A former royal tobacco factory turned into a contemporary culture centre with galleries, a film library and a roof terrace.
Tabakalera occupies the former tobacco factory of San Sebastian, a large early 20th-century building in the Egia district, converted into an international centre for contemporary culture that opened to the public in September 2015. Inside are exhibition galleries, a creation lab, a film library, a cafe, a restaurant with views, and a rooftop terrace with a view over the city. Entry to the building is free, and many exhibitions are free or low cost. The centre is a good alternative to the crowded old town, with indoor spaces for rest. Exhibition room hours differ from the building hours and may close in the early afternoon, so check the agenda online. Programming is usually in Basque, Spanish and often English. The surrounding Egia district has a local feel and good bars away from the main tourist trail.
| Admission | Building free; exhibition entry varies, many are free; confirm |
|---|---|
| Hours | Reported Monday to Friday 09:00-21:00 and weekends 10:00-21:00 for the building; exhibition rooms have shorter and variable hours; confirm on tabakalera.eus |
| Typical visit | 1-2 hours |
| Best time | Weekday afternoons; rooftop at sunset when open |
| Getting there | Walk 10-15 minutes from the Boulevard or the Kursaal; the Euskotren Amara station is a short walk; Dbus buses serve Egia |
| Address | Andre Zigarrogileen Plaza, 1, 20012 Donostia / San Sebastian, Gipuzkoa, Spain |
Location
Andre Zigarrogileen Plaza, 1, 20012 Donostia / San Sebastian, Gipuzkoa, Spain
43.3189, -1.9728 View on map
Highlights
- Converted tobacco factory building
- Roof terrace views over the city
- Film library and exhibition galleries
- Egia neighbourhood bars
Tips for visiting
- Check the agenda for current exhibitions.
- Visit the terrace on clear days.
- Use the cafe as a rest stop.
- Check gallery hours separately from the building.
- Combine with the Kursaal and Gros.
When to visit
Weekday afternoons.
Accessibility
The building is modern; confirm lift and step-free routes with the centre.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
Is Tabakalera free?
Entering the building is free; some exhibitions and events are ticketed.
Does it have views?
A rooftop terrace and restaurant offer city views, subject to opening times.
When did it open?
It opened to the public in September 2015.