San Sebastian (Donostia) travel guide - where to stay, what to do, and where to eat pintxos in San Sebastian, Gipuzkoa, Basque Country, Spain.
Top attractions
The most popular and significant attractions in San Sebastian.
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1
La Concha Beach and Promenade
San Sebastian's crescent city beach, framed by Monte Urgull, Monte Igueldo and the small island of Santa Clara, with a white balustraded promenade along its full length.
Tip: Check the tide times before settling on the sand, as high tide leaves little room. · Follow the lifeguard flags; the bathing season service runs in summer only. · Visit at sunrise or after 19:00 for a quieter promenade and softer light. · Keep valuables out of sight on the sand; leave nothing unattended while swimming. · Pair the walk with a stop at the Miramar gardens for a free view back over the bay.
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2
Monte Igueldo Funicular and Viewpoint
The funicular of 1912 climbs Monte Igueldo to the best panoramic viewpoint over La Concha bay, with a small old-style amusement park at the summit.
Tip: Go on a clear afternoon; the view disappears in low cloud. · Check the day's closing time before going up so you do not miss the last funicular. · Buy ride tickets inside the park only if travelling with children; the viewpoint is reachable on the funicular ticket. · Dress warmly, as the summit is windy. · Consider walking down the road towards Ondarreta for a free return.
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3
Parte Vieja (Old Town) and Pintxo Bars
The compact old town rebuilt after the 1813 fire, packed with pintxo bars on Calle 31 de Agosto, Calle Fermin Calbeton and Calle Mayor.
Tip: Start after 19:00 when the counters are full, and limit yourself to one or two pintxos per bar. · Look for the hot specials on the blackboard, which are cooked to order. · Many bars close one weekday and in mid-afternoon; check before you walk across town. · Carry some cash, though most bars accept cards. · Watch bags in crowded bars, especially during Semana Grande.
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4
Monte Urgull and the Castle of La Mota
The wooded hill above the old town, crowned by the castle of La Mota, which has 12th-century origins, with the Sacred Heart statue, old cannons and sea views.
Tip: Wear shoes with grip; the steps are uneven and damp after rain. · Check the closing time at the entrances and be down before it. · Combine with the Paseo Nuevo sea-wall walk for a loop. · Ask at the tourism office about the museum's hours, as they were not confirmed. · Bring water in summer; there are few services on the hill.
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5
Basilica of Santa Maria del Coro
The old town's main church, a Baroque building with a decorated stone facade on the street of the pintxo bars.
Tip: Visit between services; the church closes at midday. · Dress modestly and keep voices low. · Pair with a walk up the Urgull path starting beside the church. · Look up at the facade statuary in morning light. · Verify hours at the door as sources differ.
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6
San Telmo Museoa
A museum of Basque society and history in a 16th-century Dominican convent with a modern extension, beside the Urgull hill.
Tip: Check the website for the current temporary exhibition. · Go on a weekday morning to avoid crowds. · Ask at the desk about English-language guides. · Combine with the climb to Monte Urgull next door. · Ask about reduced fares if you are a student or over 65.
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7
Peine del Viento (Comb of the Wind)
Eduardo Chillida's three steel sculptures anchored in the rocks at the end of Ondarreta beach, with blowholes that spray when the swell comes.
Tip: Check the tide table and go near high tide. · Stand back from the blowholes in strong swell. · Wear non-slip shoes on wet stone. · Combine with the Miramar gardens and Ondarreta beach. · Take care with phones and cameras in the spray.
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8
Kursaal and Zurriola Beach
Rafael Moneo's two glass cubes at the mouth of the Urumea river, next to the surf beach of Zurriola in the Gros district.
Tip: Visit around sunset when the cubes change colour. · Check the Kursaal agenda for concerts and festival events. · Watch surfers from the promenade rather than swimming near them. · Eat pintxos in Gros for a less crowded crawl. · Pack a windproof layer.
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9
Buen Pastor Cathedral
San Sebastian's neo-Gothic cathedral, with a slender spire that dominates the Centro district.
Tip: Check the hours at the door. · Avoid Mass times when visiting as a tourist. · Look up at the spire from the square. · Combine with Calle Loyola for shopping. · Dress modestly.
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10
San Sebastian Aquarium
A harbourside aquarium with a long underwater tunnel through Bay of Biscay species and a maritime history exhibition.
Tip: Buy online to avoid queues in July and August. · Ask about the feeding timetable when buying. · Use it as a rainy-day option. · The ticket office closes an hour before the aquarium. · Combine with the port and the Urgull walk.
Attractions by category
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Practical information
What you need to know before you go.
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Tips for visiting attractions
Make the most of your sightseeing time.
San Sebastian's main sights are compact: the Parte Vieja, La Concha, Monte Urgull, San Telmo and the aquarium lie within about 15 minutes' walk of each other, and the Kursaal, Tabakalera and Buen Pastor are a further 10 to 15 minutes away. Monte Igueldo, Miramar and the Peine del Viento are at the western end of the bay, reachable by promenade walk or Dbus bus. Many museums close on Mondays, churches close during services, and hours at several sights vary by season, so check the official pages or ask at the tourism office at Ijentea 1 (phone +34 943 481
before travelling
Frequently asked questions
How many days are needed for San Sebastian?
Two full days cover La Concha, the Parte Vieja, Monte Urgull and a pintxo crawl; a third day adds Monte Igueldo, the Peine del Viento and Gros; a fourth or fifth adds Hondarribia, Getaria or Pasaia.
Is San Sebastian walkable?
Yes. The main sights between the old town, La Concha and the Boulevard are within 15 minutes on foot, and the promenade to Ondarreta takes about 40 minutes.
What is a pintxo?
A pintxo is a small Basque bar snack, usually on bread and held with a toothpick; bars charge by the pintxo, typically EUR 2-5 (about USD 2.30-5.75), and a pintxo crawl replaces dinner for many visitors.
What is the best time to visit San Sebastian?
June to September is warmest for swimming, though busiest; late spring and early autumn are milder with fewer crowds; the Zinemaldia film festival in September and the Semana Grande in August bring extra visitors and higher prices.