2025 San Sebastian Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in July)

#cityplaybook #familytrip #localguides #postandearn Nestled along the Bay of Biscay in Spain’s Basque Country, San Sebastián (Donostia) is a dazzling fusion of coastal beauty, culinary brilliance, and deep-rooted culture. It’s not just a destination—it’s an experience that seduces the senses. My first steps on La Concha Beach set the tone. Golden sands stretched in a graceful crescent, framed by turquoise waters and rolling green hills. But beyond the breathtaking scenery, what truly captivated me was the rhythm of life in the Old Town (Parte Vieja)—a compact, lively maze of narrow alleys, buzzing bars, and centuries-old charm. Evenings here are nothing short of a culinary pilgrimage. I joined locals and visitors on pintxo crawls, hopping from bar to bar sampling bite-sized works of art. From gambas al ajillo (garlic prawns) to foie gras with apple compote, every pintxo was a flavorful revelation. Don’t forget to pair it with Txakoli, the lightly sparkling local white wine—poured from heights for flair and fizz! During the day, I wandered the Monte Urgull trails to reach a 12th-century castle with panoramic city views, then indulged in Michelin-starred dining (San Sebastián has one of the highest Michelin-star densities in the world). The fusion of rustic tradition and avant-garde technique is uniquely Basque. Best Time to Visit: May to early October is ideal for beach weather and outdoor dining. For a cultural feast, visit during Semana Grande (Aste Nagusia) in August or the San Sebastián Film Festival in September. Travel Tips: Try the local cheesecake at La Viña—it’s legendary. Take a boat to nearby Santa Clara Island for a quiet escape. Learn a few Basque words—it’s a beautiful and proud culture. Location: San Sebastián, Basque Country, Northern Spain #SanSebastian #DonostiaVibes #PintxoParadise #BasqueCountry #LaConchaBeach #GastronomicGetaway #SpainTravel #FoodieDestination #OldTownMagic #MichelinMoments

Day 1 🛬 Arrival, walk along La Concha Beach, explore Old Town (Parte Vieja), pintxos dinner Day 2 🏞 Hike or funicular to Monte Igueldo, visit Peine del Viento, relax at Ondarreta Beach Day 3 🎨 San Telmo Museum, shopping in city center, sunset from Monte Urgull, gourmet dinner Must-Visit Attractions 🏖 La Concha Bay – iconic beach, perfect for a walk or swim 🌀 Peine del Viento – modern sculpture meets crashing waves 🏰 Monte Urgull – panoramic views + historic castle ruins Must-Try Food 🍢 Bar Borda Berri – legendary “Carrillera” (beef cheek pintxo) 🐙 La Cuchara de San Telmo – grilled octopus or foie gras pintxo 🍷 Gandarias – traditional pintxos + great wine selection Accommodation 📍 Old Town (Parte Vieja) or near La Concha – walkable, lively 🏨 Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra 📫 Zubieta Kalea, 2, 20007 Donostia Photo Spots 🌅 Monte Urgull Viewpoint – city, sea, and sunset in one shot 🏖 La Concha Promenade – classic San Sebastián seaside photo 🌊 Peine del Viento – waves and sculpture drama Tips ✔ Pintxos are eaten standing with a drink – enjoy the vibe ✔ Book restaurants in advance (especially Michelin spots) ✔ Locals dine late – dinner starts ~9 PM ✔ A mix of beachwear & smart casual is perfect ✔ Learn a few Basque phrases – locals appreciate it!

San Sebastián, the shining pearl of northern Spain, is home to one of the most beautiful bays in Europe and is known as the world's food capital. It is also a well-known venue for European film festivals. San Sebastián is surrounded by mountains and the sea, and the scenery is beautiful. Playa de La Concha, one of the most beautiful bays in Europe, is like a shining blue gem embedded on the edge of the city and is listed as one of the "Twelve Natural and Cultural Treasures of Spain". This is also a paradise for Basque cuisine. From Michelin-starred restaurants to traditional Basque taverns (bar pintxos), the rich food attracts tourists from all over the world.

