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

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

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.

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

We recently visited San Sebastián, Spain 🇪🇸 A beautiful coastal city in northern Spain that completely won us over 💕 We started our day early with a stroll along Playa de la Concha, one of the most iconic beaches in Spain 🏝️ At sunrise, the light ✨ is soft and golden, making it the perfect time for photos with the bay shimmering under the morning sky ☀️ The calm waters and views of the Isla de Santa Clara are simply breathtaking. We captured a few shots of the beach as it started to come alive, with joggers and locals walking their dogs 🐕 If you’re a photography lover, this is a must 📸 📍Playa de la Concha, 20007 San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa, Spain We also wandered through San Sebastián’s charming Old Town, known as Parte Vieja. The narrow streets and vibrant buildings are full of character 😍 The Plaza de la Constitución, with its historic buildings and charming balconies, was one of our favorite spots for photos 📸 We explored the local shops and admired the bustling pintxos bars lining the streets. Make sure to stop by Bar Nestor, famous for its delicious tomato salad 🥗 and steak 🥩 it’s a hidden gem among the locals 💎 📍Parte Vieja, 20003 San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa, Spain One of the best ways to see the city from above is by hiking up Monte Urgull ⛰️The trail is quite scenic, with lush greenery and historic fortifications along the way. At the summit, we were rewarded with panoramic views of San Sebastián, including the whole coastline and the Old Town. The Castillo de la Mota, a small castle 🏰 perched on the hill, offers the perfect backdrop for a photo with the city spread out below you. The views at midday, when the sun is high, were just spectacular ✨ 📍Monte Urgull, 20003 San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa, Spain We also took a peaceful stroll around the Miramar Palace and its lush gardens. The palace itself is beautiful 😍 but the real highlight for us was the view of the bay and the surrounding hills. From the garden, we got a glimpse of the city and the coastline, which provided the perfect opportunity for some stunning photos 📸 The serenity of the place made it an ideal escape from the crowds. This is a less-visited spot that offers quiet beauty and wonderful photo moments 🙌 📍Miramar Palace, Avda. de los Recoletos, 20007 San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa, Spain We then took the funicular up to Monte Igueldo, where we enjoyed panoramic views of the city at sunset 🌇 The combination of the golden hues of the setting sun with the vibrant blue of the ocean 🌊 made for the perfect photograph. From the top, you can capture breathtaking views of the coastline, the city, and the bay. This is one of the best spots to get a sweeping view of San Sebastián at its most magical 💯 📍Funicular de Monte Igueldo, 20008 San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa, Spain San Sebastián truly is a hidden gem 💎 filled with so many spots that are perfect for photography, delicious food, and unforgettable views 🙌🙌🙌 #hiddengems #travel #Vacation

Here’s a casual and inviting description for Taberna Coffee in San Sebastián: --- Taberna Coffee in San Sebastián is the kind of spot that perfectly blends the charm of a European café with a relaxed, modern vibe. Nestled in this beautiful coastal city, it’s the kind of place where you can take a break from exploring, sit back, and just enjoy the moment. Whether you’re strolling along the city’s famous streets or relaxing after a day by the beach, Taberna Coffee feels like the perfect pit stop. The design is effortlessly chic—classic European touches mixed with a modern, minimalist aesthetic. There are warm wooden tables, cozy seating, and a welcoming atmosphere that makes you want to stay a little longer than planned. And if you’re lucky enough to grab a spot by the window, you can sip your coffee while watching the world go by, which is always a bonus in San Sebastián. Speaking of coffee, it’s clear the folks at Taberna Coffee know their stuff. From a perfectly pulled espresso to velvety cappuccinos, every cup feels like it’s made with care. If you’re more into cold brews or flat whites, they’ve got you covered too. And for non-coffee drinkers, their selection of teas, hot chocolate, and other refreshing beverages is just as good. The menu doesn’t stop at drinks—there’s a small but thoughtful selection of pastries, sandwiches, and light bites, all crafted to pair beautifully with your drink of choice. Whether you’re grabbing a quick breakfast or looking for an afternoon pick-me-up, you won’t leave disappointed. Taberna Coffee isn’t just about the coffee—it’s about the experience. It’s a place where locals and visitors alike come to slow down, soak in the San Sebastián vibe, and savor the little things in life. Definitely a must-visit if you’re in the area! #europetrip

