Bar Txakoli is cool.I saw a poster for a gig there and went up (and up!) on a whim.A EUR10 taxi…read moreride (the driver got lost) took me to the venue.There was a punk band playing outside (Los Envidiosos) and a very relaxed gathering of geriatrics down to toddlers clapping,dancing and playing round a simple rustic setting.Excellent.I drank some very generous screwdrivers which at EUR3 was a steal and listened to the band outside.There's a stunning view of the city from here too.The interior decor dates from every era between 1930 and 1985 and it's very much a local bar with internet access and the owner playing wicked goth and punk from a massive database.I stayed late and had fun with the band.I'm delighted I went to Bar Txakoli and would recommend a vist if you'd like an authentic taste of Bilbao with a punk twist.

They have an English menu, but the counter guy wanted me to try Spanish and bring from Cali I can…read moreget by. Glad I stopped as the brocheta de gambas and Mari Juli were excellent. Ordered a small beer so I can possibly hit another spot, but don't think it's happening as I'm full. Couple of things I've learned while here are order from the Caliente (hot) menu, usually the top 1 or 2 are that restaurants specialty pintxos, order a small beer so you can try several places. It's small inside with mostly standing room the service counter.

Wish I was back in the quaint seaside town of San Sebastián/Donostia in the Basque country. Goiz…read moreArgi is a little place serving pintxos, located in the middle of the busy San Sebastián center of town. Came here on the recommendations of some locals and it did not disappoint. No bells or whistles here, just great local tapas made fresh in front of you. The workers spoke limited English but you simply point to what you want.

Incredible jazz bar that actually. Not touristy and continually has amazing musicians come through…read moreit every Saturday and Sunday.

Was there on re-opening day. What a great crowd with so much…read moreenergy. Musicians were fantastic, a number of younger guys from Barcelona. After the first set, it was open to a jam and some great sax players got on stage. Drinks and wine were very reasonable and there's some snack type food, too. All in all, a great experience with very welcoming people.

From the owner: Sauna Gay, Bar copas, contacto, ambiente, masajesread more

Amazing collection of whisky on display. The menu has a tasting option and there's a listing of…read morecocktails. We went late on a week night and there were a handfull of regulars drinking wine at the bar (no idea wine isn't on the menu) and a few tourists taking the whisky tour. Our group wanted cocktails and service was incredibly slow but each drink was made lovingly (and they're strong). We were also provided with a bunch of table games and magic puzzles to keep the weird and wonderful ambiance of the place. This bar is certainly a page out of time forgotten. There's also a grand piano in the basement that you can play if speak with the bartender. I loved the playlist for the night. There was so much classic disco and europop. It's a good place to get a vibe.

Needed something with more punch than a beer or some wine, so how can you resist the Museo del…read morewhisky? Most things are on display and not for consumption, but cool to see all the old bottles. Walk up to the bar and get a taste of something. Prices were a bit more than I expected, but sitting at the bar enjoying the vibe and checking out the owner and a long time patron try out magic tricks was worth it. Looks like downstairs gets hopping at night and potential for music. Only stoped in for the drink, but a very cool place and worth a stop.

Ostadar is literally my favorite bar of all time. This is due to the many, many nights I spent…read morebellied up to the bar here during my study abroad time in San Sebastian. If you like U2, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Foo Fighters, Muse and other great bands, this is the place to be. It has an unrivaled laid back vibe. The mix of traveling surfers, locals, vacationers and students makes this place one of a kind. It will always have a place in my heart, and I can't wait to return.

The same way Paris has the Eiffel tower and New York has the Statue of Liberty, Santander has the…read moreCentro Botin. The Botín Center is an art center designed by architect and Pritzker winner Renzo Piano. It is located in a privileged location in Santander right on the water, and through a broader urban intervention, the architect manages to integrate the city center and the historic Pereda Gardens with its bay. Light and lightness have been essential aspects in the conception of the project. Depending on the angle that you look at the building, you an see a sliver of architecture through the tress or a massive round edifice on the water. The main thing I loved was that there is an open top floor from which you can see the entire city of Santander and the bay. You can reach this vintage point by stairs or elevator. It's free to go up. Periodically there are cultural events and art galleries inside the center.

This a very beautiful and uniquely designed art center that overlooks the bay. I believe that…read moretickets during our visit were about 10€, and I thought the exhibitions were worth the entry fee (even if a couple were not my cup of tea). From my POV, Centro Botin gave a bit of a mix of modern and classical exhibitions. While I enjoyed most of the exhibits, I will admit that the views of the city and the bay from the Centro were a bit more interesting than a couple of the exhibits. Outside of the museum, there are plenty of places to take pictures of the beautiful scenery of the bay.