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Donostia-San Sebastián

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Aquarium - Sea Palace

Buen Pastor Cathedral

Basilica of Santa María del Coro

Miramar Royal Palace

Church of San Vicente

Untzi Museoa – Naval Museum

“Peine del Viento” sculpture

San Telmo Municipal Museum

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18 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in San Sebastián

Written by Lisa Alexander Updated Dec 24, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Set on the crescent-shaped Bay of Concha, this elegant town is one of Spain's most fashionable beach resorts. The expansive shoreline extends for several kilometers along a curving coastline, bookended by the Urgull and Igeldo hills.

The natural splendor of San Sebastián sets the stage for a fabulous vacation. Favorite things to do include sightseeing, sunbathing at the beach, gourmet dining, and taking evening strolls through the Old Town or along the waterfront promenade.

The city is famous for its cuisine and renowned for its Michelin-starred restaurants . For an authentic experience, you must wander the city's quaint cobblestone lanes in search of pintxos , the Basque version of tapas. These tantalizing small bites include specialties such as seasoned olives, marinated sardines, and salted cod omelets.

Discover the best places to visit in this happening seaside city with our list of the top attractions and things to do in San Sebastián.

See also: Where to Stay in San Sebastián

1. The Seaside Elegance and Beautiful Beach at La Concha Bay

2. historic charm and gourmet cuisine in the parte vieja (old town), 3. monte urgull & monte ulía: historic sites & nature walks, 4. museo san telmo, 5. palacio de miramar, 6. amusement park on monte igueldo, 7. isla de santa clara, 8. basilica de santa maría del coro, 9. playa de la zurriola: surfers' beach, 10. playa de ondarreta, 11. aquarium san sebastián, 12. catedral del buen pastor, 13. international jazz festival in july, 14. scenic walks in the parque de aiete, 15. fishing village of hondarribia, 16. carretera del jaizkibel (scenic drive), 17. day trip to getaria, 18. monasterio de san ignacio de loyola, where to stay in san sebastián for sightseeing, tips and tours: how to make the most of your visit to san sebastian, map of attractions & things to do in san sebastián.

The picture-perfect white-sand beach of the Bahía de la Concha (Bay of Concha) is the most iconic sight in San Sebastián. This expansive beach has a wide shoreline and mesmerizing turquoise waters that are safe for swimming. During July and August, rows of blue-and-white striped parasols make the beach look even more vibrant.

The Playa de la Concha (Beach of Concha) has retained the regal air of its Belle Époque days. In 1868, Queen Maria Cristina inaugurated the Playa de la Concha as a "Royal Beach" and established San Sebastián as a prestigious summertime resort.

Part of the distinguished heritage are La Perla's thalassotherapy spa on the shores of La Concha and the Palacio de Miramar (summer residence of the Spanish royal family until 1973) perched on a hillside above the beach.

La Perla thalassotherapy center has been offering therapeutic treatments since the Belle Époque. This upscale spa features Jacuzzis, saunas, steam baths, a gym, a saltwater pool for aquatic therapies, and a gastronomic restaurant with amazing views of the bay.

The spa also provides beach access and 5,500 square meters of swimming facilities found on the site of the former Royal Bathing Pavilion.

Besides sunbathing and swimming, La Concha is a place to visit for scenic strolls. The Paseo de la Concha encircles the bay along the beach. This pedestrian-only seafront promenade features decorative railings and elegant street lamps.

Sporty types appreciate La Concha Beach for the kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding opportunities. Other outdoor adventures include boat trips (departing from the Bahía de la Concha port), such as fishing excursions and scenic cruises.

The Playa de la Concha has public toilets and showers, lounge chair and parasol rentals, and lifeguards on duty during high season.

Within walking distance of the Bay of Concha is the tree-lined Alameda del Boulevard , a hub of San Sebastián's life with many shops, restaurants, and cafés. From here, you can explore the charming Old Town of San Sebastián.

The Parte Vieja (Old Town) of San Sebastián is tucked between the base of Monte Urgull and the Alameda del Boulevard. This bustling area is one of the most popular places to see and be seen, for both tourists and locals alike.

A highlight of the Parte Vieja is the arcaded Plaza de la Constitución , a large public space that once hosted bullfights while the spectators watched from the rows of balconies above.

Notable attractions nearby include the Neoclassical municipal library and the traditional food stalls at the Mercado de la Bretxa , a 19th-century covered market hall.

Also near the Plaza de la Constitución is the 16th-century Iglesia de San Vicente . This Gothic church is San Sebastián's oldest church and has a richly carved retablo dating to 1584.

A favorite pastime in the Old Town is strolling the quaint cobblestone streets in search of traditional Basque tapas. This lively quarter is filled with authentic pintxos restaurants . In the evenings, tourists and locals flock to the area to enjoy convivial dining.

Pintxos are delicious little snacks rather than a full meal, but are served in abundance with plenty of variety. These tantalizing delicacies range from deep-fried cod and marinated anchovies to crisp handmade croquettes. Sampling pintxos is a Basque culinary adventure.

Beginning at the aquarium, the Paseo Nuevo encircles the entire Monte Urgull. The hilltop is crowned by the Castillo de la Mota , a formidable 12th-century fortress, and a statue representing the Sacred Heart.

The promenade of Paseo Nuevo invites leisurely rambles on warm sunny days, especially during summertime, when the beach-vacation ambience fills the air. (During wintertime, waves can crash above the sea wall onto the promenade.) You will be awed by views of La Concha Bay, the Cantabrian Sea, and the rocky shoreline extending to the Urumea River.

Beyond the river's Puente de la Zurriola (bridge), a seafront promenade runs east towards Monte Ulía. This early 20th-century bridge features a Modernist design with futuristic lamps. Nearby is the Teatro Victoria Eugenia , an opulent Belle Époque theater that hosts music concerts and other cultural events.

Beyond the Zurriola Beach, the expansive Parque de Ulía is a beautiful natural space that's ideal for hiking and picnics. If you don't feel like carrying your lunch, the Mirador de Ulía restaurant serves gourmet cuisine. The dining room affords panoramic views of the city, beach, and water from its perch on the slopes of Monte Ulía.

The Museo San Telmo presents an overview of the Basque Country's cultural heritage. The exhibits are displayed within a former Dominican convent, dating to the 16th century, in the Old Town.

The museum's collection includes several different departments: Archaeology (pre-Columbian, Egyptian, Phoenician, and ancient Roman artifacts); Fine Art (paintings, drawings, engravings, and sculptures); Ethnography (focused on Basque culture); as well as Photography (mainly local photographs) and History (from the 15th century to present day).

Among the highlights are historical paintings by El Greco, Alonso Cano, Rubens, Depièce, Morán, Ribera, and Coello. The Basque artists represented include Ugarte, Zubiaurre, Echagüe, Salaberría, Arteta, and Zuloaga.

The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday, with free admission on Tuesdays. The museum is closed on Mondays and on January 1st, January 20th, and December 25th.

Address: 1 Plaza Zuloaga, San Sebastián

Presiding over La Concha Bay, the Palacio de Miramar was built as a vacation home for the Spanish royal family. Several Spanish Queens favored this location for their summer holiday.

The palace was designed in 1888 by architect Selden Wornum of England. Queen Anne style predominates, but the building also incorporates Neo-Gothic architectural elements. A coat of arms of the Habsburg dynasty (a line of the Spanish royal family) adorns the facade.

This elegant country "cottage" was designed with two floors for the private residence. Today, the palace is used as a venue for weddings and other events.

A lush parkland surrounds the palace, including manicured gardens with spectacular sea views. Below the gardens is a beachfront promenade along the Bahía de la Concha.

The gardens of Miramar Palace are open daily, free of charge. The palace is not open to the public.

Address: 48 Paseo de Miraconcha, San Sebastián

For stunning views of the San Sebastián scenery, head to Monte Igueldo just beyond the Playa de Ondarreta at the far end of the beach near the Royal Tennis Club.

You can take a funicular ride up to the top. The hilltop stands 180 meters above the sea, offering sensational panoramas.

A favorite tourist attraction is the Monte Igueldo Amusement Park . Children love the charming carousels and roller coasters.

Another highlight is the Igueldo Tower , an 18th-century lighthouse. Ascend the tower for magnificent views of the town, the Bay of Concha, and the rolling hills of the Basque countryside.

For gourmet dining with fantastic sea views, try the restaurant at the four-star Mercure San Sebastián Monte Igueldo . The restaurant specializes in Basque cuisine prepared from local, seasonal ingredients.

Hop on a ferry and enjoy an island getaway right in the city of San Sebastián.

Declared a Historical National Interest Site , the Isla de Santa Clara is a tiny 30-meter-wide island just off the coast, combining the peacefulness of nature along with the amenities of civilization. The island has cafés, restaurants, picnic areas, and a post office.

From mid-April through October, ferries run from the San Sebastián harbor to the island several times daily.

The island's small beach is surveyed by a lifeguard during summertime and is ideal for swimming. Hidden nooks along the island's coast offer natural swimming pools.

You can also go for a scenic stroll to the island's lighthouse and enjoy the stunning views along the way.

This exquisite 18th-century Baroque church stands on the foot of Monte Urgull. In the heart of the Old Town, the Basilica of Santa María del Coro was built on the site of an ancient Roman temple.

The church has a splendid facade with a statue of Saint Sebastián in a niche and two towers. Exemplifying Churrigueresque (Spanish Baroque) style, the exterior reveals an abundance of lavish details that give it the appearance of a decorative wedding cake.

Step inside to admire the grandiose interior. The sanctuary features delicate Neo-Gothic vaulting and impressive pillars with ornate capitals.

A must-see attraction, the Basilica de Santa Maria del Coro is one of the most-visited monuments in San Sebastián. The basilica is open daily year-round. Organ concerts are held here on occasion.

Address: 46 Calle 31 de Agosto, San Sebastián

This well-known surfers' beach is in a commercial district of San Sebastián that has many sports shops, large department stores, and art galleries. The Playa de la Zurriola draws surfers from all over the world because of its challenging waves and surf competitions.

With its broad shoreline of golden sand, this beach is also a favorite destination of sports enthusiasts, who come here to play beach volleyball, football, and beach tennis.

The beach is found between Monte Ulía and Monte Urgull, and is backed by a wide promenade with benches for admiring the picturesque landscape and sea views.

At the western end of the Playa de la Zurriola is the Centro Kursaal , which has an auditorium for music concerts and space for cultural events. Architect Rafael Moneo designed the center to blend into the beachfront geography. The building was awarded the Mies van der Rohe Contemporary Architecture Prize.

Also nearby is the Puente de la Zurriola , a Modernist bridge with a wide pedestrian concourse that leads to the Old Town.

This lively beach swells with vacationers during summertime. On the Bahía de la Concha, the Playa de Ondarreta borders Monte Igueldo and the grounds of the Palacio de Miramar.

This fine golden sand beach is a great place for sunbathing, strolling, swimming, and playing beach volleyball, or for taking a stroll along the promenade. The 100-meter-wide shoreline extends for a kilometer, offering enough space to handle the high-season crowds.

During the most popular months of June, July, and August, the shore is packed with families, water sports enthusiasts, beach volleyball players, and sunbathers lounging on beach towels. Kids love the children's playground that's right on the beach.

In the winter, when the waves are up, the beach draws many bodyboarders and surfers.

The San Sebastián Aquarium is fittingly located along the harbor at the end of the Bahía de la Concha in the Old Town. The aquarium began as an Oceanographic Society in 1908 and is one of Europe's first museums devoted to ocean sciences and marine life.

At this dazzling aquarium, you will find 31 habitats filled with colorful aquatic species, from tropical fish and sharks to species unique to the Atlantic and Cantabrian areas. You can observe over 40 different species of fish.

Not to be missed is the Oceanarium , an underwater exhibition space. A walkway leads through a clear tunnel with 360-degree views of the swimming fish, sharks, and sea turtles in the aquarium.

Next to the aquarium is a lovely seaside restaurant that serves exquisite Basque specialties. The Bokado Mikel Santamaría offers innovative regional cuisine in a modern dining space. The floor-to-ceiling windows and shaded outdoor terrace afford sweeping views of La Concha Bay.

The San Sebastián Aquarium is open year-round every day except Mondays. During July and August, the aquarium is open every day including Mondays.

Address: Plaza Carlos Blasco de Imaz, San Sebastián

The largest church in San Sebastián, the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd is in the New Town near the busy Calle de San Martín . With its 75-meter-high tower, this monumental edifice is an important city landmark.

This Neo-Gothic cathedral was designed by Basque architect Manuel de Echave in 1880, constructed over a nine-year period beginning in 1888 and inaugurated by Spain's royal family in 1897.

The cathedral was built out of sandstone from the Monte Igueldo. The immense structure covers an astounding surface area of 1,915 square meters. The spaciousness of the interior is breathtaking.

An abundance of stained-glass windows gives the sanctuary an ethereal, soul-inspiring quality. In fact, the windows cover almost all the cathedral's side walls. The stained-glass windows were created by Juan Bautista Lázaro.

You may visit the cathedral daily year-round. Opening hours are from 8am until 12pm and 5pm until 8pm.

Address: Plaza del Buen Pastor, San Sebastián

At the end of July, the International Jazz Festival is a must-do cultural event in San Sebastián. Concerts are performed at the Centro Kursaal along with seven other venues in the city.

Devoted to high-caliber jazz and blues music, this prestigious festival presents a wide range of musical styles and genres. The festival takes place over six days with more than 60 performances.

Concerts at the Centro Kursaal and Trinidad Square require tickets, while the concerts at the other venues, such as Playa de la Zurriola and the Kursaal Center's outdoor terraces, are free.

The 19th-century Palacio de Aiete of the Dukes of Bailen was built on a Camino de Santiago site where medieval pilgrims stopped on their way to Santiago de Compostela . The aristocratic palace once hosted illustrious visitors, including Queen Victoria of England.

Today, the palace grounds are used as a public park and venue for cultural events. It's a delightful place to explore on a sunny day, especially during spring and summer when the colorful flowers are in bloom.

The romantic parkland was designed by French landscape architect Pierre Ducasse. With its lake, ponds, and rushing waterfalls, the lush landscaping gives the impression of untouched nature. Hundreds of different trees and plants flourish in an idyllic setting.

The Parque de Aiete also has walking trails, a children's playground, and a café-restaurant with pleasant outdoor seating.

Hondarribia is a charming little fishing village and seaside holiday resort. If you appreciate quaint historic towns, Hondarribia is a wonderful place to base your vacation.

The Old Town (classified as a Historic Artistic Site) is a medieval walled city, entered through the 15th-century Puerta de Santa María . Wandering the narrow cobblestone streets leads to the discovery of many historic landmarks, including houses with coats of arms on the facade.

An important sight is the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción . In this Gothic church, the marriage of Louis XIV of France and the Infanta María Teresa of Spain was sanctified.

For coastal views, head to the Plaza de Armas , which overlooks the mouth of the river and the lighthouse on Cabo Higuer to the north.

Hondarribia is also known for its gastronomy. The city boasts a Michelin-starred restaurant, the Alameda , which specializes in Basque Nouvelle Cuisine. Seasonal cooking, based on mostly local ingredients, is the focus of this fine-dining establishment.

For those who want to live like a king for a night, stay at the renovated Castillo de Carlos V , a 10th-century castle that has been converted to the luxurious four-star Parador de Hondarribia hotel.

Hondarribia is a 23-kilometer drive from San Sebastián.

This scenic driving route begins 25 kilometers outside of San Sebastián and less than three kilometers from Hondarribia. The road travels up the bare sandstone ridge of Jaizkibel to a height of 584 meters, where the pilgrimage church of Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe stands.

For a relaxing stay in the area, try the Hotel Jaizkibel . This modern four-star hotel offers quiet, comfortable accommodations, a lovely garden setting, and excellent services including a breakfast buffet and concierge. Some guest rooms have views of the countryside and coastline.

Getaria is a worthwhile excursion, about 25 kilometers from San Sebastián. On the way here, you will enjoy a lovely scenic drive.

Beginning at Zarautz (22 kilometers away from San Sebastián), the Cornisa Cantábrica (Cantabrian Corniche) scenic route extends along the rocky coastline.

The fishing port of Getaria lies on a picturesque promontory, with its harbor sheltered by the fortified island of San Antonio. The town's port is below the 13th-century Gothic Church of San Salvador , and the waterfront of the harbor is lined with enticing seafood restaurants.