Bar Sport is a bar located in San Sebastian, Basque Country, northern Spain! They are famous for their sea urchin tapas, which were delicious😋 Also, the Galician-style octopus, which is famous in northern Spain, was very tender and delicious🐙 The restaurant is compact and crowded, so it was hard to order lol. There are tables inside, but they were full, so we ate at a table outside🍽️ 🕰️Opening hours 9:00-0:00 📍Location: Fermin Calbeton Kalea, 10, 20003 Donostia, Gipuzkoa, Spain #Travel with me #Spain #European travel #Spanish tourism #Spanish travel #Basque #San Sebastian #Tapas

The moment you arrive in San Sebastián, La Concha beach invites you for a dip or a pleasant stroll along the shore, even in winter. The elegance of the bay, framed by the massif of Igueldo and the island of Santa Clara, is known the world over. The city has two other fine urban beaches: if you like walking you can start your stroll on Zurriola beach, frequented by surfing enthusiasts, then skirt round Monte Urgull along the Paseo Nuevo and then go right across the bay to finish on Ondarreta beach. There you are awaited by the Peine del Viento, an impressive large-scale sculpture by Eduardo Chillida and Peña Gantxegi which speaks of the ferocity of the Bay of Biscay. If the natural settings of San Sebastián are wonderful, the good taste of its inhabitants meant that its bridges, squares and buildings had to be even more so. You’ll feel as if you’re revisiting the Belle Époque when you pass in front of the Victoria Eugenia theatre, the Hotel Maria Cristina or the spa hotel of La Perla. #beautifulmoment #beachlife #goodfoods #tripinspired #spain

After wandering around the neighborhoods of San Sebastian, I finally saw La Concha Bay, which I had wanted to see so much. There were small fishing boats of various shapes docked in the old port. Then, when I went up to the observation deck next to the port, the beach, old town, and La Concha Bay of San Sebastian spread out before my eyes. During Corona, Spanish photographer Jose held a Yoshigo photo exhibition in Seoul, and the last part that I liked the most was Jose's nostalgia, and La Concha Beach in San Sebastian, his hometown. I saw the afterimage of Jose's photos on the beach. The emerald sea and the sunshine, and the people enjoying themselves there. The gloomy weather enveloped this place in a hazy atmosphere. #Europe #HotPlace #Spain #SanSebastian #Donostia

San Sebastian (San Sebastian) is famous for its Pinchos (small snacks from the Basque region), so I entered a quiet restaurant on Pinchoba Street. There were various Pinchos, and I ordered the delicious-looking Cod, Mushroom, and Tuna Pinchos with a glass of Sangria. I felt a small pleasure with a simple but happy bite. 3 Pinchos, Sangria €15.6 📍Aita Mari, San Sebatian (Donostia), Spain #HotPlace #RestaurantExploration #Spain #SanSebastian #Europe #Pinchos #Sangria

Hotel Maria Cristina, a Luxury Collection Hotel in San Sebastián, exceeded all expectations, offering an opulent experience that epitomized luxury and comfort. From the sumptuous beds to the stunning property, every detail was meticulously crafted to create an unforgettable stay. The beds at Hotel Maria Cristina were truly remarkable, providing a haven of tranquility and relaxation. The luxurious bed sheets were incredibly soft, caressing the skin with every touch. Combined with the heavenly pillows, sleep became a dreamy escape, ensuring a restful and rejuvenating night. The attention to detail in providing ultimate comfort was evident, and the quality of the bedding was second to none. Beyond the exceptional beds, the overall beauty of the property added to the allure of the hotel. The attention to architectural detail and elegant interior design elements made for a visually captivating experience. From the grand entrance to the beautifully appointed common areas, Hotel Maria Cristina exuded sophistication and refined taste. The central location of the hotel was another noteworthy aspect. Being close to the great restaurants of San Sebastián made it incredibly convenient to explore the culinary delights of the city. The concierge service was particularly helpful, going above and beyond to secure a reservation at the prestigious Arzak restaurant. Their expertise and dedication ensured a seamless experience, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the local gastronomic scene. The level of service provided by the staff at Hotel Maria Cristina was exceptional. The attentive and friendly concierge, in particular, demonstrated a genuine willingness to assist guests with their needs. Their assistance in securing the coveted reservation at Arzak exemplified their dedication and commitment to guest satisfaction. Their helpfulness and expertise added a personalized touch that enhanced the overall experience. In conclusion, Hotel Maria Cristina, a Luxury Collection Hotel in San Sebastián, offers a luxurious haven where comfort and beauty converge. The heavenly beds, with their soft sheets and divine pillows, create an environment of absolute relaxation. The central location and the helpful concierge service make it an ideal choice for exploring the city’s culinary scene. From the stunning property to the exceptional service, every aspect of this hotel exudes a sense of elegance and refinement. It is truly a destination that guarantees an indulgent and unforgettable stay.

