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Chutney Gastrobar, a mix of flavors from around the world

San Sebastian with kids

San Sebastian in 1 day: What to do and see

San Sebastian in two days: What to do and see

• Best things to do in San Sebastian

Urgull Mount

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SAN SEBASTIAN: TRAVEL AND TOURISM GUIDE

San Sebastian is the capital of Guipuzcoa  (Gipuzkoa in Euskera),  being the smallest province in Spain , however, it is definitely one of the most attractive for tourists. If you are thinking of visiting Donostia (as it is known in Basque) in the near future, here you have this guide to San Sebastian where we shared with you all the secrets to enjoy your trip to the maximum.

• Recommended hotels

Best hotels in San Sebastian

Best pintxos bars in San Sebastian

Best museums.

• Best San Sebastian Museums, Donostia

Chillida Leku

Eureka Museum of Science

San Telmo museum

San Sebastian Aquarium

Biarritz and Bayonne tour

Zumaia, Zarautz and Getaria Tour

San Sebastian Free Tour

San Sebastian + Biarritz Tour (+french coast)

Sightseeing Bus Tour: San Sebastian Hop-on Hop-off

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• Around San Sebastian

Zarauz: What to see and do

San Juan de Gaztelugatxe

Sanctuary of Aranzazu (Santuario de Aránzazu)

Santuario de Loyola (Sanctuary of Loyola )

Best things to do in Bayonne

Best hotels.

Recent Reviews

Why visit san sebastian.

San Sebastian is a perfect destination for a weekend getaway or a  holiday weekend , but to get the most out of the city it’s advisable to spend 3 or 4 days , this way you will be able to enjoy its beaches, restaurants and excursions to the fullest. The mere fact of strolling around its streets full of charm, walking along its  beaches  or indulging in a whimsy tasting of the  best pintxos  in town could be just a few reasons to visit Donostia.

The foreign tourism that the city receives does it not only for its unquestionable beauty but also mainly due to the reputation that its cuisine has far from our borders. This outstanding cuisine drives a  great number of visitors to come to Donosti in order to discover the best food and tastes . Michelin-starred restaurants are in high demand by those who visit us following the recommendations of the most prestigious gastronomic magazines in the world. However, if you are planning to go to one of these restaurants, we recommend that you book your table in advance as it is often difficult to get a reservation at short notice, especially in the summer, when more people visit the city.

In addition to the  famous restaurants , the  cider houses  (commonly known as “sidrerías”), and primarily the cider houses of Astigarraga and Hernani,  are a distinct “must to do” within the Basque culinary culture . If you’ve never been to one before, you should definitely try them on your next visit. It is a unique and very advisable experience, not only for the food and the cider but also for the good atmosphere and the laughter you get with the famous Txotx!

If you  come in summer  you can take advantage of the good weather and go to one of  its beaches . The best thing about them is that they  are located in the heart of the city , which gives them an unparalleled charm. Recently,  ‘ La Concha ’ beach has been named the best beach in Europe and the sixth in the world by Tripadvisor users  (Year 2017).

If you travel with the youngest members of the house, you will also find  a lot to do with your children in San Sebastian . The  Aquarium , for example, is a must see. It is one of the largest in Europe and is the attraction that receives more tourists throughout the year. Riding the tourist train is another good way to see the city at a glance while the children have a great time, just like the tourist bus. Undoubtedly these two options are highly recommended to see San Sebastian with the little ones and, this way, they do not get too tired.

Another good option is to visit to the  top of Monte  Igueldo , where in addition to seeing the curious amusement park, you will have the best views of San Sebastian and the bay of La Concha. You can either take ‘the funicular’ (cable car), go by bus, or for the most adventurous, trek up to the top.

For film lovers, the  San Sebastian Film Festival , one of the most prestigious film festivals in Europe, will be a must, where the main stars of Spanish and international cinema congregate every year. Likewise, the Jazz Festival is another of the highlights of the summer, together with the celebration of the festivities of ‘Semana Grande’ of San Sebastian, where the international fireworks competition is its highlight.

How to travel to San Sebastian

San Sebastian has easy access by train and bus, although its airport ( Hondarribia airport ) is somewhat more limited, and unless you fly from Madrid or Barcelona, the access by plane is more complicated.

One option in this case, if you want to  come by plane , is to fly to Bilbao and then transfer to Donosti with the hourly bus connection from Bilbao airport (17€ one way). In just one hour you will be at the bus station in the heart of the city, next to the train station. You can also search for flights to Biarritz in France, which is very close to San Sebastian.

