Explore Spain: Barcelona

where to stay:

Neri Hotel: Tucked away in the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona, Neri Hotel is the perfect fusion of modern elegance and gothic glamour- just like the city itself.  Once a gothic mansion, now transformed into a chic hotel, Neri is a display of exquisite contemporary decor and overlooks a charming square that can be seen from your room.  A quiet oasis, this is a near perfect place to relax and escape the noise and commotion within the city.  The staff is quite accommodating and well worth the more expensive price tag.  Rooms start at $250 USD/night.  http://www.hotelneri.com/  

Black Swan Hostel: A great alternative for those who can’t afford the swanky, ultra contemporary hotels of Barcelona, Black Swan Hostel offers a friendly vibe and very clean rooms.  A wonderful, convenient location right next to the Arc de Triomf Barcelona and a short walk to Las Ramblas.  Take advantage of the free walking tour the hostel offers.  Rooms start at $20 USD/night per person.  http://blackswanhostel.com/  

where to eat:

Vic Braseria: A hidden treasure of Barcelona, known for their simple, high quality barbeque dishes offered at a reasonable price.  Certainly a place for meat lovers.  Cozy and stylish can describe the atmosphere, peak dinner times are 9 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.  Some of the friendliest wait staff you will find in all of Spain! We recommend ordering the Market Menu, which gives you a little bit of everything to try.  http://www.vicbraseria.com/

who to tour with:

Walking Planets: A small group of local guides that offers walking tours of the real Barcelona to tourists, Walking Planets offers 2 hour tours that show you the historic and contemporary of Barcelona.  Choose from tours around Old Town or an art-focused tour about Gaudí or Picasso.  These tours are about $90 USD per group.  Walking Planets also offers tapas tours, which allow you to get a taste for the local food while also soaking in the scenery.  These tours are about $38 USD per person.  http://www.walkingplanets.com/index.html

where to shop:

La Boqueria: Barcelona’s beloved open-air, fresh food market is formally known as La Mercat de Sant Joseop de la Boqueria and dates back to 1217 when it was merely a meat market.  Now a staple for tourists, La Boqueria is a vibrant market that offers fresh seafood to fruit juices made to order.  With an entrance made easily accessible from Las Ramblas, this market is the perfect place to stop for an affordable lunch and watch the hoards of people pass by.   http://www.boqueria.info/index.php?lang=en

Explore Spain: Bilbao

where to stay:

Silken Gran Hotel Domine Bilbao: A chic, modern stay in the city of Bilbao known for it’s stunning views of the Guggenheim.  The rooftop terrace restaurant is also a hit with guests for the views and delicious food.  Also a great and central location for exploring the city, most of which can be seen on foot in a day.  A beautiful and well-designed hotel mimics the fashionable reputation of the city of Bilbao.  Rooms start at $118 USD per night.  http://www.hoteles-silken.com/en/hotels/gran-hotel-domine-bilbao/

Chic Apartments in the Heart of Bilbao: Airbnb offers travelers a wide selection of rentals and places to stay in the city of Bilbao, many of them high-end, modern apartments.  We recommend checking out this one (https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/1347028?guests=2&s=FBHv) in the heart of Bilbao that accommodates up to 7 people with a full kitchen, television, heating, WiFi, and washer/dryer.  The perfect place to set up home base while in the Basque country, for those who prefer not to stay in hotels.  Starting at $84 USD/night.  

where to eat:

Casa Rufo: Located in the Abando neighborhood of Bilbao, the intimate setting of Casa Rufo sets this family-run establishment apart from other restaurants offering Basque homecooking.  Sit amongst the cheeses, vegetables, and preserves in this shop setting made up of various hidden rooms.  We recommend trying the chuleton, a thick cut bone-in rib steak that is a popular dish from the Basque region in Spain.  Pair it with a vino from Rioja for a perfect dinner.  http://casarufo.com/

Xukeia: While this place appears similar to a quaint French bistro, Xukeia also offers tasty, classic Spanish pinxtos (appetizers).  This place certainly does not lack in character or flavor, take a trip to old town on your moped to grab some pinxtos at a price that doesn’t break the bank.  http://www.lonelyplanet.com/spain/aragon-basque-country-and-navarra/bilbao/restaurants/other/xukeia

who to tour with:

Aitor Delgado Basque Private Tour Guide:  Something a little different from a city tour, these private and customized tours with local Aitor are absolutely spectacular.  This vivacious Spaniard is sure to show you a customized look at Bilbao, he will plan your tour ahead of time based on your interests and desires.  Explore the colorful, exquisite of Bilbao with Aitor by booking at http://www.aitordelgado.com/#_=_

where to shop:

Open Your Ganbara:  Experience the flea market culture of Bilbao, held in an old cookie factory!  A social initiative, Open Your Ganbara (Chamber), works through the market organization to combine urban and digital culture through various projects.  Wander the flea market through over 100 stalls, held every last Sunday of the month from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. http://espacioopen.com/portfolio/openyourganbara/

