San Sebastián, or Donostia in the Basque language, is one of those rare destinations that manages to offer the best of the best. From its cuisine to its landscape, it’s a very special European destination. Draped around the perfect crescent of La Concha Bay on Spain’s northern Atlantic coast, San Sebastián is particularly famous for boasting more Michelin stars per capita than almost anywhere on earth. Somehow, it also is home to stunning beaches that could hold their own against the Mediterranean, excellent surf conditions and a Belle Époque elegance that makes simply wandering its streets a pleasure. This San Sebastián Travel Guide aims to cover everything you need to know to plan a trip to this beautiful city.

Why Visit San Sebastián?

I had San Sebastián on my ‘to visit’ list for quite some time, and found the perfect opportunity in May. It was a region I had spent absolutely no time in at all, and in the end, we decided to fly into Bordeaux and drive down to San Sebastián through French surf towns such as Biarritz and Hossegor.

Turns out, San Sebastián is not a place you visit once. Pretty much everyone I’ve spoken to who has been there has either gone back, or is actively planning to. And once I’d spent a few days eating my way through the pintxos bars and watching the surf roll in from the beach, I understood why.

San Sebastián Travel Guide: Practical Information

Visa & Entry Requirements

Entry requirements are those that apply to Spain. So no visa is required to UK citizens but Spain is in the Schengen Area and so for other nationalities, a visa may well be needed.

Language and Money

Spanish is universally spoken and English is widely understood in tourist areas. You’ll also see Euskara (Basque) on signs. This is a completely unique language unrelated to any other, a reminder that the Basque Country has its own distinct identity within Spain.

San Sebastián is one of the more expensive cities in Spain so you’ll need to budget around €15–25 for a pintxos crawl evening per person (including drinks) and €40–70 for a solid restaurant dinner. Michelin-starred meals can be very expensive (but worth it). Card payments are widely accepted everywhere.

Getting to San Sebastián

By Air

San Sebastián Airport (EAS) is the most convenient option, with this airport located just 20–25 minutes from the city. From the UK, there’s a route from London City on British Airways to EAS. However, routes are somewhat limited (mainly domestic Spanish connections), so most international travellers fly into Bilbao Airport (BIO), which is around 1 hour 15 minutes away by bus or car.

Bilbao’s ALSA bus service runs regularly into San Sebastián for around €17 each way.

From the UK, direct flights to Bilbao operate from several airports including London Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, and Edinburgh on airlines such as Vueling, Wizz Air and British Airways.

Biarritz Airport in France (BIQ) is another option, roughly 45 minutes away, and can sometimes offer cheaper fares from UK and European airports. And as I noted earlier, Bordeaux was a perfect choice for us and we made it into a bit of a road trip adventure, The total drive length for the full route was 2h30 (237km).

By Train

Renfe operates services from Madrid, taking approx. 5 hours and Barcelona, taking approx. 6 hours. From France, SNCF trains run to Hendaye, where you can take the Euskotren instead of flying if you’re already in Spain.

By Car

Driving to San Sebastián is entirely doable and gives you flexibility for coastal and inland day trips. We loved having a hire car whilst in San Sebastián. That being said, we stayed on a hotel just outside of the city centre (The Social Hub) which offered parking. From there we walked or cycled into the city centre as parking is limited and expensive.

Getting Around San Sebastián

San Sebastián is surprisingly compact and best explored on foot. Walking from La Concha beach to the far end of the Parte Vieja (Old Town) takes around 20–25 minutes at a leisurely pace. You can of course cycle it even quicker. This delightful route offers stunning sea views, tree-lined promenades and pintxos pit-stops along the way.

• On foot: The vast majority of the city’s highlights are easily walkable.
• Cycling: The city has an excellent network of bike lanes. Donostiako Bizi is San Sebastián’s public bike-share scheme, with docking stations across the city. I would say that you wouldn’t want to cycle around the oldest streets and laneways of San Sebastián.
• Buses: These are reliable, clean, and easy to use. You can pay by contactless card or purchase a rechargeable travel card, called the Mugi card available at the bus station and various shops.
• Taxis / Uber: Both are plentiful and reasonably priced.
• Funicular: The historic funicular up to Monte Igueldo is part of the sightseeing experience in itself and a must-do attraction in San Sebastián.

When to Visit San Sebastián

San Sebastián is a pretty great year-round destination, and the different seasons offer very different experiences. The Basque Country is notoriously verdant for a reason, thanks to heavy rains. So definitely pack a waterproof layer and an umbrella no matter what time of year you go.