If you  come by car , it is best to park it in the hotel car park or in a public car park during your stay in the city. The best way to get around Donosti is by walking or taking the bus in certain cases, but it is not worthwhile to get around in your own vehicle as it is difficult to park and the distances are too short to get around by car. Our recommendation is that you forget about it while you enjoy the city.

Do you have your accommodation?

One of the most complicated matters when it comes to coming to the capital of Gipuzkoa is undoubtedly the accommodation. The high demand for both  apartments  and  hotels in San Sebastian  strongly increases prices if not booked well in advance.

Our recommendation is to  book your accommodation as soon as possible  to ensure a good price on your reservation. On  websites like Booking  you can book your accommodation right now and cancel it up to 48 hours before your arrival, so if for whatever reason you do not make the trip, nothing happens, you cancel it and do not lose your money.  This way you can find up to 60% cheaper prices for your stay .

The best guide to San Sebastian

In our guide you will find  all the relevant information about  what to see and do in San Sebastian , so that you can get a good shot and don’t waste your time looking for information. We show you all the essential visits and day itineraries, for instance, so that you can organize yourself well and not leave anything behind.

The information you see here has been gathered from our own experience. If you see an error or believe that some information is not correct, you can contact us and we will solve it.

The Ultimate 2 to 3 Days in San Sebastian Itinerary

Last Updated on January 9, 2024

by Maggie Turansky

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

As arguably the top destination in Spanish Basque Country, planning out a 2 or 3 days in San Sebastian itinerary is a highlight of any trip to Spain! Known for its culinary chops, beautiful seaside location and compact yet cosmopolitan feel, no trip to Spain is complete without venturing to this gorgeous city.

Though small in size, there is quite a lot to do in San Sebastian and its surrounding area so planning more than a day or two is a good idea.

From eating your weight in pintxos to strolling along Playa de La Concha to enjoying the views from Monte Igeldo, San Sebastian has so much to offer to all who choose to visit.

This guide will help you figure out what to do with 2 or 3 days in the city and its surrounding area!

Table of Contents

How Many Days in San Sebastian?

How many days should you spend in San Sebastian? At first glance, it can seem like this Basque city is quite small and wouldn’t have much to do, however, you would be mistaken in that assumption.

Not only is San Sebastian absolutely gorgeous, but it has a lot of stuff to do so I would suggest planning more than a day trip to the city and mapping out at least 2 days in San Sebastian.

If you plan to spend two days in the city, you will have enough time to see the majority of the central attractions while also giving you time to enjoy the countless pintxos bars both in the Old Town and further afield (that’s why you’re coming to San Sebastian, right?).

However, if you would like to explore a bit more of the Basque Country and the surrounding area, then consider planning to spend 3 days here.

There are a lot of places where you could go on a day trip and see some areas of the region that you wouldn’t otherwise have time for. Also – more time to indulge in the sensational Basque cuisine!

Getting To and Around San Sebastian

Unfortunately, despite its popularity, San Sebastian isn’t super conveniently located to the rest of Spain and it is kind of a journey to get there if you don’t already happen to be in Basque Country. If you are arriving by air, the closest international airport is located in Bilbao , about 100 kilometres west of San Sebastian.

Getting from Bilbao to San Sebastian is pretty easy and quick no matter what mode of transport you choose. There are frequent bus connections that will get you between the cities in about an hour and it takes roughly the same time to drive if you happen to have your own vehicle.

San Sebastian can also be reached by bus or train from elsewhere in Spain, but keep in mind that it will take some time from Barcelona or Madrid . That is not to say that there aren’t options and it is relatively easy to reach San Sebastian from other areas of Spain, it just might take a while! You can view schedules here.

Once you’re in San Sebastian proper, you will find that the city is immensely walkable and you can get most everywhere that you’d like to go while relying on your own two feet.

However, especially if you’re planning 3 days in the city or want to go on some day trips, it can be very helpful to rent a car. While there are ways that you can visit some places by public transit or via organised tour, you will have a lot more flexibility to visit where you want for the amount of time that you’d like.

If you want to hire a car in San Sebastian, I suggest browsing through Rentalcars.com to find compare prices across several major and local car hire companies.

2 to 3 Days in San Sebastian Itinerary

If you only have 2 days in San Sebastion, simply plan to stay in the city itself and follow the first two days of this itinerary.