Nestled in the Urola Valley about 40 kilometers from San Sebastián, the Monastery of San Ignacio de Loyola now houses a Jesuit college. The monastery was built between 1689 and 1888 based on the design of Carlo Fontana, a student of Bernini.

The splendid Baroque church at the monastery features an impressive 65-meter-high dome by Joaquín de Churriguera and is considered one of the finest in Spain.

You will be dazzled by the lavish sanctuary, with its overwhelming spaciousness and decorative marble inlays. A masterpiece of Baroque art, the high altar displays a statue of Saint Ignatius.

Most top attractions in San Sebastián are found in the Parte Vieja (Old Town) and along the crescent of beaches that skirt the Bay of Concha. Across the Urumea River, the bustling Barrio de Gros quarter is within walking distance of the Old Town and close to a popular surfers' beach. In the center of the Old Town, the Calle 31 de Agosto street is lined with convivial pintxos bars. Here are some highly rated hotels in San Sebastián:

Luxury Hotels :

• Overlooking the Urumea River and just around the corner from Calle 31 de Agosto, the Hotel Maria Cristina is a grand hotel in a central location of San Sebastián. This Belle Epoque landmark catered to aristocrats and royalty in the 19th century and still offers sumptuous accommodations, as well as impeccable service. Amenities include a concierge, a fine-dining restaurant that serves Asian cuisine, and a tea room/ pintxos bar.
• The Hotel Villa Soro is close to the shops and pintxos bars in the Barrio de Gros neighborhood. Surrounded by enchanting gardens, this 4-star boutique hotel occupies a 19th-century villa listed as a historic landmark. Hotel services include a concierge, bicycle rentals, and a gourmet breakfast with French pastries served on the garden terrace.
• You will appreciate being in the heart of the city's action at the 4-star Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra , a stately Belle Epoque hotel facing La Concha Bay and a short walk to the Old Town. The bright cheerful rooms feature fine linens and recently renovated bathrooms. Some rooms have balconies with sea views. The hotel's gastronomic restaurant serves traditional Basque cuisine.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• The 3-star Hotel Niza overlooks the beach promenade along La Concha Bay and is steps away from the Old Town. The chic contemporary-style guest rooms feature private balconies, some with sea views. Amenities include a concierge, paid parking, free use of bicycles, and a restaurant that serves pintxos and traditional Basque dishes.
• On the hill just above the Playa de Ondarreta near Miramar Palace, the NH Collection San Sebastián Aránzazu has stylish modern guest rooms and excellent amenities, including a concierge and fitness center. The hotel's restaurant specializes in local cuisine.
• A 15-minute walk from the Old Town and La Concha beach, the Hotel Zinema7 features rooms decorated on the theme of classic motion pictures. Amenities at this 4-star hotel include a swimming pool, fitness center, and restaurant. Guests appreciate the location in a quiet neighborhood on a street lined with shops and restaurants.

Budget Hotels:

• The Parma Hotel is located at the edge of the Old Town across the river from the Playa de la Zurriola. This 2-star hotel has tastefully decorated guest rooms, some of which have sea views. The hotel provides a 24-hour front desk, concierge, and a breakfast buffet.
• The centrally located Hotel Zaragoza Plaza is one block from the beach and an easy walk to many shops, tourist attractions, and the railway station. A concierge and 24-hour front desk ensure an enjoyable stay. A breakfast buffet is available.
• Guided Walking Tour: Take a San Sebastián City Tour that covers the city's highlights: Monte Igueldo, Miramar Palace, Zurriola Beach, the Mercado de la Bretxa, and Buen Pastor Cathedral. Your knowledgeable guide will share interesting commentary along the way. The tour includes pick-up and drop-off.
• Electric Bike Tour: You'll have fun touring the city on a small-group electric bike tour of San Sebastián . With this guided tour, you will see more sights (in three hours) than is possible on a walking tour. Battery-powered bicycles make the trip up Mount Igueldo a breeze. The tour takes the group to popular spots like La Concha Beach and Miramar Palace, as well as some lesser-known gems.

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Seaside Splendor in Santander: Tourists looking for more gorgeous beaches on the shores of northern Spain will want to visit the laid-back coastal town of Santander , home to a variety of golden-sand beaches, as well as historic landmarks and excellent museums.

Cultural Attractions of Bilbao: Located about halfway between Santander and San Sebastián, the cultured city of Bilbao is renowned for its museum and Basque cuisine. Bilbao's initial fame came with the construction of the Guggenheim Museum, and the city's popularity has grown as visitors discover its other museums and interesting neighborhoods.

Beautiful Biarritz: San Sebastián sits close to the French border, and less than an hour's drive along the coast to the east is the fashionable seaside resort town of Biarritz . Here, you will find stunning beaches, regal mansions, and elegant boulevards full of shops and restaurants.

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San Sebastián

Framed by golden beaches and lush hillsides, San Sebastián has undeniable allure, from its venerable dining scene to its grand architecture and packed cultural calendar.

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Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Playa de la Concha

Fulfilling almost every idea of how a perfect city beach should be formed, Playa de la Concha (and its westerly extension, Playa de Ondarreta) is easily…

Parte Vieja

Fear for your life as huge sharks bear down behind glass panes, or gaze at otherworldly jellyfish. The highlights of a visit to the city's excellent…

Playa de la Zurriola

Stretching 800m in front of Gros, from the Kursaal to Monte Ulía, 'Zurri', as it's known locally, has some excellent waves that draw surfers from near and…

Designed by Rafael Moneo and opened in 1999, the Kursaal is one of the city's most striking buildings. Consisting of two cubes made of translucent glass…

San Telmo Museoa

One of the best museums in the Basque Country, the San Telmo Museoa has a thought-provoking collection that explores Basque history and culture in all its…

Parque de Cristina Enea

Created by the Duke of Mandas in honour of his wife, the Parque de Cristina Enea is a favourite escape for locals. This formal park, the most attractive…

Sun-drenched cultural space Tabakalera occupies a beautifully reconfigured tobacco factory dating from 1913. It's a hub for the arts and design, as well…

Peine del Viento

A symbol of the city, the Peine del Viento (Wind Comb) sculpture, which lies at the far western end of the Bahía de la Concha, below Monte Igueldo, is the…

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San Sebastián and beyond

San Sebastián

• 1 Understand
• 2.1 By train
• 2.2 By plane
• 3 Get around
• 6.1 Clothes and shoes
• 6.2 Souvenirs
• 7.1.1 Cook-by-order pintxos
• 7.2.1 Pintxos
• 7.2.2 Cook-by-order pintxos
• 7.3.1 Pintxos
• 7.3.2 Cook-by-order pintxos
• 7.4.1 Outside of San Sebastian
• 8.1 Local specialties
• 8.3 Cider and Sidreria
• 8.4 Clubbing
• 9.2 Mid-range
• 9.3 Splurge

Donostia-San Sebastián (Basque: Donostia ; Spanish: San Sebastián ) is a major city in the Basque Country , an Autonomous Community of Spain. Donostia/San Sebastian boasts one of the best in-city beaches in Europe. It is quite unusual feeling that you can sunbathe and swim right next to major historical buildings and churches. Surfers are in abundance here.

Understand [ edit ]

This city of 187,000 people (2018) is quite small and cozy, featuring many seafood restaurants, several beaches, tons of pintxos bars and a choice of designer clothes shops.

Orientation: The city is divided into Old Town ( Parte Zaharra/Parte Vieja ), Gros and Erdialdea/Centro .

• 43.32266 -1.98343 1 Tourism Information ( north side of the Boulevard that separates Old and New town ), ☏ +34 943481166 , [email protected] . 09-19 . A modern and well-staffed info and booking desk. ( updated Aug 2015 )

Get in [ edit ]

By train [ edit ]

International trains from France mainly arrive at Hendaye and Irun stations, whence it is possible to take a local train to Donostia/San Sebastian. Take care when booking from France, as a town named Saint Sébastien exists there as well.

From France , there is a multitude of TGV and TER (regional trains) to Hendaye. To reach San Sebastian, change here onto an Euskotren train. Connections are frequent, and continue until late. The last train towards San Sebastian departs Hendaye at 22:33. A few trains from France do not end in Hendaye, and go across the border to Irun. At Irun station, the best option to reach San Sebastian is to change there to a RENFE Cercanías train. Direct TGVs from Paris Montparnasse depart at 10:28, 12:28 (to Irun), and 14:28. In addition, there exists a number of possible connections with a change in Bordeaux.

From Portugal , there is a daily Trenhotel overnight train, leaving Lisbon Sta. Appolonia station at 21:18, and arriving San Sebastian at 10:53.

From the major cities of Spain (outside the Basque Country), the train is much quicker than a bus, and if booked in advance often the cheapest option too. Twice- or thrice-daily direct intercity connections ( Alvia ) are maintained by state operator RENFE from Vitoria-Gasteiz , Burgos , Valladolid and Madrid , and from Iruña/Pamplona , Zaragoza , Tarragona and Barcelona . Both lines utilize semi-high speed train sets that travel on the high-speed tracks where they can. Madrid-San Sebastian journey time is between 4 hr 51 min and 5 hr 21min. Barcelona-San Sebastian journey time is 5 hr 39min. RENFE also operates a daily service with conventional coaches ( Arco ) towards Santiago de Compostela and A Coruña , which is ideal for pilgrims looking to skip a portion of the road.

From within the Basque Country (except for Hendaye and Irun), the bus is usually quicker. There are however some scenic train routes operated by Euskotren from the surrounding area, and from Bilbao, with onwards connections by FEVE from Santander (Cantabria), and León (Castilla y Leon). The routes offer a leisurely alternative to travellers who have time to spare.

By plane [ edit ]

San Sebastian is well served by airports:

• San Sebastian , a small airport 20 km from the town centre, next to Hondarribia .
• Bus to the airport: i2 (€2.65) departs from Plaza Gipuzkoa nearly once a hour takes 30min, making a maximum of 4 stops (typically less).
• Cafes in the departures area are limited to a single cafe on the ground floor, plus posh restaurant on the 2nd floor.
• Shopping in departures area is limited to a single souvenir small shop; no duty free shops available.
• Electronic check-in is available only for Iberia and Spanair. It doesn't work for Iberia e-tickets printed from an e-mail, however.
• Wi-Fi network is not available.
• Biarritz (in Continental Basque Country, France), 50 km away with bus and train connections to San Sebastian. Take a French SNCF train to Hendaye, change to the nearby Euskotren station (located just outside the SNCF station) and take a Euskotren to San Sebastian. Each train ride is between 30–40 minutes, with the total train trip cost less than €10. A coach service also exists between Biarritz airport and the Hendaye train station, via Saint-Jean-De-Luz (change buses there). The coach ride is less than one hour and costs about €4. For an airport transfer, taxi, bus or coach from Biarritz Airport to San Sebastian check Biarritz Airport Transfers or Sea-Lifts Airport Transfer .
• Bilbao airport BIO  IATA is 100 km away with good bus connections, about one an hour during the day. The trip takes about 70 min, and costs around €15. The bus company is called PESA. Tickets for the journey from Bilbao to San Sebastian can be purchased on board the bus, however for the trip from San Sebastian to Bilbao, tickets must be purchased from the PESA office around the corner from the bus station.
• Vitoria-Gasteiz airport VIT  IATA 114 km from San Sebastian with good bus connections. A bus from the airport will take you to the central bus station, from where you can take a bus (companies Pesa or La Burundesa ) to San Sebastian for around €7.50.

By bus [ edit ]

The Basque Country is generally easier to get around by bus than by train. Buses arrive and depart at the San Sebastian bus station, at Plaza de Pio XII in Amara Nuevo. A number of bus companies operate services to San Sebastian, including:

• La Burundesa
• Continental Autos
• Roncalesa (for connection with Pamplona).

Buses are the only way to get to some areas of the Basque region, and often run more often (and cheaper!) than trains. Vitoria-Gasteiz , capital of the Basque Country, is a 2-hour ride away. Bilbao , the travel hub and biggest city in the region (1-hour ride), and Pamplona (1-hour ride) are other popular destinations, but longer-range buses do overnights to Madrid , Barcelona and even Milan .

Bilbao's bus station is accessibly via the San Mamés metro station. Buy a ticket for the next bus to San Sebastian at the Pesa window for €17 . They leave from stop 2, 3, or 4 every 30 minutes or hour.

By car [ edit ]

In the downtown, parking is costly (roughly €20/day); most parking spots are underground, and finding a way to get there can be nerve-wracking. Left turns are more rare than rights (and are unpredictable). Having a driving map is essential. The biggest underground parking lots are in the city center, so the easiest way to find a place without wasting time is to go through the road that goes by the river and follow the signs.

There are some free parking lots in the west of the city: on the tourist maps by SanSebastianTurismo available in some guesthouses, the area is marked with a blue dotted line "Controlled parking zone".

Get around [ edit ]

You can see Donostia on foot and by taxi . Taxis only pick up passengers at designated taxi stops or when booked by phone. They aren't permitted to take passengers who hail them on the street.

Bicycle lanes are all around the downtown, and in the summer bicycles can be hired (at certain times they are free) from strategically placed locations around the city. Apart from private hiring companies, the town hall [dead link] has a bike-service all over the city, which is also open to tourists. Tourists should get a bike-card at the Tourist Information Center in Boulevard, 8 (€20 deposit, €15 for 1 day, €20 for 4 days, €25 per week). This card should be given back the day after it is purchased so as to recover the €20 deposit. This way you can use any of the multiple bikes around the city, for a maximum of 4 hr non-stop (Leaving 30 minutes between use allows you to cycle for a further 4 hr non-stop), from 10:00 to 21:00. There are several bike-service spots around the city, and bikes can be picked up and dropped off at different points.

Bus D-Bus has a number of routes across the city. Single journeys to any destination on its network cost a flat rate of €1.85. However, for those staying for longer periods, they may wish to buy the MUGI card available from various locations throughout the area. There is also an associated App which can be used to recharge the card. if you have come from Bilbao the Barik card can also be used.

It's also possible to buy and top up a tourist card, Touch it against the electronic card reader as you get on the bus, once per passenger.

See [ edit ]

• From top of Mount Igeldo at the West end of Kontxa/La Concha bay, enjoy great view of the town
• Visit the Miramar palace and its park over Loretope/El pico del Loro ; enjoy sitting on a lawn there
• 43.324544 -1.984111 1 Iglesia San Vicente
• 43.324993 -1.988952 4 Castillo de la Mota
• 43.321544 -1.985752 6 Casa consistorial de San Sebastián
• 43.323492 -1.985311 7 Old town hall
• 43.322598 -1.980967 8 Victoria Eugenia Theater
• 43.325071 -1.984865 9 San Telmo Museum , Plaza Zuloaga 1 . 10:00-19:00 Tu-Su . Wide ranging museum partially in a 16th century Dominican convent and a new building. The top floor is an art gallery featuring Basque artists. Adult: €6 ; Students, +65; €3 ; 25- free. Also free on Tu. . ( updated Jul 2023 )
• 43.323613 -1.984892 10 Plaza de la Constitución

Do [ edit ]

• Kontxa/La Concha , on the west side is the larger, is protected from the sea and has an island and boats in the bay. Ondarreta is in the same bay as Kontxa/La Concha, but split by Loretope/El pico del Loro (a rocky outcropping). Kontxa/La Concha and Ondarreta has umbrellas, tents and lounge chairs for €15 per day; free WC, showers and changing rooms. A team of fully-equipped life-guards are there during the daytime.
• Zurriola to the east of the old town and river is a surf beach, clearly better if you want waves or beach sports.
• The Zurriola Surf Eskola (founded in 2012) offers surf lessons for both beginners and advanced with excellent trainers. They also rent board and wetsuits.
• The longtime Pukas Surf Eskola [dead link] offers surf lessons (around €65 per person for five one-hour lessons in a small group) and has a surf shop too.
• For a short easy hike visit the statue of Christ on top of the mountain between the beaches. It takes around an hour to walk up at a leisurely pace. There's a bar on the way up if you need to stop for refreshments or admire the view. To reach the bar: find a library; from there find directions upstairs to a Castle; follow the stairs along green hedge. The park officially closes at 21:00 in summer (in reality, gates close bit later), and the bar closes before sunset in summer time—and definitely before park is closed.
• For a longer hike, head up the hill from Zurriola by taking Zemoria St up from the east end of the Zurriola, and following the long stairway at the end of Zemoria St up to the hiking path which is toward the left. From there, follow the trail marked by the red & white markings to Pasai San Pedro . Initially, the trail is marked by red, white, and green stripes, but the green trail diverts halfway in. The full hike from San Sebastian to Pasaia/San Pedro is approximately 5.5 miles one-way and should take around 2.5 hours. Once you get there, you can take a local bus back (for €1.35).
• Tennis and squash : There is a single tennis court (roofed), and two open-air squash courts—both between the El pico del Loro beach and bottom of Mount Igeldo .
• Tourist Land Train - a tourist land train leaves from the Zubieta street in front of Kontxa/La Concha Beach .
• Aquarium - by the Kaiko pasealekua (Promenade of the Harbor), at the far right of Kontxa/ La Concha Beach .
• Kayak - kayaks can be hired on Ondarreta beach, for about €7 per hour.
• Water skiing in the Kontxa/La Concha bay
• Funicular (cable-car) ( Bus #16 stops outside lower station ). 10:00-21:00 . will take you up and down Mount Igueldo. If you use your own transport to get up (including walking) you'll have to pay a €2.50 per person toll at the top. The top of the mountain provides a great view over the town (and access to the Mount Igueldo Amusement Park) €2.80 one way; €4.25 return. . ( updated Jul 2023 )
• Mount Igueldo Amusement Park . an aging amusement park with quaint rides can be found at the top of Mount Igeldo, at the West end of La Concha bay.  
• Football: Real Sociedad play soccer in La Liga, Spain's top tier. They play at Anoeta Stadium (capacity 39,500) at the south edge of the city. Their women's team play in Liga F (their top tier) at Zubieta training facility 10 km southwest of city centre.