Spring (March – May)

This is one of the best times to visit. I went in late May and found the crowds to be manageable and the temperature was pleasant (around 21-24°C)The city had a nice buzz about it but didn’t feel rammed busy.

Summer (June – August)

This is peak season, and for good reason. Temperatures sit comfortably in the low-to-mid 20s (it’s far cooler up here than in the south of Spain!), plus the beaches are glorious, and the city is buzzing. July brings the Jazz Festival and August the Semana Grande festivities. I’d book accommodation well in advance and expect quite higher prices. This is also when San Sebastián is at its most vibrant and social.

Autumn (September – October)

During this period, the summer crowds thin out, the weather remains warm and the famous film festival in September draws a glamorous crowd. Lower shoulder-season pricing kicks in and the pintxos bars feel more like local and relaxed.

Winter (November – February)

Quieter and cooler, the city makes for a lovely winter break, especially if your focus is dining and culture over beach time. Christmas time sees beautiful lights along La Concha promenade. The Tamborrada festival on 20 January — a drum-banging celebration through the streets — is one of the most distinctive festivals in Spain.

Local Tip: San Sebastián’s famous cider houses (sagardotegiak) are only open during cider season, which is roughly January to April. If you’re visiting in winter or spring, booking a txotx (cider house) dinner is an absolute must.

Festivals & Events

• Tamborrada (20 January): This is a uniquely Basque celebration where the streets fill with drum bands from midnight through the next 24 hours.
• Basque Country food festivals (various dates): The entire region celebrates food year-round, with seasonal events around cider, txuleta, and other culinary traditions.
• Donostia Jazz Festival (July): This is one of Europe’s most respected jazz festivals, drawing international artists to outdoor stages across the city.
• Semana Grande / Aste Nagusia (August): The city’s biggest annual party consisting of nine days of fireworks, concerts, pelota tournaments, and festivities.
• San Sebastián International Film Festival (September): Considered one of the most prestigious film festivals in the world, bringing a glamorous, buzzy energy to the city. Worth noting that screenings are open to the public.

San Sebastián’s Neighbourhoods

Understanding the city’s distinct barrios (neighbourhoods) will help you plan your time and decide where to base yourself.

Why not join a group walking tour (£30 per person) to help you get your bearings? Or a guided e-bike tour (£51 per person)?

Parte Vieja (Old Town)

This is the beating heart of San Sebastián’s food and social scene. Its narrow medieval streets are packed with pintxos bars, traditional restaurants, and a buzzy, convivial atmosphere that comes alive from around 7pm onwards. There’s plenty of accomodation but it can get loud at night.

Centro (City Centre)

A more refined, residential quarter with the elegant Avenida de la Libertad running through it. Home to the famous Maria Cristina hotel, boutique shopping, and some of the city’s best restaurants. It’s more peaceful to stay here at night.

Gros

Located on the eastern side of the Río Urumea, Gros has a noticeably more local, less touristy feel. This is where you’ll find Zurriola Beach (the surf beach), great craft beer bars, and a quieter (but equally high-quality) pintxos scene. There’s a lovely, local neighbourhood feel here.

Ategorrieta / Antigua

These are two quieter residential areas worth knowing about if you’re staying longer or if you want to base yourself away from the tourist hub while remaining within easy walking distance.

Ondarreta

This is the western end of the city, beyond La Concha’s main stretch and close to the funicular up to Monte Igueldo.. It’s home to a slightly more affluent, local beach scene.

Top Things to Do in San Sebastián

Walk La Concha Promenade

La Concha (‘the shell’) is one of Europe’s most celebrated urban beaches. It’s a perfect arc of golden sand sheltered from the Atlantic by the small island of Santa Clara. The beautiful palm-lined promenade that runs the length of the bay is a key feature of the city, and is perfect for a cycle or a walk. My favourite thing to do was grab a morning coffee and stroll along here each day.

Best time: Early morning for a near-deserted walk and the gorgeous golden light. Sunset is also spectacular from the promenade.

Explore the Parte Vieja

The Old Town’s warren of narrow streets is best explored on foot, ideally starting in the early evening when the pintxos bars start getting busier. The main pintxos street is Calle 31 de Agosto, but I recommend exploring the surrounding lanes for hidden gems. Also in the Old Town is the Plaza de la Constitutión (the old bullring turned public square), the Santa María del Coro church, as well as a lovely array of independent shops.