Day 1 – Explore the Old Town

Day one of this itinerary will see you exploring all of the highlights of the old town before taking a stroll along La Concha Beach and seeing some beautiful views of the city.

Old Town (Parte Vieja)

Begin your first day in the beautiful and historic Old Town, taking in all of the interesting sites of the city. You can opt to wander around independently, but it can be very worthwhile to go on a walking tour to give you more historical context.

We recommend the free walking tour with Go Local San Sebastian , however, you can also book a paid walking tour if the times don’t suit you.

The majority of San Sebastian’s old town was actually completely burned to the ground in 1813 by occupying British and Portuguese troops, so the “old” town really isn’t all that old. There are, however, some buildings that did survive the fire and are still standing today.

There is a lot to see in the old town and it is very much worth taking the time to wander through and explore at a leisurely pace. Make sure to take in the two major churches – the Church of St Vincent and the Basilica of St Mary of Coro.

Historically, the former church served residents of the city that were lower-income and the latter was considered something of the upper-class church. Both churches are some of the few buildings that survived the 1813 fire.

The Church of St Vincent was originally constructed in the 15th and 16th centuries and is notable for its Gothic style, distinct lack of windows and unfinished walls.

The Basilica of St Mary was once poised to be the main cathedral of San Sebastian, however, it did not meet certain criteria to consecrate it as such. The main cathedral — the Good Shepherd of San Sebastian — is located one kilometre away and was only consecrated in 1897.

Other major sites to take in while in the old town include the lovely Plaza de la Constitución . Traditionally used as a bullfighting venue in days past, this main square of old San Sebastian is now lined with inviting bars and restaurants.

Another beautiful place in the old town to take in is the Alderdi Eder Park . These lovely gardens are situated at the beginning of the seaside promenade and are filled with gorgeous flowers, inviting benches and even a classic carousel. The park is also located in front of the beautiful San Sebastian City Hall building.

Old Town Pintxos Crawl

After spending your first few hours wandering the old town and taking in all of the sites, it’s likely that you’ve worked up quite the appetite. Well, fortunately, you are visiting one of the top gastronomic cities in the world!

Though San Sebastian is known to have the highest concentration of Michelin stars per capita (a whopping 19 stars awarded across 11 different restaurants), you do not need to shell out €250/person to enjoy the high-quality and flavourful cuisine that the Basque Country, and San Sebastian in particular, is known for. Just head out for some pintxos!

Pintxos are the Basque version of tapas and they got their start right here in San Sebastian with the briny and savoury Gilda – a skewer of pickled peppers, green olives and anchovies so named after the 1946 Rita Hayworth film.

These days, pintxos come in all shapes and sizes and you will see some bars with lavish displays of cold pintxos behind each bar. The key to eating like a local, however, is to order “hot pintxos” off the menu.

If you’re looking for some great old town recommendations for pintxos, there are a number that are worth stopping at in the old town.

Bar Txepetxa is an excellent stop for the region’s famous anchovies. They have countless options that go down great with a traditional Basque cider or txakoli (an effervescent white wine). Bar Nestor is famous for its limited menu, which includes an excellent tomato salad, blistered padrón peppers and the famous T-bone steak known as txuleta .

Bodra Berri is well-known for its creamy orzo risotto but has plenty of other delicious dishes to sample, as well. And the inventive pulpo Gallego (Galician style octopus) at La Cuchara de San Telmo was absolutely incredible.

Keep in mind that the pintxos culture in San Sebastian sees you ordering a drink and only one or two dishes per person before moving on to the next place. It is not commonplace to order a lot of dishes at one place. Also, don’t be concerned if there is standing room only – the best pintxos bars have few (or no) tables.

If you’re intimidated by tackling pintxos bars on your own or simply would like a local guide to take you through all the customs, consider going on a guided pintxos tour of San Sebastian!

La Concha Promenade & Beach

After getting your fill of pintxos, it can be a good idea to go for a nice, long walk to help aid in your digestion and there is no better place to do that than along La Concha Beach.

There is a vast promenade that stretches from the Alderdi Eder Park all the way to Monte Igueldo which goes along La Concha and Ondarreta beaches.

The pathway is roughly 2.5 kilometres long and it is flat, so you can easily walk its entirety in about thirty minutes. There are some places to stop and take in along the way, for instance, the old bathing houses that were once used for Queen Isabel II to splash in the salty waters without being exposed to the sun.

