Learn About Some of the Best Things to Do, Eat and See in San Sebastián With Our Travel Guide
Bienvenidos to the enchanting city of San Sebastián, a vibrant and picturesque coastal gem nestled in the heart of the Basque Country. As you meander through its cobblestone streets, embraced by verdant hills and the shimmering Bay of Biscay, you’ll find yourself captivated by the city’s undeniable charm and passion for life.
- Learn About Some of the Best Things to Do, Eat and See in San Sebastián With Our Travel Guide
- Getting to San Sebastián
- Best Things to Do in San Sebastián
- Essential Best Restaurants in San Sebastián
- Best Day Trips from San Sebastián
- Where To Stay in San Sebastián
- Frequently Asked Questions about Things to Do in San Sebastián
San Sebastián is, without a doubt, the culinary heart of the Basque Country, where the local love for gastronomy is evident in every pintxo bar and fine dining establishment. Prepare to embark on a culinary journey like no other, as the city’s innovative chefs harmoniously blend traditional Basque flavors with modern twists. Home to an impressive array of Michelin-starred restaurants, San Sebastián has secured its place as a gastronomic paradise for food enthusiasts from around the globe.
The city’s restaurant scene is a delightful mosaic of flavors and experiences, from bustling pintxo bars offering bite-sized masterpieces to exclusive fine dining establishments that will leave you in awe. As you explore the city, take the time to indulge in its culinary delights, sampling dishes like the iconic ‘gilda’ pintxo and the creamy, sumptuous Idiazábal cheese.
Beyond its culinary prowess, San Sebastián boasts a vibrant atmosphere filled with captivating activities that cater to a variety of interests. Wander along the picturesque promenade of La Concha beach, where the gentle lapping waves and golden sands beckon sun-seekers and water sports enthusiasts alike. For those in search of culture and history, marvel at the stunning architecture of the city’s Old Town or visit the San Telmo Museum to delve deeper into the region’s rich past.
San Sebastián is also a fantastic base from which to explore the wider Basque Country. Venture beyond the city limits and immerse yourself in the region’s natural beauty, from the lush, rolling hills of the Basque hinterland to the dramatic coastline dotted with charming fishing villages. Discover the unique Basque language, Euskara, and the region’s fascinating customs and traditions as you connect with its warm and hospitable people.
In San Sebastián, you’ll find a magical blend of culinary excellence, natural beauty, and rich cultural heritage. This alluring Spanish city has something for everyone, making it the perfect destination for your next unforgettable adventure. ¡Bienvenidos a San Sebastián!
Getting to San Sebastián
Fly In
San Sebastián has its own airport (IATA: EAS) just east of the city in Hondarribia, but it mostly handles domestic flights from Madrid and Barcelona. For international travelers the easiest gateway is Bilbao Airport (BIO), about an hour and twenty minutes to the west, with frequent bus connections into San Sebastián run by PESA and Lurraldebus. A third option is Biarritz Airport (BIQ), just across the border in France and under an hour away. You can check current flight prices here.
Arrive by Train or Car
Renfe runs trains to Donostia-San Sebastián from Madrid and other Spanish cities, and the regional EuskoTren line, known locally as the Topo, links the city with Hendaye on the French border. If you would rather drive, San Sebastián sits right on the AP-8 coastal motorway, and a rental car is the best way to reach the Txakoli wineries, the cider houses and Rioja Alavesa on day trips. The coastal drive in from Bilbao or the French border is a scenic arrival in its own right.
Getting Around the City
The city is compact and easy to walk, and the Old Town, La Concha and the Gros pintxos bars are all a short stroll from one another. The dbus city network and a bike-share scheme cover the rest. If it is your first time in San Sebastián, a guided electric bike tour is a good way to get your bearings.
Best Things to Do in San Sebastián
Pre-Book Activities and Tickets for Things to Do in San Sebastián
Visit La Concha Beach (Playa de La Concha)
Quite possibly one of the best examples in the world of city and beach life integrated, La Concha Beach offers locals and tourists a picturesque setting to relax, swim, run, walk, or even fish. It’s a relatively large (over 1,500 meters) naturally shaped horse-shoe style beach with Isla Santa Clara perfectly placed in the middle.