Buy [ edit ]

Clothes and shoes [ edit ].

Donostia/San Sebastian is known as a stylish city and an image-conscious one, so it is stuffed with high-end shops. Peruse Parte Zaharra/La Parte Vieja (the old part of town) for cool boutiques filled with quirky designer gear. There are fantastic shoe stores— there is one whose rainbow of amazing women's shoes in the window changes daily—and sources for that inimitable bold Spanish fashion. Designer clothes for men are much more difficult to find than for women.

Most shops are freestanding, but there is an enclosed shopping mall (La Brexta) that has the cineplex (as well as the city's lone McDonald's) as well as a collection of high street shops in the modern Nuevo Mercardo San Martin complex.

Some of the shops worthwhile visiting are:

• 43.320227 -1.982139 1 Hoss Intropia , Txurruka, 6 , ☏ +34 943 42 56 34 . Women-only wear.  
• 43.318342 -1.981863 2 Nice-day, Nice-things , C/ Fuenterrabia, 14 , ☏ +34 943 425 403 .  
• 43.315438 -1.980764 3 Darlington , C/Reyes Catolicos, 10 , ☏ +34 943 465064 . 10:30-13:30, 17:00-22:00 . Original Spanish designer accessories at affordable prices.  
• 43.323638 -1.977604 4 [dead link] emenbi, cosy clothes , C/ Usandizaga 7 and C/ Fermin Calbeton 44 , [email protected] .  

Souvenirs [ edit ]

• 43.32341 -1.986423 5 Kukuxumusu , Mayor Kalea, 15 , ☏ +34 943 421 184 . See Buy section in Spain  

Surf [ edit ]

• 43.31636 -1.98317 6 Hawaii , Calle San Bartolome, 12, San Sebastian , ☏ +34 943 428 996 . The shop has the major surf brands plus helpful stuff that surf themself with passion. One finds surf boards, wet suits or swim and beach clothing.  

Eat [ edit ]

The Basque cuisine is famous within Spain and many believe it is the Basque Country where you can find the best food. Much of this fame comes from San Sebastian and its bars and restaurants.

Although tapas were invented in Andalucia they became perfected in San Sebastian and a walk through the old town before lunch time with its many bars shows why. Each bar is bursting with tapas and they look very delicate. Tapas are generally enjoyed together with a glass of wine or a small beer, and the Spanish tradition suggests to have one tapa and a wine in one bar and move on to the next bar. Tapas can be used as a good substitute for a meal - you pay for each one you eat (about €2-4 each) so you can have as many as you want.

If you want 'real' food then that is where San Sebastian can be very good. You can find several different cuisines such Chinese, German, Galician, Italian and of course the obvious Basque cuisine. In and around the harbor you can have the freshest seafood and if you don’t enjoy the simple harbour taverns go and enjoy San Sebastian restaurants with Michelin stars if you have some money to spare.

San Sebastian is not a place for vegetarians or vegans, unless you are able to catch the fresh produce markets in the morning and cook for yourself. Pescetarians can get along fine with the abundance of seafood offered on menus.

Lo Mejor de la Gastronomia holds annual conference and competition in November, including nominations for pintxos bars and for restaurants.

Healthy breakfast (even omelet) is hard to find in cafes: typically sandwiches or breakfast variety of pintxos are offered.

Pintxos [ edit ]

The way to eat pintxos , (tapas in the Basque Country whether speaking Spanish or Basque) in San Sebastian is quite different from other cities in Spain. There are two kinds of tapas: cold and hot ones.

Don't attempt to eat pintxos if you're starving, you'll treat it like a buffet and prices will easily rack up as everything seems more appealing. Only get a couple of pintxos at a time as sometimes what looks really appealing, has been sitting on the bar the whole day and is past its use by date. Test the waters. Cold ones are displayed on the bar. Just ask the barman for your drink and pick the pintxos yourself. If you need a plate, just ask. Hot ones must be ordered from the barman and they take a short time to be cooked. There is always a hot tapas menu hanging from the wall.

When you are done eating your tapas and have finished your drink you ask the barman for the bill, and you have to tell him what you have eaten. It is very important to be honest, as it is a long tradition. Locals will be upset if they find people eating and not paying. Normally you don't eat many pintxos at one bar but move from bar to bar, drinking a beer (caña) or wine and eating one or two tapas. Then you move to another bar. Traditionally residents would have one or two pintxos in the early evening to stave off any hunger before a later sit-down meal, rather than making a meal out of a large number of pintxos.

Generally, if the barman asks you to show your plate to them before you start eating, you know the bar markets towards tourists and is sub par and more expensive that it should be. A good bar will ask you what you've eaten as you pay and you should see a chef working out the back.

Most pintxo bars are to be found in the old town, particularly on the streets running parallel to Boulevard. Generally a pintxo will cost €2-3. At some bars the pintxos are all priced the same, at others the price depends on the pintxo. Pintxos (tapas) bars are thick in the Parte Vieja (Old Town), but there are masses of other places nearby in the Gros and Centro areas. Most bars charge by the toothpick or plate from €1-5.

The Jamon Iberico (usually seen hanging from the ceiling in whole leg portions) is ubiquitous, and equally good virtually everywhere. The calamari seems to be the same at every bar, don't order it again at a different pintxo bar if you didn't like it the first time.

Cook-by-order pintxos [ edit ]

Some slightly pricier pintxo bars that don't have pre-cooked pintxos and only cook them on order (correspondingly, their pintxo are of higher quality).

Budget [ edit ]

• 43.32051 -1.983354 1 Bideluze , Garibai Kalea, 24 . ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 43.322464 -1.985081 2 Pollitena , C. de San Jerónimo, 3 . Basque restaurant ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 43.323405 -1.983813 3 Québec Krep'Herria , Fermin Calbeton Kalea, 11 . Crêpes ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 43.323479 -1.983348 4 José Mari , Fermin Calbeton Kalea, 5 . Basque restaurant ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 43.322648 -1.972077 5 Kixkurra Taberna 1987 , Gloria Kalea, 2A . ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 43.325877 -1.97261 6 Pincel , Segundo Izpizua Kalea, 2 . ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 43.323581 -1.984339 7 Tamboril , Arrandegi Kalea, 2 ( Old Town (Parte Vieja) in the corner of the main square ). ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 43.323591 -1.983327 8 Goiz Argi , Fermin Calbeton Kalea, 4 ( Old Town (Parte Vieja) ). Pintxos bar with the delicious brocheta de gambas (fried prawns with a special vinaigrette), bola de carne (meat ball with red pepper) and a lot of cold pintxos with anchovies, mushrooms, cod, salmon, etc. Any of wine by glasses is good. ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 43.322689 -1.984642 9 Juantxo Taberna , Enbeltran Kalea, 6 ( Old Town (Parte Vieja) ). Best, cheapest 'bocadillo de tortilla de patatas' in Parte Vieja. Also offers huge sandwiches. ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 43.324378 -1.984872 10 La Cepa de Bernardo , 31 de Agosto Kalea, 7-9 ( Old Town (Parte Vieja) ). ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 43.31542 -1.981235 11 Iturrioz , Larramendi Kalea, 10 ( Centro ). ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 43.32347 -1.98386 12 Borda Berri , Calle 12 Fermín Calbetón ( Old Town (Parte Vieja) ), ☏ +34 943 425 638 . The menu is on a chalk board and everything is excellent. ( updated Feb 2023 )

Mid-range [ edit ]

Along the waterfront one can find many cafes and bakeries.

• 43.32409 -1.98232 13 Aldanondo Erretegia , C/Euskal Herria 6 , ☏ +34 943-422852 . Great and inexpensive steak house. ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 43.32302 -1.99132 14 La Rampa Jatetxea , Kaiko Pasealekua, 26-27 , ☏ +34 943 42 16 52 . Fish restaurant with Basque flavour. Perfectly-trained waiters with excellent English. Grilled rape is particularly good. Try cider, take a specialty cider pouring cork with you. VAT not included . ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 43.32323 -1.97612 15 La Zurri Jatetxea , 10 Zabaleta St. , ☏ +34 943 29-3886 . 13:00-15:00 . Simple Basque dishes which are cooked delicately. Go downstairs. Popular with locals. For lunch, arrive before 3PM to catch full range of options. The daily menu includes a glass of wine. Flan is rare case when it has taste in every layer. €10-20 . ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 43.3245 -1.9859 16 Txuleta , Plaza de la Trinidad 2, Parte Vieja . Excellent, reasonably priced renditions of Basque specialties Txangurro, Chipirones en su tinta, y sopa de pescado. ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 43.318051 -1.984131 17 Rojo Y Negro , Calle San Marcial 52 ( Old Town (Parte Vieja) ), ☏ +34 94 343 1861 . A little bit out of old town you'll find huge portions of tasty pintxos without breaking the bank. If you want to meet locals or see how this whole pintxos thing is done, this is the place to do it without being obnoxious or tacky. Minimal tourist flow and friendly, professional staff that speak enough English to understand you. Try the marinated octopus and meatballs in tomato sauce, although these are slightly expensive, it's a full meal in itself and comes with bread. You can't go wrong with the even cheaper bread-based pintxos which range from interesting flavour combinations to the ol' steady, jamon on bread. Beer and wine is cheap and they won't turn up their noses if you ask for tap water. ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 43.32404 -1.985761 18 Casa Gandarias , 31 de Agosto Kalea, 23 ( Old Town (Parte Vieja) ). Try Solo Mio (a piece of sirloin steak) with a glass of Belondrade Y Lurton white wine. ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 43.323636 -1.986546 19 Casa Vergara 1948 , Mayor 15 ( Old Town (Parte Vieja) ), ☏ +34 943 43-10-73 . Pintxos bar, quite spacious. Not overcrowded in the evenings during the weekdays. ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 43.324249 -1.985238 20 Bar Martinez , 31 de Agosto Kalea ( Old Town (Parte Vieja) ). ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 43.323457 -1.983884 21 Borda Berri , Fermin Calbeton Kalea, 12 ( Old Town (Parte Vieja) ). Excellent pintxos with a changing menu. Try the 'Taco de Bacalao' (Tempura fried cod with a romesco sauce) ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 43.323427 -1.985474 22 Ganbara , C. de San Jerónimo, 21 ( Old Town (Parte Vieja) ). Higher prices. . ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 43.324385 -1.972424 23 Bergara , Calle del, General Artetxe Kalea, 8 ( Gros ). ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 43.324536 -1.97286 24 Casa Senra Donostia , San Francisco Kalea ( Gros ). ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 43.317344 -1.982447 25 Iturrioz , San Martin Kalea, 30 ( Centro ). ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 43.324493 -1.985346 26 La Cuchara de San Telmo ( The Spoon ), Plaza Valle Lersundi, C/31 de Agosto 28 , ☏ +34 943 435 446 , [email protected] . Don't judge their food by their interior. Jamon Iberico is cited as particularly good.  

Splurge [ edit ]

• 43.323469 -1.986049 27 Juanito Kojua , Calle Puerto 14, Old Town , ☏ +34 943420180 . 13:00 - 15:30 and 20:30 - 23:00 . ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 43.31833 -1.98123 28 Casa Urola , Calle Fermin Calbeton 20, Old Town . 13:00-16:15, 20:00-23:15 . ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 43.32142 -1.94924 29 Arzak Restaurant , Avda. Alcalde Jose Elosegui 273 , ☏ +34 943 278 465 - 943 285 593 , fax : +34 943 272 753 , [email protected] . Open From January to June: Closed Sunday evening, Monday and Tuesday. From July to December: Closed Sunday evening and Monday. Vacations: June 15 to July 2 and November 2 to November 26. . Three Michelin stars restaurant. All credit cards accepted. About €150 per head by the time you've added the wine etc., but well worth it! €100+ . ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 43.32715 -1.96369 30 Saltxipi , Calzada Vieja de Ategorrieta 3 , ☏ +34 943 323 310 . Calzada Vieja de Ategorrieta, 3, 943 323 310. Just outside Gros in a residential street this family run restaurant has a mainly seafood menu. Its specialty is Spider Crab - its baked variety is worth the 10 minute walk from the old town! ( updated Feb 2023 )

Outside of San Sebastian [ edit ]

• 43.307776 -2.043173 31 Akelarre Restaurant , Paseo Padre Orcolaga, 56, 20008 San Sebastián , ☏ +34943311209 , fax : +34 943 21 92 68 . 13:00-15:30 and 20:30-23:00 . €100+ . ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 43.26679 -2.01555 32 Martin Berasategui , 4 Loidi St. , Lasarte-Oria (Gipuzkoa) , ☏ +34 943 36 64 71 , [email protected] . A 3 Michelin star restaurant close to San Sebastian with other outlets at Kursaal and in Bilbao at the Guggenheim. €175 for the degustation menu (about 12 courses) plus wine and service (Jan 2020) . ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 43.307776 -2.043173 33 Zuberoa Restaurant , Araneder Bidea, Barrio Iturriotz 20180 OIARTZUN, Gipuzkoa , ☏ +34 943 49 12 28 . A farmhouse transformed by cook Hilario Arbelaitz.  

Drink [ edit ]

Local specialties [ edit ].

• The Kalimotxo (pronounced "calimotcho") is a local drink that is made with 50% wine (normally an inexpensive red wine) and 50% Coca-Cola. You will see a very large proportion of young people drink this near the harbor at Kontxa/La Concha beach and later on, in bars or clubs. It is definitely something to try out while you are there.

Cafes [ edit ]

Coffee is espresso, not brewed, even in the on-the-beach cafes.

• 43.32072 -1.98173 1 Bideluze , Plaza de Guipuzcoa 14 , ☏ +34 943-460219 . Great place for coffee; Cafe Con Leche - that is, coffee with milk - is particularly good.  
• 43.32537 -1.97337 2 Hogar Dulce Hogar , Bermingham Kalea, 1 20002 Donostia-San Sebastián , ☏ +34 943 24 66 81 . M-F 07:30 – 21:30, Sa Su 08:30 - 21:30 . Great place that newly opened in 2012 for breakfast with big toast named "tostadon", coffee and orange juice with free Wi-Fi. For lunch or dinner the burger are very popular. The owner of course surfs himself.  

Cider and Sidreria [ edit ]

A purely Gipuzkoan experience, sagardotegiak/sidrerias (cider restaurant) dot the countryside and offer all you can drink sidra (a mildly alcoholic apple flavored cider) shooting straight from the barrel. Sidrerias usually offer a traditional set menu of cod omelette, cod with peppers, txuleta (really thick steak), and then for dessert: cheese, walnuts and menbrillo/membrillo (quince paste). The cider house season runs from the end of January to the end of May, but a couple of traditional sagardotegiak/sidrerias (cider restaurant) that are open all year (you'll need to get a car, bus or taxi from town) are:

• Aginaga , Aginaga , ☏ +34 943 36 67 10 . €22 .  
• Petritegi , Astigarraga , ☏ +34 943 45 71 88 , fax : +34 943 45 24 69 , [email protected] . €22 .  