If it is low tide when you are on your walk, you may even be able to cross from La Concha beach to the smaller Ondarreta beach, something you cannot do if the tide has come too far in.

If you want to make a detour, consider exploring the Antiguo neighbourhood near Ondarreta beach for a more local and off the beaten path vibe. If you want to grab a bite to eat while there, we recommend the Sukalde Kultura bar for some great pintxos or raciones.

Miramar Palace

Right before reaching Ondarreta beach and crossing over into the Antiguo neighbourhood, you will see the Miramar Palace.

Originally built to be the royal summer residence in the late 19th century, the palace today is used for cultural events and lectures and it isn’t open to the general public, today. Its gardens, however, are.

The gardens of Miramar Palace are vast and free to enter and have gorgeous views over La Concha Bay and Santa Clara Island. This is a wonderful place to break up your wander along the promenade, especially if you’re a fan of parks and gardens.

Peine del Viento Sculpture

At the end of the promenade, you will find yourself at the Peine del Viento, or Comb of the Wind, sculpture.

Designed by famous Spanish sculptor Eduardo Chillida, the Peine del Viento consists of three metal sculptures anchored to the rocks over the sea. They are meant to symbolise how the wind combed La Concha bay.

Monte Igueldo

If you walk back and a bit inland from the Peine del Viento sculpture, you will find the Monte Igueldo funicular, a cable car that was first built in 1912. This funicular is a lot more “old timey” than others in Europe (even in nearby Bilbao), but it just adds to its charm.

It is worth paying the €4.50 per person return fee for the funicular as you still need to pay a €2.50 entry fee into Monte Igueldo park if you choose to walk up instead.

A one-way fee for the funicular is €3. It is also worth noting that there is nowhere to purchase a ticket for the funicular at the top so if you walk up, you must walk down.

Not only does Monte Igueldo have fantastic views over the entirety of San Sebastian, La Concha Bay and Santa Clara Island, but there is also a small amusement park atop the hill.

There are classic games that are present everywhere and there is also an old wooden roller coaster that presides over the cliff edges. For the more daring among us, it is sure to provide excellent views along with a good dose of adrenaline!

Day 2 – San Sebastian’s Neighbourhoods

The second day of this itinerary is dedicated to exploring a bit beyond the old town and taking the time to get to know some other neighbourhoods of this lovely city.

La Bretxa and San Martín Markets

Begin your day by browsing one or two of San Sebastian’s market halls. There are two major food markets located in central San Sebastian that you can visit (so long as it’s not a Sunday!).

Market culture is incredibly important in all of Spain, however, it is especially important in the Basque Country where the local cuisine relies heavily on fresh, local ingredients.

If you want to see all of the local, freshly caught seafood, browse through seasonal vegetables, sample some traditional Basque pastries or pick up some aperitivos like olives and anchovies, the market is a great place to do this.

La Bretxa Market is located in the old town beneath a shopping centre. They are actually in the process of renovating the old fish hall to move this particular market above ground and to make it a more modern and gastronomical experience.

San Martín Market is another great marketplace to visit in the city centre. It is also located on the bottom two basement floors of a shopping centre and is slightly larger than La Bretxa Market.

San Telmo Museum

After exploring the markets, take the time to head over to the San Telmo Museum, located in the Old Town.

This museum is excellent to visit if you want to understand more about the culture of San Sebastian and the Basque Country, in general. This includes exhibitions about Basque history and language and also other interesting cultural exhibits.

Tickets for the museum a €6 for an adult entry and €3 for students (over age 25) and senior citizens. If you are under the age of 25, general entry into the San Telmo Museum is free of charge.

Pasealeku Berria Promenade & Zurriola Beach

From the museum, take a stroll along the pathway up Mount Urgull for views of the bay. and make your way toward the San Sebastian Aquarium. While you can visit the aquarium, we recommend taking a leisurely walk along the path that winds around directly above it.

From here, you will get a different perspective of La Concha Bay and the beaches. Though the view isn’t as nice as from Monte Igeldo, it can be worth it to climb up to the Jesus statue if that suits your fancy.

Wandering down the path, it’s time to walk in the opposite direction of the La Concha promenade along the Pasealeku Berria Promenade toward Gros and Zurriola Beach. This pathway is set directly on the wild Bay of Biscay and is a lot more dramatic than the route you would have walked yesterday.

It will take around 30 minutes to reach Zurriola Beach, which is the main surfing beach in San Sebastian. This beach is beautiful and it can be wonderful to sit on a bench and watch the surfers catch those waves.

