Things to Do in San Sebastián

San Sebastián sits on Spain's northern coast like a perfectly curated postcard, where Belle Époque architecture curves around one of Europe's most beautiful urban beaches. This Basque city has managed something remarkable - it's simultaneously a serious culinary destination (more Michelin stars per capita than anywhere except Paris) and a laid-back beach town where locals actually swim and surf year-round. The old quarter feels authentically lived-in rather than preserved for tourists, with pintxos bars that have been family-run for generations and narrow streets that echo with rapid-fire Euskera conversations. What strikes you immediately is how the city balances its sophisticated food scene with genuine seaside charm - you might start your day surfing at Zurriola beach and end it at a three-Michelin-starred restaurant, and somehow both experiences feel equally authentic to the place.

San Sebastián's food scene operates on multiple levels, from casual pintxos bars to world-renowned fine dining establishments. The city has more Michelin stars per capita than anywhere except Paris, with restaurants like Arzak, Akelarre, and Martín Berasategui leading the haute cuisine scene. But the real magic happens in the pintxos bars of the old quarter, where creativity meets tradition in small-plate format. Don't miss the local specialties: idiazábal cheese, txuleta (grilled steak), and anything involving anchovies from the nearby Cantabrian Sea. The restaurant scene tends to open later than other Spanish cities - lunch around 2pm, dinner not before 9pm - and many establishments close on Sunday evenings and Mondays.

San Sebastián shines from late spring through early fall, with July and August bringing warm beach weather but also the heaviest crowds and highest prices. May, June, and September offer the best balance - pleasant temperatures, fewer tourists, and lower accommodation costs. The city has a surprisingly active winter cultural scene, and the dramatic Atlantic storms can be spectacular to watch from the safety of a warm pintxos bar. Keep in mind that this is one of Spain's rainier regions, so pack accordingly regardless of season. The San Sebastián International Film Festival in September adds glamour and energy, though it also drives up hotel prices significantly.