🍴✨ A Food Lover’s Paradise: Donostia-San Sebastián ✨🍴 Welcome to the culinary capital of the Basque Country! Donostia-San Sebastián is a dream destination for foodies, offering an unforgettable journey through flavors, textures, and traditions. Here’s what makes this city a must-visit for food enthusiasts: 🍢 Pintxos: The ultimate Basque tapas experience! Hop from bar to bar in the Old Town (Parte Vieja) and try these bite-sized delights, perfectly paired with a glass of txakoli or cider. 🌊 Seafood Heaven: Located on the Bay of Biscay, Donostia is famous for its ultra-fresh seafood dishes like grilled hake, cod “pil-pil,” and spider crab. 🍷 Michelin-Star Magic: With some of the world’s best restaurants, including Arzak, Akelarre, and Martín Berasategui, treat yourself to a once-in-a-lifetime dining experience. 🥖 Local Markets: Explore La Bretxa Market for fresh ingredients and traditional Basque flavors that locals love. 💡 Don’t Miss: • Cheesecake from La Viña 🧀🍰 • The iconic Gilda pintxo 🫒🐟 • Basque cider houses for a rustic, authentic feast 🍎 📍 Pro Tip: Visit during a food festival or gastro-tour for the ultimate Donostia experience. 📸 Tag us in your foodie adventures! 🥂 #DonostiaFoodie #SanSebastianEats #BasqueCuisine #FoodiesInSpain #PintxosParade

🎄✨ Discover the Magic of Christmas in Donostia! ✨🎄 This holiday season, Donostia-San Sebastián transforms into a winter wonderland, where the charm of Basque culture meets festive cheer. Stroll through the Christmas Market along the iconic Kursaal Bridge and Zurriola Beach, with over 50 beautifully decorated stalls offering: 🎁 Artisanal gifts – Perfect for finding unique treasures 🍷 Hot mulled wine – To warm your hands and heart 🍴 Traditional Basque treats – Indulge in local flavors 🎶 Live music & performances – Adding to the festive atmosphere 🌟 Don’t miss the stunning Christmas lights and decorations throughout the city, especially at La Concha Bay and Old Town. 📅 When: December [insert dates] 📍 Where: Donostia-San Sebastián Gather your loved ones, soak in the festive spirit, and create unforgettable memories in one of the most enchanting corners of the Basque Country! #DonostiaChristmas #SanSebastian #BasqueChristmas #WinterWonderland #FestiveVibes

#donostia #euskalerria #spain #basquecountry

San Sebastian is Spain's gourmet city. The old town is lined with many bars, and tourists from all over the world come to bar-hop. The closer a hotel is to the old town, the more convenient it is! Boulevart Donostia is located in an early 20th century building at Calle Oquendo 2. There is no sign on the outside, but when you get close to the door of the building, you will see a small plate with the name of the store "Boulevart" written on it on the left, and a doorbell underneath it. You can check in by calling there. Be careful, as it is really small and difficult to find. When you go inside, there is a simple front desk counter. It is a simple hotel, but it is clean and safe to stay. The staff are also kind! The drinks in the refrigerator are free, and there was even beer in it. #overseastravelrecord #spaintourism #spaintrip

San Sebastian is famous as a gourmet town in the Basque region of Spain. There are many bars in the old town, and many tourists enjoy bar hopping. If you are staying in San Sebastian, it is convenient to stay in the old town! Cars are prohibited from entering the old town, but people staying in the old town can enter by car. However, if you are going by car, you need to inform the hotel in advance, so be careful. This hotel is located right next to the port (beach), so if you have a sea view room, you can see the port from the window, which is the best location! The welcome drink was not only soft drinks but also wine. Also, there is no plan with breakfast included, but breakfast is served at the restaurant on the first floor. Most of the menu is simple, but even the croissants were delicious, and I was very satisfied with my croissant, quiche, and latte. (I was surprised that the quiche arrived with a fork stuck in it) #Overseas travel record #San Sebastian #Spain trip

