San Sebastian is a city that has grown on us during our trips to Portugal. In this guide, San Sebastian, Spain: 21 Best Things to Do and See, I share why we regularly pass through here and always make at least a two-day stop. This Basque city won us over with its elegance, beautiful architecture, and especially its amazing gastronomy. It’s nicknamed La Bella Easo, and it’s no wonder – its beauty will charm you at every turn.
When is the Best Time to Visit San Sebastian
We prefer to come here in spring or autumn, when temperatures are around 20 degrees and there are fewer tourists. In summer, you can enjoy swimming, but you have to expect crowds on the beaches and higher accommodation prices. In winter, it’s colder and rainy, but still pleasant for walks around the city and tasting pintxos.
Where to Stay in San Sebastian
We’ve tried accommodation in various neighborhoods, and the area around La Concha beach proved to be the best for us. For example, Room Mate Gorka has an excellent location. It’s pricier, but everything is within reach. For young travelers, we recommend the Gros neighborhood, for example, Pension Kursaal; in this neighborhood, you’ll find cheaper hostels and apartments. Avoid staying directly in the old town – it can be noisy at night due to the bars.
21 Best Things to Do and See
If you’re planning a trip to San Sebastian, I’ve prepared a list of my favorite places for you.
1. La Concha Beach – Europe’s most Beautiful City Beach
La Concha is probably the most popular spot in San Sebastian and is rightly considered one of the most beautiful city beaches in the world. The more than a kilometer-long beach with fine white sand is lined with an elegant promenade featuring a characteristic white railing over 100 years old.
Along the beach, you’ll find the historic La Perla baths, reminiscent of the famous Belle Époque. In summer, you can rent sun loungers and umbrellas here, or enjoy water sports. At high tide, the beach is smaller but more intimate; at low tide, a wide strip of sand opens up, ideal for long walks.
2. Monte Urgull – the City’s Green Lungs
This strategic hill has been a historical landmark of the city since the 12th century. At its summit, you’ll find Mota Castle, which guarded the city from enemies for centuries and today offers a fascinating glimpse into the region’s history.
Four different hiking trails will lead you around old walls, cannon batteries, and watchtowers. Each route offers a different perspective of the city, the bay, and the Cantabrian Sea. For photographers, Monte Urgull is a paradise – especially at sunset, when golden light bathes all of San Sebastian.
3. Monte Igueldo and the Historic Funicular
For 4 euros, the historic wooden funicular from 1912 will take you to the top of the mountain. We usually go an hour before sunset, when conditions are best for photography. At the top, there’s a small amusement park, but most importantly, magnificent views of the entire bay. At the Karrusel restaurant, you can have an excellent dinner with a view – we recommend booking in advance.
4. El Peine Del Viento – Art Embraced by the Sea
One of the most dramatic places in San Sebastian. Three enormous steel sculptures by local artist Chillida are set directly into the rocks, and in strong winds, they create an amazing spectacle together with the waves. We recommend coming here at high tide, when the waves crash against the sculptures most powerfully. On the way back, you can stop at one of the cafes on the promenade.
5. El Kursaal – the Modern Face of the City
In daylight, these two glass cubes might seem a bit strange, but wait until evening! The building’s lighting creates a breathtaking light show. If you have time, visit the Ni Neu restaurant on the ground floor – they have a great lunch menu for 25 EUR.
6. Miramar Palace and its Gardens
We’ve spent many an afternoon in the park around the palace with a picnic basket. Admission is free, and the views of the bay are magnificent. We recommend coming during rose blooming season (May-June). For the best photos, stand at the main gate – from there, you have the palace and the sea at your fingertips.
7. Santa Clara Island – a Secret Tip
You can get to the island by boat for 4 EUR (runs from June to September every 30 minutes) or you can rent a kayak. We prefer the second option – it’s more fun and you can paddle around the island. On the island, there’s a small beach and a bar that makes excellent mojitos.
8. The Old Town is a Paradise for Gourmets
This is where the real fun begins! In the evening, we go from bar to bar, tasting pintxos. Our favorite spot is La Cuchara de San Telmo. During the day, explore the narrow streets and visit Santa María Church – admission is 3 EUR.
9. San Telmo Museum
On a rainy day, which we sometimes have here, this museum is a great refuge.. Admission is 6 EUR, free on Tuesdays. The most interesting are the frescoes in the former church and the exhibition on Basque culture. The cafe on the ground floor makes excellent hot chocolate.
10. City Hall – Former Casino
We admired this magnificent palace while walking through the Alderdi Eder gardens. In summer, live music often plays here. Inside, there’s a small exhibition on the city’s history – admission is free, and guides speak English.
11. Cathedral of the Good Shepherd Buen Pastor
During our last visit, we went to an organ concert here, and it was an unforgettable experience. Admission to the cathedral is free, and we recommend coming in the morning when the most light passes through the stained glass. A tower tour can be arranged at the information center for 5 EUR. From a height of 75 meters, you’ll see the entire city at your fingertips.
12. Victoria Eugenia Theatre
We discovered this beautiful theater from 1912 by chance and fell in love with its Art Nouveau facade. If you’re lucky like us, you might catch one of the performances – tickets start at 15 EUR. Even if you don’t go inside, be sure to at least check out the foyer, which is freely accessible.
