A Complete Guide to the Best Things to Do in San Sebastian
Nestled on Spain’s northern coast, San Sebastián (or Donostia in Basque) is one of those places that captures your heart instantly. With its golden beaches, charming old town, and world-class cuisine, it’s no wonder this small coastal city is often ranked among Europe’s top travel destinations. Whether you’re here for a weekend getaway or a slow-paced escape, San Sebastián has a rhythm that draws you in.
This guide goes into everything you need to know, from must-see neighborhoods and local eats to hidden gems and day trips. By the end, you’ll have a solid plan for making the most of your time in this Basque beauty.
Quick Facts & Practical Info
Location: Northern Spain, Basque Country, on the Bay of Biscay
Population: Around 188,000
Language: Spanish and Basque (Euskara)
Currency: Euro (€)
Best time to visit: Late spring through early autumn (May to September) for warm weather and festivals
Getting there: The city has a small airport, but most travelers arrive via nearby Bilbao or Biarritz (both about 1 hour away) and connect by train or bus
If you’re arriving from Bilbao or Biarritz, you can book airport transfers and day trips on Viator for a smooth start to your journey.
San Sebastián is compact and very walkable. The best way to get around is on foot or by bike, though buses are reliable for longer distances. Bring comfortable shoes because you’ll be tempted to wander every cobblestone street and seaside promenade.
Must-See Neighborhoods & Scenic Spots
1. Old Town (Parte Vieja)
The heart of San Sebastián beats inside its Parte Vieja, a maze of narrow streets packed with pintxo bars, small shops, and lively plazas. This is where locals gather after work for a drink and a bite, hopping from bar to bar.
Start at Constitution Square (Plaza de la Constitución), once the site of bullfights, now filled with cafes and pastel-colored balconies. Wander the alleys, and you’ll stumble upon San Vicente Church, the city’s oldest, and the Basilica of Santa María del Coro, a baroque gem at the foot of Mount Urgull.
If you want a deeper look into Basque culture, join a guided Old Town food tour to sample authentic pintxos while learning from a local expert.
Tip: Visit early in the morning when it’s quiet, then return in the evening when the streets come alive with chatter and the smell of grilled seafood.
2. Beachfront & Promenades
San Sebastián’s beaches are its pride. The city is shaped like a crescent, hugged by two main beaches: La Concha and Ondarreta.
Stay near La Concha Beach to wake up to ocean views and be steps away from the promenade. Its fine golden sand and calm waters make it ideal for swimming or relaxing.
La Concha Beach is often called one of the most beautiful urban beaches in the world. Its fine golden sand and calm waters make it ideal for swimming or relaxing. The elegant promenade that runs alongside it, with white railings and ornate lampposts, is perfect for a morning jog or a sunset stroll.
At the western end, you’ll find Ondarreta Beach, a bit quieter and popular with families. From here, you can spot Santa Clara Island, a tiny island in the bay that you can reach by ferry or even swim to if you’re adventurous.
3. Hilltops & Panoramic Views
If you love a good view, San Sebastián delivers.
Climb Mount Urgull, rising behind the Old Town, for panoramic views over the city and sea. At the summit stands a large statue of Christ, and the Castillo de la Mota, an old fortress steeped in history.
Across the bay, Mount Igueldo offers an even grander view. You can hike up or take the funicular, which has been running since 1912. At the top, there’s a small vintage amusement park and a restaurant where you can linger over lunch while soaking up the vista.
For something memorable, consider booking a half-day sightseeing tour that includes Mount Igueldo and a visit to the city’s scenic viewpoints.
4. Beaches & Outdoor Activities
San Sebastián is heaven for outdoor lovers.
Try surfing at Zurriola Beach in the Gros district. It’s the city’s surfer hub, with consistent waves and a laid-back vibe. Even if you’re not surfing, the energy here is contagious, with beach volleyball, yoga sessions, and locals picnicking on the sand.
Want to learn? You can book a surf lesson with a local instructor to catch your first waves safely.
For something more tranquil, rent a kayak or paddleboard around Santa Clara Island, or go for a coastal bike ride along the Paseo Nuevo, where waves crash dramatically against the rocks.
In summer, the sea sparkles and the air feels soft, making it easy to spend entire days outdoors without realizing how much time has passed.
5. Food & Drink Scene
If you come to San Sebastián for one thing, let it be the food. This city is a global culinary capital, boasting more Michelin stars per square meter than anywhere else in the world outside of Kyoto.
Start with the pintxos, the Basque version of tapas. In the Old Town, bar counters overflow with small bites like anchovy skewers, mini burgers, and foie gras on toast. Locals pair each pintxo with a small glass of wine (txakoli, a slightly sparkling white) or cider.
Some standout spots include:
- Bar Néstor: Famous for its tomato salad, steak, and the limited daily tortilla.