Overwhelming! This year's most enviable trip to San Sebastian. The city with the best food in the world! San Sebastian is a place that everyone who likes alcohol wants to visit. The streets, atmosphere, beaches, bar hopping, surrounding towns... everything was great! The only thing I regret is that I haven't been to many bars. Here are the bars I went to. 1st-4th photos: Casa Urola A popular restaurant listed in the Michelin Guide! They also speak a little Japanese (great)! So, it might be the perfect place for your first bar in San Seba. 5th-7th photos: Betijai Berria S.l The restaurant next to Casa Urola. It's relatively new, so it's the cleanest of the restaurants I went to. Each pintxo is large, so I thought it would be expensive, but it was totally normal! And it was delicious! 8th-11th photos: BAR SPORT This is also a super popular restaurant! The sea urchin pintxo and mushroom pintxo are popular. The sea urchin was a little (?) but the mushroom was delicious! 12th photo: Casa Vergara A bar in front of the Santa Maria del Coro Cathedral. There was sea urchin here too. *I only looked at it because the reviews were not so good. (No photos) La Viña The shop where Basque cheese originated. As it is said that cheesecake lovers from all over the world gather here, it is incredibly crowded! No matter what time you go, it is extremely crowded! Only those who line up with the determination to not give up can get it. I wonder if it tastes good? I don't usually eat sweet things, so I don't really know lol #Overseas travel record#San Sebastian #Bar hopping #Spain trip

You can visit the famous Pincho Bar Street and the San Sebastian Cathedral in San Sebastian, and also see La Concha Kontxa Hondartza, which has been voted one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. I recommend it because it's great for traveling through the Basque region of Spain while walking through the Old Town.

San Sebastian - Michelin Food and Natural Beauty ||| When you come to San Sebastian, Spain, in addition to enjoying the beautiful scenery, the most important thing not to miss is the various food! This city is not only the host of the famous San Sebastian International Film Festival, but is also known as the "Michelin Culinary Capital". Delicious Pinxos (Spanish tapas), a specialty of the Old Town, cost around €2.30 each. The most interesting way is to "eat and shop". Buy 1-2 at each store and taste them slowly. You can experience various flavors to your heart's content without having to eat your fill in one store. After enjoying the delicious food, you can walk directly to the foot of Eagle Mountain along Moon Bay to Eagle Cable Car, which takes about half an hour. Walk along the seaside and enjoy the unparalleled sea views along the way. The cable car ticket for Eagle Mountain is 4.5 euros per person. There are two activities you must experience when you reach the top of the mountain - rafting boats and roller coasters. The rafting boat costs 2.5 euros and the roller coaster costs 3 euros. Although the excitement is not high, the scenery is more charming, especially the top of the mountain overlooking the entire San Sebastian and Shell Bay. The panoramic view is picturesque and very spectacular. Warm tip: If you feel that the accommodation prices in San Sebastian are on the high side, you can spend a day here during the day and take the last train at 20:50 to stay in Bilbao in the evening. This is also a good choice. Spain holiday travel recommendations

For the food lovers amongst us, there a few better places than the costal basque city of San Sebastián, whilst there instead of sitting down for a meal head around the city hopping from bar to bar trying some of the famous bitesize treats. Here are some of our recommendations. Bar Txepetxa- famous for its fish and seafood, try the pan-fried Calamari whilst you’re here. Jatetxea- the crab stuffed peppers and risotto here are fantastic. #Pincho #food #basque

San Sebastián in the heart of the Basque Country is well known as a food lovers paradise. Whilst in the city, those looking for that perfect photo opportunity should head to the funicular railway up Monte Igueldo. The historic train ride will lead you up to not only spectacular views over the city for less than €5 return but also an amusement park hosting a scary looking roller coaster on the edge of the mountain. #toptip head up at sunset for the best views