At the end of the year, I went to northern Spain for a business trip. I specially stopped at San Sebastian to eat seafood. It’s super nice to spend the summer in San Sebastian, with sunshine and beaches. The food and accommodation are very cheap and high quality. The British and Europeans all like to spend their holidays in San Sebastian. I highly recommend it. #Spain #EuropeTravel #Europe

hi there, In the summer i was in a short road trip to Spain, one of the main stops was San Sebastian, unfortunately only for a short one day stay. We had our hotel in Ermua and we drove to San Sebastian from there which is a 30-45 min by car. The ocean in this area is calm and the beach is not so clean because it has a lot of seaweed but the sand is so small it feels so good on your feets. City has a nice arhitecture, but is expensive. The food is not the best, near the beach and is not enough ( at least for me 🤦🏼‍♂️ ). Hope you visit San Sebastian, and stay longer then us, because you have a lot of attraction to visit, we couldn't visit them. But we will go back some day for them. Let me know in the comments how was your experience in San Sebastian, or if u are planning to visit and if I can help you, i will give you some advices ☺️ #beachlife#summervacation

San Sebastian is located in the north of the Basque Country. The surrounding area is lush and picturesque. It's a beautiful city which presents a wide variety of things to do all year round and all day long. Beaches are great for surfing and around there are many nice treks for hiking. San Sebastian is renowned for basque cuisine and boasts some of the best restaurants. #gooutside #beachlife #hiking #basque #travelinspiration

The longest beach in Barcelona, ​​with beautiful scenery, this beach is right in the middle of the city, which is simply amazing, especially suitable for traveling with family. This is a great place to walk along the beach. It is probably the best place to see the view in the whole of Barcelona. Light breeze, gentle waves, beautiful water, very clean and great for people watching, but the beach was crowded with vendors. Within a 20 minute walk of the city, or on the tourist bus, it was great to have so many beaches so close to the city and other amenities. #Overseas Travel

[BarSport | A classic pintxo bar in the old town, full of energy and talent] — The sporty atmosphere and the food quality are amazing! A pintxo mecca where locals and tourists mingle ⚽🍢— ⸻ 📍 [Location & Atmosphere] Fermín Calbetón, 10, the center of San Sebastian's old town. There are rowing murals and lively live matches on TV—but the main attraction is the food! It's a lively and warm space that is loved by local fans . 🕰️ [Opening hours & crowds] Open almost all day from around 9am to 1am (Sundays from 11am). A rare place that is open until late at night on weekdays. During the day and at night, it is very busy with standing bar customers! ⸻ ✨ Recommended pintxos • Grilled foie gras (foie a la plancha): The smoky and oily taste is too luxurious!  • Mini beef rib eye burger: juicy and filling ◎ () • Sea urchin cream & crab crepe: full of seafood umami  • Crab stuffed squid (chipirón relleno): the best menu to enjoy both crab and squid  • Gilda: traditional bite-sized pintxo with olives + anchovies + pickled peppers . ⸻ 🎒 Tips • You must queue! It's popular and crowded, so it's best to go right after opening or during quiet times () • Enjoy both hot and cold pintxos: choose a balanced selection of cold dishes and hot dishes from the counter ◎  • It's great to wash it down with Txakoli (slightly sparkling wine) or beer! The live feeling of the staff pouring is also fun  #Absolutely free trip #Spain #SanSebastian