Clubbing [ edit ]

• Bataplán is definitely the hottest club in San Sebastian. Be careful not to arrive too early; usually there is no party before 01:00. People normally start arriving at 02:00, and the club closes around 6 or 07:00. The entry fee is normally €15 (including one drink) but you can get in for free before 03:00 if you ask for a VIP pass at a bar beforehand (Bar Tas Tas is a good place for that). This club has an amazing terrace out back to relax after you've had one drink too many (drinks cost around €8 a pop, by the way, €5 for a beer). All year round, the club is filled with local people, tourists and exchange students.

Sleep [ edit ]

• 43.307764 -1.954921 1 Green Nest Hostel Uba Aterpetxea ( Hostel San Sebastian Spain ), De Uba Bidea, 43 , ☏ +34 943 457 117 , fax : +34 943 457 117 . Check-in: 13:00 , check-out: 11:00 . Backpacker Hostels Nest in Donostia-San Sebastián. €16 .  
• 43.30411 -2.04615 2 Camping Igueldo , Paseo Padre Orkolaga 69, Igeldo (San Sebastián) , ☏ +34 943-280490 , fax : +34 943-280411 . Open all year. You must book at peak times or be lucky. It is very international with free Wi-Fi covering the full campground, lockers (but no fridges), some places with power plugs, a bar, a minor shop and a couple of restaurants nearby, and a bus directly to the beach and centre. It has a beautiful view to the green foothills of the Pyrenees.  
• Urban House Hostel , Alameda del Boulevard 26 , ☏ +34 943-428154 . One of the popular hostels in town €16 .  
• Hostel Aida , 9 Iztueta st , ☏ +34 943-327800 , fax : +34 943-326707 . 1º floor,("Gros" Quarter),  
• Olga´s Place , 38 Zabaleta st. , ☏ +34 943-326725 , [email protected] . An international hostel 1 minute walk from the beach. Clean rooms, free internet. Friendly staff.  
• Pension Goiko , ☏ +34 943 431 114 . Calle Puerto 6 (Parte Vieja-Centro), €30-55.  

A great pension/hostel in the centre of San Sebastian. Close to the beaches and all the bars and restaurants.

• Hotel Anoeta , 60 Anoeta Avenue , ☏ +34 943-451499 , fax : +34 943-452036 . (Amara). €80-100.  
• Hotel Avenida , ☏ +34 943-212022 , fax : +34 943-212887 . 55 Road to Igeldo (Igeldo). Prices from €78-125.  
• Pension Edorta , 13 Portu St., 1st and 2nd floors ( find a separate doorbell; go up to the 1st floor ), ☏ +34 943 423-773 , fax : +34 943 433-570 , [email protected] . Rooms are all in the same design, but vary in size (#5 Donostia is much smaller than #4 Kursaal or #1). Some rooms have no view (e.g. #5). Shared bathroom, unoccupied most of the time even in high season. No breakfasts; no shared guestroom to spend time with fellow travelers. Helpful staff. The whole pension is less than 10 rooms. ( updated Jan 2020 )
• Hotel Europa , 55 San Martín st ( Centre ), ☏ +34 943-470880 , fax : +34 943-471730 . €100-160 .  
• [dead link] Pension Ira Flor , fax : +34 943 428602 . 13 San Jeronimo (Old town), Phone/. €25-50 depending on season and room size. Very clean and friendly.  
• "Pensión San Juan" , ☏ +34 943-426345 . C/San Juan nº 13 - 3 floor. It´s in the Old Town. Double and group rooms (€15-65).  
• Hospedaje Irune , ☏ +34 943425743-626625110 . San Jerónimo 17-1º Derecha (Old town). Rooms with en-suite bathroom €25-47 depending on season. Clean and friendly.  
• Hotel Niza , 56 Zubieta st. , ☏ +34 943-426663 .  
• NH Aranzazu , Vitoria-Gasteiz, 1 , ☏ +34 94 3219077 . Next to the Ondarreta beach from €83 .  
• Pension La Perla , Calle Loiola 10-1 , ☏ +34 943-428123 . Clean and friendly. Her sister runs the nearby Urkia. Rooms with en-suite bathroom. €30-47 .  
• Pension Urkia , Calle Urbieta 12-3 , ☏ +34 943-424436 . Clean and friendly. Her sister runs the nearby La Perla. Rooms with en-suite bathroom €30-47 .  
• Hotel Mercure Monte Igueldo , ☏ +34 943-210211 , fax : +34 943-215028 , [email protected] . Pº del Faro 134(Igeldo), Prices range from €96-130. The Hotel sits on top of Mountain Igeldo and has scenic view over San Sebastian and the best beach in San Sebastian "La Concha"  

• 43.3218 -1.9801 3 Hotel Maria Cristina, , Paseo Republica Argentina, 4 , ☏ +34 943 437 600 , toll-free: +800 325 4545 , [email protected] . Check-in: 15.00 , check-out: 12.00 . a Luxury Collection Hotel. A luxury belle epoque hotel, it is the choice of many actors during the world-famous cinema festival. Renovated in May 2013, this hotel combines the best of modern luxury with old world charm. Don't miss the hotel bar, the underground gym (complete with full shower facilities), and internet/computer library. €400 -900 . ( updated Aug 2015 )

Connect [ edit ]

As of June 2022, San Sebastián has 4G from MasMovil/Yoigo, and 5G from Movistar, Orange and Vodafone. Wifi is widely available in public places.

Go next [ edit ]

• Bilbao - home of the famous Guggenheim Museum of Modern Art and other architectural masterpieces.
• Hondarribia - beautiful fishing town and a place for more pintxos .
• Vitoria-Gasteiz - capital of the Basque Autonomous Community.
• Zarautz - summer getaway, the longest beach in Gipuzkoa, and a magnet for surfers.

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San Sebastian Spain

Visitor Guide & Tourist Information

 San Sebastian Spain

Welcome to our latest comprehensive one-stop visitor and tourist guide that will help you plan your next trip to San Sebastian Spain.

San Sebastian, located in the Basque Country of northern Spain , is known as the Pearl of the North due to its stunning architecture, beautiful beaches and world-renowned culinary scene.

The city's unique blend of Basque and Spanish cultures makes it a fascinating place to visit.

One of the city's main attractions is La Concha Beach, a crescent-shaped beach that attracts surfers, swimmers, and sunbathers alike.

Along the beach is the beautiful promenade Paseo de la Concha, which is a perfect place for a lone stroll overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and stunning views of the city and the surrounding mountains.

San Sebastian Old Town, or Parte Vieja, is home to some of the city's best historic sites and charming bars and restaurants . The narrow streets are lined with pintxos bars, each one serving their unique take on this famous dish of small tasty snacks typically served on bread with various toppings.

Pintxos ( Tapas )  are an important part of San Sebastian culture. These small bites are often served on skewers and can be found in almost every bar in the city. Some of the most popular pintxos include Gilda, a skewer of olives, peppers, and anchovies, and the Txalupa, a skewer of prawns and mayonnaise.

One of the best ways to experience San Sebastian's gastronomic culture is through the numerous food tours and cooking classes offered in the city. You can learn all about the renowned culinary scene including the cooking techniques that make Basque cuisine so unique.

San Sebastian is also famous for its beautiful Belle Epoque architecture, such as the stunning Palacio de Miramar and the Teatro Victoria Eugenia , both of which are located in the city center.

If you´r a history and culture buff, the San Telmo Museum is a must-visit. The museum showcases Basque history and culture through a variety of exhibits and interactive displays.

5 Interesting Facts About San Sebastian Spain

• San Sebastian was given to the King of Navarre in 1265 as part of a wedding dowry, this provided the kingdom with a perfect seaport to trade and export goods.
• San Sebastian was almost totally destroyed in 1808 when Napoleon's troops laid siege to the city. Only one street survived, the 31st August Street as it is known today. When they rebuilt San Sebastian stone was used instead of timber as it was before.
• The modern tourism love affair with San Sebastian began in the early part of the 19th Century when it was frequently visited by Royalty escaping the heat of central Spain.
• The gastronomy of San Sebastian is unequalled and one of the best reasons to visit the city.
• San Sebastian has a near-perfect urban design and is often compared to being like Rio de Janeiro.

24 Best Things To Do In San Sebastian

• Visit La Concha Beach: Relax on the golden sands of La Concha, one of Europe's most beautiful urban beaches, offering stunning views of the bay and the cityscape.
• Explore the Old Town (Parte Vieja) : Wander through the charming streets of the Old Town, filled with pintxos bars, traditional shops, and beautiful architecture.
• Taste Pintxos: Indulge in the culinary delights of San Sebastian by sampling it on a pintxo tour , the local version of tapas, at renowned bars like Bar Zeruko and La Cuchara de San Telmo.
• Climb Mount Urgull: Hike to the top of Mount Urgull to enjoy panoramic views of the city, visit the historic Castillo de la Mota, and explore the open-air sculpture park.
• Discover Monte Igueldo: Ride the funicular to the top of Monte Igueldo and enjoy breathtaking views of San Sebastian, along with an old-fashioned amusement park.
• Visit the San Telmo Museum : Explore the San Telmo Museum , which showcases Basque culture and history through its impressive collection of art and artefacts.
• Surf at Zurriola Beach: Catch some waves at Zurriola Beach, a popular spot for surfing and other water sports.
• Explore the Peine del Viento: Marvel at the sculptures of Eduardo Chillida and the crashing waves at the iconic Peine del Viento (Comb of the Wind) located on the rocky coast.
• Go on a Gastronomic Tour: Join a guided food tour to discover the best local restaurants, markets, and hidden culinary gems of San Sebastian.
• Visit the Basilica of Santa Maria : Admire the stunning Gothic architecture of the Basilica of Santa Maria , the main church in San Sebastian's Old Town.
• Take a Boat Trip: Explore the scenic coastline and nearby islands on a boat trip, offering breathtaking views and opportunities for swimming and snorkelling.
• Enjoy the Aquarium: Visit the Aquarium Donostia-San Sebastian to discover a diverse range of marine life and learn about the ocean ecosystem.
• Walk along the Paseo Nuevo : Stroll along the Paseo Nuevo, a picturesque waterfront promenade that offers stunning views of the sea and the city's skyline.
• Visit the Museum of San Telmo: Discover the rich history and art of the Basque region at the Museum of San Telmo , housed in a former 16th-century convent.
• Explore the Kursaal: Marvel at the modern architecture of the Kursaal, a cultural and congress center that hosts various events and exhibitions throughout the year.
• Relax at Ondarreta Beach: Enjoy a peaceful day at Ondarreta Beach, a serene stretch of sand known for its tranquillity and picturesque surroundings.
• Visit the Chillida-Leku Museum: Experience the renowned sculptures and artwork of Eduardo Chillida at the Chillida-Leku Museum , set amidst beautiful parkland.
• Hike to Mount Jaizkibel: Embark on a scenic hike to Mount Jaizkibel, offering breathtaking views of the coastline and the French border.
• Attend the San Sebastian International Film Festival: Experience the glitz and glamour of the prestigious San Sebastian International Film Festival , held annually in September.
• Visit the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd: Admire the neo-Gothic architecture of the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd, the main Catholic church in San Sebastian.
• Explore the Miramar Palace: Wander through the gardens and enjoy panoramic views of the bay from the Miramar Palace, a former royal residence.
• Dine out in one of the highly-rated Michelin-starred restaurants .
• Pop on a ferry across to Santa Clara Island.
• Visit the City Hall - bullet-ridden walls and all!

San Sebastian Neighbourhoods

If you plan to visit San Sebastian then it will help to get acquainted with each of the main sub-district. Each area offers a unique charm and distinct personality offering visitors different aspects of the city.

The City Centre

The city centre ( Google Maps ) is situated around the middle of the Playa La Concha , the Old Quarter and the start of the Amara district.

Starting from the north end of the City at the Alameda del Boulevard head south along the Calle Legazpi to the Plaza de Guipuzcoa close to the Calle Camino , along the route you will see some fascinating architecture.

Heading south again enjoy the buzz of the city as you walk down to the Avenida de la Libertad.  This is the financial district of the city where you will find most of the major Spanish banks along with the top brand-named stores.

Crossing over down the Bergara and Prim streets, this will then lead you to the Plaza Bilbao , home of some of the most striking buildings such as the Cathedral del Buen Pastor , and the home of the current post office - Edificio de Correos .

If you go east of the Plaza Bilbao you can also reach the Estacion del Norte ( the North Railway Station ) which was designed by a famed architect, Monsieur Eiffel, famous for another well-known landmark in Paris.

Just off the Plaza Bilbao heading east I would recommend a visit to the Marie Cristina bridge ( Puente de Marie Cristina ). This unique ornate bridge was built at the turn of the 20th Century out of iron and concrete and has some very interesting features such as sculptured dragons, navel scenes and coats of arms.

The Romantic Area

The Romantic District of San Sebastian ( Google Maps ), also known as Parte Vieja or Old Town, is a charming and historic neighbourhood in the heart of the city.

It is famous for its narrow streets, historic buildings, charming architecture and lively atmosphere.

The district is home to several attractions such as the picturesque port area, the famous La Concha Beach, the San Telmo Museum, and the stunning Baroque-style Basilica of Santa Maria.

It is also a popular destination for foodies, with numerous pintxo bars and restaurants serving delicious Basque cuisine.

Head off to the Romantic district for a stroll around the winding streets, soak in the local culture, and indulge in some fantastic food and drink.

The Old Quarter

As the name suggests this is the old part of the city of San Sebastian, It stands sandwiched between the foot of Mount Urgull ( Google Maps ) and the city centre and opens out to the sea on both sides from the Plaza de Salamanca to the old Harbour area. The area was completely rebuilt after a devastating fire therefore only a very few buildings predate 1813.

Soak up the atmosphere whilst walking around the cobbled streets and narrow alleys discovering some of the best pintxo bars, restaurants and speciality shops that San Sebastian has to offer. To the north of the old quarter is Mount Urgull, a demanding climb to the top is well worth the effort as you will be treated to an exhilarating view over the city and the Mota Castle .

On the west side of the mount is the English Cemetery , the  Military Museum and the fascinating Aquarium which has a glass tunnel walkway where you enjoy a 360-degree view of the marine life, and the Naval Museum which is located slightly north of the Royal Nautical Club.

If you enjoy walking around local indoor food markets as we do then try a trip to the Bretxa Market -  Mercado de la Bretxa   - situated just off the Avenida del Boulevard there you will find many colourful stalls full of all the fine produce the area has to offer.

Two of the city's oldest churches can be found in the old quarter, the Basilica de Santa Maria del Coro and the Convent of San Telmo which now acts as a museum.

At the centre of the old quarter is the beautiful Plaza de la Constitucion where the main city's festivities take place and is fondly known as ”La Consti ” by the locals.

The plaza used to be the bull ring in the Middle Ages and is surrounded by buildings with large white painted balconies, which are numbered and where the spectators could easily view the fight.

Roaming around the old part is a great way to soak up the charm whilst enjoying the unmistakable atmosphere of an area steeped in history yet still manages to continue with its traditional local life.

Gros District

The Barrio Gros ( Gros District ) is located to the east of the city and the river Urumea, it provides a picturesque view of San Sebastian and has the lovely beach of La Zurriola , a large beach of fine golden sand.

The Gros district ( Google Maps ) can be both laid back and tranquil and then again bustling with commerce, depending on the time of day and week you spend visiting the area. The Kursaal convention hall is situated in this district and attracts swarms of conventioneers, it also houses exhibitions and cultural events.

There are also a good number of tapas bars and restaurants to cater for the large numbers of tourists, locals and conventioneer along with a good selection of Hotels and Hostels. Eating out in the Gros District is as good a place as any in San Sebastian with some of the finest restaurants being located here along with a good selection of Tapa ( Pintxo ) bars where you can arguably find the best hot tapas in Donostia.

At the Western end of the beach and Gros District, you will find the Puente de Zurriola ( The Zurriola bridge ) which is also known as the Kursaal bridge , it majestically straddles the River Urumea and has some quite spectacular fixtures such as the lighting which are six light-house shaped towers.

Best Attractions in San Sebastian

Santa clara island.

The little Santa Clara Island is situated just offshore in the beautiful bay of La Concha , and although it is quite small in dimensions, it does, in fact, have a clean sandy beach.

The charming island can be reached by boat, however, the beach area gets completely covered during the day due to the high tides, so best to make sure you know the tide times before planning your trip to the island.

The Comb of the Wind - Peine del Viento

The Comb of the Wind is a collection of three sculptures created by renowned artist Eduardo Chillida which were then arranged as an architectural work by the Basque architect Luis Peña Ganchegui.