San Sebastián (Donostia in Basque) is a city in northern Spain, located in the province of Gipuzkoa in the Basque Autonomous Community, on the Bay of Biscay, about 20 kilometers from the French border. The city is known for its beautiful beaches, rich food culture, and international film festival. San Sebastián has several famous beaches, including two in the city center, which are known as "the most beautiful beaches in Europe". In addition, the city has natural beauty such as Isla de Santa Clara and historical buildings such as Iglesia del Buen Pastor. San Sebastián is not only a tourist destination, but also a paradise for food lovers. It is considered one of the best places to taste Basque cuisine, has many Michelin-starred restaurants, and is the place with the most Michelin-starred restaurants per capita in the world. The Basque brewing industry is also very developed, especially cider. Culturally, San Sebastián hosts the San Sebastián International Film Festival every year. This is an international A-class film festival established by the International Federation of Film Producers in 1953 and is one of the top ten film festivals in the world. In addition, San Sebastián has a wealth of festivals, such as the "Tamborrada" festival on January 20th every year, and the Semana Grande or Aste Nagusia festival in August, when there will be fireworks competitions and various cultural activities. For solo travelers, San Sebastián offers a wealth of exploration opportunities, whether it is walking along the coastline, enjoying the sea view, or tasting Pintxos in a small bar in the old city, you can experience the charm of the city.

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.

📍 Itinerary Overview 🚩 Sightseeing Route 🏖️ Must-Visit Attractions -Kuangsi Waterfall - Mount phounsi - National Museum - Luang Prabang Heritage 🚇 Transportation - Motorbike and Package Transportation to kuangsi 📷 Photo Spots 🍜 Local Cuisine 🏠 Accommodation 1.Queen's House 💡 Tips

#100WaysOfTravel It should be one of the most luxurious hotels in the area. It's like staying in a royal palace. The decoration is exquisite and gorgeous. The staff is polite and beautiful. The room is huge, like a suite, and the bed is also huge. It's comfortable to live in. Breakfast is 44 euros per person; I went there at 9:30 and a lot of things were gone, and I didn't make up for such an expensive breakfast. It's not as good as the more than ten euros in other hotels. I can order truffles/crab melelette and so on, and the waiter will pour cava for you.

📍 Itinerary Overview - Gros - Parte vieja - la concha 🚩 Sightseeing Route 🏖️ Must-Visit Attractions - Urgul - La concha - el peine de los vientos - iguledo - la parte vieja y el puerto 📷 Photo Spots - paseo viejo 🍜 Local Cuisine - pintxos 💡 Tips

We enjoyed a lovely stroll along la concha beach, beautiful old street and local cuisines. The city is just at the border of France. The view from Monte Igeuldo always mesmerising and we enjoyed the attraction#sansebastian there and beautiful panaromic while dining on top. #San Sebastian #Monteigeuldo #Paysbasques

#beachlife While it being a beach town with great food was already a reason enough to visit San Sebastian. I've always felt that San Sebastian is more about it's vibe and ambience. I also have some fond memories of the night life. It also happens to have one of Europe's best city beaches. This forms an integral part of the city’s enduring appeal. Nestled between lush green hills and the sparkling waters of the Bay of Biscay, San Sebastian is ideal for beachgoers and sun-seekers who are happy to embrace the brisk Atlantic temperatures. You’ll find a few smaller beaches in the city as well, such as Ondarreta, great for surfing and beach games, and the diminutive beach on Santa Clara Island, located in the Bay of Donostia, to which, if you’re up for an adventure, you can swim from Ondarreta. With its crescent-shaped stretch of sand and calm, sapphire-colored waters, La Concha exudes an air of elegance and sophistication. Along with offering peace and calm to those seeking it. #beachlife #basquecountry #espania #flowerlover #nightlife

