Basque Country Travel Recommendations for 2024 (Updated in May)

Wat Khomkhouang

Getting There - 7 km a ways from town or 15 drive from the city town, or luang prabang international airport Attractions - Buddhist historical sites, Art preservation by Buddhist arts of Luang prabang Highlights- Roofing with decorative elements of traditional architecture of Lao kingdom style in year 1749. Address- Rue no 13 North, Ban Lhomkhouang, luang prabang, laos. free entrance #mytripvlog #unique Architecture

Viewpoints of Mekong & Khan River

Getting There -  Directly to the Tip of peninsula, Luangprabang old town, Kingkitsarath Road, Khilly Village, Luangprabang, Laos Attractions - Viewpoints of Mekong river and Khan River in the Luang Prabang Old town. Highlights- Great sightseeing with a great views of Peninsula. #mytripvlog #luangprabang

Morning charging at Le petit prince Cafe’

One of a new open cafe shop in Luang Prabang old town, great coffee, nicely setup and beautiful decorations, friendly environment. #mytripvlog # foodie #coffee

Comma cafe’

Address - Ban Aphay, Luang Prabang, Laos Ambiance/Facilities - lunch, great coffee and friendly environment. Highlights - Vegetarian and Latte Coffee Avg. Price per cup - 20,000 #mytripvlog #foodie

Bilbao: Basque Culture and Cuisine

Bilbao, nestled in the heart of the Basque Country, offers a captivating blend of culture, cuisine, and architecture. Here are some travel notes to enhance your visit: 1. **Guggenheim Museum**: A masterpiece of modern architecture designed by Frank Gehry, the Guggenheim Museum is a must-visit. Explore its striking titanium façade and discover contemporary art collections within. 2. **Casco Viejo (Old Town)**: Lose yourself in the narrow streets of the Old Town, where centuries of history come to life. Admire the charming architecture, visit traditional pintxo bars, and browse unique shops. 3. **Bilbao Fine Arts Museum**: Art enthusiasts will appreciate the extensive collection of Spanish and Basque artwork housed in this museum. From classical to contemporary pieces, there's something to inspire every visitor. 4. **Bilbao's Culinary Scene**: Indulge in the Basque Country's renowned gastronomy by sampling pintxos (Basque tapas) in local bars or savoring a gourmet meal in one of the city's Michelin-starred restaurants. 5. **Bilbao's Bridges**: Take a stroll along the riverside and marvel at Bilbao's iconic bridges, such as the Zubizuri (Basque for "white bridge") designed by Santiago Calatrava. 6. **San Mamés Stadium**: Football fans shouldn't miss the chance to visit the home of Athletic Club Bilbao. Even if you're not catching a match, a stadium tour offers insights into the club's rich history. 7. **Day Trips**: Consider exploring the picturesque Basque countryside or coastal towns like San Sebastián or Getxo, which offer beautiful beaches and charming seaside promenades. Remember to immerse yourself in the local culture, embrace the Basque way of life, and savor every moment of your Bilbao adventure!

My travel experience in Bilbao, the main character

This city's cultural charm is irresistible, with two of Spain's best art museums, six themed museums, contemporary art exhibitions, and a rich variety of cultural programs: opera, symphony, theater, dance, film, light music, and rock. The Guggenheim Museum Bilbao has become a driving force for culture and tourism in the Basque region. The spectacular building (Frank Gehry, 1997) is covered with titanium plates. Inside the museum, there is a series of important art collections, as well as a private collection of modern and contemporary art shared with New York and Venice, which is the largest and most important. In this place, food is an art. Many famous local restaurants offer traditional or innovative cuisine. Of course, you can also taste famous snacks in different places. Various snacks can satisfy the most picky appetite. Art avant-garde, fashion, music, and leisure entertainment are fully displayed in Bilbao. The latest trade methods, large-scale light music concerts, rock music, and live performances of modern pop music lead the trend.

Bilbao Guggenheim Museum

Campo Volantin Footbridge, designed by Spanish architect Calatrava, spans the Nervion River in the center of Bilbao, adjacent to the Guggenheim Museum. Like the Guggenheim Museum, the Campo Volantin Footbridge is also part of Bilbao's urban renewal plan and immediately became one of Bilbao's landmarks after its completion. The huge sculpture outside the museum, "Puppy", is a classic work by American artist Jeff Koons. This cute and lovable dog serves as a welcoming host, bringing visitors closer, as shown in image 2. The rose is also a work by Koons, as shown in image 1. The museum uses titanium alloy instead of steel plates with excessive reflectivity, which echoes with the weather and creates a hazy texture like Impressionist paintings. Image 3.

Guggenheim Museum Bilbao in Spain.

The Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, designed by the deconstructivist architecture master Frank Owen Gehry, born in Toronto, Canada, was officially completed and put into use in 1997. Its unique shape, peculiar structure, and innovative materials immediately attracted worldwide attention. In the galaxy of human architectural creations in the 1990s, the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao undoubtedly belongs to the greatest, like the Sydney Opera House, they both belong to the future architecture that has come ahead of time, and are urban poems not written in earthly language. The museum covers a total area of 24,000 square meters, with 11,000 square meters of exhibition space divided into nineteen exhibition halls, one of which is also one of the largest art galleries in the world, with an area of 130 meters by 30 meters. The entire museum structure was gradually designed by architects using a computer software for aerodynamics (introduced from the French military aircraft manufacturer Dassault and called CATIA). The museum uses glass, steel, and limestone in its building materials, with some surfaces covered in titanium, echoing the city's long-standing shipbuilding tradition.

#sansebastian #Basque San Sebastián is the destination with everything, stunning beach, amazing food, friendly locals, clean and fresh air and great for shopping. Close by to Bilbao, which is also fantastic. We stayed at the Mercure in San Sebastián and in Bilbao, the hotels were both fantastic. Having travelled a lot of Spain, the Basque region of Spain is worth a visit, very different from the south of Spain.

San Sebastián

As you may know, San Sebastián is on the northern part of Spain, which is renowned for cheese cake and a rich variety of pintxos. In particular, it is said that cheese cake comes from Basque area, so once I ate these cheese cake in the world’s first restaurant, I realised they were mild and creamy. It means they are the most delicious cake I’ve ever had. Also, this city is quite clean and safe compared to the south part of Spain:) If you like eating, you should go there!! One of my favourite bar is “Bar Sport”!!!(photo No.3) #San Sebastián

San Sebastian Gourmet Tours #SanSevastianDelicious

San Sebastian, a food lover*s paradise! It has a rich gastronomic culture and is especially famous for its delicious pintxos (tapas). Stroll through the narrow streets of the oldtown, where every bar has its own specialty tapas. A gastronomic paradise: OldTown: full of pintxos bars of all kinds, each with a unique flavor. Seafood Markets: fresh seafood, perfect for sampling authentic Spanish seafood. Discovery Experience: Monte igualdo Hill: climb to the top of the hill and enjoy breathtaking views of the city and the beach. La Concha Beach: ideal for relaxing and also for surfing. Tips: Dressing suggestion: casual and comfortable for strolling through the oldtown. Food to try: don*t forget to try the local wines and ciders.

La Concha Beach, San Sebastian 🏖️

#beachvacation La Concha Beach in San Sebastian, Spain, is a coastal masterpiece that left an indelible mark on my memory. Stepping onto its immaculate crescent of golden sand, I was immediately swept away by the stunning scenery that unfolded before me. The bay, framed by the majestic Monte Urgull and Monte Igueldo, creates a breathtaking natural amphitheater. What truly sets La Concha apart is its urban charm. The vibrant city of San Sebastian beckons just steps away, offering world-class cuisine, cultural attractions, and a lively atmosphere. Strolling along the iconic promenade, with its ornate wrought-iron railing, was a delightful experience. The calm, shallow waters make it perfect for swimming, and the sweeping views from the Miramar Palace add to the beach's allure. La Concha Beach is not just a coastal destination; it's a complete sensory experience that combines natural beauty with cultural richness, making it an absolute must-visit. #ukcreator #spain

Hotel Maria Cristina, Luxury Collection

Hotel Maria Cristina, a Luxury Collection Hotel in San Sebastián, exceeded all expectations, offering an opulent experience that epitomized luxury and comfort. From the sumptuous beds to the stunning property, every detail was meticulously crafted to create an unforgettable stay. The beds at Hotel Maria Cristina were truly remarkable, providing a haven of tranquility and relaxation. The luxurious bed sheets were incredibly soft, caressing the skin with every touch. Combined with the heavenly pillows, sleep became a dreamy escape, ensuring a restful and rejuvenating night. The attention to detail in providing ultimate comfort was evident, and the quality of the bedding was second to none. Beyond the exceptional beds, the overall beauty of the property added to the allure of the hotel. The attention to architectural detail and elegant interior design elements made for a visually captivating experience. From the grand entrance to the beautifully appointed common areas, Hotel Maria Cristina exuded sophistication and refined taste. The central location of the hotel was another noteworthy aspect. Being close to the great restaurants of San Sebastián made it incredibly convenient to explore the culinary delights of the city. The concierge service was particularly helpful, going above and beyond to secure a reservation at the prestigious Arzak restaurant. Their expertise and dedication ensured a seamless experience, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the local gastronomic scene. The level of service provided by the staff at Hotel Maria Cristina was exceptional. The attentive and friendly concierge, in particular, demonstrated a genuine willingness to assist guests with their needs. Their assistance in securing the coveted reservation at Arzak exemplified their dedication and commitment to guest satisfaction. Their helpfulness and expertise added a personalized touch that enhanced the overall experience. In conclusion, Hotel Maria Cristina, a Luxury Collection Hotel in San Sebastián, offers a luxurious haven where comfort and beauty converge. The heavenly beds, with their soft sheets and divine pillows, create an environment of absolute relaxation. The central location and the helpful concierge service make it an ideal choice for exploring the city’s culinary scene. From the stunning property to the exceptional service, every aspect of this hotel exudes a sense of elegance and refinement. It is truly a destination that guarantees an indulgent and unforgettable stay.