San Sebastian is one of Europe’s most interesting small cities, with so many things to do that discovering the top 10 Things to Do in San Sebastián becomes the perfect way to experience it, from hidden corners between mountains and the sea, full of impressive history and rich culture, paradise for food, beaches and stunning viewpoints. If you come here for the very first time, it’s perfect if you could stay between 1-3 days. Here you don’t have to worry about the transport, because all the three beaches, the old town and the other neighbourhoods are so close, you can reach everything by foot, without being in a hurry, which gives your experience a magical touch of slowing down.
Apart from San Sebastian food tour or Michelin star restaurants, there are so many more plans to do and we don’t want you to miss them! So that is why in this article we want to share the best experiences for your first trip to San Sebastian, to make your experience unforgettable.
In this Things to Do in San Sebastián you are going to find different experiences for food, beaches, viewpoints, including the best time of the day to do these activities.
1) Go on a pintxos crawl in the Old Town (Parte Vieja)
Let’s start with the Old Town, the original city of San Sebastian. In Basque country we don’t have tapas, but we have pintxos (even better), which you ask for at the bar. Do you want to eat pintxos as a local? Visit 4-6 bars and have 1-2 different pintxos in each of them. What’s important, you eat your pintxos standing shoulder to shoulder with the others. Pintxos usually is a small snack before the main meal, but you can turn it into the whole lunch or dinner! The best timing to start is at 12pm or in the evening at 6-7pm.
2) Walk La Concha Bay promenade (best at sunset)
It is one of our favorite walks in the city. It is called La Concha because it has a shape of a shell (concha). You are going to experience breathtaking views, Santa Clara Island facing the beach and an architecture which can remind you of a little Paris. The best time to take a walk? Golden hour is the hour to see this place at its best.
Pro tip: Recommended after having some pintxos to walk towards Miramar, the Royal palace, or the other way around, from Miramar towards the old town. It takes approx around 30min, 1hour.
3) Take in the classic viewpoint from Monte Igueldo
From the mountain Igeldo you can get the panoramic view of the city. It definitely has the postcard view and you can be in it! Also to get there you can take one of the oldest funiculars in Spain, it goes every 15min and you can get the ticket before the entrance.
Pro tip: Recommended to go the first hour in the morning to escape the queues in high season, don´t forget to bring a water bottle and a light jacket just in case. If you get hungry up there, you’ll find there a bar where you can treat yourself with a delicious pintxo.
4) Hike Monte Urgull for history and panoramic views
If you want to see the city from a different perspective, you have to visit Monte Urgul with the Jesus statue on top. It’s not a difficult hike and it takes around 45-90min to explore the area. It’s definitely worth coming up here and exploring a historically important place, it used to be a military base in the 12th century.
Pro tip: You can start walking from San Telmo museum talking stairs or from Basilica de Santa Maria.
5) Relax at La Concha Beach (or take a swim on calm days)
If you want to have a nice bath or walk barefoot on the sand, we recommend you head to La Concha beach. Important to mention that we have changing tides, the level of the sea changes every six hours. During the law tide you have more space and during the high tide might have to squeeze in a little and maybe make friends with the locals.
Pro tip: Mornings of course are the most quiet time of the day, so depending on the mood you can choose your best time.
6) Feel the surf vibe at Zurriola Beach in Gros
We always get excited recommending this spot! Zurriola is located in the Gros neighborhood, just across the bridge from the Old Town. If you love surfing or watching waves, this place is for you.
Pro tip: It is one of the beautiful spots to watch the sunset. It is in Sagues, by the end of the beach where you can sit on the wall and enjoy the views. Also you can have a drink in the beach bar or take away the famous tortilla de patata (Spanish omelet) from bar Adamo.
7) Visit San Telmo Museum to understand Basque culture
Visiting the San Telmo museum is a must, it is a place where the history, identity and the culture of the Basque country is explained. The visit takes around one hour.
Pro tip: The museum is in the old town and next to the mountain Urgull, it is the perfect combination of different activities next to each other, perfect for a rainy day.
8) Browse a local food market for Basque flavors and produce
Do you want to explore the local tastes apart from going to the pintxo bars and the restaurants? Go to the local market! We have two great markets – La Bretxa in the old town and San Martin in the center. You can find fresh seasonal products sold by the producers here like cheese, ham, fish, vegetables, preserved foods in cans and jars. Also, if you don´t want to cook during your holiday, you can also find already prepared food which you can warm up in the place you are staying.
Pro tip: For the bigger selection of food the best time to visit a local market is early in the morning; the perfect excuse to enjoy the vibe of the busy fish market. On Saturday evening and Sunday, the market is closed.
9) Do a Basque Coast half-day trip (Getaria or Zarautz)
If you want a break from the city – go to Zarautz, which is a small village by the coastline, offering surfing or just relaxing by the ocean. Or the small medieval village Getaria, where you can have fresh fish and seafood with the local Txakoli wine which was made next by vineyard.
Pro tip: Both plans are perfect for midday, so it is your choice. If you have all day, you can visit Getaria first and go walking to Zarautz by the ocean (approx 1hour).
10) Treat yourself: Michelin dining or a guided food experience
And of course, a cherry on the top of the cake for your trip – dining at a Michelin star restaurant or a food tour. It’s up to you. Both great foodie experiences, depending on your needs. The food tour on your first day is the best way to learn how to get around the city, visit the local bars and try the best pintxos led by an expert. Dining in Michelin is the place where you can relax, see how tradition and innovation meets, each meal is an artistic experience.
Pro tip: Make a reservation before the high season, specially for dinner. Topa!
