The Bilbainos didn’t appear the most friendly of people, but I could understand given their cultural history that my having to approach them in Castilian (or English) wasn’t the best icebreaker. Bilbao is an industrial city, and most people seem to go there for the Guggenheim. San Sebastian is more attractive. However, the Guggenheim is genuinely impressive, and if you like seafood there are some superb restaurants. Also, the Basques have probably the most interesting cultural history of anywhere in the world.