San Sebastián is famous for its delicious food, beautiful beaches, rich history, fun festivals, and friendly people! It is also known as Donostia in Euskara, the local Basque language. Since I lived in Bilbao, in the Basque Country, for a year, I had the opportunity to visit San Sebastian and see all it has to offer. I absolutely loved seeing San Sebastian in Bloomberg’s “Where To Go in 2024” list. Futhermore, it’s a perfect vacation place as it really does have everything! You can eat yummy pintxos, relax on the sand, explore old buildings, enjoy events, and meet the locals. It’s the perfect place to have fun and make memories!
Where to Stay in San Sebastian
When visiting San Sebastián, you’ll want to stay in a central location that allows easy access to the city’s main attractions. There’s a large variety of neighborhoods to choose from! Whether you want a luxury accomodation or an affordable budget hostel, San Sebastian has it all. Here are some recommended areas to consider:
Old Town (Parte Vieja): The old town is known for its charming narrow streets, historic buildings, and vibrant atmosphere. Staying in the Old Town puts you right in the heart of the action. You will be surrounded by pintxos bars, restaurants, and shops, and within walking distance of La Concha beach. Personally, I like staying in this area the most. It’s a perfect walking distance from things to do, but it also feels like you have your own space.
- Hotel: Hotel Maria Cristina, a Luxury Collection Hotel
- Hostel: Koba Hostel
Gros: Located just across the river from the Old Town, Gros offers a more relaxed vibe while still being close to the beach and city center. This trendy neighborhood is known for its surf culture, laid-back cafes, and eclectic mix of shops and restaurants.
- Hotel: Hotel Arrizul Congress
- Hostel: Surfing Etxea
City Center: If you prefer a more modern and upscale experience, staying in the city center is a great option. Here you’ll find luxury hotels, boutique shops, and upscale dining options. They also have easy access to public transportation for exploring towns outside of the area.
- Hotel: Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra
- Hostel: A Room in the City
La Concha Promenade: For stunning views of La Concha Bay and easy access to the beach, consider staying along the La Concha Promenade. You’ll find a range of hotels offering waterfront views and a tranquil atmosphere.
- Hotel: Hotel Niza
Antiguo: Antiguo is west of the city center and is a quieter residential neighborhood. It is known for its green spaces and upscale homes. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for a peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle of the city center. It’s a convenient spot as it still allows you to be within walking distance of the beach and other attractions.
- Hotels: Sercotel Codina
- Hostel: Koisi Hostel
San Sebastián offers a variety of accommodation options to suit every taste and budget. They range from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels. I advise you to book your accommodation in advance, especially during the peak tourist season. When is San Sebastian the busiest? Well, keep reading to learn when to visit
When to Go to San Sebastian
The best time to visit San Sebastián is during the spring and fall months, from March to May and September to November. During these times, the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller. Therefore, you can enjoy pleasant temperatures for outdoor activities like beach visits and hiking. Additionally, the famous San Sebastián International Film Festival takes place in September, adding to the city’s vibrant atmosphere. The peak months are in the summer. I advise you to avoid visiting during July and August if possible. These months can be crowded and prices tend to be higher due to the summer vacation season.
San Sebastián offers something unique in each season, whether it’s the vibrant energy of summer or the cultural richness of fall and winter. No matter when you visit, you’re sure to be captivated by the city’s beauty, charm, and culinary delights
Who Should Go to San Sebastian
I truly believe that San Sebastian has something for everyone! Although it is a small city, it is packed with a multitude of things to do. San Sebastián has a unique blend of culinary delights, natural beauty, cultural richness, and accessibility. These traits make it a highly sought-after tourist spot. You will likely meet visitors from around the globe eager to experience its charms.
What to Do in San Sebastian
I was very busy the first time I visited San Sebastian, and there was still more to do every time I went back! There is a large variety of activities in this area whether it’s eating the day away, or relaxing on the beach, or hiking. Therefore, there is something for everyone! San Sebastian is a perfect vacation spot because you really do have the chance to do everything in an authentic Spanish town! Make sure to add some of these activities to your visit to this incredible area!
1. Immerse Yourself in Culinary Delights: Pintxos to Michelin Star Restaurants
Pinxtos are the Basque form on tapas. As mentioned in Culture Trip, San Sebastian is recognized as one of the top places for incredible food in the world! San Sebastian has a total of 19 Michelin stars which is a lot for the size of the city. You can check out all of the Michelin Start restaurant options here and make reservations for your stay. As you may know, San Sebastian is located right on the coast. Therefore, their seafood is fresh and mouth-watering. While there, it is a MUST to dive into the culinary scene in this area. You can also sign up for an authentic Basque cooking class or go on a Pintxo tour. Both are great ways to immerse yourself in the culinary culture. You will not be disappointed by the mouth-watering experiences.