The sculptures are located at the foot of Monte Igueldo at the end of the Ondarreta beach.

San Telmo Museum

The  San Telmo Museum is the oldest in the Basque country. It was created in 1902 and is dedicated to the interpretation and showcase of Basque prehistoric to modern society. The museum is situated below Mount Urgull and houses over 26,000 art pieces across 11,000 square meters of display space.

Mount Urgull

Urgull Mount towers over the center of Donostia, offers magnificent views over the city, and houses a public park with remnants of 18th-century cannons and fortifications. It played an important role in the conflict between the French and the local population.

San Sebastian International Film Festival

The  San Sebastian International Film Festival is an annual Donostia festival that is considered just as important as the Cannes festival. It is held in late September, showcases about 200-250 international films and awards the Golden Shell.

Basilica of Santa Maria

The  Basilica of Santa Maria is emblematic of the city and is an important element of Donostia's history. Its construction was completed in 1764, and today it is considered important by both atheists and believers.

Tabakalera Museum

The  Tabakalera museum houses avant-garde and contemporary displays across the media of sound, science, films and television, design, contemporary art, technical observatory, gastronomical showcases, etc. This is a must-visit for enthusiasts of innovative art.

Victoria Eugenia Theatre

This iconic building first opened in 1912 as an important cultural stage in San Sebastian. Recently renovated, the  Victoria Eugenia Theatre  today is one of the most beautiful buildings in town and is a host to musicals, plays and other cultural events throughout the year.

Kursaal Exhibition Centre

The  Kursaal exhibition centre  is an icon of San Sebastian with a large auditorium, chamber music hall and exhibition rooms. It hosts the Film Festival and other concerts ranging from classical to contemporary pop and rock. The unusual design of the building with its translucent crystal structure also makes it an admirable attraction in itself.

The San Sebastian Heineken Jazz Festival

The  Heineken Jazz Festival  is held every year, usually in the third week of July, a tradition that has been going on since 1966. The festival usually hosts a hundred concerts across 12 indoor and open air venues. The shows at  Kursaal Auditorium  and Zurriola Beach are particularly popular.

San Sebastian Spain Beaches

San Sebastian is renowned for its picturesque beaches that offer something for everyone, from sunbathers and surfers to families and couples.

Here are some of the best beaches in the city:

• La Concha Beach: Often cited as one of the best urban beaches in Europe, La Concha is perfect for swimming and sunbathing. The golden sands and calm waters make it ideal for families. It's also close to the city center, offering easy access to restaurants and shops.
• Ondarreta Beach: Located at the western end of La Concha Bay, Ondarreta is smaller but equally stunning. This beach is favoured by locals and is great for sunbathing, beach volleyball, and paddleball.
• Zurriola Beach: This is the go-to beach for surfers. Located in the Gros district, Zurriola offers strong waves suitable for surfing and bodyboarding. The beach is also popular among young people and has a vibrant atmosphere.
• Isla Santa Clara: This small island in the middle of La Concha Bay has its own beach which can be accessed by a short boat trip. The beach is small and gets submerged during high tide, but it offers excellent views of San Sebastian.

Gastronomy of San Sebastian

San Sebastian is a culinary destination like no other, visitors flock here from all around the globe to enjoy its delicious gastronomic offerings.

It's considered one of the best food destinations in the world, with an incredible variety of local dishes and a thriving pintxo bar culture.

One of the most famous dishes is the Basque-style cod, also known as bacalao al pil-pil. Other popular dishes include txangurro, a spider crab dish, and kokotxas, hake cheeks served in garlic and oil. The Basque region is also famous for its grilled meats, with txuleton, a large sirloin steak, being a must-try dish.

San Sebastian has more Michelin-starred restaurants per capita than any other city in the world. Some of the most famous ones include Arzak, Akelarre, and Martin Berasategui.

Pintxo bars, which offer bite-sized snacks and a variety of local wines and ciders, are also a huge part of San Sebastian's gastronomy scene. Some of the best pintxo bars include La Cuchara de San Telmo, Bar Zeruko, and Gandarias.

San Sebastian also hosts the annual San Sebastian Gastronomika food festival, which attracts chefs from all over the world to showcase their culinary creations. The festival includes cooking demonstrations, workshops, and tastings.

About the famous Pintxo

Pintxos are small dishes of food, similar to tapas, that are commonly found in bars in the Basque Country, particularly in San Sebastian.

There are many versions of how and where the Pintxo was invented, one thing is for sure, the Basque Country and San Sebastian have taken them to a whole new level.

San Sebastian is now home to some of the best pintxo bars in the world. These charming and busy bars offer a wide variety of pintxos, from traditional classics to modern, innovative creations.

Some of the most popular pintxo dishes in San Sebastian include Gilda, a skewer of anchovy, guindilla pepper, and olive; Tortilla de Bacalao, a salt cod omelette; and Txangurro, a stuffed crab dish.

In addition to these traditional pintxos, San Sebastian is also known for its Michelin-starred restaurants, many of which offer their own unique take on pintxos.

Top places to eat out in San Sebastian

Restaurant Arzak

One of the finest restaurants in San Sebastian is undoubtedly  Restaurant Arzak and if your budget will allow then it is crucial to try at least once.  Chef Arzak and his daughter are masters at the best Nueva Cocina Vasca .

Easily scoring 3 Michelin stars, Arzak can be quite exclusive though and you will need to make a reservation. Clients can choose from a very large assembly of foods and tastes with traditional San Sebastian dishes as prepared by one of the best chefs in the area.

Location:  Av Alcalde Elósegui, 273, 20015 San Sebastián-Donostia, Gipuzkoa, Spain.   Wesbsite:   https://www.arzak.info/

Restaurant La Cepa

La Cepa is a fine local culinary institution famous for serving up the finest Spanish cured  Jabugo, known for its unique taste and quality. Other typical dishes on offer include octopus, meatballs, and homemade sausages. They also offer a fine wine collection from the best wineries in the Rioja and Ribera del Duero. They’ve been operating for more than 70 years and are highly recommended by the locals.

Location: 31 de Agosto Kalea, 7, 20003 San Sebastián-Donostia, Gipuzkoa, Spain.     Website:   https://barlacepa.com/

Bar Goiz Argi

A small bar located at Calle de Fermin Calbeton 4, Goiz Argi also specializes in seafood, try the shrimp skewers or Brocheta de Gambas . They also offer octopus and what is known locally as breakfast wine! It’s a fairly small bar though so get there early as it starts to fill up quite early as it well favoured by the locals.

Location:  Fermin Calbeton Kalea, 4, 20003 Donostia, Gipuzkoa, Spain . On  Facebook : 

Txepetxa Tapas Bar

The first tapas bar on our list Txepetxa which is located in the old part of the city in  Calle Pescaderia num.5.  This is one of the most popular tapas bars in San Sebastian opened its doors in 1973 and has been on the receiving end of many gastronomic awards over the years. They serve some of the best homemade pintxos prepared with love and dedication.  You can enjoy a large variety of local ingredients including crabs, octopus, anchovies, mussels, and shrimp.  All of these are served with a flair that certainly wets the appetite the minute you enter the bar whilst enjoying the artistic display of its famous patrons from the past.

» Check out our guide to the best places to eat out in Sabastian .

Useful Travel Information

San sebastian weather.

The climate of San Sebastian is quite mild with rainy winters and reasonably cool summers.

The wind blows frequently off the Atlantic Ocean and the Bay Of Biscay and can get quite strong. However, the city does enjoy the effects of the warm and dry winds that blow up from the Cantabrian mountains.

The average temperature of the coldest month (January) is around 8 °C, while the average temperature of the warmest month (August) is around 20 °C reaching up to around 25°C throughout the warmer summer months of July, August and September.

In winter (December - February) it is generally mild and rainy due to the passing of Atlantic disturbances washing in from the Bay Of Biscay.

Overall, San Sebastián offers a pleasant climate, with mild winters cool summers, and plenty of sunshine.

How To Get To San Sebastian

San Sebastian is a great destination that is easily accessible by plane, car, train, or bus.

San Sebastian is around 464 kilometres from Madrid and is accessible by plane, train and car. The train from Madrid takes approximately 5.5 hours and costs around €40 one-way.

Barcelona is some 560 kilometers from San Sebastian with a train journey taking around 7 hours at a cost of approximately €35

By plane, you can fly into one of the three nearby airports (2 used for national and international flights). The main airport is situated 22 km northeast of Hondarribia Town in the Bay of Biscay and is a 20-minute drive away.

If you want to drive, San Sebastian is connected to the rest of Spain and France by several major highways that include the AP8, A1, A15, AP1 and the A63.

If you're looking to take the train, the city's "Estacion del Norte" offers connections to cities all over Spain.

Finally, the San Sebastián bus station , "Estacion Donostia Geltokia", has lines to cities throughout Spain and part of Europe. There is a  bar, newsstand, and luggage office with 66 lockers.

No matter how you choose to get there, San Sebastian is an easy and convenient destination to reach.

San Sebastian Airport

San Sebastian Airport is a great option for travellers looking to explore the Basque Region and the nearby southwest coast of France.

The airport is situated 22 km northeast of Hondarribia Town in the Bay of Biscay and is a 20-minute drive away.

The airport consists of a single two-level terminal and a runway that stretches along the Bidasoa River, right on the border of Spain and France.

There is an ATM and post office located on the arrivals level of the terminal and a VIP lounge that can accommodate up to 25 people for private or business meetings.

Although there is no duty-free facility, Aeroshops sells newspapers, magazines, local wine, cider, txacoli, sweets, and souvenirs.

The taxi fare from the airport to central San Sebastian costs around €35 for max 4 passengers.

The Mugi Tourist Card

The two main airports for people flying into the region is Bilbao located at Loiu and the smaller San Sebastian/Donostia airport at Hondarribi/Fuenterrabía.

A one-way bus ticket from Bilbao airport costs around €17 and a one-way ticket from San Sebastian airport is around €1.75 per person.

San Sebastian runs a comprehensive internal bus service with modern buses running constantly between 7 am and 11 pm every day.  If You plan to stay for a few days in the city then it is best to buy a D-Bus travel card .

You would then be charged the following for each trip. One-way ticket: 1.65€ Turista card: 3 days – 9€ for 6 trips 5 days – 16€ for 12 trips

Taxis are everywhere in the city, you can expect to pay around €8 for a 4 to 5-km trip.

Where To Stay In San Sebastian

There are plenty of choices when it comes to finding that perfect place to stay in San Sebastian.

There are five main districts to choose from around the city, the City Centre, the Ondarreta, Gros, Amara and the Antiguo districts, each one offers something different to visitors.

The city centre is the most popular area to stay in San Sebastian as it provides all of the amenities you'd expect from a historic beautiful city destination.

The central area is also easy to navigate on foot and you can explore the historical buildings, including the 12th-century fortress of Mount Urgull, which has stunning views of the Bay of Biscay.

The Ondarreta neighbourhood is within walking distance of La Concha - the largest beach in San Sebastian which is backed by the beautiful Miramar Palace Gardens,  once part of a royal summer palace.

The Gros district of San Sebastian is a great place to stay if you're looking to try out surfing!  This area is home to several surf schools and offers prime conditions for experienced and novice surfers alike. Not only that, but Gros also has a vibrant cafe scene and a variety of nightlife options to explore.

Amara is a great choice if you're looking for a quieter neighbourhood but still quite close to the city centre. It's one of the largest neighbourhoods in the area, so you'll have plenty of options when it comes to accommodation.

There are some great four-star hotels in Avenida de Ranch el Sabro if you're looking for something more upmarket. Getting into the city centre is quick by bus or train.

Antiguo is also a good choice for a restful and relaxing stay in San Sebastian. It's the oldest neighbourhood and has a great variety of accommodation options, from luxurious hotels to cosy bed and breakfasts. It's full of hidden gems, like traditional shops and delicious restaurants serving traditional Basque dishes.

San Sebastian Spain Hotels

San Sebastian is a beautiful city in Spain full of incredible sights and activities. It's also home to some of the best hotels in Europe.

Whether you're looking for a luxurious 5-star experience or a budget-friendly place to rest your head, there's something for everyone in San Sebastian.

• Hotel Maria Cristina – a grand 5-star hotel with a classic style and attentive service.
• Hotel NH Collection San Sebastian – a modern 5-star hotel with a contemporary design and a great location.
• Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra – a boutique 4-star hotel with a traditional Spanish design and a great location near the beach.
• Hotel Silken Amara Plaza – a modern 4-star hotel with a great location and a rooftop terrace with stunning views of the city.

Camping In San Sebastian

Camping in San Sebastian is a wonderful way to experience the beautiful outdoors!

There are three great campsites to choose from: Camping Bungalows Igueldo San Sebastian offers a stunning location right on the beach, while Camping Igara de San Sebastian is in a wooded setting with spectacular views. Camping Oliden is also set in a wooded area and provides a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere.

San Sebastian has an oceanic climate characterised by mild temperatures and relatively high precipitation.

Here is a month-by-month breakdown of the weather you can expect:

• January: One of the coldest months, with average temperatures ranging from 8-12°C (46-54°F). Expect frequent rain showers.
• February: Similar to January, but with slightly longer days. Temperatures range between 9-13°C (48-55°F).
• March: Spring starts to set in, and temperatures rise to 10-15°C (50-59°F). Rain is still common but less frequent.
• April: A noticeable improvement in the weather, with temperatures between 12-17°C (54-63°F). Rainfall starts to decline.
• May: A pleasant month with temperatures ranging from 14-20°C (57-68°F). Expect more sunny days, although rain is still possible.
• June: The onset of summer brings temperatures between 17-23°C (63-73°F), and this month is generally drier.
• July: One of the warmest and driest months. Temperatures can go up to 25°C (77°F) during the day.
• August: Similar to July, with temperatures ranging from 19-26°C (66-79°F). Occasional thunderstorms may occur.
• September: The beginning of autumn, yet the weather is generally still pleasant. Temperatures range between 18-24°C (64-75°F).
• October: A noticeable drop in temperature, falling to 15-21°C (59-70°F). Rain becomes more frequent.
• November: One of the wetter months, with temperatures dropping to 11-16°C (52-61°F).
• December: Winter sets in with temperatures between 9-14°C (48-57°F). Expect short days and long nights.

While San Sebastian can be visited year-round, the best time to go depends on what you're looking to do. Summer is ideal for beach activities, while spring and autumn offer milder climates suitable for sightseeing. Winter is quieter and less crowded but comes with colder and wetter conditions.

FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions

Is san sebastian spain worth visiting.

Absolutely, San Sebastian is well worth a visit. Located in Spain's Basque Country, it's famed for its stunning beaches like La Concha, exceptional food scene, and rich cultural heritage. Whether you're a foodie, a beach lover, or a history enthusiast, San Sebastian offers something for everyone.

What is San Sebastian Spain known for?

San Sebastian, Spain is renowned for its culinary scene, particularly its pintxos bars, as well as its beautiful beaches. It's also famous for hosting international events such as the San Sebastian Film Festival. The city's rich history and stunning architecture add to its allure.

Where do you fly into for San Sebastian?

To get to San Sebastian, the nearest international airports are Bilbao Airport in Spain and Biarritz Airport in France. Both are around an hour's drive from San Sebastian. There's also the smaller San Sebastian Airport, but it mainly serves domestic flights from Madrid and Barcelona.

What month is best to visit San Sebastian?

The best months to visit San Sebastian are from May to September when the weather is warm and outdoor activities are plentiful. July and August are the busiest and warmest months, perfect for beachgoers. However, September offers milder weather and fewer crowds, ideal for a more relaxed visit.

Is San Sebastian expensive?

San Sebastian is often considered a more expensive destination in Spain, especially when it comes to dining and accommodation. Its reputation for high-quality food and scenic beauty comes with a price tag. Budget travellers may find it challenging but not impossible to find more affordable options.

Is San Sebastian a walkable city?

Yes, San Sebastian is a highly walkable city. Most of its major attractions, including the Old Town, beaches, and dining establishments, are within close proximity. Walking is often the best way to explore and soak in the city's charm and scenic beauty.

Why is San Sebastian so popular?

San Sebastian is one of those perfect destinations in Spain due to its fascinating history, world-renowned gastronomy, stunning beaches, stunning coastline, and rich cultural offerings.

What part of San Sebastian is best to stay in?