Take the Funicular to Monte Igueldo

I loved heading up on board the funicular for one of the best views in northern Spain. The funicular itself dates back to 1912, and at the top, you’ll find a charming old-fashioned amusement park sits, as well as an observation tower and sprawling views over La Concha Bay and the Bay of Biscay. There’s also an awesome mini water ride (aimed at small children) that offers epic views across the city. Short and sweet, but worth doing!

Top tip: The view from the top of Monte Igueldo is the classic postcard shot of San Sebastián — try to visit on a clear day.

Hike Monte Urgull

On the other side of the bay, Monte Urgull rises above the Parte Vieja and is well worth it for a pleasant hike. You’ll find a network of paths winding up through the old fortifications to the Castle of La Mota and then there is a large statue of Christ at the summit. The views across the old town and out over the bay are incredible, and it takes only around 30 minutes to reach the top.

Visit the San Telmo Museum

Housed in a beautifully restored 16th-century Dominican convent, the San Telmo Museum is one of the best Basque cultural museums in the region. Its exhibits span the prehistoric origins, medieval history, Basque traditions, and contemporary culture of the Basque Country, with a strong art collection alongside interactive displays. You need about 2-3 hours to explore here.

Surf or Swim at Zurriola Beach

While La Concha is the elegant, sheltered bay (perfect for paddle boarding!), Zurriola on the Gros side of the river is the surf beach. It offers reliable Atlantic swells that draws the surf crowd. There are several surf schools operating here, making it a brilliant option for beginners. Even if you’re not surfing, watching the surfers from the riverbank or the Kursaal bridge is awesome too.

Explore the Fish Market and Mercado de la Bretxa

The covered La Bretxa market in the Parte Vieja is a great afternoon activity, but a bit of a sensory overload! Its packed stalls sell fresh Basque produce, seafood, pintxos ingredients, and local cheeses. Head here to either pick up provisions for a picnic, or simply take in the local food culture. The adjacent fish market (La Pescadera) offers a front-row seat to how seriously the Basques take their seafood.

Day Trip to a Txakoli Winery

San Sebastián is surrounded by vineyards producing Txakoli. This is a crisp, slightly fizzy Basque white wine that pairs perfectly with pintxos and seafood. The winery towns of Getaria and Hondarribia are both within an easy drive, and several bodegas offer tastings and tours. Ameztoi, right on the clifftop above the sea in Getaria, is particularly beautiful.

Watch a Game of Jai Alai (Pelota)

Jai alai, known as pelota in Basque, is the region’s traditional sport. This unique game is played with a curved basket glove and a ball that can travel at over 250 kmh. Catching a match at the local ‘fronton’ is a genuinely thrilling and culturally unique experience.

Take a sunset boat trip

We loved sailing off into the sunset from the port at towards Isla de Santa Clara. Unfortunately, we didn’t have the best weather for our sailing but we still thoroughly enjoyed seeing the city from the water.

Food & Drink in San Sebastián

Let’s be honest. The food is why most people come, and rightly so. The greater Gipuzkoa area (San Sebastián’s province) has more Michelin stars per square kilometre than almost anywhere on earth. This translates to around 18 Michelin stars spread across around 10 restaurants , with legendary names like Arzak, Martín Berasategui, and Akelarre at the forefront. But the best thing about San Sebastián is that extraordinary eating doesn’t require a Michelin booking. The pintxos bars are the real highlight!

Pintxos: The Essential Guide

Pintxos (pronounced ‘peen-chos’) are the Basque take on tapas. This means small, often inventive bites, many served on small slices bread with a toothpick. In San Sebastián, pintxos are considered an art. The wide array of bars basically compete on quality, and you’ll find elaborate creations of foie gras, salt cod, octopus, and Iberian ham alongside simpler classics like the Gilda (the original pintxo, which is olive, anchovy, and pickled pepper on a skewer).

Key info:

• Most pintxos bars display their offering on the bar counter. Simply point or ask for the plates you want. Some even have a ‘help yourself’ setup, where you take the plates you fancy, keep track of your toothpicks, and pay at the end.
• You’ll need to wash everything down with a glass of txakoli (white Basque wine), sidra (cider), or a cold Estrella Damm.
• Make sure to move between several bars rather than committing to one for the evening — this is the Basque way.
• Kitchens typically close from around 3pm–7pm. Plan your evening pintxos crawl from 7pm onwards.
• Many bars are closed on Sundays and Mondays so it’s always worth checking ahead.

