San Sebastian is known for its stunning beaches, rich culture, and culinary delights. Here you can find our insider guide on the top things to do in San Sebastian, including popular attractions, sights, leisure, day-night activities, trips, tours with local advice. You can find variety of great attractions in this fantastic city.
Essential Attractions & Sights
Here are some essential attractions to visit when in San Sebastian:
- La Concha Beach: This is one of the most famous beaches in San Sebastian and is considered one of the best city beaches in Europe. The beach is ideal for swimming and sunbathing and offers stunning views of the city.
- Monte Urgull: Monte Urgull is a hill located in the heart of the city and is a popular hiking spot. The hill offers stunning views of the city and the sea.
- Old Town: San Sebastian’s Old Town is a charming neighborhood with narrow streets, beautiful architecture, and a vibrant atmosphere. The Old Town is known for its lively bars, cafes, and restaurants, and is a great place to try the local cuisine.
- San Telmo Museum: The San Telmo Museum is located in the heart of the Old Town and showcases the history and culture of the Basque Country. The museum has an extensive collection of art, artifacts, and exhibitions.
- Aquarium: The Aquarium is a popular tourist attraction in San Sebastian and is home to a wide range of marine life. Visitors can see sharks, rays, and other sea creatures up close.
- Zurriola Beach: Zurriola Beach is another popular beach in San Sebastian and is known for its surfing waves. The beach is a popular spot for surfing, swimming, and sunbathing.
- Miramar Palace: The Miramar Palace is a stunning palace located on a hill overlooking the sea. The palace is surrounded by beautiful gardens and offers breathtaking views of the city and the sea.
- Peine del Viento: Peine del Viento is a famous sculpture located on the coastline of San Sebastian. The sculpture, designed by Eduardo Chillida, consists of three steel structures that are anchored to the rocks.
- Kursaal Congress Centre: The Kursaal Congress Centre is a modern architectural masterpiece located on the seafront in San Sebastian. The building is home to a wide range of cultural events, including concerts, plays, and exhibitions.
- Paseo de la Concha: Paseo de la Concha is a beautiful promenade that runs along the La Concha Beach. The promenade is lined with trees and is a popular spot for walking, jogging, and cycling.
Popular Districts & Visits
Top Areas & Districts
There are six famous districts of San Sebastian that worth a visit and see. All districts has variety of great sights and attractions.
The Old Town
The San Sebastian Old Town is a must-visit place for anyone visiting the city. From its winding streets and historic buildings to its delicious food and charming markets, there’s something for everyone in this place.
The Center & Romantic Area
San Sebastian’s Center and Romantic Area are two of the most picturesque and vibrant parts of the city. Located between the Bay of La Concha and the River Urumea, these neighborhoods are known for their elegant architecture, chic boutiques, and world-class dining options.
No Regrets Booking Advice
The Gros district
The Gros district is a vibrant and diverse neighborhood located just east of the city center. With its beautiful beaches, trendy bars and restaurants, and cultural attractions, Gros is a must-visit place. Gros district offers a great mix of cultural attractions, outdoor activities, and dining and drinking options.
The Egia district
Egia is a lively and diverse district of San Sebastian, located just south of the city center. With its bustling streets, trendy shops and restaurants, and cultural attractions, Egia is a must-visit place. The Egia district of San Sebastian is a dynamic and exciting neighborhood that offers a little bit of everything for visitors.
The Amara district
The Amara district is a vibrant and cosmopolitan neighborhood located in the heart of San Sebastian, just a short walk from the city center. The area is known for its excellent shopping, dining, and entertainment options, making it a popular destination for visitors and locals alike.
The Riberas district
The Riberas district is a beautiful and unique area located on the banks of the River Urumea. The district is known for its picturesque architecture, tranquil parks, and stunning river views, making it a popular destination for visitors looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city center.
The Antiguo district
The Antiguo district is a vibrant and historic area that offers a mix of local charm and modern amenities. Located in the eastern part of the city, the Antiguo district is home to some of the city’s most popular tourist attractions, as well as a range of restaurants, cafes, and shops.
The Igeldo district
The Igeldo district is a scenic and charming area located on a hill overlooking the city. The district is home to several popular tourist attractions, including the Monte Igueldo Amusement Park, the lighthouse, and several historic buildings.
The Aiete district
The Aiete district is a beautiful and tranquil area that is perfect for visitors looking for a break from the hustle and bustle of the city center. Located to the south of the city, Aiete is known for its peaceful green spaces, elegant residential areas, and stunning hilltop views.