The paved promenade that spans the majority of the beach itself is also dotted with small eateries, pintxos bars, and benches where travelers can rest, drink and or just enjoy the view.
Not only is this beach ranked as one of the best beaches to visit in ALL of Europe, but Isla Santa Clara also has its own little beach that people are allowed to swim out to.
Try Pintxos in San Sebastián
Pintxos (pronounced peen-chos), are a Basque style of tapa served throughout the region, but most notably within San Sebastián. The city is world-famous for the gastronomic experience offered to travelers. It’s the home of world-famous food festivals, and San Sebastián has one of the highest concentrations of Michelin-starred restaurants per capita in the world.
The tradition is a crawl: order a drink at one bar, eat a pintxo or two, then move on to the next. Pintxos are not free, but they are inexpensive, usually two to five euros each. In the Old Town you take the cold ones from the counter yourself and the staff tally what you had when you settle up, while hot pintxos are cooked to order. Grab a few bites while you sip a glass of the crisp local Txakoli.
RELATED: Explore the Wines and Wine Regions of Basque Country
Of particular note are the seafood-based versions. These can be made up of shrimp, squid, cod, anchovies, or any number of other local varieties. The best part? Everything is super fresh! How pintxos are done up depends entirely on who the chef is. It’s also worth trying the local Jamon Serrano (Spanish cured ham, with which there are varying degrees of quality dependent on price) and la hoguera pintxos.
Not sure which pintxos bars, restaurants, and wine bars to visit? Definitely schedule a walking food tour with our friends over at Basque Guides. Our guide Iker took us to spots that the locals frequent, and honestly, it made our experience more special than we could have imagined. The tour is also customizable to your tastes. In case the Basque Guides tour is full for your travel dates, Eskerne with Discover San Sebastián also offers a fantastic evening pintxos tour that our readers frequently rave about. Devour San Sebastian also offers tours if any the above referenced tours happen to be sold out, and they are super fun and accommodating and willing to get you onboard if that’s the case.
The Pintxos Bars Worth Seeking Out
Most of the classic bars cluster in the Old Town, with a second wave across the Urumea river in Gros, the district where many locals actually eat. A few worth building a crawl around:
- Bar Néstor (Old Town) for a potato tortilla so sought-after that only two are made a day and regulars reserve a wedge an hour ahead, plus a grilled txuleta and a plain, perfect tomato salad.
- La Cuchara de San Telmo (Old Town) for made-to-order hot pintxos, above all the braised veal cheek in red wine and the seared foie gras.
- Ganbara (Old Town) for a plate of grilled wild mushrooms built around a raw egg yolk.
- Borda Berri (Old Town) for its veal cheek and its Idiazábal cheese risotto.
- Txepetxa (Old Town) for house-cured anchovies served a dozen different ways.
- Bar Zeruko (Old Town) for La Hoguera, a smoked cod pintxo you finish cooking over a tiny grill at the bar.
- Gandarías (Old Town) for its beef sirloin on bread.
- Bergara and Bodega Donostiarra (Gros) for the txalupa, a creamy mushroom-and-prawn pastry, and a tortilla cooked to order.
To cook the dishes yourself, a Basque cooking class with a market tour is a hands-on alternative to a pintxos crawl.
Take the Funicular Up Monte Igueldo & Eat at Asador Alaia
While you could certainly make the relatively steep climb on foot, we highly recommend taking the funicular up to the top of Monte Igueldo to see the epic view of La Concha Bay, simply because it’s a unique experience.
A round trip on the funicular costs 5.50 euros for adults, and it carries you up to the top of the small mountain for one of the most famous views in Europe. You literally have the city and waves beneath you, and there’s a relaxing, not very crowded promenade that circles around the top of Monte Igueldo.