The best area to stay in San Sebastian largely depends on your interests. For beach access and stunning views, staying near La Concha is ideal. The Old Town offers historical charm and is a foodie's paradise with its many tapas bars. Gros is trendy and popular among surfers.

Is San Sebastian a big city?

San Sebastian is not a particularly large city; it has a population of around 195,000 residents. However, it offers a rich blend of cultural, gastronomic, and natural attractions, making it feel much bigger in terms of experiences. The city is easily navigable, and often best explored on foot.

What is an interesting fact about San Sebastian?

One interesting fact about San Sebastian is its culinary fame; the city boasts one of the highest numbers of Michelin-starred restaurants per square meter in the world. This culinary excellence makes it a gastronomic paradise for food lovers globally.

Are people in San Sebastian friendly?

Absolutely! San Sebastian is known for its warm and welcoming locals. They take pride in their Basque culture and are often eager to share their traditions, cuisine, and stories with visitors. Engaging with them can enrich your visit and offer a genuine taste of the city's spirit.

What time do the bars normally close in San Sebastian?

In San Sebastian, bars typically close around midnight during the week, but many extend their hours until 2-3 am on weekends. However, it's always a good idea to check specific establishments as hours can vary, especially during festivals or special events.

Is it safe to walk around San Sebastian at night?

Yes, San Sebastian is generally considered safe for nighttime strolls. Like any city, it's wise to remain aware of your surroundings and stick to well-lit areas. The main promenades and city center are especially lively and secure even after dark.

Is everything closed in San Sebastian on Sunday?

Not everything is closed in San Sebastian on Sundays. Most shops and supermarkets will be closed. Many bars and restaurants will be open for lunch but will close earlier on Sunday evening. Many of the main tourist attractions will be opne during the day.  It's advisable to check specific places in advance if you have particular destinations in mind for a Sunday visit.

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SAN SEBASTIAN

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• San Sebastian Tourism – Things to Do in San Sebastian

Overview of San Sebastian, Spain

What is not to love about this majestic city on the Cantabrian Sea? San Sebastián, or Donostia as it is called in Basque, has a circular bay with pristine white sand beaches that have long attracted wealthy beach-goers in search of sun and sophistication.

This is what made the city famous during the Belle Époque era and it is also where Queen Maria Cristina established her royal summerhouse. The evidence of San Sebastián’s glamorous past can still be seen throughout the city.

La Concha , the most beautiful urban beach in Europe, is adorned by luxurious beachside mansions as well as the famous spa called La Perla (The Pearl). Its boardwalk is lined by an ornate white railing that has become a symbol of the city. There are, however, two other beaches in the city both of which are less posh and more relaxed: Ondarreta and Zurriola. Zurriola is also popular with surfers.

In more recent years, San Sebastián has gained significant press for its cuisine. The city alone has 14 Michelin stars spread across 6 restaurants and famously boasts more stars per capita than anywhere else in the world other than Tokyo. It is in many ways like a mini Paris, except in Basque style.

San Sebastián is also famous for its pintxos . And the best place to go to try some of them is the Parte Vieja (Old Part). This charming old city center is famous for having the highest concentration of bars in the world. This is where the pintxo is king and the food is taken very seriously.

Despite its relative small size (186,000 inhabitants), international events are also held here. The most famous of these is the San Sebastián International Film Festival .

San Sebastian's Top Things to Do & See

Parte vieja (old town).

The Old Town is an ideal place to go for a walk. Just don’t forget to stop and relax at one of the many bars to try some of the local pintxos, which are famous for being especially tasty in this area. Unfortunately, they are also the most expensive of the Basque Country , but don’t let that deter you.

San Telmo Museum

The San Telmo Museum was inaugurated in 1902, becoming the oldest museum of the Basque Country. It has been housed in the current building since 1932. Today, the building itself is actually one of the highlights of the museum. The complex that forms it is divided in two.

The original building is a dominican convent from the 16 th century , which is a unique architecture example in the region due to its mixture of gothic and renaissance styles.

The new building was added to the museum a couple of years ago and was designed by the architects Nieto y Sobejano. The contemporary and vanguardist architecture added to the overall appeal of the complex, creating a very interesting mixture of old and new.

If you only visit one museum in San Sebastian, then the San Telmo Museum should definitely be the one.

Ayuntamiento (city hall)

Originally built in 1882 as a casino hall , it once hosted parties of the Belle Époque era, when Europe’s bourgeoisie and aristocracy spent their summers in San Sebastian.

During World War I, the casino was filled with an eclectic mix of political refugees, spies (such as Mata Hari ) and those wealthy enough to flee the fighting in the north. Later on during the Spanish Civil War, the building was also caught up in the fighting between the nationalists and republicans.

Today, bullet holes can still be seen on the facade of the building as a result of the bloody fighting that took place alongside it.

Romantic Center

Mount Urgull & Mota Castle

Today, military ruins such as cannons, as well as parts of the original wall that surrounded the medieval city can still be found on the hill.

The long military history of Mount Urgull can be traced back to the first watchtower and defensive wall that were built around 1150. Throughout the years, the mount has been witness to many important battles, the most notable of those took place in 1794, when the mount was overtaken by French troops who then subsequently conquered the city.

Another important battle took place on August 31st, 1813 , when British soldiers helped the Spanish fight against Napoleon and his troops. Many British soldiers were killed in the battle and then buried on the north hillside of the Mount Urgull in what is known as the English Cemetery .

The Spanish and the British were however, successful in defeating Napoleon’s troops which lead to them being kicked out of San Sebastian. Unfortunately though, when the fighting was all over, the city had been burned to the ground. Only a single street in the Old Town wasn’t affected and today is known as Calle 31 de Agosto in remembrance of that date.

Continuing up the hill from the English Cemetery, you will find the Batería de Santiago , also called Batería de la Reina, which was one of the places where gunpowder and other explosives were kept. Some steps down from the Batería de Santiago is the Batería alta de Santa Clara .

Here, you will find a small bar with a nice terrace offering some of the most beautiful views of San Sebastian. This is a fantastic place to stop for a break on your way up to the top.

At the highest point of the Mount Urgull is the Mota Castle which has existed since the 12 th century. It has been restructured and rebuilt many times over the years, however, today, the castle houses a History House Museum , which as its name implies, tells the history of the city. The museum contains pictures, historic elements as well as a video about the burning down of the city.

Peine del Viento (Comb of the Wind)

The metal structures have been fused into the rocks over the Cantabrian Sea. Waves smash violently against the rocks, while the wind “combs” through the structures.

Chillida also made some holes in the ground, allowing for waves to pass underneath and then be blasted skyward through small opening in the ground. But be careful though – when the seas are high, these blasts of water can go as high as seven meters!

Mount Igueldo & the Funicular

The main attraction at the top of the Mount Igueldo is an old amusement park , which opened its doors in 1911 and is one if the oldest in the Basque Country. If you do decide to go in, don’t expect much of the rides, since the park is small, old and a little run down. It is more about the charm of the place, situated in a perfect location.

Next to the amusement park stands a tower called “El Torreón.” Originally built in the 16 th century, the tower served as the light house of San Sebastian until a new one was built in 1854.

At the beginning of the 20 th century, El Torreón was renovated and a new floor was added to it as well as a panoramic terrace. Currently, the tower is open to visitors and holds an exhibition in the stairwell with many historic photos.

It only costs a few euros to climb the tower and it does offer great views, however, they aren’t that much better than the already great views that can be had for free on the terraces by the funicular.

There is also a hotel at the top of the Mount Igueldo. What originally served as the casino-restaurant of the Mount Igueldo, became the Hotel Mercure Monte Igueldo in 1967. If you want to wake up to some impressive views of the San Sebastian bay, then this is probably the perfect place for you.

Mercado La Bretxa

Dating back to 1871, the Bretxa Market is one of the most traditional markets in Donostia. It was originally built in classicist style, taking its inspirations from ancient Rome and Greece and utilizes primarily stone and iron for its construction.

As the population of San Sebastian grew over the years, so did the market. It was extended several times with the last big renovation taking place in 1999, after which unfortunately a big part of “La Bretxa” was converted into a mall.

The building complex still contains a market, however, it has been relegated to share the underground level with a supermarket chain. Underground you can still discover a big variety of local produce and all those fresh ingredients that are used in the famous Basque cuisine.

La Bretxa Market receives its name from its location which was the weakest point of the original wall that surrounded the city until 1863. This weak point was known as “the breach” or “la bretxa” in Basque. On two occasions (1719 and 1813) invaders were able to break through the wall and get into the city around where the market is located.

Victoria Eugenia Theater

The Victoria Eugenia Theater was inaugurated in 1912 and features neo-renaissance and neo-plateresque styles. Since its opening, it has been witness to the most important cultural events of San Sebastian.

In 2001 the theater closed its doors for renovation works. It was re-opened six years later, incorporating the most modern equipment and services while keeping all its charm and original characteristics.

During the day, the building is quite boring – some might even say its ugly. However, at night it completely changes as the whole façade lights up and functions as a kind of giant billboard advertising whatever function is going on at the time in the city.

Port Area & Aquarium

After the museum, the visit continues through the aquariums. The main highlight is a 1.8 million liter aquarium which can be crossed through a glass tunnel.

Miramar Palace

The Miramar Palace was built in the late 19th century by Queen Regent María Cristina as the summer residence of the Spanish monarchy. It was designed by the English architect Selden Wornun.

Hotels in San Sebastian

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Beaches in san sebastian, la concha beach.

Of the three beaches in San Sebastián, La Concha is the most famous. Worldwide renowned for its almost perfectly arced bay, it is without a doubt Europe’s most beautiful urban beach.

Queen Regent Maria Cristina is responsible for making La Concha famous in the middle of the nineteen century, when she started frequenting it and declared San Sebastián the summer capital of Europe.

Ondarreta Beach

Ondarreta is the smallest beach of San Sebastian, but none the less beautiful. It is probably the most traditional beach of the city, very popular among locals and is especially frequented by families with children.

Zurriola Beach

East of La Concha is Zurriola Beach, also known as Gros Beach. The name “gros" thankfully doesn’t have any connection with the english word “gross,” and is instead named after the neighborhood that is located next to it.

The crowd at Zurriola Beach is generally younger and more local. Since the beach is not located within a protected bay like La Concha and Ondarreta beaches, it normally receives much bigger waves. For this reason it is popular among surfers. If you are interested in surfing, you will find several surf schools and various rental places around.

At the far eastern end of the beach there is a popular place called “el muro” (the wall), where people sit to enjoy the sunset over Zurriola Beach or to watch the surfers while listening the waves crashing against the rocks.

Eat & Drink in San Sebastian

Txikiteo in san sebastian.

The txikiteo is similar to a pub crawl, except instead of the focus being solely on drinking, delicious pintxos are thrown into the mix. The idea is to go to one bar after the next sampling pintxos and having something to drink. This is usually done by groups of friends and is most popular on Friday and Saturday nights.

San Sebastián is also famous for its pintxos. And, as previously mentioned, the best place to go to try some of them is the Parte Vieja (Old Part), famous for having the highest concentration of bars in the world.

Michelin Star Restaurants

The city alone has 14 Michelin stars spread across 6 restaurants and famously boasts more stars per capita than anywhere else in the world other than Tokyo.

Restaurants

However, if your pockets aren't deep enough to visit those Michelin starred restaurants, don't worry because there is also a big selection of restaurants for all type of budgets.

Events in San Sebastian

Despite its small size, the city of San Sebastian is home to various international festivals, the most famous being the San Sebastián International Film Festival . Celebrated since 1953, it is one of the oldest and most prestigious film festivals of Europe. A lot of hollywood stars have made appearances at the festival such as Elizabeth Taylor, Robert De Niro and Brad Pitt. In 2024, the festival will be celebrated from September 20 th - 28 th .

Another important festival celebrated every August in San Sebastian is the Aste Nagusia (Big Week). During the week of August 15, from Saturday to Saturday, the donostiarras take to the streets for one of the city's biggest festivals. There is an international fireworks competition, parades of gigantes and cabezudos, live music, food competitions, basque dance and sports exhibitions, etc.

Get In & Around

Once you are in San Sebastián, most places are reachable by foot. If you need to go from one end to the other, then the bus system is quite easy to use as well.

Another good option is to rent a bike at one of the numerous bike rental companies. The city has many bike paths (30 km of them) and overall, San Sebastian is pretty bike friendly. Riding along the beaches and taking a tour around Mount Urgull is definitely recommended.

Arriving to San Sebastian

PLANE – San Sebastián has a small airport, located 20km away, next to Hondarribia . There is a bus to the airport (i2, 2 €) that departs from the Gipuzkoa square and takes around 30 minutes. That airport offers direct flights to Madrid, Barcelona and Tenerife.

The next closest airport is in Biarritz (50 km away). There are both train and bus connections to San Sebastián.

The airport of Bilbao is 100 km away, but there are good bus connections: there is one bus every hour during the day. The bus company is called PESA; the trip takes about 80 minutes and costs around 16 €.

CAR – A rental car is really great to have in the Basque Country. It makes for access to some parts of the region such as San Juan de Gaztelugatxe and to the sagardotegis (traditional basque restaurants in the countryside) much easier. San Sebastian can however, be a pain to navigate with a car since there are many one-way streets. If your hotel doesn’t provide parking, it is best to go directly to a parking garage and leave the car there during your stay.

Txofre is a parking garage located in the Gros neighborhood and it offers one of the best values for parking in the city. Also, they have bikes available to borrow for free when you park there.

San Sebastián is located right off the roads AP-8, A-1 (also called N-1) and AP-1. The road AP-8 is called “highway of the Cantabrian” and, as its name indicates, runs along the north coast of Spain. It is a toll road within the Basque Country, becoming a free road all the way to Galicia.

The roads A-1 (also called N-1) and AP-1 follow basically the same direction, connecting San Sebastian with Vitoria and Burgos. The A-1 continues south to Madrid.

The road A-1 is free, while the AP-1 is a toll road. To give you a better idea, the AP-1 between Vitoria and San Sebastian costs around 12 euros. If you take the alternative free route, it takes about 15 minutes longer, but it is much more scenic.

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BUS – San Sebastian's bus station is located in the Pasadizo de Egia, on the banks of the Urumea River, very close to the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd. From the station it takes about 10 minutes to walk to both the old town and La Concha beach.

There are buses to Vitoria (2h), Bilbao (1h), Pamplona (1h), Madrid, Barcelona, etc. In general, it is easier to get around by bus than by train in the Basque Country: buses arrive to more places, run more often and are usually cheaper.

TRAIN – The main train station of San Sebastian is located at Paseo de Francia 22. It is commonly known by the locals as “Estación del Norte” (North Station) or “Estación de Atocha.” There are trains from many parts of Spain, Portugal and France, including overnight trains from Paris and Lisbon. The station is also part of the commuter train network, connecting with other neighborhoods of the city and towns of the surroundings.

Check RENFE for the Spanish train network and Euskotren for the Basque train network.

Other Places of Interest in the Surroundings

EXTERNAL LINKS

• San Sebastian Official Tourism Website
• San Sebastian – Basque Country Official Tourism Website
• San Sebastian – Wikipedia

Map – Things to Do in San Sebastian

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The Best Things to Do in San Sebastián

By Sarah James

San Sebastián is one of the most-loved cities in the world. It's not just the editors of Condé Nast Traveler who have fallen for this diminutive oceanfront city in the Basque Country, but our readers too—you voted it the  best city in Europe  in our  2023 Readers' Choice Awards .

And it checks out. San Sebastian has some of the finest restaurants in the world (there are more Michelin stars per square foot than any city on the planet), a rich history, plus some excellent places to stay. But what should you do once you arrive? Below, we've rounded up the best things to do in San Sebastián to inspire your next trip to this people-pleasing city.

Go pintxos bar-hopping

Tapas is more synonymous with Spanish culture—but this is the Basque Country, really, and pintxos are the order of the day here. A pintxo is a small snack served in tavernas or bars and is most often (although not always) served on top of a slice of bread, speared with a cocktail stick to keep the toppings (anchovies, perhaps, or goat cheese and ham, or tortilla) in place. Pintxos are small enough to whet your appetite over a glass of wine or beer pre-supper—but in San Sebastián, we recommend foregoing a sit-down dinner altogether, instead embarking on a pintxos hopping tour. One popular route starts at Borda Berri (order the confusingly named ‘kebab’, which is actually a melty pork rib) before wandering down the street for pitstops at Bar Sport (order the txangurro, or crab) and Txepetxa, where all the pintxos come with an anchovy and your choice of additional toppings. Whichever route you take, make sure to finish the crawl at La Viña, the birthplace of the burnt Basque cheesecake .