[Church of San Vicente (Iglesia de San Vicente) | San Sebastian's oldest Gothic church] — Originating from the 12th century, the stately presence of the old town speaks of its ancient history — ⸻ 📍Location Located along Calle San Juan in the center of the old town (Parte Vieja). It is right next to Concha Bay and the San Telmo Museum . 🕰️Historical background • The current building was built between 1507 and 1574, and rebuilt as Gothic architecture on the remains of an early 12th century Romanesque church . • It is one of the few witnesses to medieval architecture in the city that miraculously escaped damage from the great fire of 1813 and the Napoleonic Wars (). • It is free to visit and is an accessible facility. ⸻ ✨Attractions • The Western Gothic exterior: twin towers and spires, archways and rose windows stand out among the stone architecture of the old town. . • The interior is overwhelmingly beautiful: the three naves, cross-ribbed ceiling and intricate stained glass create a majestic space. • The famous Romanesque central altar: a massive sculpture group completed in 1586 by Ambrosio de Bengoechea. . • Must-see artworks: Don't miss the reliefs by Felipe de Arizmendi and the large pipe organ from 1868 from Cavaillé-Coll. . ⸻ 🎒 Tips • Visit early in the morning: A time when you can enjoy the moment when the light shines through in the silence ✨ • To see the Rose Window, go to the side passage: The stained glass work emerges with the shadows of the light • Check out the festivals and music events! : Music events such as the Quincea Musical Festival are sometimes held (). #AbsolutelyFreeTrip #Spain #SanSebastian

[San Sebastian Cathedral (Catedral del Buen Pastor) | A Basque Country Neo-Gothic masterpiece worthy of the name "Good Shepherd"] — A symbol of the city with an impressive spire that pierces the sky high — ⸻ 📍[Location] Enxanche in the Amara district, the center of San Sebastian (Donostia). The spire can be seen from afar as the city spreads out between the Urumea River and Concha Bay . 🕰️[History and architectural background] • Construction began in 1889 and was completed in 1897, with the tower completed in 1899 . • Designed by architect Manuel de Echave, the spire, which was modeled after Corny Cathedral, is 75m high, making it the largest cathedral in the Basque Country . • In 1953, it was officially elevated to a cathedral, and the current German-French style spire is the symbol of the city. ⸻ ✨Recommended points • Beautiful spire-shaped spire on the exterior: As you walk down the street, the tower soaring into the sky naturally catches your eye. • Gorgeous neo-Gothic space inside: High ceilings, arches intersecting with columns, and delicate stained glass create a solemn and magnificent atmosphere (). • Size and capacity: With an area of ​​approximately 1,915 m2 and a capacity of 4,000 people, this cathedral is one of the largest religious buildings in the Basque region. • Stained glass and decoration: The colorful windows depicting the Apostles and the Sacred Heart, and the fusion of Basque culture is beautiful (). ⸻ 🎒Tips and advice • The quiet morning is recommended: There are fewer people and the atmosphere inside feels even more sacred. • Pay attention to the stained glass: If you sit down and watch when the light shines in, the beauty of the colors will stand out. • Take a photo from the street along the spire: The silhouette of the spire seen from the front of the narrow street makes for a great photo. #AbsolutelyFreeTrip #Spain #SanSebastian

[Campus Amara | A place where Donostia Sociedad fans gather for a drink] — Blue and white cheers and beer toasts echoing in front of Anoeta Stadium — A classic pub bar in the Amara district that bustles before Sociedad (Real Sociedad) matches. Campus Amara is not the BIS (Basque Railway) station, not the BTS Phaya Thai station (lol), but it's the perfect space for soccer fans to get excited together ⚽🍻 ⸻ 📍 [Location and atmosphere] 15 Isabel II Boulevard, Amara district. Within walking distance of the stadium (Anoeta/Reale Arena), it is filled with the excitement of fans before the match. Locals and tourists mix together and toast together! ⸻ 🍺 [Beer & terminology] •Caña: A full-sized beer (equivalent to a medium mug). •Surt: A half-size beer, perfect for a light drink. ⸻ ✨Recommended points • The excitement before the game is at its peak! : Fans in uniform gather, and the excitement naturally rises. • Estrella Galicia beer delivered directly from the barrel: The cold, fresh beer is delicious  . • A wide variety of snacks: Tapas, tortillas, and more are perfect for pre-game snacks. ⸻ 🎒Tips and advice • It gets crowded before the game, so come early for peace of mind✨: It's easier to get a seat if you come 15 to 30 minutes before. • It's fun to use different beer sizes: If you want to drink a lot, go for Caña, and if you just want a little, go for Surt and easily exchange your cup. • Enjoy local food with tapas: Croquetas (croquettes) and jalapeños go great with beer. #AbsolutelyFreeTrip #Spain #SanSebastian

