Things to Do in San Sebastián, Spain

San Sebastián, known as Donostia in Basque, is a stunning coastal city in Spain's Basque Country that perfectly balances sophisticated urban culture with breathtaking natural beauty. This elegant resort town sits along the Bay of Biscay, famous for its crescent-shaped La Concha beach, considered one of Europe's most beautiful urban beaches. The city's Belle Époque architecture creates a refined atmosphere that has attracted European aristocracy since the 19th century. San Sebastián has earned international recognition as a culinary capital, boasting more Michelin stars per capita than anywhere else in the world except Kyoto. The city's pintxos (Basque tapas) culture is legendary, with dozens of bars serving creative small plates paired with local txakoli wine. Beyond its gastronomic fame, San Sebastián offers rich Basque culture, world-class festivals including the prestigious International Film Festival, and outdoor activities ranging from surfing to hiking in the nearby Pyrenees foothills.

Top Things to Do in San Sebastián

Pintxos Bar Hopping Tour

Experience San Sebastián's world-renowned culinary scene through guided pintxos tours that take you to the best local bars. These tours typically include 4-6 stops where you'll sample creative Basque small plates paired with local wines and learn about the region's gastronomic traditions. Expert guides share insider knowledge about ingredients, preparation techniques, and the social culture surrounding pintxos.

Booking Tip: Book evening tours (7-10 PM) for the most authentic experience when locals are out. Expect to pay €60-90 per person including food and drinks. Look for small group tours (max 12 people) that focus on family-run establishments rather than tourist bars.

Cooking Class Experience

Learn to prepare authentic Basque dishes in hands-on cooking classes led by local chefs or home cooks. These experiences typically focus on regional specialties like bacalao al pil pil, pintxos varieties, or traditional desserts, using fresh ingredients from local markets. Classes often include market visits, wine pairings, and insights into Basque culinary philosophy.

Booking Tip: Morning classes (10 AM-2 PM) often include market visits and are priced around €80-120 per person. Book classes that limit group size to 8-10 participants for personalized attention. Look for experiences that include recipe cards to take home.

Monte Igueldo Scenic Tour

Take the historic funicular railway up Monte Igueldo for panoramic views over San Sebastián's bay, beaches, and cityscape. The mountaintop features a vintage amusement park dating from 1912 and several viewpoints perfect for photography. The journey combines nostalgia with spectacular vistas, especially beautiful at sunset when the city lights begin to twinkle below.

Booking Tip: The funicular costs around €3-4 per person each way and runs every 15 minutes. Visit 1-2 hours before sunset for the best lighting and fewer crowds. No advance booking needed, but arrive early on weekends and during summer months.

Surfing Lessons

Learn to surf on the excellent waves of Zurriola Beach, San Sebastián's premier surfing spot that hosts international competitions. Professional surf schools offer lessons for all levels, providing wetsuits and boards while teaching ocean safety and wave reading skills. The beach's consistent waves and sandy bottom make it ideal for beginners, while more advanced breaks are available nearby.

Booking Tip: Group lessons cost €35-50 per person for 2-hour sessions, while private lessons run €60-80. Book morning sessions for better wave conditions and fewer crowds. Choose schools certified by the Spanish Surfing Federation for safety and quality instruction.

Day Trip to French Basque Country

Explore the charming French Basque towns of Biarritz, Saint-Jean-de-Luz, and Bayonne on guided day trips that showcase the cross-border Basque culture. These excursions typically include visits to local markets, historic sites, and opportunities to taste French Basque specialties like macarons and Bayonne ham. The tours highlight cultural similarities and differences between Spanish and French Basque regions.

Booking Tip: Full-day tours cost €70-100 per person including transportation but not meals. Book tours that include both coastal and inland stops for variety. Bring your passport as you'll cross international borders, and choose small group tours for a more personalized experience.

Getting There

San Sebastián is easily accessible by various transportation methods. The city has its own airport (EAS) with limited flights, but most visitors fly into Bilbao Airport (100km away) or Biarritz Airport in France (50km away), both connected by regular bus services. The train system connects San Sebastián to major Spanish cities, with direct services from Madrid (5.5 hours) and Barcelona (6 hours), while buses offer more frequent and often cheaper alternatives. If driving, the city is well-connected via the A-8 autopista, though parking in the city center can be challenging and expensive.

Getting Around

San Sebastián is a compact, walkable city where most attractions are within easy walking distance of each other. The city operates an efficient bus network with 28 lines covering the metropolitan area, including connections to nearby beaches and towns. Taxis are readily available and reasonably priced for short distances, while ride-sharing apps operate throughout the city. For exploring the surrounding Basque countryside, rental cars are available, though the excellent public transportation system and organized tours make car rental unnecessary for most visitors. The city also has a bike-sharing system and dedicated cycling paths along the coast.

Where to Stay

Parte Vieja (Old Town)

Centro-Romántico

Playa de la Concha area

Gros neighborhood

Antiguo district

Amara district

Food & Dining

San Sebastián's dining scene is unparalleled, ranging from casual pintxos bars to three-Michelin-starred restaurants. The Parte Vieja (Old Town) contains the highest concentration of pintxos bars, where locals and visitors alike hop between establishments sampling creative small plates. For fine dining, the city boasts restaurants like Arzak, Mugaritz, and Martín Berasategui, requiring advance reservations and offering innovative Basque cuisine. Traditional sidrerías (cider houses) provide authentic experiences with communal dining and unlimited cider, while local markets like La Bretxa offer fresh ingredients and casual eating options. The Gros neighborhood has emerged as a foodie destination with modern bistros and international cuisine complementing traditional Basque offerings.

When to Visit

The best time to visit San Sebastián is from May to October, when warm weather allows for beach activities and outdoor dining. Summer (July-August) brings the warmest temperatures and liveliest atmosphere, but also the largest crowds and highest prices. September is often considered ideal, offering warm weather, fewer tourists, and excellent conditions for both beach and cultural activities. Spring (April-May) and early fall (October) provide mild weather and lower accommodation costs, though some beach activities may be limited. Winter visits can be rewarding for food enthusiasts, as many restaurants offer special menus and the pintxos scene remains vibrant, though weather can be rainy and cool.

Insider Tips

Learn basic pintxos etiquette: order drinks first, keep track of your own toothpicks for the bill, and don't linger too long at busy bars

Visit La Bretxa market early in the morning for the freshest ingredients and to see locals shopping for their daily meals

Take advantage of the 'menu del día' lunch specials at upscale restaurants for a fraction of dinner prices, often featuring similar quality dishes

Things to Do in San Sebastián