Sunbathe at La Concha

San Sebastián has a prime position in the Basque Country, set right on the sea. The city skyline curves around the main, crescent-shaped beach La Concha, which itself melts into gin-clear water overlooking Santa Clara island, which rises from the ocean a few hundred metres from the shore. A promenade edges the beach, for those who aren't in the mood for sandy trainers – follow the railings to the right, as you look at the water, and you'll reach the 1920s-built Nautical Club and the City Hall. Or head onto the beach and into the sea – the water is usually shallow, but the waves can come thick and fast.

Hike up Monte Urgull

At one end of La Concha sits Monte Urgull, a gorgeous green space which winds up gradually to the summit, where the Sagrado Corazón statue and the ruins of Castillo de la Mota still sit. There are four paths that will lead you to the top; each has exceptional viewpoints to gaze at the city and sea below as you climb. The best route starts next to San Telmo Museum.

Stroll through Parque de Cristina Enea

Take an approximately two-mile stroll around Parque de Cristina Enea, the one-time home of its namesake the Duchess of Mandas, and her Ducal husband Fermín. This is the biggest park in San Sebastián, set over 23 acres and dating back to the late 1800s. Ducks, swans and peacocks swim in the ponds, and a handful of buildings dating from the period are scattered across the grounds, ripe for exploring.

Get a culture fix at the San Telmo Museum

Those hankering after some Basque history and culture shouldn't sleep on the San Telmo Museum, which is set at the foot of Monte Urgull in the city's Old Town. A space known as the San Telmo Museoa has existed here since 1902, but the collection moved to its present-day setting in a 16th-century convent in the 1930s, with a brand new building added alongside a few years ago. These days, you can expect a collection focussing on photography, religion, and local art as well as temporary exhibitions spotlighting topics such as vintage tourism posters.

Shannon McMahon

Mark Ellwood

Chris Schalkx

Emily Saladino

Try your hand at surfing

We've already waxed lyrical about San Sebastián's plum position on the Atlantic Ocean—and this setting makes it an ideal spot for surfing, too. The best time to surf in the area is actually between September and December, when there are less visitors and the swell of the waves is more consistent. If you're a beginner, book a couple of lessons with a local surf school such as Pukas Surf Eskola ($45 for 1.5 hours). If you're more confident, the best spots are at Zarautz, about 20 minutes away from the main city, and Zurriola, in the city itself.

Visit the old Tabakalera

Artsy types should make tracks for Tabakalera, the city's former tobacco factory turned international cultural centre. Here, you'll find exhibition halls, multi-purpose plazas and halls, a cinema theatre, a library, art spaces and a restaurant—plus a fifth-floor terrace with great views.

Parque de Alderdi Eder

This sweet plaza, fronting the honey-hued former casino (now, ironically, serving as the City Hall) is set just back from the beach and is a lovely spot for a pre-supper wander. There's a vintage carousel (good for entertaining little ones, as is a gander at the street performers who often set up here during the late afternoon). There are shady benches with exceptional views, for those less keen on the beach, and loads of gorgeous flora and fauna to admire, too.

Chill out at Playa de la Zurriola

We mentioned Playa de la Zurriola above for its surf scene – but even those who don't want to take to the waves will want to while away a few hours here. You could watch the surfers chase waves from the comfort of the sand, spectate locals playing volleyball or beach tennis, stroll the 2,600 feet of sand along the waterfront, or simply splay out on the sand and enjoy the mild Basque sunshine.

A version of this article originally appeared on Condé Nast Traveller .

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There are many things to see in San Sebastian , and the best thing about it is that, being a fairly small city, everything is very close at hand. Most of the tourist attractions can be visited on foot, which is the main attraction of the city.

There are also many people who decide to visit the city by bicycle, as it is one of the cities in Spain that is best adapted to this means of transport, so renting a bike to visit the city can be very comfortable and even fun.

It is an ideal destination to be visited in a weekend , as San Sebastian can be too short in one day .

If your time in Donosti is limited and you don’t want to miss its main attractions, here is a list of places not to miss on your next visit. Will you join us?

10 Things to see in San Sebastian and not to be missed

1. strolling through the “old town” of san sebastián.

Undoubtedly its main attraction is the old part of the city. Its streets are full of charm and it is located in a unique enclave next to the port and the “ Paseo Nuevo” , which you cannot miss. It is a very pretty walk along the seafront to end at the small port and enter through one of the main arches into the Old Town .

Once inside, as well as the fabulous bars where you can taste the famous pintxos, you should visit the Basilica of Santa Maria and to a lesser extent the Church of San Vicente , two of the most characteristic religious buildings in the city.

The Constitution Square , in the centre of the old town, will also attract your attention, especially its balconies, which still have the numbers with which each of the boxes used to identify each of the boxes used to watch the bullfights, as this was their function in the past.

2. Visit to the City Hall and Boulevard

The Boulevard is a pedestrian avenue that separates the old town from the rest of the newer city. The central “kiosk” and the gardens that decorate the entire length of the Boulevard are striking.

3. Walk along the “Paseo de la Concha”

La Concha beach is not only the most famous beach in San Sebastian but also one of the most recognised worldwide thanks to the numerous awards it has won.

The beginning of the promenade starts next to the town hall and you can walk along it all the way to the end of Ondarreta beach , in the Antiguo neighbourhood. It is a very beautiful walk around the bay that is spectacular if you find yourself on a sunny day. If the tide is low, you can even walk along the shore if the weather is good and soak your feet a little bit 🙂

4. Miramar Palace

This Miramar Palace , the former residence of the monarchy, is today one of the most beautiful buildings in the city and enjoys a privileged location in the city.

You can take advantage of the walk along the bay that we recommended earlier to stop off and visit it, as it is located halfway between La Concha and Ondarreta beaches.

The views from its gardens are equally spectacular. Personally, it is one of my favourite views of the city.

5. Peine del viento (Wind Comb) and ascent of Monte Igueldo

After visiting the Peine, the best thing to do is to take the funicular (which is just behind the Real Club de Tenis) and go up to the top of Mount Igueldo to enjoy the best panoramic view of Donosti. Also, if you’re travelling with children, you’ll find an old but pleasant amusement park that they’re sure to love.

6. Buen Pastor Cathedral

It has recently been refurbished to allow access to the bell tower in the future for those visitors who wish to do so.

Access to the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd is currently free, so if you go, do not hesitate to go inside and see its interior, where its large stained glass windows stand out.

7. San Sebastian Aquarium

It is currently the most visited attraction in all of Guipúzcoa, so if you like this type of visit, the Aquarium is not to be missed. The best thing about it is that it is close to the Old Town and the Port, so you have no excuse not to spend some time there.

8. Kursaal and Zurriola beach

It is the venue for major conferences and concerts throughout the year. The Film Festival , for example, has been held there since its inauguration.

The beach is a favourite destination for surfers from all over the world. The atmosphere and sport on this beach are guaranteed.

9. Climbing to Urgull

Mount Urgull , unlike Igueldo, is a 20-minute walk, but it is well worth it, both the walk and the views from the top.

At the top you will find the great figure of the Sacred Heart along with the ancient walls and cannons that protected the city.

Urgull can be accessed from several sides. We recommend that you go up from the access between the port and the Old Town, up some stairs at the beginning, or from the back of the hill if you go from the New Promenade, up a slope that you will see easily at the end of the walk.

10. Taste the best pintxos in the city

If there is something that everyone enjoys and that no one leaves without trying, it is the famous pintxos donostiarras.

OK, it’s not something to see, but it’s definitely one of the things you must do, if you can’t. To tell the truth, you can find good pintxos in almost any neighbourhood in the city.

To tell the truth, you can find good bars in practically any neighbourhood in the city, but the most famous and popular pintxos are to be found in the Old Quarter and in the Gros neighbourhood, which has become more and more popular over the years and nowadays has a large number of bars where you can try them.

In both places you can try a wide variety of tapas, both traditional and haute cuisine.

Other things to do around San Sebastian

If you are lucky enough to visit San Sebastian for several days, you will have time to do a lot more, which is great as there are plenty of things to do in the surrounding area.

Places like Zarautz, Orio, Fuenterrabía (Hondarribia) or even Biarritz (France) are a must for anyone who enjoys a holiday here. They are half-day or even full-day visits.

You can also go for lunch at one of the best cider bars in the area or visit one of San Sebastian’s museums, such as the San Telmo Museum or Chillida Leku .

If you are travelling with children, a visit to the amusement park at the top of Monte Igueldo is a must. The kids will enjoy the rides and the grown-ups will enjoy the most famous views of the city.

Bilbao Airport

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19 Absolute Best Things to Do in San Sebastián | Spain’s Basque Country

San Sebastián is the Basque country’s culinary capital. If you’re a foodie, then this is your paradise. Did you know, Spain’s Basque Country boasts the highest concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants in the world? Having a meal here is just one of many top  things to do in San Sebastián .

San Sebastián’s appeal stretches beyond its plates of pintxos . Overlooking the crescent-shaped Bay of Concha, San Sebastián is located on Spain’s northern coastline set amongst scenic mountains making it an impossibly charming city. After spending 5 days exploring, relaxing, and eating my way through San Sebastián I’ve come up with the ultimate list of the best things to do in the San Sebastián.

Going to the Basque Country? Enrich your travels with my free Basque travel phrase guide plus audio. I also have a Spanish phrase guide too!

San Sebastián & Donostia – The City with Two Names

San Sebastián actually has two names – San Sebastián is its Spanish name and Donostia is its name in the local Basque language called Euskara. While they look completely different, that both mean “Saint Sebastián”. In the Basque language, dona/done/doni means “saint” and is derived from Latin word domine. The second part, -stia contains a shortened form of the saint’s name.

Map of Things to do in San Sebastián, Spain

Want to know where you’ll be going? Take a look at the detailed map below.

Tip: For a larger view of the map, click on the icon in the top right corner.

Click on this interactive map and see where this itinerary will take you. I’ve created this map using Google Maps which you can save and use as you visit San Sebastián.

The coloured pins represent different pockets of the town to explore each day. Click on any pin for more information. Things to do – Yellow pins Where to eat – Pink pins Where to stay – Green pins

Here are the Best things to do in San Sebastián

1. stroll along the seaside at la concha promenade.

Essential information

Address – Kontxa Pasealekua, 20007 Donostia, Gipuzkoa, Spain Admission  – Free Opening hours – 24 hours. Sunrise and Sunset are especially magic. Reviews – Read Tripadvisor reviews of La Concha Promenade

2. See the Peine del Viento sculptures

Completed in 1976, the sculptural group is made up of three curved steel sculptures that are welded into huge granite rocks located in direct contact with the sea. Strong winds and huge sea waves crash upon this area with great intensity and through a system of holes in the ground waves explode into the air in high columns. This place is even more spectacular on stormy days or when there is a heavy swell.

Peine del Viento gets its name from the combination of the shape of a twisted comb (peine) seen in the sculptures, along with the characteristic wind (viento) in the area.

Address – Eduardo Chillida Pasealekua, s/n, 20008 Donostia, Gipuzkoa, Spain Admission  – Free Opening hours – 24 hours Reviews – Read Tripadvisor reviews of Peine del Viento

3. Explore the Old Town (Parte Vieja)

San Sebastián’s Old Town dates back to medieval times but much of it was rebuilt after a fire devastated the city in 1813. Highlights include the Municipal Museum San Telmo, the Gothic church of St. Vincente,  the Baroque basilica of Santa María del Coro, and the stunning Plaza de la Constitución with its arcades and balconies. To learn more about San Sebastián’s history, join a guided walking tour of the Parte Vieja or a pintxos tour.

The Parte Vieja takes on a whole new atmosphere as patrons spill out onto the streets around lunch and dinner times to enjoy an endless variety of tantalizing pintxos. Pintxos is the Basque Country’s answer to the Spanish tapas. Local specialities include deep-fried cod, marinated anchovies, handmade croquettes, and of course tortilla de patatas (potato omelette). Tips on where to eat in San Sebastián coming up shortly!

Address – Start at Calle Mayor and walk to the end to see Basílica de Santa María del Coro before taking any side street. Admission  – Free Opening hours – Times vary per establishment, with most places closed on Mondays and during siesta hours (14:00 until 17:00 for shops and 14:00 until about 20:00 or 21:00 for bars and restaurants). Reviews – Read Tripadvisor reviews of San Sebastián’s Parte Vieja

4. See the bullet holes in San Sebastián’s City Hall

If you looking closely you can still see bullet holes on the facade of the building as a result of the fighting that took place here during the Spanish Civil War (1936 to 1939) between the nationalists and republicans.

It wasn’t until 1947 that the City Council moved its headquarters here from the Plaza de la Constitución. Today, San Sebastián’s City Hall faces the quiet Alderdi Eder gardens, an essential stopping point for those looking to relax after wandering along the promenade.

Address – Ijentea Kalea, 1, 20003 Donostia, Gipuzkoa, Spain Admission  – Free Opening hours – Monday – Friday 09:00 – 14:00 Reviews – Read Tripadvisor reviews of San Sebastián’s City Hall

5. Wander the arcades of Plaza de la Constitución

Address – Plaza Constitución, 12, 20003 San Sebastián, Guipúzcoa, Spain Admission  – Free Opening hours – Bars and restaurants have varying opening times between 10:00 – 03:00. Reviews – Read Tripadvisor reviews of Plaza de la Constitución

6. Visit the stunning Basílica de Santa María del Coro

Address – 31 de Agosto Kalea, 46, 20003 Donostia, Gipuzkoa, Spain Admission  – Free Opening hours – Monday to Sunday from 10:15 to 13:15 and from 14:45 to 19:45. Reviews – Read Tripadvisor reviews of Basílica de Santa María del Coro

7. Relax on Playa de la Concha

Address – 20007, Gipuzkoa, Spain Admission  – Free Opening hours – 24hrs Reviews – Read Tripadvisor reviews of Playa de la Concha

8. Take the Funicular up to Monte Igueldo for Exceptional Panoramic Views

Those with a family in tow can have a fun day out at the Parque de Atracciones de Monte Igueldo amusement park located here which features charming carousels and a traditional wooden roller coaster.

You’ll be happy to know that all rides are reasonably priced so you won’t break the bank. There are food stands and a restaurant with a balcony where you can enjoy your meal with a view.

If you’re looking for something more sophisticated, head to Hotel Mercure Monte Igueldo, for a drink on their outdoor terrace or dine in their elegant restaurant. Extend your stay and book a room in their hotel.

Not to be missed is the 16th-century El Torreón tower which you can climb for views of the lighthouse and the rolling hills of the Basque countryside to the west.

Unless you have a car and prefer to drive, the best way to reach the top is by taking the funicular.

Address The funicular is located at Funikular Plaza, 4, 20008 Donostia, Gipuzkoa, Spain at the far end of Playa de Ondarreta near the Royal Tennis Club.

Admission There are two ways you can arrive to Monte Igueldo

• By Funicular: Adults 3,75 € / Children 2,50 €
• By Car/foot 2,30 € per person

Attraction prices range between 1 € – 2,50 €

Opening hours

• Funicular 10:00-21:00 (every 15 minutes)
• Attractions 11:00-14:00 / 15:30-20:00 – Closed Monday-Friday
• Enclosure/lookout – 10:00-21:00

Reviews – Read Tripadvisor reviews of Monte Igueldo Official website –   Plan your visit with the official Monte Igueldo website

9. Have a picnic at Miramar Royal Palace (Palacio de Miramar)

The house itself isn’t open to the public but you can visit its beautifully manicured and colourful gardens. This is an idyllic spot to come and sit and marvel at the beautiful views over a picnic lunch.

Address – 48 Paseo Miraconcha, 20007 Donostia, Gipuzkoa, Spain Admission  – Free Opening hours – 07:00 – 21:00 Reviews – Read Tripadvisor reviews of Miramar Royal Palace

10. See the huge crashing waves at Paseo Nuevo

Address – Pasealeku Berria, 20003 Donostia, Gipuzkoa, Spain Admission  – Free Opening hours – 24 hrs Reviews – Read Tripadvisor reviews of Paseo Nuevo

11. Step inside Catedral del Buen Pastor, San Sebastián’s largest church

Located in the New Town, this Neo-Gothic cathedral was designed by Basque architect Manuel de Echave in 1880 and was completed in 1897. Inside is richly decorated with stained-glass windows and an organ consisting of more than 10,000 whistles, making it one of the biggest in Europe.

