5-Day Spain road trip from San Sebastian to Pamplona and Bilbao

Your road trip adventure in Spain begins as soon as you reach San Sebastian and pick up your car. You’ll stay in San Sebastian for 1 night and explore the best things to see and do, sample the local cuisine, and choose from a curated selection of the best hotels and places to stay in the city.

San Sebastian is a beautiful city with plenty to discover. Soak in the lovely atmosphere and sit down for a bit to eat or drink.

Find your way to your hotel in San Sebastian. We recommend choosing a hotel in a central location for easy exploring. Check-in typically starts between 2 and 4 PM at hotels in Spain. Settle in and make plans for the evening.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in San Sebastian. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in the city, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Discover the essence of culinary excellence at Arzak, a Bib Gourmand local dining experience. Renowned for its prestigious 3 Michelin-star rating and impressive menu, Arzak consistently impresses both foreign and local diners, garnering praise for its exceptional creative and traditional cuisine.

Also highly recommended is Amelia by Paulo Airaudo, one of the best 2-star Michelin establishments in San Sebastian. Take your pick from the creative menu, which has consistently earned Amelia by Paulo Airaudo high ratings and praise from satisfied guests. This top-rated Bib Gourmand restaurant promises a culinary experience you will remember.

Experience the best local flavors while in San Sebastian and reserve a table at the 1-star Michelin restaurant, Kokotxa. Its delectable modern offerings have contributed to impressive reviews from numerous patrons who’ve already savored its meals. Food enthusiasts visiting the area will be particularly excited to experience this Bib Gourmand restaurant.

After your meal, we recommend you get a drink at one of the best bars in the city. Bodega Donostiarra Gros is a popular option with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 4,091 customers.

Another top option is Txepetxa Taberna. This bar offers a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,594 customers.

Bar Bergara is also a great place to continue your evening. This bar is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 3,046 customers.

Raise a toast to the start of your 5-day road trip in Spain!

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 2 of your road trip in Spain. This exciting part of your journey invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 2 vibrant destinations - San Sebastian and Pamplona. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to the hotel of your choice in Pamplona. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.

Kick off the day at Gipuzkoa Plaza, a top pick for today’s sightseeing. This park is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 8,940 reviews.

Today is also your chance to visit Beach of La Concha. Beach of La Concha is a natural feature with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 21,054 reviews.

Alderdi Eder Parkea is another top attraction we highly recommend you visit today. This park is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 13,442 visitors.

Beyond the attractions mentioned above, you also have the opportunity to visit Aquarium. This aquarium is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 11,413 visitors.

Lastly, don’t miss out on Peine del Viento XV, a famous sculpture in San Sebastian. This attraction is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 11,281 travelers.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Pamplona. This drive usually takes around 1 hour 7 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

After soaking up all the sights of today's itinerary, you'll be ready to hit the road in the direction of Pamplona. Pamplona offers plenty of top-rated hotels and other places to stay on any travel budget. Check in at the hotel of your choice and take some time to relax before you head out to explore.

Indulge in a memorable dining experience at one of Pamplona's most popular restaurants, and connect with friendly locals for an authentic adventure.

El Merca'o is the restaurant to visit if you’re craving culinary excellence and fine dining. This restaurant has a diverse and enticing menu selection, which includes its delicious and signature traditional meals.

Elevate your dining experience at a 1-star Michelin restaurant in Pamplona, Europa. This renowned restaurant’s meal selection includes its signature contemporary dishes, which are sure to tickle your taste buds.

Another culinary gem in Pamplona you shouldn’t miss is Rodero. Enjoy a menu that has earned it a prestigious 1-star Michelin rating. Delivering a food experience like no other, this restaurant’s modern menu and exceptional service make it a must-visit destination for those seeking exceptional dining in the area.

If you're in the mood for an after-dinner drink, Restaurante La Vieja Iruña is our number one recommendation. Around 842 customers have rated this bar 4.4 out of 5 stars.

The House Beer. Old Town Centre also has a great drinks menu. This bar is a local favorite and has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 798 reviews.

Napargar Cervecería is another popular place to spend the evening in Pamplona. This bar is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 641 customers.

Celebrate another amazing day of your road trip adventure in Spain!

On day 3 of your road trip in Spain, you will get a true taste of the freedom a self-drive vacation in Europe entails. Today’s travel plans include stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places in Pamplona, Olite/Erriberri, and Bilbao. In the evening, you’ll end up in Bilbao, where you will stay for 1 night.

Make Plaza de Toros de Pamplona one of your first sightseeing stops in Pamplona. Rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 10,402 travelers, a visit to this local attraction makes for a great introduction to the area.

Castle Square is a worthwhile attraction you can visit next. This square is a valued place of interest in the area, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 9,066 reviews.

Today is also the perfect opportunity to drop by Taconera. This urban park has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 5,567 visitors.