- Gandarias Jatetxea: A must for traditional Basque flavors.
- La Cuchara de San Telmo: Creative pintxos with gourmet flair.
You can also book a Basque cooking class or pintxo tour to taste your way through the city with expert guidance.
For fine dining, make a reservation at Arzak, Akelarre, or Mugaritz. These Michelin-starred restaurants have helped put Basque cuisine on the world map, blending innovation with deep respect for local ingredients.
6. Culture, History & Museums
Beyond food, San Sebastián’s cultural side runs deep.
The San Telmo Museum, located in a 16th-century convent, showcases Basque culture and history through art, photography, and multimedia exhibits.
Film buffs should note that the city hosts the San Sebastián International Film Festival each September, one of Europe’s most prestigious. During this time, the city buzzes with red carpets, movie premieres, and celebrity sightings.
If you’re an architecture fan, consider a city walking tour that highlights the city’s Belle Époque buildings and seaside elegance.
Architecture lovers will appreciate the city’s Belle Époque buildings, like the Hotel de Londres and the Victoria Eugenia Theatre, reminders of its elegant past as a 19th-century resort for European aristocracy.
7. Hidden Gems & Local Flavours
To see San Sebastián beyond the postcard-perfect views, dive into its local side.
Wander into the Gros neighborhood, just across the river, where you’ll find a younger crowd, surf shops, and cool cafes. Try Bodega Donostiarra for authentic pintxos without the crowds.
Visit Mercado de la Bretxa, the city’s main market, to browse fresh produce, seafood, and local cheese. Chat with the vendors; they love sharing stories about their products.
If you’re visiting between January and April, don’t miss a cider house tour to experience traditional Basque sidrerías.
During cider season (January to April), you can join locals for communal meals of cod omelet, steak, and cider straight from the barrel.
8. Day Trips & Nearby Excursions
San Sebastián’s location makes it perfect for exploring northern Spain and even parts of France.
- Getaria: A charming fishing village just 30 minutes away, known for its seafood and txakoli vineyards.
- Hondarribia: A colorful border town with medieval walls and a picturesque harbor.
- Biarritz (France): A chic seaside town just an hour north, blending Basque culture with French flair.
- Pamplona: Famous for the Running of the Bulls, about 90 minutes inland.
You can book organized day trips from San Sebastián to these destinations for an easy and scenic adventure.
If you have a car, drive along the Basque Coast Geopark, a UNESCO site where dramatic cliffs reveal millions of years of geological history.
Itinerary Samples
24 Hours in San Sebastián
- Morning: Walk along La Concha Beach, enjoy coffee and pastries at a seaside cafe.
- Midday: Explore the Old Town, visit San Telmo Museum.
- Afternoon: Take the funicular to Mount Igueldo for panoramic views.
- Evening: Pintxo crawl in Parte Vieja, ending with dessert at La Viña (try their cheesecake!).
Tip: Stay central for easy access to all highlights. Compare hotels and apartments to find the perfect spot.
2–3 Days in San Sebastián
- Day 1: Old Town exploration, La Concha Beach, and sunset views.
- Day 2: Morning surf at Zurriola, visit Gros and the local markets. Afternoon at Mount Urgull.
- Day 3: Day trip to Getaria or Hondarribia, return for dinner at a Michelin-star restaurant.
Family or Slower-Paced Trip
Take your time with easy beach days, leisurely lunches, and stroller-friendly walks. Visit Aquarium Donostia, ride the funicular, and enjoy the amusement park at the top of Mount Igueldo. Opt for early dinners and avoid peak hours at pintxo bars for a calmer experience.
Practical Tips & Travel Advice
- Getting Around: Walk or rent a bike. Buses are convenient for reaching the outer neighborhoods.
- Language: Many locals speak English, but learning a few Spanish or Basque words is appreciated.
- Weather: Pack layers. Even in summer, evenings can be cool.
- Booking Restaurants: For Michelin-starred places, reserve months in advance.
- Etiquette: When doing a pintxo crawl, order one or two items at each bar, pay before moving on, and enjoy the casual flow.
If you want hassle-free planning, check out multi-day tours and local experiences on Viator for curated adventures.
Conclusion
San Sebastián is one of those rare cities that offers a little bit of everything: sea, mountains, history, and food that stays in your memory long after you’ve left. It’s elegant yet down-to-earth, lively but never overwhelming.
Whether you’re a foodie, a beach lover, or someone who just loves wandering beautiful streets, San Sebastián rewards every kind of traveler.
So pack your bags, follow the smell of the sea and sizzling pintxos, and let this Basque gem show you why it’s so beloved.
If you’ve been to San Sebastián or plan to go soon, share your thoughts or tips in the comments. Don’t forget to subscribe for more travel stories and guides, and share this post if you found it helpful.
