The Basques are famous for their food and Alacena Victor Montes (8 Plaza Nueva, tel: 944 157 067)) is a wonderful restaurant-delicatessen where you can buy all kinds of top-class local produce such as cold meats, cheeses and oils.

Alma de Cacao is a chocolate lover's paradise with chocolate in every shape and form, from boxes of bonbons, bars of chocolate and chocolate cake to chocolate ice cream, turron, chocolate pastes and creams, powdered chocolate and more. Pop into one of the two shops at 15 Rodríguez Arias and Calle Bidebarrieta in the Old Quarter (almadecacao.com).

There are lots of unique shops in the old quarter. One of the oldest is Sombrerería Gorostiaga (9 Calle Victor), selling all kinds of handmade hats and "boinas: (berets). A great idea for a souvenir or a gift for the folks back home.

The Mercado de La Ribera, just next to the Old Quarters, is famous for being one of the largest covered markets in the world. Choose from a range of cheap local produce while you enjoy traditional market banter and colourful local characters.