Best Pintxos Bars

• Bar Nestor: Famous for their daily tortilla (only two are made each day so it’s best to queue up an hour before opening to get on the list) and their txuleta steak.
• La Cuchara de San Telmo: Their beef cheeks and razor clams are amazing.
• Bar Sport: One of the best spots for the classic urchin cream pintxo.
• Borda Berri: Beloved for their Idiazabal cheese risotto and pork ribs.
• Casa Valles: Widely credited as the birthplace of the Gilda — the original Basque pintxo.
• Rekondo: A Michelin-recommended restaurant with a stellar wine cellar and their chipirones en su tinta (stuffed squid in ink sauce) is unreal.
• La Viña: Home to the best Basque cheesecake in the city. It’s the original location.

I highly recommend joining a local tour guide for one evening of pintxo exploring, so they can really talk you through the experience! This one here comes highly recommended and is £89 per person.

Michelin-Starred Dining

If your budget allows for a splurge Michelin-starred dinner, then San Sebastián delivers some of the best fine dining in the world. You might even need to book months in advance for the top tables.

• Arzak: Three Michelin stars and one of Spain’s most celebrated restaurants. Run by Elena Arzak, often cited as the world’s best female chef. Basque nouvelle cuisine at its most refined.
• Martín Berasategui: Three Michelin stars and set in a farmhouse outside the city in Lasarte-Oria. Berasategui holds more Michelin stars than any other Spanish chef.
• Akelarre: Three Michelin stars and dramatically perched on Monte Igueldo with panoramic bay views. This restaurant is truly spectacular in every sense.
• Mugaritz: Two Michelin stars and consistently in the World’s 50 Best Restaurants. A more avant-garde, unexpected experience. I haven’t eaten there but I hear it’s not for everyone..
• Kokotxa: Two Michelin stars in the heart of the Parte Vieja. An excellent option for fine dining within walking distance of the old town.
• Lotu: This restaurant opened in Spring 2026 and from the team behind Mugaritz, housed inside the new Palacio Bellas Artes hotel.

Other Essential Food Experiences

• Sidreria (cider house): A txotx dinner at a traditional Basque cider house is a fantastic evening experience. It’s only seasonal (Jan–Apr to line up with cider season), and is a communal affair. The format is fixed with a salt cod omelette, fried cod, txuleta steak, and unlimited cider straight from the barrel.
• Txakoli tasting: As mentioned earlier, this is a must-do experience. You can sample txakoli either in a bar (where it’s poured from height into your glass for effervescence) or at a vineyard in Getaria. Book a txakoli tour to Geteria here! (£125 per person)
• Pantxineta: A puff pastry tart filled with custard cream and almonds, invented at Pasteleria Otaegui in the city centre.
• Seafood: Some of the best local dishes include grilled hake (merluza), turbots (rodaballo), baby squid (chipirones), and percebes (goose barnacles).

Where to Stay in San Sebastián

San Sebastián sits firmly in the mid-range to luxury tier of European city breaks. It isn’t really a budget destination, particularly in summer so I’d recommend to book ahead, especially for July and August. And I’d say that the choice of neighbourhood matters as much as the hotel itself.

Luxury

• Hotel Maria Cristina: Considered the grande dame of San Sebastián hotels. Belle Époque grandeur on the bank of the Río Urumea, just minutes from the beach and old town. Double rooms start from £364 in winter but are over £2,000 per night in summer. Check rates here.
• Akelarre Hotel: Perched on Monte Igueldo with incredible bay views and directly connected to the three-Michelin-star restaurant. Double rooms start from £332 in winter, but can rise to over £1,200 in peak summer months. Check rates here.
• Hotel Arima & Spa: A sleek, contemporary design hotel with a superb spa. A quieter, more serene alternative to the historic centre hotels. Double rooms range from £190 to £692. Check rates here.
• Palacio Bellas Artes: Set inside a landmark 1914 Beaux-Arts cinema, this 81-room boutique hotel will sit at the intersection of Prim and Urbieta avenues, steps from La Concha and the Old Town. Home to Lotu restaurant from the Mugaritz team. Double rooms start from £359 per night. Check rates here.