After your walk, it’s time to explore the hip and happening neighbourhood of Gros! This area isn’t nearly as popular with tourists as the Old Town or central area, however, there are some great bars and restaurants to check out if you’re hungry. It can be a great idea to have another lunchtime pintxos crawl here!

If you want some recommendations on where to eat in Gros, consider heading to Bodega Donastiarra for a great place for some classic dishes in a lovely setting. We had some delicious griddled octopus and morcilla (blood sausage) with a pepper sauce here.

Another great place for a more rustic vibe is La Kaba which is known for their anchovy dishes. Anchovies are a local speciality in the Basque Country as a whole and they are particularly good to eat here.

Central San Sebastian

End your day exploring the lovely central area of San Sebastian. There is a lot to see and do here, including visiting Gipuzkoa Plaza and enjoying the lovely gardens here or taking in the elegant architecture of Hotel Maria Christina .

There are also some incredible places to eat in central San Sebastian that are more frequented by locals rather than tourists.

If you want to continue your pintxos crawl, we recommend heading to Bar Antonio if you’re after some more modern dishes that are absolutely amazing. This is another place that is known for their anchovies and they even cure their own in-house.

If you’re looking for a more down-home vibe, then consider heading to Bar Ciaboga . This is a bar that only has a handful of things on the menu. They’re known for their garlic potatoes, but their mushroom caps with shrimp are also absolutely delicious.

Day 3 – Explore the Surrounding Area

Day three is dedicated to heading out of the city and exploring a bit of the Basque Country in the surrounding area. Having your own car would be the ideal way to do this, but there are options if you don’t want to drive.

Any one of these options makes for a great single-day trip and unfortunately, it’s not possible to visit them all in one day! However, you can obviously add a day or two to your San Sebastian itinerary if you want to explore more!

Hondarribia, San Pedro (Pasaia) & San Juan (Pasai Donibane)

A great day trip option is to head to the towns of Hondarribia, San Pedro and San Juan.

Hondarribia is a good choice if you want to get as close to France as possible without actually crossing the border as it is the closest coastal town to France. You can even take a ferry across the harbour to visit the French side if you don’t want to drive.

San Pedro and San Juan are two small towns that are located right across from each other, situated only about 7 kilometres from the city centre of San Sebastian. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even opt to do a coastal hike from San Sebastian to San Pedro.

San Pedro (known as Pasaia in Basque) is also the main fishing port of the area, with all commercial fishing vessels having been moved from San Sebastian. As such, you can find great seafood here. If you’re looking for a good, affordable recommendation, we suggest getting a bite to eat at La Lonja .

If you wish to visit little San Juan (Pasai Donibane), there is a small ferry that can take you from San Pedro. This boat costs €0.90 per crossing and doesn’t leave on any particular schedule, just when it is needed. The crossing only takes a minute or two.

If you’re interested in taking an organised tour of these areas, this small-group tour or this small-group tour is an excellent option.

French Basque

San Sebastian is located only a stone’s throw from the French border and if you are interested in seeing how the culture is different (or similar) in French Basque Country, you can opt to visit some towns there for a day.

The towns of Biarritz, Bayonne and St Jean de Luz are all located within easy reach of San Sebastian and can be a great option for a day trip from the Spanish Basque city. You can book a guided tour here if you don’t have a car.

If you don’t have the time in your trip to visit both cities and can’t make the decision between visiting San Sebastion or Bilbao, then you can always opt to visit Bilbao as a day trip . Though we do recommend spending at least a couple of days in this city, it is incredibly doable as a day trip.

Visiting Bilbao is a good option if you want more city vibes and also if you don’t want to hire a car but still care to travel independently. There are frequent bus connections between the two cities and the journey only takes about an hour.

If you don’t mind venturing outside of Basque Country, Pamplona makes for another great day trip from San Sebastian. Located just south of the city, Pamplona is most famous for its Running of the Bulls. However, it is a lovely city and the regional capital of Navarre and very much worth visiting in its own right.

You can easily reach Pamplona via public transit, making it another great option if you haven’t hired a car. There are frequent bus and train connections and the journey time will take a bit over an hour each way.

Where to Stay in San Sebastian

Hotel Boutique Villa Favorita – If you’re after a luxury getaway in San Sebastian, then this swanky hotel is an excellent choice for you. With a location overlooking La Concha Bay, this hotel is perfectly situated for exploring San Sebastian. They have several lovely rooms to choose from, a restaurant and bar on-site and there is even free parking!

