San Sebastián

Written by Celine Fournier, David Garcia, Javier Garcia
30/08/2025
Breathtaking aerial view of the famous La Concha Bay, San Sebastian, showcasing the coastline and cityscape under a cloudy sky.
Catalinush Mcr, Pexels

San Sebastián, nestled on Spain's northern coast, offers a unique blend of elegant Belle Époque architecture, stunning beaches, and a world-renowned culinary scene. It is celebrated globally as a gastronomic capital, particularly for its exceptional pintxos and numerous Michelin-starred restaurants. The city provides a captivating experience, from sunbathing on iconic beaches to exploring rich Basque culture and enjoying breathtaking coastal views.

The Parte Vieja (Old Town) is the vibrant heart of social activity, where traditional pintxo bars come alive, transforming into lively spots as the evening progresses. For a more youthful and carefree ambiance, the Gros District, especially around Zurriola Beach, offers a beach-themed vibe with various bars and unique pintxo deals on certain nights. Additionally, areas like Centro (around Reyes Católicos) provide more laid-back terraces and trendy bars, while dedicated nightclubs can be found near La Concha Beach for late-night entertainment.

Top 6 Things to do in San Sebastián

San Sebastián offers a diverse array of experiences, from culinary explorations and beach adventures to historical discoveries and panoramic viewpoints.

1. Pintxos Hopping and Exploring the Parte Vieja

The Parte Vieja, or Old Town, is a vibrant labyrinth of narrow, pedestrianized streets, famous for its world-class pintxos bars. These small, culinary masterpieces are often displayed artfully on bar counters, offering a unique gastronomic experience. Visitors can wander through the historic streets, admiring traditional Basque architecture, and stopping at various bars to sample different pintxos, often accompanied by local drinks like txakoli or zuritos (small beers). The area also houses historical landmarks such as the Plaza de la Constitución, the Basilica of Santa María del Coro, and the Church of San Vicente, making it a blend of culinary delight and cultural exploration.

Cost: The cost varies depending on the number and type of pintxos and drinks consumed. Individual pintxos can range from approximately €2-€5 each. A typical pintxos crawl for one person, including several pintxos and drinks, might cost around €20-€40. Guided pintxos tours are also available, often costing between €80-€160 per person and usually include multiple pintxos and drinks at selected bars, along with cultural insights.

Transport: The Parte Vieja is centrally located and easily walkable from most parts of San Sebastián. Public buses can reach areas near the Old Town for a standard fare of €1.85, or less with a Mugi card. Taxis are available, with short journeys within the city center typically costing €6-€12.

2. Relaxing and Engaging in Water Sports at La Concha Beach

La Concha Beach, known for its distinctive seashell shape and fine golden sand, is a serene location protected by Mount Urgull and Mount Igueldo. It offers calm waters ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and various water sports. Visitors can rent equipment for activities such as paddleboarding and canoeing to explore the bay or paddle out to Santa Clara Island. During summer, a swimming deck with slides and diving boards is installed. The beach is also perfect for a leisurely stroll along its promenade, Paseo de La Concha, offering picturesque views of the bay and the island.

Cost: Renting a stand-up paddleboard or kayak costs approximately €13 for one hour, €17 for 90 minutes, and €20 for two hours. Wetsuit rental is an additional €5. The use of showers and lockers costs €2. Guided rowing activities in a 'trainera' can cost around €275 for a 2-hour group session.

Transport: La Concha Beach is centrally located, easily accessible on foot from the city center and Parte Vieja. Public buses also serve the area.

3. Ascending Monte Igueldo for Panoramic Views and Vintage Amusement

Monte Igueldo provides some of San Sebastián's most breathtaking panoramic views of La Concha Bay and the city. Visitors can reach the summit via a charming, century-old funicular railway, which offers a unique, nostalgic experience in its traditional wooden carriages. At the top, a vintage amusement park with classic rides offers family-friendly entertainment and a sense of Belle Époque charm.

Cost: A return ticket for the funicular, which includes entrance to the amusement park enclosure, costs €4.75 for adults and €2.50 for children (up to 7 years old). Individual attractions within the park have separate costs, generally ranging from €1.00 to €5.00 per person. Accessing the enclosure on foot without using the funicular costs €2.50 per person.

Transport: The funicular's lower station is located near Ondarreta Beach. It is accessible by walking along the promenade from the city center or by public bus, with standard fares starting at €1.85. Taxis to the funicular base would typically cost €6-€12 for a short journey within the city.

4. Hiking Monte Urgull for Historical Exploration and Scenic Views

Monte Urgull, situated at the eastern end of La Concha Bay, serves as a significant green space and historical landmark. It features well-maintained trails of easy to moderate difficulty, leading to various viewpoints that offer spectacular vistas of the city, La Concha Bay, and the Cantabrian Sea. Along the paths, remnants of its past as a military fortress, including the Castillo de la Mota, defensive walls, and cannons, tell stories of San Sebastián's history. The hike typically takes about 30-45 minutes to reach the summit, with visitors often spending a couple of hours exploring the different routes and historical sites.

Cost: Free to access and explore.

Transport: Monte Urgull is located adjacent to the Parte Vieja and the port, with multiple access points from the Old Town (e.g., Mari Street, Plaza Zuloaga near San Telmo Museum) and Paseo Nuevo. It is easily reachable on foot.

5. Surfing the Waves at Zurriola Beach

Zurriola Beach, located in the Gros district, is San Sebastián's vibrant surf hub, known for its consistent waves suitable for all skill levels. It is a popular spot for both beginners learning to surf and experienced surfers. Numerous surf schools offer lessons, and rental shops provide equipment such as surfboards and wetsuits. The beach has a lively, youthful atmosphere, especially around the Sagüés area.

Cost: Surfboard rental typically starts around €5 for 1 hour, €10 for 2 hours, or €30-€35 for a full day, with wetsuit rental costing approximately €6-€7 for 1 hour or €20-€25 for a day. Private surf lessons cost approximately €160 for one person or €80 per person for a small group (2-4 people) for a 90-minute session.

Transport: Zurriola Beach is located in the Gros neighborhood, a short walk from the Parte Vieja across the Urumea River via the Zurriola Bridge. Public buses also connect to the area, with standard fares starting at €1.85.

6. Exploring Basque Society and Culture at San Telmo Museum

Located in the heart of the Parte Vieja, the San Telmo Museum is housed in a beautifully renovated 16th-century Dominican convent with a modern extension. It functions as a museum of Basque society and culture, presenting over 36,000 artifacts from prehistoric times to the present day. The museum's collections cover fine arts, archaeology, history, and ethnography, offering deep insights into the region's unique heritage. Its Renaissance-style cloister and an old church with murals by Josep M. Sert are highlights.

Cost: General admission is €6, with a reduced fare of €3 for students, seniors (65+), and large families. Entry is free every Tuesday and on May 18th (International Museum Day). Children under 25 also have free admission. Guided tours for groups (up to 25 people) are available for €75, not including the entrance ticket.

Transport: The museum is in the Parte Vieja and is easily accessible on foot from the city center. Several public bus lines have stops within 550 meters of the museum, with standard fares starting at €1.85.

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