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San Sebastian, Spain

Destination Guide

San Sebastian

Spain

Best things to do in San Sebastian

13 curated attractions in San Sebastian, Spain. Handpicked for every kind of traveler.

Best time

May - September

Average temp

17°C/63°F

Budget

Mid-range

Safety

Very safe

About San Sebastian

San Sebastian, the Basque culinary capital, is set against a coastal backdrop where the Bay of Biscay meets a city that takes food seriously. Pintxos bars line the streets, and the city is known for its excellent seafood and Michelin-starred restaurants, which keeps both locals and visitors delightfully well-fed. The city's layout radiates from the old town, where narrow streets lead to the beach and the iconic La Concha bay. San Sebastian also has a culture shaped by film festivals and traditional Basque customs, although the annual influx of tourists during the summer can make it feel a little bit crowded. People come for the excellent food and beautiful beaches, though if you're after peace and quiet, you might want to consider dining on a weekday instead of the weekend.

Who it's for

Food lovers will thrive here, especially those who enjoy sampling local cuisine at every turn. However, anyone seeking solitude or a less environment may find the tourist crowds at odds with their expectations. If you can't stand a busy tapas bar, look elsewhere.

Getting around

Public transport: Good

  • The old town is compact enough to walk across in fifteen minutes
  • There are frequent buses connecting the city to nearby towns and attractions
  • La Concha beach is just a short stroll from the main pintxos hotspots
  • The train station is about a twenty-minute walk from the city center
Parte Vieja

Parte Vieja

Old towns & historic quarters
Monte Igueldo

Monte Igueldo

Scenic viewpoints
La Concha Beach

La Concha Beach

Beaches
Peine del Viento

Peine del Viento

Fountains, statues & public art
Monte Urgull

Monte Urgull

Forts & citadels
Playa Zurriola

Playa Zurriola

Beach & Coastal Attractions
Cristina Enea Park

Cristina Enea Park

City parks
Miramar Palace

Miramar Palace

Castles & palaces
San Telmo Museum

San Telmo Museum

History museums
Plaza de la Constitución

Plaza de la Constitución

Cultural & Heritage Sites
Buen Pastor Cathedral

Buen Pastor Cathedral

Churches & cathedrals
Funicular Monte Igueldo

Funicular Monte Igueldo

Historical Attractions
San Sebastián Aquarium

San Sebastián Aquarium

Aquariums

Where to eat in San Sebastian

The places worth planning a meal around.

Café de La Concha

Café de La Concha

Basque · $$

★ 3.8 · 4,106 reviews

Ganbara

Ganbara

★ 4.3 · 3,501 reviews

Bar Nestor

Bar Nestor

Spanish

★ 4.5 · 2,474 reviews

Mugaritz⭐⭐ Michelin

Mugaritz

Modernist · $$$$

★ 3.7 · 1,222 reviews

La Viña

La Viña

Basque · $$

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