Mid-Range

• NH Collection San Sebastián Aránzazu: This is well-located mid-range option with a gym and contemporary rooms. Double rooms start from £128. Check rates here.
• Barcelo Costa Vasca: Reliable and comfortable with sea views, a pool, and easy access to Ondarreta beach. Double rooms start from £60 in the winter, through to around £300 in the summer. Check rates here.
• The Social Hub San Sebastián: Modern, social, design-forward accommodation with a gym and outdoor pool. Popular with younger travellers. We loved its laundry setup downstairs and its complimentary bike hire! Double rooms start from £112. Check rates here.
• Hotel Arbaso: Home to a Michelin-recommended restaurant and offering excellent value for its quality and location. Double rooms start from £264. Check rates here.

Budget

• Pensiones (Guesthouses): San Sebastián has a strong tradition of small, family-run pensiones, particularly in the Parte Vieja.
• Holiday Inn Express San Sebastián in Errenteria: A new IHG property opening just outside the city near the airport and French border. Good for those arriving late or leaving early.

Neighbourhood tip: For your first visit, stay in or close to the Parte Vieja or Centro for walkability.

Day Trips from San Sebastián

San Sebastián’s location in the eastern Basque Country makes it an outstanding base for day trips. From beautiful coastal villages, a world-class art city in Bilbao, wine country, and even southern France.

Bilbao (1hr15 min by bus)

Some would say this is the most underrated city in Spain. Bilbao has been transformed from a post-industrial city into one of Europe’s most exciting cultural destinations, largely on the back of the extraordinary Guggenheim Museum. But beyond the titanium curves of Frank Gehry’s masterpiece, Bilbao has a brilliant pintxos scene (far less touristy than San Sebastián), great independent architecture, and a fantastic atmosphere. Get here by taking the ALSA bus or rent a car for the day.

Book a full day trip to Bilbao and the Guggenheim Museum here.

Hondarribia (45min by bus)

A beautifully preserved medieval fishing village right on the French border. The walled upper town is beautifully maintained, the lower marina area is full of seafood restaurants, and the beach is excellent. It makes for a relaxed, scenic day away from the city.

Organise your tour to Hondarribia here (£86 per person)

Getaria (45min by bus/car)

This is the birthplace of global icon and fashion designer Cristóbal Balenciaga. If you’re into fashion, then definitely visit the Balenciaga Museum. It is also one of the main Txakoli wine-producing towns. It’s a tiny, beautiful fishing village with some excellent grills serving fresh fish and the local white wine.

Biarritz, France (45min by car)

Just across the French border, the elegant Belle Époque resort of Biarritz makes for an great day visit or a road trip stop, in our case. It offers great surfing, delectable French pastries, casino glamour, and the extraordinary Grand Plage. Just don’t forget your passport. Why not join this tour here to Biarritz?

La Rioja Wine Country (1.5 hrs by car)

This is Spain’s most celebrated wine region and is close enough for a day trip. You can visit spots such as Marquis de Riscal which offering tours and tastings. Frank Gehry also designed the Marquis de Riscal hotel, one of the most visually dramatic buildings in Spain. Book your tour to La Rioja here (£73 per person)

Suggested Itinerary: 3 Days in San Sebastián

Day 1: Getting familiar with San Sebastián

• Morning: Walk or cycle La Concha promenade. Enjoy a coffee at a café overlooking the bay and enjoy a relaxing swim if the weather allows.
• Late morning: Wander up Monte Urgull for views and a look at the castle.
• Afternoon: Explore the Parte Vieja and visit the San Telmo Museum.
• Evening: From 7pm, start your pintxos crawl through the Parte Vieja.

Day 2: Beyond the Old Town

• Morning: Take the funicular to Monte Igueldo for the famous bay views and explore the amusement park.
• Afternoon: Cross the river to the Gros neighbourhood and visit Zurriola beach. You could book a surf lesson!
• Evening: Another night of Pintxos!

Day 3: Day Trip or Fine Dining

• Option A (Day trip): Head to Bilbao for the Guggenheim and a Bilbao pintxos crawl. Or take the coast road to Hondarribia or Getaria for scenery, wine, and seafood.
• Option B (Fine dining): Book the big Michelin dinner that has made San Seb so famous! It’s worth noting that quite a few of the top restaurants offer a lunch tasting menu at significantly lower prices than dinner.
• Evening: Back in the city for a final walk along La Concha as the sun sets.

San Sebastián Travel Guide

So that concludes my detailed San Sebastián Guide. I hope it’s been helpful in planning your trip, or provided the inspiration to visit this wonderful city. It’s most definitely one of those places where you can keep coming back for more, and begin to feel like a local within a day or two. We loved our stay here and can’t wait to go back!

Have you been to San Sebastián? I’d love to hear about your experience in the comments below.