San Sebastián, Spain: travel guide
Pintxos and a perfect shell-shaped bay on the Basque coast
Elegant Basque beach resort on La Concha bay, celebrated for pintxos and Michelin-starred cuisine.
About San Sebastián
San Sebastián, or Donostia, curves around the shell-shaped bay of La Concha on the Basque coast. It combines an elegant seaside resort with one of Spain's most celebrated food cultures.
Walk the promenade along the bay, climb Monte Urgull for views over the town, and explore the Parte Vieja, where pintxos bars line the narrow streets. The San Telmo Museoa, the Kursaal and Peine del Viento, a sculpture set into the rocks, add culture. The city beaches are good for a swim in summer.
San Sebastián suits food lovers, couples and surfers. Summer is the main beach season, and late spring and early autumn are quieter.
- Country
- Spain
- Currency
- EUR
- Time zone
- Europe/Madrid
- Nearest airport
- EAS
Last updated
Top places to visit in San Sebastián
Monte Igueldo
Viewpoint · about 1 h · entry €2 (≈ ₹250)
Hill reached by a 1912 funicular, with an old-fashioned amusement park and bay views.
Peine del Viento
Heritage · about 0.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Chillida's wave-lashed iron sculptures set into the rocks at the bay's west end.
La Concha Beach
Beach · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
Iconic shell-shaped city bay, one of Europe's finest urban beaches.
Monte Urgull
Viewpoint · about 1.3 h · check the fee at the gate
Wooded hill topped by a castle and Christ statue, overlooking the old town.
Parte Vieja (Old Town)
Heritage · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Dense old quarter that is the beating heart of the pintxo scene.
Catedral del Buen Pastor
Church · about 0.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Neo-Gothic cathedral, the city's tallest building.
Zurriola Beach
Beach · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Livelier surf beach in the Gros district, popular with surfers.
Kursaal
Cultural · about 0.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Rafael Moneo's translucent glass cubes hosting the film festival and concerts.
Aquarium Donostia
Wildlife · about 1.5 h · entry €14 (≈ ₹1,490)
Historic aquarium with an ocean tunnel and Basque maritime history.
San Telmo Museoa
Museum · about 1.3 h · entry €6 (≈ ₹640)
Basque society and history museum in a former Dominican convent.
Palacio de Miramar
Heritage · about 0.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Former royal summer palace with gardens between the two beaches.
Basílica de Santa María del Coro
Church · about 0.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Baroque basilica at the foot of Monte Urgull in the old town.
Things to do
- Pintxo Tour of the Old Town Food Tour · 3 h · from EUR 90 per person
- La Concha & Monte Igueldo Tour Sightseeing · 2.5 h · from EUR 20 per person
- Surf Lesson at Zurriola Beach Water Sports · 2 h · from EUR 45 per person
- Basque Cider House Experience Food Tour · 3 h · from EUR 55 per person
- San Sebastián City Walking Tour Walking Tour · 2 h · from EUR 18 per person
Day trips and tours
- San Sebastián Gastronomy Day Tour 8 h · from EUR 120
Where to stay in San Sebastián
- Parte Vieja about EUR 150 per night
Old town packed with pintxo bars beside La Concha and the fishing port.
- Gros about EUR 130 per night
Relaxed surf-friendly district by Zurriola beach.
Hotels
- Hotel Maria Cristina 5-star · EUR 350 to EUR 850 per night
- Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra 4-star · EUR 200 to EUR 450 per night
- Hotel Arbaso 4-star · EUR 150 to EUR 320 per night
- Pensión Amaiur 2-star · EUR 70 to EUR 140 per night
- A Room in the City 2-star · EUR 28 to EUR 80 per night
Where to eat
- La Cuchara de San Telmo Basque, Pintxos, Modern · about EUR 30 per person
- Bar Néstor Basque, Spanish · about EUR 30 per person
- Ganbara Basque, Pintxos, Seafood · about EUR 35 per person
- Borda Berri Basque, Pintxos, Modern · about EUR 30 per person
- La Viña Basque, Dessert, Pintxos · about EUR 20 per person
- Gandarias Basque, Pintxos · about EUR 28 per person
Getting to San Sebastián
Airport: San Sebastián (EAS)
Getting around
- Bus
- Walking
More in Spain
Frequently asked questions about San Sebastián
- What are the main places to visit in San Sebastián?
- Places covered in our San Sebastián guide include Monte Igueldo, Peine del Viento, La Concha Beach, Monte Urgull, Parte Vieja (Old Town).
- Where should I stay in San Sebastián?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in San Sebastián: Parte Vieja, Gros.
- How do I get around San Sebastián?
- Ways to get around San Sebastián covered in our guide: City bus, Walking.
- Which airport is nearest to San Sebastián?
- The nearest airport to San Sebastián has the code EAS.