BILBAO
STAY: HOTEL CARLTON, Centrally located hotel has old world charm and impeccable service, think Ritz Carlton without the price tag. Make sure to book a room with a bath and a terrace overlooking the iconic city center.
EAT: CAFE IRUNA, A local institution filled with nostalgia from another era. Stop by for some tapas and a drink before dinner.
EAT: RESTAURANTE MARISQUERIA MAZARREDO, Beautiful restaurant across the street from the Frank Gehry museum, order a plate of cockles and sip some wine and admire the iconic architecture.
EAT: LA CASITA DE SABINO, Enjoy fresh seafood in this modern decor restaurant intricately showcasing fresh fish behind a glass display. My personal favorite order includes a bowl of spicy mussel and cockles sopped in local olive oil.
EAT: RIMBOMBIEN JATETXEA, A rustic seafood restaurant set atop a hill with the servers/owners barely speaking any English. Order scallops in a garlicky brown sauce and the barnacles. If you're feeling adventurous point and order the pintxos displayed by the entry.
GO: GUGGENHEIM MUSEUM BILBAO, FRANK GEHRY, Iconic architecture with rotating exhibitions.
DO: BKK BILBAO LIVE, If you happen to be in Bilbao in July and require excitement, go to BKK BILBAO LIVE set in the slopes of mount Cobetas, located southwest from the city.
SHOP: FRINSA LA CONSERVA DELISTORE, Spain is known for its conservas, canned seafood in their peak, preserved in olive oil. Buy several cans to eat at the park or to bring as gifts.