Promise me you'll visit San Sebastián this summer! As the capital of the Basque Country, San Sebastián boasts both coastal and mountainous landscapes, offering visitors breathtaking natural scenery, sports, gourmet cuisine, and fascinating historical attractions. This international city radiates strong Baroque charm, vividly reflected in its cultural events. Traditional festivals like the "Tamborrada" drum festival, "Semana Grande" celebrations, and fishing boat regattas showcase local heritage. With its pleasant summer climate, stunning coastline, and well-preserved old town architecture, San Sebastián will leave you utterly enchanted and reluctant to leave.

San Sebastián (known as Donostia in Basque), the central city of the Basque region located in northern Spain near the French border, is surrounded by stunning landscapes of sea and mountains. It is often referred to as "the world's best culinary city." 🥂【Bar Hopping & Gourmet Experience】 Strolling through the Old Town (Parte Vieja), you'll find an array of charming bars and taverns. This time, I casually dropped by some intriguing spots to savor a variety of flavors. 🍢 Pintxos (small Basque dishes) 🍷 Txakoli (local sparkling white wine) 🧀 Basque cheesecake 🥩 Jamón (cured ham) 🍺 Local craft beer Every dish was of exceptional quality, truly living up to the reputation of being a city where "everything you eat is delicious." 📝【The Charm of Basque Culture】 - The unique Basque language is still in use today - Both Spanish and Basque are displayed throughout the city - The locals exude warmth and carry a sense of pride that leaves a lasting impression 📍【Getting There】 - Accessible by bus from Bilbao in Spain or Biarritz in France - The Old Town and La Concha Bay are pedestrian-friendly areas perfect for exploration 🍽️ For those who love gourmet experiences and cultural immersion, San Sebastián is undoubtedly a must-visit destination.

Road to Bilbao 2025🔴 Playa de la Concha on a super sunny day. Best for summer vacation and a relaxing break off work!

San Sebastian on the Spanish side of the Basque Country is famous for its many Michelin-starred restaurants! If you go there, there's nothing to do but eat! Lol There is a beach 🏖️ though lol There are also bars that are open from the morning lol I start my morning with Basque cheesecake! This is the birthplace of Basque cheese! Of course, it goes well with sparkling wine lol Bar hopping both day and night! There are many small tapas, so it's perfect for eating and drinking! I definitely want to go back and recommend this place! #Let's go abroad #SanSebastian #BasqueCountry #BasqueCheesecake #BasqueCuisine #CountryofGourmet

🌊 In-Depth Guide to Galicia + Basque Country & Beyond✨ 🚗 Transport Tips: Rent a car in Madrid/Barcelona for maximum freedom! Northern Spain's mountainous roads are best explored by wheels🚙~ One-way drop fees are pricey, so loop routes save money! 🗺️ 4-Day Itinerary: 𝘿𝙖𝙮1: Bilbao's Guggenheim Museum → Pintxos in Old Town → Overnight in San Sebastián 𝘿𝙖𝙮2: La Concha Bay → Cantabria's Altamira Cave Paintings 𝘿𝙖𝙮3: Asturias' "Window to Nature" cliffs → Medieval Oviedo 𝘿𝙖𝙮4: Santiago de Compostela Cathedral → Sunset at Cape Finisterre "End of the World"🌅 🌟 Must-Visit Spots: ▫️ Bilbao｜Guggenheim Museum (Titanium-clad futuristic marvel📸) ▫️ San Sebastián｜La Concha Bay (Europe's most stunning bay! Heart-stopping blue💙) ▫️ Asturias｜"God's Bridge" natural arch (Straight out of Game of Thrones⚔️) ▫️ Galicia｜Santiago Pilgrimage Route finale (Ancient cobblestone path radiates spirituality✝️) 🍴 Foodie Hits: ✔️ Basque pintxos (La Viña's cheesecake = heaven!🧀) ✔️ Galician octopus Pulpo a la gallega (Paprika + olive oil = perfection🐙) ✔️ Asturian cider Sidra (Watch servers pour from heights – epic🍎) 📦 Packing List: ✅ EU adapter + car charger ✅ Windproof jacket (Atlantic gales are no joke🌪️) ✅ Hiking shoes (Nature spots demand walks) ✅ Spanish translation app (English is scarce in small towns) 💡 Fun Facts: ❗ Cape Finisterre ("Land's End") was considered Europe's edge by Romans ❗ Altamira Caves require bookings 3 months ahead! ❗ Asturian cider is Spain's strongest – drink responsibly🍻 ✨ Northern Spain is an emerald secret, blending Atlantic wildness with medieval charm. Save this guide for your spontaneous escape!💚