Adding even more value to this experience is the Asador Alaia restaurant. Grab a glass of your favorite Spanish wine or beer, eat lunch or an early dinner and take in the brisk, Basque, salty air while you take in the views hundreds of feet above the city.
Stroll along the Paseo Nuevo
Embark on a leisurely walk along this picturesque promenade, where the crashing waves of the Bay of Biscay put on a mesmerizing show. As you meander around the base of Monte Urgull, breathe in the fresh sea air and marvel at the iconic Peine del Viento sculpture, a masterpiece by local artist Eduardo Chillida.
Explore the Parte Vieja
Delve into the heart of San Sebastián’s atmospheric Old Town, where narrow cobblestone streets and colorful buildings evoke a sense of history and charm. Be sure to visit the impressive Basilica of Saint Mary of the Chorus and the lively Plaza de la Constitución, a bustling square that once hosted bullfights.
Attend a Film at the Tabakalera
San Sebastián’s vibrant cultural scene comes to life at Tabakalera, a contemporary cultural center housed in a former tobacco factory. Catch an independent film screening, explore the thought-provoking exhibitions, or simply enjoy the buzz of creativity in this dynamic space.
Savor a Meal at Mugaritz
Treat yourself to an unforgettable culinary experience at Mugaritz, a two-Michelin-starred restaurant helmed by renowned Chef Andoni Luis Aduriz. Indulge in the chef’s innovative and imaginative creations that push the boundaries of traditional Basque cuisine.
Visit the Aquarium
Explore the fascinating underwater world at San Sebastián’s state-of-the-art Aquarium, where you’ll encounter a myriad of marine species, including sharks, tropical fish, and local inhabitants of the Cantabrian Sea.
Wander through the Miramar Palace Gardens
Stroll through the enchanting grounds of the Miramar Palace, a former royal residence with commanding views of La Concha Bay. As you meander through the lush gardens, admire the palace’s striking English-style architecture.
Catch a Live Music Performance at Dabadaba
Immerse yourself in the city’s thriving music scene with a visit to Dabadaba, a popular live music venue that showcases a diverse array of local and international acts. From indie rock to electronic beats, there’s always something to suit your musical taste.
Kayak or Paddleboard Along the Urumea River
For a unique perspective on San Sebastián, take to the waters of the Urumea River and navigate the city’s picturesque waterways by kayak or paddleboard. Discover hidden gems and soak up the city’s charm from a whole new vantage point.
See the Peine del Viento (Comb of the Wind)
At the far western end of the bay, past Ondarreta beach, Eduardo Chillida’s three rusted-steel sculptures are welded into the rocks where the city meets the open sea. Installed in 1977 with architect Luis Peña Ganchegui, who shaped the pink-granite terraces around them, the Peine del Viento is free and always open. It is at its best on a day with some swell, when jets of seawater blow up through vents cut into the paving.
Admire the Kursaal and Surf at Zurriola
Across the river in Gros, Rafael Moneo’s Kursaal, two translucent glass cubes at the mouth of the Urumea, won the European Union’s Mies van der Rohe architecture prize in 2001 and hosts the city’s film festival. Beside it, Zurriola is San Sebastián’s surf beach, with schools running daily lessons and a younger, local crowd that makes Gros a good alternative to the Old Town for an evening of pintxos.
Discover the San Sebastián International Film Festival
Each September, San Sebastián plays host to one of the most prestigious film events in the world, the San Sebastián International Film Festival. Join film enthusiasts and industry professionals alike as you watch premieres, attend workshops, and celebrate the magic of cinema.
Hike Monte Urgull
Rising directly behind the Old Town, Monte Urgull gives a different angle on the bay from Monte Igueldo across the water. Footpaths wind up through the trees to the Mota Castle, a twelfth-century fortress that now holds a small history museum, and to the Sagrado Corazón, a twelve-metre statue of Christ that has crowned the summit since 1950. At the foot of the hill sits the San Telmo Museoa, the Basque Country’s oldest museum, in a former Dominican convent. The climb takes about twenty minutes and the view from the top pays it back.