If you’re keen to explore more, head to Citadel of Pamplona. A trip to this popular citadel is also your opportunity to see if it lives up to the reputable 4.6 out of 5-star rating as given by 15,829 previous visitors.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Olite/Erriberri, home to many well-known sights in the region, is a lovely destination on today’s itinerary. Keep in mind that your travel time from Pamplona to Olite/Erriberri may take around 35 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

Fasten your seatbelt and make your way to your next stop. Bilbao, home to many well-known sights in the region, is a lovely destination on today’s itinerary. Keep in mind that your travel time from Olite/Erriberri to Bilbao may take around 2 hours 10 min without traffic disruptions. Upon arrival, we highly recommend checking out some of the top attractions.

When you’re done exploring for the day, you’ll drive to Bilbao, where you'll have a hotel waiting for you. Check in and spend some time relaxing before you head out to explore the city.

As dinnertime approaches, it's time to head out for a bite to eat in Bilbao. If you are looking to dine at a popular restaurant in the city, it's often a good idea to reserve a table in advance.

Elevate your stay in Bilbao by dining at this Bib Gourmand awarded restaurant. Renowned for its prestigious 1 Michelin-star rating and a variety of mouthwatering dishes, Mina consistently impresses foreign and local diners, garnering praise for its exceptional creative and seasonal cuisine.

Another popular dining spot in Bilbao is Zortziko, which holds a rating of 1 Michelin stars. This Bib Gourmand establishment’s inviting atmosphere and menu leave a lasting impression on everyone who dines here. Its contemporary menu, characterized by its exquisite flavors, is a true testament to Zortziko’s culinary excellence.

If you’re in the mood to try something different, consider reserving a table at Etxanobe Atelier. This celebrated dining spot in Bilbao is renowned for its creative meals and creative menu. Countless guests have praised this Bib Gourmand restaurant, adding to its 1 Michelin-star status.

After your meal, consider going for a drink to celebrate this wonderful night in Spain. One of the best bars in the city is Stromboli taberna. This bar has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,133 customers.

To gain one of the best bar experiences in Bilbao, we recommend the cocktails at Mugi taberna. This bar has been rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 986 customers and is an excellent place to make local friends.

Another of the best spots to experience the nightlife scene in Bilbao is Arpiku. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 571 customers.

Savor another day of unforgettable experiences in Spain!

Dive into day 4 of your remarkable road trip in Spain. Today you will jump into the car and make your way to Bilbao, Villaescusa, and San Sebastian, where you will have the opportunity to experience all the top things to see and do. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in San Sebastian. You’ll stay here for 1 night.

When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.

At the end of the day, you will drive to San Sebastian, where you'll have a room waiting for you at the perfect place to stay. Check in and enjoy some downtime.

After a long day of exploring, sit down for a delicious dinner at a top-rated restaurant in San Sebastian.

Plan ahead and secure a table at Bar Antonio, an acclaimed dining establishment in San Sebastian. This restaurant and its exquisite cuisine have earned the admiration of diners far and wide. Its commitment to culinary excellence shines through its 4.5 out of 5-star rating from 1,508 satisfied guests.

Do not overlook the culinary excellence of Casa Urola while experiencing the best of San Sebastian. This renowned restaurant presents a refined menu, distinguished with an exceptional rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, celebrated by 1,455 discerning diners.

Indulge in the rich flavors of Narru Restaurant, an elegant culinary destination in San Sebastian. A menu crafted to perfection guarantees a dining experience that will satisfy even the most discerning palate. Its stellar reputation is reflected in its 4.4 out of 5-star rating from 1,506 previous guests.

If you’re in the mood for a drink, visit Geralds Bar, one of the best bars in the city. Geralds Bar is an excellent place to have a refreshing evening drink after exploring San Sebastian. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 843 customers.

Alternatively, you could enjoy a toast with locals at La Taberna De Blas. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 827 customers.

Karrika taberna also belongs to the list of the best bars in San Sebastian, and its ratings and reviews are proof of this claim. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 619 customers.

As the sun sets on another day of adventure, rest up and recharge for the next leg of your road trip in Spain.

Day 5 of your road trip in Spain is your departure day. This is your chance to catch a last glimpse of San Sebastian before saying goodbye to this wonderful destination. If you've still got time left, we recommend doing some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.

On your last day in Spain, take time to indulge in shopping at San Sebastian’s popular marketplace. Thanks to your accommodation’s strategic location, city’s bustling commercial district is only a stone’s throw away, giving you ample time to leisurely explore the area, filled with local shops.

Take time to find the perfect present, reminding you of the charms of Spain. Each store here is brimming with unique finds.

Before you conclude your road trip in Spain, drop by another restaurant for a last chance at a memorable dining experience in San Sebastian.

You’ll then say farewell to San Sebastian. Drive to the airport, return your car, and take the opportunity to get some last-minute souvenirs before you board your flight home. We wish you a pleasant journey and hope you leave with many wonderful memories of your road trip in Spain!