full of local flavour. I love it, but you may not have time enough for the visit. Itīs just across the border, it takes about half an hour from San Sebastian.