13. Gros Neighborhood – Surfer’s Paradise
Our favorite neighborhood! Every Thursday, they have “pintxo-pote” – you get a free pintxo with a drink. The best atmosphere is on Peña and Goñi streets. If you’re tempted by surfing, you’ll find board rentals along Zurriola beach (15 EUR/2 hours). We recommend the Pukas surf school – beginner lessons cost 35 EUR.
14. Pintxos Tour – a Gastronomic Experience
Here’s our tried-and-tested plan: start at 7:30 PM at La Espiga bar on Boulevard, continue to Borda Berri, and end the evening at Gandarias, where they have the best beef steak. For an evening, expect to pay 25-30 EUR per person, including wine. Don’t be deterred by queues – they move quickly.
15. Aquarium – an Underwater World
We spent the whole morning at the aquarium with the kids. The main attraction is the 360° tunnel, where sharks swim above you. Admission is 13 EUR for adults, 6 EUR for children. Tip: buy tickets online to save queuing at the ticket office.
16. Tabakalera – Cultural Center
The former tobacco factory has been transformed into a cool place for art and culture. We mainly come here for the rooftop cafe – the city view is amazing, and the coffee is excellent. Exhibitions are mostly free, and they often have interesting workshops.
17. Cristina Enea Park – a Green Oasis
The most beautiful park in the city, where you’ll encounter peacocks freely roaming the lawn. Come here with a picnic basket and enjoy an afternoon in the shade of centuries-old trees. We usually buy fresh pastries and cheeses at the nearby La Bretxa market.
18. Basilica of our Lady
You’ll find this church in the old town, and we recommend combining your visit with a walk through the surrounding streets. Inside are beautiful frescoes, and every Wednesday at noon, they have a short organ concert. Admission is free, but a contribution for maintenance is welcome.
19. Ondarreta Beach – a Quieter Alternative
When La Concha is crowded, we come here. The beach is smaller but quieter and great for families with children. You’ll find showers, toilets, and several beach bars here. We recommend La Rotonda bar for a light lunch with a sea view.
20. Zurriola Beach – Surf Spot
An ideal place for beginner surfers. Board rentals are right by the beach, and the waves here are milder than elsewhere. After surfing, head to Kultu bar for hot chocolate – they have the best in town. In summer, there are often beach volleyball tournaments here.
21. Santa Clara Beach – a Hidden Gem
Our favorite beach on the island! It’s small, but it has its charm. Be aware that it almost disappears at high tide, but you can use the natural pool. The beach bar has a limited selection, so we recommend bringing your own snacks.
Where to Eat in San Sebastian
San Sebastian is a true gastronomic paradise, and it’s no wonder – the city boasts the highest concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants in the world per capita. We’ve discovered several establishments here that you must visit. For the best pintxos, head to the old town to La Cuchara de San Telmo bar, where they make popular beef cheeks, which we as vegetarians didn’t appreciate, but our friend still raves about them.
Another tip, which isn’t for us now, but might be for you: At Borda Berri, try the grilled octopus – it’s one of the most famous dishes.
If you crave a fine dining experience, reserve a table at the legendary Arzak restaurant (3 Michelin stars). However, expect prices from 250 EUR for a tasting menu. A more affordable alternative is Bodegón Alejandro restaurant, which serves modern Basque cuisine at reasonable prices – the lunch menu for 35 EUR is great value.
For a quick lunch, we recommend La Bretxa market. On the upper floor, you’ll find several bars serving fresh seafood – Bar Azkena is popular. And if you eat fish, don’t forget to try the local specialty – grilled sardines. They say the best ones are made at a street stall by the harbor, which only opens in summer.
Where to Go for a Trip?
A short distance from San Sebastian is another beautiful city, Bilbao, which we definitely recommend visiting.
FAQ
How many days do you need for San Sebastian? At least three days, ideally four to five. We spent a week here and still haven’t seen everything.
What are the prices in restaurants? Pintxos cost 2-4 EUR per piece, a main course in a restaurant 15-25 EUR. A daily menu (menú del día) costs 12-15 EUR including wine.
How to get around the city? The city is compact and most places can be reached on foot. A bus costs 1.80 EUR per ride; you can also buy a day ticket for 5 EUR.
Are restaurant reservations necessary? On weekends, definitely yes, especially in more famous establishments. Reservations are not made in pintxos bars.
When is the best weather? June and September are ideal – pleasant temperatures and fewer tourists than in high season. In winter, it often rains, but temperatures rarely drop below 10°C.
Tips and Tricks for Your Vacation
Don’t Overpay for Flights
Search for flights on Kayak. It’s our favorite search engine because it scans the websites of all airlines and always finds the cheapest connection.
Book Your Accommodation Smartly
The best experiences we’ve had when looking for accommodation (from Alaska to Morocco) are with Booking.com, where hotels, apartments, and entire houses are usually the cheapest and most widely available.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Good travel insurance will protect you against illness, accidents, theft, or flight cancellations. We’ve had a few hospital visits abroad, so we know how important it is to have proper insurance arranged.
Where we insure ourselves: SafetyWing (best for everyone) and TrueTraveller (for extra-long trips).
Why don’t we recommend any Czech insurance company? Because they have too many restrictions. They set limits on the number of days abroad, travel insurance via a credit card often requires you to pay medical expenses only with that card, and they frequently limit the number of returns to the Czech Republic.
Find the Best Experiences
Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can book guided walks, trips, skip-the-line tickets, tours, and much more. We always find some extra fun there!