Address – Urdaneta Kalea, 12, 20006 Donostia, Gipuzkoa, Spain Admission  – Free Opening hours – 08:00 to 12:30 and 17:00 to 20:00 Reviews – Read Tripadvisor reviews of Catedral del Buen Pastor

12. Visit the Museo de San Telmo History Museum

Learn about the cultural heritage of the Basque country at Museo de San Telmo, the biggest museum for Basque history from prehistoric times to the present day. The museum building is equally impressive occupying both a 16th-century Dominican convent and Renaissance-era buildings.

Over 26,000 historic artefacts are on display here providing an interesting insight into the country’s past.  The collection is divided into four key areas including fine arts, history, archaeology, and ethnology. In the fine arts area are paintings, drawings, and sculptures by El Greco, Rubens, Morán, and Ribera alongside Basque artists such as Arteta, Echagüe, Salaberría, Ugarte, and Zuloaga.

The history exhibit showcases weapons from the 15th century to the present day and the archaeology exhibit includes a collection of ceramics, coins, and pre-Columbian artefacts.

Address – Plaza Zuloaga, 1, 20003 San Sebastián, Guipúzcoa, Spain Admission  – Adult 6,00 €  / Students and over 65 years 3,00 €, free admission on Tuesdays Opening hours – From Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 – 20:00 Reviews – Read Tripadvisor reviews of Museum de San Telmo Official website –   Plan your visit with the official Museo de San Telmo website

13. Surf, swim or stroll along Playa de Ondarreta

During the winter, you’ll find bodyboarders and surfers here and from June to August the beach fills up with classic striped beach cabanas, lounge chairs, and sun parasols. On its promenade is a lovely garden with a sculpture of Queen María Cristina.

Address – Ondarreta Pasealekua, 20008 Donostia, Gipuzkoa, Spain Admission  – Free Opening hours – 24hrs Reviews – Read Tripadvisor reviews of Playa de Ondarreta

14. Catch a ferry to Santa Clara Island (Isla de Santa Clara)

Considered a Historical National Interest Site, this island offers a peaceful bathing experience paired with a café, restaurant, and picnic areas. Go in search of its natural swimming pools located in hidden nooks around the island before taking a leisurely and scenic stroll up to its charming lighthouse for excellent views.

Scenic boat rides around the bay with underwater viewing plus a trip to the island are available for 6,50 €.

Address – 82C2+J9 Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain Admission  – 4,00 € return Opening hours – During summertime from June 1 to September 30, a ferry runs from the San Sebastián harbour to the island every 30 minutes from 10:00 to 20:00. Reviews – R ead Tripadvisor reviews of Isla de Santa Clara Official website –  Plan your trip using the official Motoras de la Isla website.

15. Eat the World’s Best Cheesecake at La Viña

People from all over flock to La Viña bar and restaurant who critics claim make the “World’s Best Cheesecake”. La Viña bakes upwards of 100 cheesecakes a day so it’s fair to say they’ve definitely mastered the art of this mouthwatering crustless cheesecake (gazta tarta).

The caramelised cheesecake is a cross between a dense New York-style cheesecake and Spanish flan and for just 5,00 € each serving comes with two slices, which you won’t want to share. At least, I didn’t!

Address – 31 de Agosto Kalea, 3, 20003 Donostia, Gipuzkoa, Spain Price   – 5,00 € for two slices Opening hours – Tuesday to Sunday 11:00 – 16:00 and 19:30 – 23:30 Reviews – Read Tripadvisor reviews of La Viña

16. Go surfing at Playa de la Zurriola

Address – Zurriola Ibilbidea, s/n, 20002 Donostia-San Sebastián, Guipúzcoa, Spain Admission  – Free Opening hours – 24hrs Reviews – Read Tripadvisor reviews of Playa de la Zurriola

17. Visit the 12th-century Castillo de la Mota

Adorning the top the castle is a 12-meter high sacred heart statue (Cristo de la Mota) watching over the city by Frederico Coullaut who completed it in 1950.

Today, the castle is home to the Casa de la Historia (History House Museum) which documents the city’s 800-year history. Explore the museum with a tour guided by audio-visuals, models, objects and scenographies.

The walk to the top is lovely and for the most part, is shaded. The path up can be reached from Kaiko Pasealekua where the boats are or from the streets behind Basílica de Santa María del Coro. On a hot day, I recommend cooling off with a beer or ice-cream at Polboriña, a small cafe located near the castle with outdoor seating and gorgeous views of Santa Clara island.

Address – 82G6+2C Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain Admission  – Free Opening hours

• Every day from 11:00 to 20:00 (July 1 – August 31)
• Wednesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 17:30 (September 1 – June 30 )

Reviews – Read Tripadvisor reviews of Castillo de la Mota

18. Visit Iglesia de San Vicente, San Sebastián’s oldest church

The church you see today was built during the first half of the 16th century under the Gothic style. Before entering the church, notice the sculpture of “La Piedad”, by the artist Jorge Oteiza on the church’s facade. Church of San Vicente is home to one of the best Romanesque altarpieces and highlights of the church, made by Ambrosio de Bengoechea in collaboration with Juanes de Iriarte.

A fun little fact I learned is that those who are christened in here are called “koxkeros”, after the stones protruding from the church (koxka in Basque).

Address – San Juan Kalea, 15, 20003 Donostia, Gipuzkoa, Spain Admission  – Free Reviews – Read Tripadvisor reviews of Saint Vincent Church

19. Spoil your taste buds with a Pintxos and Ice-cream

A local tradition is to sample a local ice-cream so don’t be shy, try one, two or three San Sebastián’s ice creams in any of its ice-cream shops which boast a wide range of flavours.

Not sure where to start? For recommendations on where to eat in San Sebastián , see the section below!

Where to eat in San Sebastián

Let your taste buds take you on a tour of San Sebastián with these tasty restaurant recommendations.  A quick word of warning. If you’re vegan or vegetarian (like me), finding pintxos that meet your dietary requirements will be very difficult. The closest you’ll get is a tortilla de patatas, but you can’t just have this for every meal. My advice is to stick to dining in a restaurant where you’ll have more options. I also found this vegetarian pintxos tour which I’m annoyed I didn’t see earlier.

Here are all the places me and my friends ate at and recommend.

Old Town Coffee

Address : Reyes Catolicos Kalea, 6, 20006 Donostia, Gipuzkoa, Spain Opening times: Tuesday-Saturday 09:00 – 18:00 / Sunday 09:00 – 13:00

La Casa Vergara

Address: Calle Mayor, 21, 20003 San Sebastián, Guipúzcoa, Spain Opening times: Everyday 11:00 to 24:00

La Cuchara de San Telmo

La Cuchara de San Telmo is well-known for preparing some of the best dishes in Basque cuisine. I must admit that nothing on the menu appealed to me as a vegetarian (I ate at a nearby restaurant afterwards) but nonetheless, my friends absolutely loved it.

Unlike most pintxo bars in San Sebastián, everything at La Cuchara de San Telmo is made to order based on what’s in season. For this reason, I recommend arriving early, no later than 20:00 otherwise you risk waiting in the long queue and once you get your food, you’ll have to eat it standing up outside. There is very little space inside and tables outside fill up quickly.

Everything here is good, or so my meat-eating girlfriends tell me. Some vegetarian options are available but to be honest, I’ve never liked French Onion soup 😛

Address: Santa Korda Kalea, 4, 20003 Donostia, Gipuzkoa, Spain

Opening times:

• Tuesday – Friday 19:30–00:00
• Saturday – Sunday 12:00 – 15:30 and 19:30 – 23:30.
• Monday closed

Xibaris Restaurante

I had one of my better vegetarian meals here. I had probably the best patatas bravas of the trip here and a large garden salad. It might look small from the outside but there is additional seating available downstairs. The service was excellent too.

Address: San Jeronimo Kalea, 20, 20003 Donostia, Gipuzkoa, Spain Opening times: Monday – Tuesday 11:00 – 16:00 / Wednesday – Sunday 11:30 – 00:00

Address: Narrika Kalea, 10, 20003 Donostia, Gipuzkoa, Spain Opening times: Everyday 11:00 – 01:00

Getting Around San Sebastian

San Sebastián is a very walkable city so it’s unlikely you’ll need to use public transportation to get around the city centre.

DBus is San Sebastián public bus network. Fares cost €1.70 (€2.10 at night) and can be bought on board from the drive. Buses run from 07.30 to 22.30 after which a limited night bus service continues until about 04:00. One of the most useful routes is bus 16, which connects the city centre with Monte Igueldo.

Taxis are available 24hrs a day with official rates in place which operate with a taximeter. unlike in other cities, taxis in San Sebastián do not normally stop when hailed down in the street. The best idea is to head for a taxi rank or phone Taxidonosti +34 943 46 46 46 or Vallina Teletaxi +34 943 40 40 40.

How to Get to San Sebastián from Bilbao city

If you’re coming from Bilbao you can catch the tram to San Mamès and catch a bus to San Sebastián. Tickets must be booked in advance via alsa.com . The journey time is roughly 75 minutes.

How to Get to San Sebastián from Bilbao Airport

San Sebastián has a domestic airport which is only 20 kilometers away with numerous connections to/from Madrid and Barcelona.  If you’re arriving from abroad, then your best bet is to fly into Bilbao  International which is approximately 100 kilometres away. The best and cheapest way to get to Donostia-San Sebastián from Bilbao Airport (Loiu) is by bus. There is a direct bus service which departs from the airport and will take you to the city centre in just 75 minutes. The bus stop is located outside the airport to your right, and the name of the bus company is PESA.

Departures: There is one departure per hour from 07:45 to 23:45. The bus making the route San Sebastián-Bilbao airport departs on the hour from 05:00 to 21:00. Price: Single tickets cost 17,10 euros. Check times and book your ticket here

Accommodation: Where to stay in San Sebastián

Tours and Day trips from San Sebastián

Got more time? Consider going on a day trip or join one of these tours.

• French Basque Countryside Tour
• Biarritz and French Basque coast tour
• San Sebastian Lunch Time Pintxo Tour with Wine
• San Sebastián Electric Bike Tour
• Basque Pintxos and traditional dishes cooking class
• La Rioja Wine Full Day Experience Tour
• Basque Cider Tour
• Hondarribia and Pasaia (San Pedro & San Juan) Tour

Visiting Spain? Check out my other Spain travel guides

• Where to Stay in Gran Canaria, Spain (The BEST Hotels)
• 36 Exceptional Things to do in Gran Canaria, Spain (Canary Islands)
• 19 Absolute Best Things to Do in Bilbao, Spain
• 13 Free things to do in Barcelona, Spain
• 23 Beautiful Must-See Places in Madrid, Spain
• 19 Reasons You’ll Want to Visit Costa Brava in Spain Right Now
• Costa Brava – Get my Ultimate 5-Day Costa Brava Itinerary

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• Convention Bureau

San Sebastián in a day or more

San Sebastian is a small city but it hides a handful of corners that you should not miss. It would be a pity if you left the city without having seen at least the 10 most beautiful places in the city that we have compiled for you in " What to see in San Sebastian ".

To make your visit easier, we have created a group of tours of the city , with which you can walk through our streets and get to know the essence of San Sebastian . If you only have one day, we recommend that you follow this route through the old part, the port and Mount Urgull , you will surely like it so much that you will be looking forward to returning soon.

If you have one day more, you can not miss your walk along the coast of San Sebastian . La Concha Bay is our greatest treasure. Take a quiet walk from the old part to the Ondarreta Beach and go up to Mount Igeldo to get the best pictures of San Sebastian .

A third day in San Sebastian will allow you to discover the architecture of this wonderful city. An architecture that goes from the Belle Epoque to buildings as modern as the Kursaal.

And if you have a whole week, we recommend you do not miss visiting the Villages near San Sebastian . You can discover wonderful coastal towns such as Hondarribia or go hiking in any of our mountains.

Day 1: Treasures in the Old Town

City walls, cannons and fortresses guard san sebastian’s most precious treasures: pintxos (tapas).

In the morning, climb up Mount Urgull in the very heart of the city to enjoy the only place in San Sebastian where you can see all three beaches , observing the remains of the city wall and cannons that bear witness to the city’s military past.

To complete the historical tour, you can visit La Mota Castle , and History House or the English Cemetery.

At midday, go down to the port and stroll around the Old Town , sampling its famous pintxos , miniature culinary delights, and markets such as  La Bretxa Market .

Go to the Plaza de la Constitución , in the centre of the Old Town, to find out why its balconies are numbered.

After lunch, there is nothing better than having a coffee on one of the terrace cafés in Plaza Zuloaga, where the San Telmo Museum safely guards the secrets of the Basque culture .

In the afternoon, go on a stroll around the romantic area, towards La Concha Beach with its iconic railings, to enjoy an unforgettable sunset.

And to round off the day nicely, look for a restaurant with a view of the sea for dinner. It's not hard in a city with three beaches!

Day 2: Along the coast

Day 3: Discovering the architecture

Additional days

• Convention Bureau

• High level of physical accessibility
• Main office
• Summer information point
• Street and underground parks
• City bus network
• Tourist transportation
• Adapted public toilets
• Lost and found office
• Sanitary services
• Contact of associations
• Tourist services specialised in accessibility
• Restaurants
• Guest houses
• Other accommodation
• La Concha beach
• Ondarreta beach
• Zurriola beach
• San Telmo Museum
• Aquarium Museum
• Chillida Leku Museum
• Eureka Science Museum
• Church of San Vicente
• Basilica of Santa María del Coro
• Buen Pastor Cathedral
• Cristina Enea Park
• Monte Igueldo Amusement Park
• Brai Kantauri
• San Sebastián Guides
• Maritime route
• Parte Vieja (Old Town)
• A walk around Woody Allen's San Sebastian
• Discovering Cristina Enea Park
• Urumea River
• Film Festival
• Jazz Festival
• Musical Fortnight
• Kursaal Congress Centre
• Victoria Eugenia Theatre
• Tabakalera International Centre for Contemporary Culture
• Organize your trip
• How to get around

Tourist train

The Donostia-San Sebastian tourist train, known as the Txu-Txu train, makes a 35-40 minute trip around the city's most emblematic sites. Departure is from Miramar street.

The vehicle, a two-carriage articulated train, has curtains in case of rain. All carriages feature a panoramic roof and TFT screens with information on the places of interest along the route and the different excursions that can be purchased via Donostia-San Sebastián City Tour.

Page Contents

General information

Accessibility information, physical accessibility, visual accessibility, hearing accessibility.

3 Miramar street, San Sebastian

www.sansebastian.city-tour.com

Rates 2024: Adults €12 / children, aged 5 to 12 years, €5 / children, aged 0 to 4 years, free

• Low season: departures every hour from 10:15 to 16:15h (week-ends only)
• Mid season, departures every hour from 10:15 to 17:15h
• High season, departures every half hour from 10:15 to 18:45h

See complete tourist information about the Tourist train

• The Boulevard and its numerous Dbus stops (Donostia-San Sebastián city bus network) connecting the centre with other parts of the city is only a few minutes walk away. There is also a taxi rank on the Boulevard.
• The closest public underground car park to the Txu-txu train departure point is Kontxa car park.
• The route between the bus stops, taxi rank and car park, and the train is accessible for wheelchair users.
• Please consult the respective fact sheets for more information on City bus network , taxis and Automobile - Private car .

Information points

The information point is located on the pavement next to the Txu-txu train departure point in Miramar street.

Please note! The ticket booth counter is not double height and is not accessible to wheelchair users.

Also on its website: www.sansebastian.city-tour.com/en

Tickets can be bought at the San Sebastián Tourism information office, online and in the booth next to departure point.

Reserved seats for PRM

All the company's trains have a seat reserved for people with reduced mobility.

Assistance dogs

All vehicles are required to accept assistance dogs (guide, signal, medical alert, autism, service dogs for people with reduced mobility, etc.) free of charge in accordance with Law 10/2007, of 29 June on Assistance Dogs for the Care of Persons with Disabilities.

Available at: www--irekia--euskadi--eus.insuit.net

• The train is accessed from the pavement.
• The entire fleet has ramps so that people in wheelchairs or with walkers can use the trains independently.
• The trains have a place reserved for people in wheelchairs.

• They have an individual multilingual audio system (audio guides) in 8 languages (Spanish, Basque, English, French, German, Italian, Catalan and Galician).
• They also have a limited number of audio guides that are compatible with hearing aids.
• They have TFT  screens with information about the places of interest along the route and the different excursions that can be purchased via Donostia-San Sebastián City Tour.