Why Travel to San Sebastián?
San Sebastian (Donostia in Basque), located along Spain´s northern coast near the French border, is one of the country´s most elegant and attractive destinations. This seaside city in the Basque Country combines dramatic natural beauty, urban charm, and a renowned culinary scene. Surrounded by the green hills of Monte Igeldo, Urgull, and Ulía, and facing the Bay of Biscay, San Sebastián is not just a beach town, it's a paradise for food lovers, culture seekers, and those who appreciate a relaxed yet refined atmosphere.
Explore the City´s History and Architecture
Begin your journey in the Parte Vieja, San Sebastián´s Old Town, where narrow lanes open onto bustling plazas filled with pintxo bars, cider houses, and old charm buildings. Here are some interesting sites:
- San Vicente Church: The oldest church in the city, showcasing austere Gothic architecture.
- Santa María del Coro Basilica: A Baroque beauty with an intricate façade and breathtaking interiors.
- San Telmo Museum: Housed in a 16th-century convent, this museum is a must-visit for its collection of Basque art and history, including murals by Josep Maria Sert.
Walk along elegant, tree-lined boulevards, cross beautiful bridges over the Urumea River, and admire other iconic landmarks like the Catedral del Buen Pastor, the former Municipal Casino, and the Kursaal Congress Centre and Auditorium, a modernist addition to the city´s cultural scene.
Soak Up Natural Beauty
San Sebastian boasts three stunning beaches, each with its personality:
- La Concha: Often named among the world´s best urban beaches, this shell-shaped bay offers golden sands, calm waters, and iconic views of Santa Clara Island.
- Ondarreta Beach: Located west of La Concha, it´s ideal for families with gardens and sculptures in the surroundings.
- Zurriola Beach: A favorite among surfers and younger crowds, just across the river from the Old Town.
For panoramic views, take the funicular up to Monte Igeldo, or hike up Monte Urgull to see the impressive statue of Christ and the historic Mota Castle.
Taste the Flavors of San Sebastián
San Sebastián is the destination for food lovers. The city has one of the highest concentrations of Michelin-starred restaurants per capita in the world. Names like Arzak, Akelarre, and Martín Berasategui are legendary, offering avant-garde Basque cuisine rooted in local traditions.
But you don’t need to dine in a temple of gastronomy to eat well here. Head to the Mercado de la Bretxa, a vibrant local market with fresh produce, seafood, and Basque delicacies, then explore the bars of the Old Town for pintxos, the Basque version of tapas. These bite-sized delights are creatively prepared and beautifully presented, often skewered on bread or served as miniature culinary masterpieces. Some of the specialties can be: foie gras with apple compote, grilled prawns, or slow-cooked beef cheeks in red wine sauce.
And don’t forget to visit the cider houses. Here you can enjoy rustic meals of salt cod omelet, steak, and Idiazabal cheese, washed down with the refreshing Basque cider straight from the barrel.
Celebrate Local Culture and Festivities
San Sebastian hosts a variety of festivals throughout the year that reflect its rich heritage and contemporary scene. The most famous is the San Sebastián International Film Festival each September, attracting global stars to its red carpets. The Tamborrada in January is a 24-hour celebration of drumming, costumes, and community spirit, while Semana Grande (Aste Nagusia) in August fills the city with music, fireworks, and street performances.
Our food experts have chosen the best tour operators offering tours with food, wine, and walking holidays in San Sebastian. You can check our full list of things to do in San Sebastian: top food tours to San Sebastian and top boutique hotels in the sections of the travel guide to San Sebastian.
Population: 189,866 (2025)