Essential Best Restaurants in San Sebastián
San Sebastián is a true gastronomic paradise, boasting an impressive number of Michelin-starred restaurants and culinary hotspots that are not to be missed. Here are several of the city’s most acclaimed establishments, each offering an unforgettable dining experience.
Arzak
Winetraveler PickAlcalde J. Elosegi Hiribidea, 273, 20015 Donostia, Gipuzkoa, Spain
A three-Michelin-starred restaurant, Arzak is an institution in the world of haute cuisine. Helmed by the legendary father-daughter duo of Juan Mari and Elena Arzak, the restaurant is renowned for its innovative approach to Basque cuisine. Savor the exquisite tasting menu that masterfully blends tradition with avant-garde techniques, using the finest local ingredients to create an unforgettable symphony of flavors.
Akelarre
Winetraveler PickPadre Orkolaga Ibilbidea, 56, 20008 Donostia, Gipuzkoa, Spain
Overlooking the Bay of Biscay from its stunning clifftop location, Akelarre is another three-Michelin-starred gem in San Sebastián. Chef Pedro Subijana’s culinary creations artfully merge traditional Basque flavors with modern twists, resulting in a gastronomic experience that is both visually stunning and sensorially delightful. The restaurant’s elegant design and panoramic views perfectly complement the extraordinary dishes that grace the table.
Mirador de Ulía
Winetraveler PickUlia Pasealekua, 193, 20013 Donostia, Gipuzkoa, Spain
Perched on the Ulía hillside above the city, Mirador de Ulía is worth the trip for the panorama alone. Chef Rubén Trincado’s contemporary tasting menu leans on seasonal, largely local produce with an emphasis on seafood, paired from a deep wine list. It is a scenic, less frenetic alternative to the Old Town tables.
La Viña
Winetraveler Pick31 de Agosto Kalea, 3, 20003 Donostia, Gipuzkoa, Spain
While not a Michelin-starred establishment, La Viña is an essential culinary stop for anyone visiting San Sebastián. This legendary pintxo bar in the heart of the Old Town is famous for its divine cheesecake, the Tarta de Queso. The creamy, slightly caramelized dessert has gained a cult following among locals and visitors alike. Pair your slice of heaven with a glass of local txakoli wine and soak up the lively atmosphere that fills the historic streets.
Amelia by Paulo Airaudo
Now installed inside the landmark Hotel María Cristina, Amelia holds two Michelin stars for Argentine chef Paulo Airaudo’s precise, seafood-led tasting menus drawn from the Cantabrian Sea and served around an open kitchen. It is one of the newer names at the top of the city’s dining scene and books up well ahead.
Kokotxa
Tucked into the Old Town near the Basílica de Santa María, one-Michelin-starred Kokotxa comes from chef Daniel López, who trained at Arzak and Akelarre. The market-driven tasting menus lean on the day’s catch and local produce, and it is an easier table to land than the three-star houses.
Best Day Trips from San Sebastián
San Sebastián is one of the best bases in northern Spain for day trips, and for wine lovers in particular. Within about two hours you can be tasting Txakoli by the sea, standing under a Frank Gehry roofline in Rioja, or tapping cider straight from the barrel in a Basque farmhouse.
Getaria and the Txakoli Coast
Half an hour west along the coast, the fishing town of Getaria is the heart of the Getariako Txakolina appellation, home of the crisp, faintly sparkling white you have been drinking with your pintxos. Several cellars in Getaria and neighboring Zarautz open for visits and tastings by appointment, among them Txomin Etxaniz, Gaintza and Talai Berri; booking ahead is essential. In town, Elkano is a one-Michelin-star temple to whole turbot grilled over coals, and the Cristóbal Balenciaga Museum honors the couturier who was born here. See our Basque Country wine guide for more.
Book a guided Txakoli wine tour to Getaria if you would rather not drive the coast yourself.
Rioja Alavesa
About two hours south, the Álava side of Rioja rewards a full day. Base yourself in the walled hilltop town of Laguardia and visit the region’s landmark wineries: Marqués de Riscal, with its titanium hotel by Frank Gehry, Ysios, whose wave-like roof was designed by Santiago Calatrava, and the underground gravity-flow cellars of Baigorri. All three run tours and tastings by reservation.
