✓ Updated for 2026
San Sebastián (Donostia) packs more into a small, walkable city than almost anywhere in Europe: a postcard bay, three beaches in the centre, green hills with sweeping viewpoints and a food scene that punches so far above its weight it’s become a pilgrimage for eaters. Here’s our local guide to the best things to do in San Sebastián — the essentials and a few things the guidebooks skip.
A quick note: some links below are affiliate links (like our recommended food tour). If you book through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you — we only suggest experiences we’d send our own guests on.
Eat your way through the pintxo bars
If you do one thing in San Sebastián, make it this. Pintxos are the small bites served on the bar counters of the Parte Vieja (Old Town) and the Gros neighbourhood, and hopping from bar to bar is the local way to have dinner. The trick first-timers miss: order the hot, made-to-order pintxo from the kitchen rather than pointing at the tray, and wash it down with a txakoli (the local sparkling white) or Basque cider.
Make it easy: a guided tour is the fastest way to understand the ritual and hit the right bars. See our guide to the best food tours in San Sebastián, or book our top pick straight away — a chef-led small-group crawl with Potluck Food Tours. Prefer to sit down? Here are our favourite places to eat in Donostia (in Spanish).
Walk (and swim) La Concha
La Concha is regularly called one of the most beautiful city beaches in Europe, and it lives up to it. Stroll its famous white railing at sunset, swim in the calm bay, or walk the full promenade to Ondarreta beach at the foot of Monte Igueldo. It’s the beating heart of the city and completely free.
Ride up to Monte Igueldo
Take the century-old funicular up Monte Igueldo for the classic postcard view of the whole bay — it’s the shot you’ve seen of San Sebastián. At the top there’s an old-fashioned amusement park that’s charming in its own right. For more views, climb Monte Urgul in the centre (crowned by a statue of Christ) or hike the wilder Monte Ulía.
Get lost in the Old Town
The Parte Vieja is where it all happens: narrow streets, the Basílica de Santa María del Coro, the Bretxa market, and pintxo bar after pintxo bar. Come hungry, wander without a plan, and let the crowds pull you to the busiest counters.
Culture, art & the Peine del Viento
- Peine del Viento — Eduardo Chillida’s iron sculptures anchored into the rocks at the western end of the bay; magic at high tide.
- San Telmo Museoa — Basque history and culture inside a former convent.
- Kursaal — Rafael Moneo’s twin glass cubes, home of the San Sebastián Film Festival.
- Aquarium — a classic for all ages, with a shark tunnel; also a great rainy-day plan.
Surf & the outdoors
Cross the river to Gros and you’ll find La Zurriola, the city’s surf beach, with a young buzz and reliable waves. Board rental and lessons are easy to arrange, and even if you don’t surf it’s a great spot for a coffee and people-watching.
Best day trips
San Sebastián is a perfect base for exploring the Basque coast and beyond:
| Destination | Why go | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Hondarribia | Colourful marina and a walled medieval old town by the French border | ~25 min |
| Getaria & Zarautz | Fishing village, grilled fish and txakoli, plus the longest beach in the Basque Country | ~30 min |
| Biarritz (France) | Belle-Époque elegance on the French Basque coast | ~45 min |
| Rioja Alavesa | Wineries, vineyards and tastings | ~1 h 15 |
When to go & getting around
- Best time — June to September for beach weather; September also brings the famous Film Festival. Spring and autumn are quieter, and even winter is lively thanks to the pintxo scene.
- Getting around — the centre is completely walkable; almost everything is within a 20-minute stroll. The Dbus network covers the rest and the hills.
- Book ahead — accommodation and tables at the best restaurants fill up fast in summer and during the Film Festival.
- Rainy day? — see our indoor plans for San Sebastián (in Spanish).
Where to stay: the Old Town and Gros put you closest to the action, while the Centro and La Concha are quieter. If you’re still looking, Ama&Da manages fully-equipped holiday apartments across San Sebastián — a great base with a kitchen for the cheese and wine you’ll bring home.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in San Sebastián?
Two to three days cover the essentials: the beaches, the Old Town, one of the hills and a proper pintxo crawl. Add a fourth or fifth day if you want day trips to Hondarribia, Getaria or Biarritz.
What is San Sebastián famous for?
Its food above all — one of the world’s highest concentrations of Michelin stars and the birthplace of the pintxo bar crawl — plus La Concha bay, its beaches and the September Film Festival.
Is San Sebastián expensive?
It can be, especially in peak summer, but pintxos let you eat brilliantly for a few euros a bite, and the beaches, hills and Old Town are free. Booking accommodation early keeps costs down.
What’s the best thing to do in San Sebastián?
A pintxo crawl through the Parte Vieja at dinner time, ideally on your first night. It’s the single best way to understand the city — and every meal after that gets better for it.
When is the best time to visit?
June to September for the beaches and warm weather; September adds the Film Festival. Spring and autumn are quieter and still lovely.
Planning a trip to San Sebastián?
Start with the food — book a chef-led pintxos tour and let a local show you the real Donostia.
See food tour options →