Explore Spain: Seville

where to stay:

Palace House: A charming, sunny stay at the Palace House will be the perfect launching place to see the city of Seville, Juan’s apartments are located next to La Giralda cathedral.  The iconic Islamic architectural influence and large central patio in this quaint place make for a great place to come rest after a long day of exploring the city.  Equipped with a kitchen, wireless internet, hot showers, and cable, this Airbnb stay is got all a traveler needs.  Prices start at $32 USD per night.  https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/217440?s=bKVv

Alminar Hotel: Location, location, location.  The Alminar is set in the perfect location near the cathedral, but also cozy and quiet despite being located in the historic district.  Extremely comfy beds and incredibly helpful staff, this place is a haven for travelers who have been on the road.  Conveniently located near a bevy of restaurants and shops in the historical center of Seville.  We recommend asking for a room on the upper level (they’ve got terraces).  Prices start at $172 USD/night. http://www.hotelalminar.com/en/

where to eat:

Eslava: A perfect place for tapas or appetizers in Seville, Eslava offers a variety of traditional tapas from pollo estofada to potajes de lentejas con chorizo and all at a very reasonable price.  It’s the perfect place to grab a drink and enjoy some tasty plates over a great conversation with friends.  Eslava is usually crawling with Sevillanos, eating inside and outside, so it is sure to have some good eats.  Plates range from $2-$11 USD. http://www.espacioeslava.com/es/restaurante

Vinería San Telmo: This place does a twist on traditional tapas with fusion combinations and international influence on their food.  The modern take off of traditional Spanish food is a great alternative to classic tapas, which you may get  tired of during your journeys throughout Spain.  Try the squid ink spaghetti with garlic or the samosas, many tasty choices and a large list of wine to wash it all down with.  http://www.vineriasantelmo.com/index.php/en/

who to tour with:

Andalucia Tours and Discovery: Explore the city of Seville on bike! Not only a great way to get to know the city layout, but also to practice sustainable tourism.  Visit the Palace of San Telmo, Cathedral of Seville, Alcázar, and more during your bike tour.  The tour lasts about 2.5 hours and is $30USD per adult.  http://atdspain.com/en/service/daily-bike-tour-sevilla

where to shop:

Mercadillo Filatélico: This open air flea market held in the Plaza Mayor of the city's historic center is bustling with shoppers and for a very good reason.  At the Mercadillo Filatélico, you’ll go gaga over the unique antique selection of coins, postcards, books, etc.  Held every Sunday from 8am to 3pm.

Explore Spain: San Sebastián

where to stay:

Hostel San Fermin: You could say that the Hostel San Fermin has the perfect venue, located in the old town of San Sebastián between two gorgeous beaches.  A surfer’s European paradise, the hostel is swarming with visitors from around the world looking to take in the sun and surf.  The interior decor of the hostel is sleek and modern, nothing too flashy as it is an affordable place for young travelers with private bathrooms, WiFi, a kitchen, and hot showers.  Kind staff and a social atmosphere make this the perfect stay for the young backpacker crowd.  Prices start at $27USD/pp a night.  http://www.hostelsanfermin.com/

Villa Soro: A historic boutique retreat on the beaches of San Sebastián, Villa Soro offers travelers a bit of colonial history and luxury that was so quintessential during the city’s prime in the early 19th century. The masterfully restored mansion offers perfectly picturesque decor and is a quick car ride from old town, or take a complimentary bike to get around town.  The delicious breakfast buffet will prepare you for a day in old town or down at the beach.  Prices begin at $93USD/night for a single room.  http://www.villasoro.es/en

where to eat:

La Mejillonera: A local spot for mussels, La Mejillonera is a great food staple in the city and place to grab a quick seafood pinxtos, the Basque version of tapas (appetizers).  We recommend going before dinner and trying calamari or mussels with a beer.  http://lamejillonera.es/

Bar Ibai: This quirky, cash only restaurant is a diamond in the rough, known by foodies as a place for some of the freshest seafood dishes in San Sebastián.  The focus at Bar Ibai is truly on the food here, with only a few tables available within the restaurant.  Dishes run more on the expensive side, but are well worth the price.  Live Worldly recommends getting the hake cheeks in green salsa .  Open lunch hours only, call ahead.  

who to tour with:

Basque Tours: This private, guided tour operated based in northern Basque country is not only the top rated activity in San Sebastián but offers a luxe, one-of-a-kind view of the country.  Basque Tours receives rave reviews for professional and knowledgeable guides, unique adventures, and well-organized experiences.  We recommend taking the San Sebastián City + Pinxto Tour with a walk through the city and samplings at five of the most popular pinxto bars in San Sebastián.  Price of the tour is $445 USD for two people.  http://basquetours.com/sscitytourpintxo.html