Take a guided Rioja wine tour from San Sebastián that pairs Marqués de Riscal and Ysios with lunch.
Basque Cider Houses in Astigarraga
Fifteen minutes south of the city, Astigarraga is the center of Basque cider country. From roughly mid-January to the end of April, the cider houses open for the txotx season: you eat a set menu of cod omelette, salt cod, a grilled txuleta and Idiazábal cheese at long shared tables, and walk to the giant barrels to fill your glass whenever someone calls out “Txotx!” The Sagardoetxea cider museum in Astigarraga runs an introductory tasting year-round.
Join a Basque farmhouse and cider house tour with a meal if you would rather be driven out from the city.
Bilbao, Hondarribia and the French Coast
Bilbao and Frank Gehry’s Guggenheim are about an hour and twenty minutes west on the AP-8. In the other direction, the walled fishing town of Hondarribia is half an hour east toward the French border, and Biarritz and Saint-Jean-de-Luz, with their surf and belle-époque seafronts, are under an hour away in France. Zarautz, twenty-five minutes west, pairs the longest beach in the Basque Country with more Txakoli cellars in the hills behind it.
Where To Stay in San Sebastián
There are a range of beautiful hotels to stay at in San Sebastián. There have been a number of fantastic deals across the city of late, but our favorite hotel we keep coming back to is hands down the Hotel Maria Cristina, a Luxury Collection Hotel.
Hotel Maria Cristina
The Hotel Maria Cristina, a Luxury Collection Hotel, is an emblem of sophistication and elegance in the heart of San Sebastián. Built in 1912 and named after the Spanish queen regent, this iconic Belle Époque masterpiece has long been the preferred retreat for royalty, celebrities, and discerning travelers. Beautifully restored, the hotel boasts luxuriously appointed rooms and suites that seamlessly blend classic charm with modern amenities. Nestled along the banks of the Urumea River and just a short stroll from the city’s vibrant Old Town, La Concha Beach, and renowned culinary hotspots, the Hotel Maria Cristina offers the ultimate in comfort and style, making it the perfect base for your unforgettable San Sebastián experience.
Check Prices at Hotel Maria Cristina
Villa Soro
Step into a world of timeless elegance and tranquility as you enter Villa Soro, a beautifully restored 19th-century villa located in a peaceful residential area. This boutique hotel blends classic charm with modern comforts, offering luxuriously appointed rooms, lush gardens, and personalized service that will make you feel right at home. Villa Soro is the perfect retreat for those seeking a serene and intimate escape, just a stone’s throw away from San Sebastián’s vibrant city center.
Lasala Plaza Hotel
Nestled in the heart of San Sebastián’s enchanting Old Town, the Lasala Plaza Hotel is a chic and contemporary haven that pays homage to the city’s maritime heritage. As you step inside, you’ll be captivated by the hotel’s sleek design, where nautical-inspired elements blend seamlessly with luxurious furnishings. The pièce de résistance is the hotel’s rooftop terrace, where you can unwind with a refreshing cocktail while marveling at the breathtaking panoramic views of La Concha Bay and the bustling port.
Check Prices at Lasala Plaza Hotel
Akelarre Hotel
Perched atop the dramatic cliffs of Monte Igueldo, the Akelarre hotel is a Relais & Châteaux sanctuary that promises an unparalleled gastronomic experience. This exquisite Relais & Châteaux property is home to the famed Akelarre Restaurant, a three-Michelin-starred establishment helmed by Chef Pedro Subijana. Indulge your senses in one of the hotel’s 22 elegantly appointed rooms and suites, each boasting floor-to-ceiling windows that offer stunning vistas of the sparkling Bay of Biscay. With its exceptional culinary offerings, world-class spa, and breathtaking views, Akelarre is the epitome of indulgence and relaxation.
Frequently Asked Questions about Things to Do in San Sebastián
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