The Miramon district
The Miramon district is a beautiful and peaceful area that is perfect for visitors looking to escape the crowds and immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the city. Located to the east of the city center, Miramon is known for its stunning parklands, state-of-the-art cultural centers, and excellent sports facilities.
Dine & Wine
San Sebastian is known for its world-renowned cuisine and is often referred to as the gastronomic capital of Spain. The city has a long history of food and drink culture, with a variety of influences from the Basque Country and beyond. It is a great place to explore and discover new dishes, with a wealth of culinary options to suit all tastes and budgets.
Going out for pintxos
San Sebastian is well-known for its food scene, especially the local culinary tradition of pintxos. A pintxo is a small snack, usually served on a piece of bread and topped with a variety of ingredients like seafood, meats, cheese, and vegetables.
Going out for pintxos is a popular activity in San Sebastian, and it’s a great way to try a variety of different flavors and ingredients.
Guided Txakoli wine tours
You are able to find several guided Txakoli wine tasting tours in San Sebastian that are a great way to learn more about this unique and flavorful wine. Whether you’re interested in learning about the production process or simply want to enjoy the flavors of this unique and refreshing wine, there’s a tour available to suit your needs.
Guided Cider houses tours
Guided cider tours in San Sebastian are a great way to learn more about the local cider culture and explore the city’s top cider houses.
These tours typically take visitors on a guided tour of the cider houses, where they can learn about the cider-making process, sample different types of cider, and enjoy traditional Basque cuisine.
Theme Parks
From classic amusement parks to indoor play areas, there is something for everyone in San Sebastian. Mount Igeldo Attraction & Amusement Park, Aquarium Donostia-San Sebastian and the Science Museum are some of most popular and most visited theme parks in San Sebastian. They all offer great attractions and fun day out to its visitors.
Museums
Visitors may find variety of nice museums in San Sebastian and enjoy the history and arts. From art and sculpture to maritime history and royal residences, these best museums in the city offer something for everyone.
Beaches & Water Sports
Beaches
San Sebastian is famous for its beautiful beaches and stunning coastline. With its crystal-clear waters and soft sand, the beautiful beaches of San Sebastian are also some of the most popular in Spain.
Whether you are looking for a relaxing day at the beach, a place to surf, or a rugged, natural experience, beaches in San Sebastian have something for everyone.
Water Sports
The beaches and clear waters make it a perfect place for water sports enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking for adrenaline-pumping adventures or a more relaxed day on the water, San Sebastian has a range of water sports to suit your preferences.
Zurriola Beach is the most popular spot for surfing, paddleboarding, and kayaking. Other beaches such as La Concha, Ondarreta, Zarautz, and Hondarribia are also great spots for various water sports.
Outdoor Sports
Running in San Sebastian is a great way to explore the city and stay active. There are many routes to choose from, ranging from the seafront promenade to the city’s parks and gardens.
Cycling
If you’re a cycling enthusiast, San Sebastian has a lot to offer as well. The city has a well-developed network of bike lanes and bike paths, making it easy to get around on two wheels.
Hiking
Hiking in San Sebastian is a wonderful way to experience the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the Basque Country. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or a casual nature lover, there’s a trail in San Sebastian that will suit your needs.
San Sebastian’s hiking trails offer stunning views of the city and the surrounding landscape, from lush forests to rocky cliffs and stunning coastlines. The trails are generally well-marked and vary in difficulty, from easy strolls to challenging hikes.
Shopping
Shopping in San Sebastian offers a great mix of traditional Basque souvenirs, local food products, and high-end fashion brands. The Old Town, the Centro Comercial San Martín, and the Alameda del Boulevard are all great places to shop in the city, offering a wide range of stores and boutiques.
Entertainment & Nightlife
San Sebastian is famous for its vibrant and exciting nightlife, with a variety of bars, nightclubs, and other entertainment options to choose from. One of the most popular areas for nightlife in San Sebastian is the Old Town, which is home to a variety of bars and restaurants that stay open late into the night.
The narrow streets and historic buildings provide a charming backdrop for a night out, and there are plenty of places to enjoy pintxos, the local version of tapas, along with a glass of wine or a refreshing cocktail.
For those looking to dance the night away, San Sebastian has a number of nightclubs and discos that cater to all tastes. The area around Zurriola Beach is particularly popular with the younger crowd, and there are several clubs and bars that stay open until the early hours of the morning.