2. Relax at La Concha Beach
La Concha Beach is a must-go-to spot as the city engulfs this area. It’s a picturesque urban beach located in the heart of the city of San Sebastian. It is one of the most famous and beautiful beaches in Europe. The beach is bordered by the iconic Mount Urgull and Mount Igueldo. La Concha Beach is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. It offers opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. It has stunning picturesque views of the city and the surrounding landscape.
3. Hike up Monte Urgull
The hike up Monte Urgull offers a rewarding experience with beautiful views and interesting historical sites along the way. As you go up, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of San Sebastian, La Concha Bay, and the Basque coastline. Along the trail, you’ll encounter historical sites. Castillo de la Mota, a 12th-century fortress now housing the History Museum of San Sebastian. Another one you will see is Sagrado Corazón Statue which offers breathtaking views from the summit. The hike is relatively short and not too strenuous. It takes between 30 to 45 minutes to reach the top. It’s a wonderful walk and definitely a must while visiting the area!
4. Walk around Old Town (Parte Vieja)
San Sebastian’s Old Town, also known as Parte Vieja, is a charming and historic neighborhood that is definitely worth a visit! In Parte Vieja, you’ll find narrow cobblestone streets, colorful buildings dating back to the Middle Ages, and plenty of historic architecture to admire. The area is famous for its lively atmosphere and abundance of pintxos bars. These are a must to go to to sample delicious Basque cuisine. It’s also a great place for shopping, with boutique stores, souvenir shops, and local markets. You can find everything from handicrafts to gourmet food products. Parte Vieja has picturesque plazas and squares, perfect for relaxing with a coffee or a glass of wine. Additionally, you’ll find cultural attractions such as the San Telmo Museum and the Basilica of Saint Mary of the Chorus. Going to San Sebastian’s Old Town is an experience that you cannot miss while there!
5. Visit the Miramar Palace and Gardens
I have not gone into the Miramar Palace yet, but locals have recommended it as a spot to visit. The gardens are stunning and tons of people were relaxing on the grass. It was filled with people when I visited and is a great spot to relax and take in the views. It is a stunning example of 19th-century architecture and landscape design. The palace was built as a summer residence for the Spanish royal family. It overlooks the picturesque La Concha Bay and offers breathtaking views of the coastline. The palace is surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens. Visitors can explore the gardens, take in the scenic views, and enjoy a stroll along the coastline.
7. Essential Day Trips
There are numerous possible day trips you can take from San Sebastian! Personally, I have done 4/6 of these and I can highly recommend all of these trips. Whether it’s personal experiences or a local perspective, these are the top day trip choices from San Sebastian! Public transportation is generally really easy to navigate or you can look into a day trip tour!
Bilbao: The first potential trip is Bilbao! As a resident of this area, it is a must-visit. It is close enough that you can go for the day or stay overnight. I have a detailed blog about Bilbao if you decide to visit. If you want to just go for the day, you can do a tour that stops in Bilbao and shows multiple coast cities.
Hondarribia: Explore the picturesque fishing village of Hondarribia, with its colorful houses, cobblestone streets, and charming Old Town. Make sure to see the stunning views from the top of Mount Jaizkibel.
Getaria: Visit the charming coastal town of Getaria, famous for its seafood restaurants, beautiful beach, and scenic coastal walks. This town is home to the Cristobal Balenciaga Museum which is dedicated to the famous fashion designer.
San Juan Gaztelugatxe – Dragonstone: San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is a stunning island on the Basque coast of Spain, near Bermeo. It is connected to the mainland by a stone bridge. The island’s dramatic cliffs and breathtaking views have made it a popular tourist destination. It also served as the filming location for Dragonstone in the TV series, Game of Thrones. Visitors can climb the 241 steps to the top of the island for panoramic views of the Bay of Biscay!
Biarritz: Cross the border into France and spend the day exploring the chic seaside town of Biarritz. Visit the iconic Rocher de la Vierge, stroll along the promenade, and relax on one of the town’s beautiful beaches.
Hiking in the Basque Country: Explore the stunning natural beauty of the Basque Country with a hike in the surrounding mountains. Popular hiking destinations include Mount Ulia, Mount Adarra, and the Jaizkibel Coastal Path.
These are just a few of the many day trips you can take from San Sebastian, each offering its own unique attractions and experiences. Whether you’re interested in culture, history, food, or nature, you’re sure to find something to enjoy on a day trip from San Sebastian!
How to Get to San Sebastian
The choice of transportation method to San Sebastián depends on factors like budget, travel preferences, and convenience. Personally, I have found that the bus is the easiest option. Learn about why the bus is the best here! Whether you opt for taking the train or bus, or driving, each option offers its own advantages in terms of cost, travel time, and comfort.
San Sebastian is Calling You!
Donostia-San Sebastián is a truly incredible place! Every visit was filled with incredible memories and a wonderful visit. It’s unique blend of culinary delights, natural beauty, cultural richness, and accessibility make it a highly sought-after tourist spot. It draws visitors from around the globe eager to experience its charms firsthand!
-TTT