When you come to San Sebastian, of course you have to take a food trip! There are several pintxos bars in the city, each with its own signature dishes, each with its own characteristics, recommend this Bar Sports, one of the famous local pintxos bar shops, in addition to the cold dishes in the pintxos cabinet, there are also some ready-to-eat hot pintxos, especially fresh and delicious! #April Good Places 2025

This is a highly recommended cafe in San Sebastian, Basque Country. "Carai" It opened in the center of San Sebastian about half a year ago. It is very close to the old town, which is famous for bar hopping, and has many seats, so it is recommended! ! Of course, they have coffee, but they also have matcha latte, and the taste is authentic and very delicious! The sweets are really delicious! Many sweets in Spain are sweet, but the sweets at this cafe have an elegant appearance and taste. The carrot cake and tiramisu are especially recommended! ...

While sightseeing in San Sebastian, I came across a crowded shop around 8am, so I decided to go in! It's a Spanish omelette shop called Cafe con leche bar, which is popular among locals. I ordered a Spanish omelette and a cafe latte. The Spanish omelette was soft and creamy with potatoes, and was more filling than it looked. I was full after just one! The cafe latte was also delicious and warmed me up. The staff were also kind. 📍Location: San Martin Kalea, 8, 20005 Donostia, Gipuzkoa, Spain 💰Payment method: Cash #Spring0yentrip #SanSebastian

I visited five bars in San Sebastian, and I'd like to introduce the one I recommend the most! The name of the bar is BAR SPORT. The menu I ordered was sea urchin cream, foie gras pinchos, Basque cheesecake, and orange juice. I had it for breakfast first thing in the morning! Everything I ordered was delicious, and it's one of the places I want to go back to! The staff were also kind☺️ 📍Address: Fermin Calbeton Kalea, 10, 20003 Donostia, Gipuzkoa, Spain 💰Payment method: Cash, credit card #Spring0yentrip #SanSebastian

I went bar hopping in San Sebastian, the city of fine food~ I was traveling alone, so I'll introduce you to some restaurants that are easy to enter even if you're traveling alone☺︎ The name of the restaurant is GOIZ ARGI! I ordered mari-fri (salmon anchovy), croquettes with prosciutto, and a cola. I went there around 2pm, but the tables were full, so I ate at the counter🤤 The croquettes with prosciutto were delicious, so I recommend it! 💰Payment method: Credit card, cash 📍Location: Fermin Calbeton Kalea, 4, 20003 Donostia, Gipuzkoa, Spain #Spring0yentrip #SanSebastian

#aprilblooms on a recent trip to San Sebastián on the northern eastern corner of Spain, I forgot to prepare for the showers that joined me on that day! I thought that Spain, unlike the United Kingdom, would be sunny and warm. How wrong I was! Nevertheless, I carried on up to the statue of Christ and looked out across the old town and the bay. 🍴🥂FOOD RECOMMENDATIONS: This hard walk had been fuelled by a lovely lunch of Pinxtos in the square with a glass of slightly fizzy Txakoli wine. So this just goes to show that despite our wish to have a bright and sunny April blooms walk, the weather sometimes gets in the way and it’s best to think ahead! #rain #climb #sansebastian

You can see a beautiful sunset from La Concha Beach in San Sebastian, Basque Country, Spain! The sun sinking into the sea and the sunset sky are very beautiful and moving. This photo was taken in the fall, and I was able to see this view at 7pm on the day. #IntroducingBeautifulOverseasScenery #Sunset