Speaking of a super famous shop for Basque cheesecake, La Viña is the place to go! One of the reasons for this trip was to try authentic cheesecake🧀 It's located in the old town of San Sebastian, so it's easy to access when sightseeing🙆 The creamy cheesecake was very delicious with a smooth texture like pudding! The shop was quite crowded, so we were able to eat at a table outside! It's a cake I'd like to try again🤤 📍Location: 31 de Agosto Kalea, 3, 20003 Donostia, Gipuzkoa, Spain 🕰️Opening hours 10:30-15:45 19:00-23:00 #Travel with me #San Sebastian #Basque #Basque cheesecake #Spain #Spain trip #Spain sightseeing #Cake #Cheesecake #Spanish gourmet

Real Sociedad Denda Ofiziala is an official goods store for the soccer team "Real Sociedad" based in San Sebastian, Basque Country, northern Spain. Now that Japanese player Kubo is a member of the team, I think even Japanese people are familiar with the team! This time, I came to buy a T-shirt with Kubo's uniform number 10 on it. The shop is two stories tall, including a basement, and stocks a wide variety of items, including children's goods. Choose a T-shirt, have your number printed on it on the basement floor, and you're done! Make sure to buy some soccer goods as a memento of your time in Spain! 🕰️Opening hours: 10:00-20:00 (closed on Sundays) 📍Location: Elkano Kalea, 4, 20005 Donostia, Gipuzkoa, Spain #Travel with me #Travel in Europe #Travel in Spain #Tourism in Spain #Basque Country #San Sebastian #Football #Spain

Nestled atop a hill with breathtaking views, Akelarre - Relais & Châteaux offers more than a place to sleep; it's an experience in San Sebastian's heart. 🏨🌄 At Padre Orkolaga Ibilbidea, 56, this gem combines luxury with the cultural tapestry of the Basque Country. Step into a world where each room is a haven of peace, boasting large windows that frame the stunning landscape like a living masterpiece. 🖼️ Wake up to the ocean's vast expanse, and let the serene ambiance set the tone for your day. With top-notch cleanliness and room amenities, your stay promises to be as refreshing as it is indulgent. Indulge in the flavors of the region with an on-site Michelin-starred restaurant. 🍽️ After a day of exploration or relaxation, pamper yourself at the wellness center or take a dip in the infinity pool, merging seamlessly with the horizon. 🏊‍♀️ Akelarre isn't just a hotel; it's a slice of paradise where every detail caters to an unforgettable travel story. 🌟 #SanSebastian #SanSebastianHotel #SanSebastianTravel

I took the Igeldo cable car to Monte Igeldo parque⛰️ It only takes a few minutes to reach the top, but the scenery on the way there was so beautiful and memorable~ The wooden cable car has been around since the 20th century, so both the facility and the cable car had a sense of history☺️ 📍Location: Funikular Plaza, 4, 20008 Donostia, Gipuzkoa, Spain 🕰️Opening hours: 10:30-21:00 💰Price per person: 4.5€ round trip 💞Reason for recommendation: Take a cable car with over 100 years of history to see the spectacular views of La Concha Coast👀 #Travel with me #Beach #San Sebastian #Basque Country #Spain #Spain Tourism #Spain Travel #Europe Travel #Cable Car #Spectacular View #Coast

Exploring the tiny streets of San Sebastian made the trip worth. Enjoying the fresh seafood and straling around was amazing🇪🇸

San Sebastian, located in the Basque region of northern Spain, is famous for its ria coastline 🌊 The sea is quite rough, but it is also world-famous as a gourmet town because of the delicious seafood it produces 🐟 The coastline has beaches, but swimming in the sea may be difficult due to the fast currents and cliffs and rocks. I really enjoyed walking along the coast with the beautiful scenery that made me forget about time 🚶♀️ The city of San Sebastian is relatively easy to get around on foot, so one day may be enough! (If there are many bars you want to visit in a gourmet town, you will end up eating your fill lol) #Travel with me #Travel in Europe #Spain #Trip to Spain #Spanish Tourism #Basque #SanSebastian #Walk on the Coast