Hotel Villa Katalina – A great mid-range option, this hotel is an excellent choice in San Sebastian. They have many lovely rooms available, an excellent location within easy walking distance of all of the city’s top attractions and plenty of amenities to ensure you have a great stay.

Private Rental – If you’d like to experience San Sebastian like a local, then a private rental is an excellent choice for you. Places like this sunny apartment near La Concha beach can give you a great idea of what it might be like to live in this beautiful Basque city.

Surfing Etxea – If you’re travelling solo or on a budget, then this highly-rated hostel is a great option for you! Located in the trendy Gros neighbourhood just a stone’s throw from La Zurriola Beach, this hostel is great for those who want to try their hand at surfing or simply want an affordable and amicable place to meet other travellers!

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more San Sebastian hotels!

With so much to see, do and eat, planning the perfect San Sebastian itinerary is a delightful task. No matter how long you have to spend in this beautiful Basque city, you’re sure to leave with great memories (and a full belly!).

Are you planning to visit San Sebastian? Have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!

Related Posts:

The Ultimate Bilbao Day Trip from San Sebastian

9 Best Areas to Stay in Madrid For Tourists

The Ultimate Girona Day Trip from Barcelona

About Maggie Turansky

Maggie is a co-founder and writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from the US, she has lived in five different countries and has travelled to dozens more, both solo and with her partner, Michael. She particularly loves exploring Spain and spending time in the Caucasus and the Baltics. Read more about Maggie

Hello Maggie, I am in the process of putting together a plan for our visit to Spain in May 2024. We are planning to travel as much of Spain as we can in 6 weeks. Would you say that you can see Pamplona in a day from San Sabastian or do you think it would be wise to spend a night or two there. I am just not sure if is worth spending more than a day in Pamplona or if we make our base San Sebastian and just go for a day. We will have a car and we will start our adventure out of Barcelona. Thank you for any insight you can provide.

Hi, can you share about visiting the wine region Rioja by public transportation? Thank you.

Unfortunately, I haven’t visited La Rioja from San Sebastian so I can’t offer any insight here 🙂

Thankyou for this very extensive over view – I am a senior Aussie & will be travelling to Spain June 2023! so this was helpful as I am a tad nervous!

Happy you found this helpful, Fran! Hope you have a great trip 🙂

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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 :P

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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Over to you!

Do you have a question about visiting San Sebastian? Ask me below! Let me know using the comments section below or join me on social media to start a conversation.

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Michele creates language learning guides and courses for travel. What separates her from other instructors is her ability to explain complex grammar in a no-nonsense, straightforward manner using her unique 80/20 method. Get her free guide 9 reasons you’re not fluent…YET & how to fix it! Planning a trip? Learn the local language with her 80/20 method for less than the cost of eating at a tourist trap restaurant Start learning today!

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99 essential basque (euskara) phrases for your trip to the basque country, you may also like, 19 absolute best things to do in bilbao,....

Hi. Been to San Sebastián twice. Your guide is excellent! But the link for accommodation doesn’t work. Where did you stay? Looking at going back this summer.

Hi Lisa, I’m so glad you found this useful. Here is the correct link to the accommodation I stayed in :)

Hey Michele,

Awesome post. I’m looking for all possible information about Spain. I saw a great trip to see where they recorded the best series of all time: Game Of Thrones.

I intend to spend about 20 days in Spain and I want to know every detail of the culture and the main locations. Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us.

Thanks Rafa, I’m so glad you enjoyed this guide. Wishing you an amazing trip :)

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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.

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…

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…

Monte Igueldo

The views from the summit of Monte Igueldo (181m), just west of town, will make you feel like a circling hawk staring down over the vast panorama of the…

Hotel Maria Cristina

A wonderful example of belle époque architecture, the Hotel Maria Cristina was designed by Charles Mewes, the architect responsible for the Ritz hotels in…

Playa de Ondarreta

Playa de Ondarreta, the western extension of the renowned Playa de la Concha, has a less glam, more genteel atmosphere. It's long been popular with the…

Plaza de Gipuzkoa

Designed in 1877 by French landscape artist Pierre Ducasse, who also created the Jardines de Miramar, this little park is one of San Sebastián's loveliest…

Koldo Mitxelena Kulturunea

Set in a grand neoclassical building dating from the 1890s, this cultural centre has a packed line-up of art exhibitions, book launches, discussions and…

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