Gerda
Recommends
San Sebastian, Spain
Explore
A curated collection of my favorite places, experiences, and local recommendations to help you discover the best of San Sebastián.
San Sebastian Guide
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San Sebastian Guide
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San Sebastian Guide
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San Sebastian Guide · San Sebastian Guide · San Sebastian Guide ·
La Concha Beach & Boardwalk
Paseo de La Concha, 20007 San Sebastián
One of Europe's most beautiful urban beaches, La Concha is perfect for a leisurely stroll and for a dip. Continue west along the promenade and take the 100-year-old Monte Igueldo Funicular for panoramic views over the bay—especially spectacular at sunset. An option to hike down too, it takes about 1.5h or so to reach the city center.
Santa Clara Island
Ferry departs from Paseo del Muelle
A short ferry ride (every 30 minutes, 10AM-7PM) brings you to this peaceful island where you can enjoy a drink, go for a swim, visit the lighthouse, or simply admire San Sebastián from the water. Walk east along La Concha promenade toward the Old Town (Parte Vieja), continue to the San Sebastián Harbour (Puerto). The ferry departs from the Paseo del Muelle, next to San Pedro Church. Look for the Motoras de la Isla ticket booth.
San Sebastián Walking & Pintxos Tour
Meet at the Tourism Office, Alameda del Boulevard 8
A two-hour guided walking tour combining local history with pintxos and a drink. Daily two-hour tours, 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM.
San Martín Market
Urbieta Kalea 9, 20006 San Sebastián
Probably my favorite highlight. See what fresh, world-class quality market food is like. A modern two-story market offering excellent local produce, gourmet foods, seafood, wine, and specialty shops.
Mercado de la Bretxa
Alameda del Boulevard 3, 20003 San Sebastián
One of the city's oldest markets where locals shop for fresh seafood, meats, produce, and Basque specialties.
San Telmo Museum
Plaza Zuloaga 1, 20003 San Sebastián
Discover over 500 years of Basque history, culture, and art inside a beautifully restored 16th-century convent.
Casa Otaegui
Narrika Kalea 15, 20003 San Sebastián
Founded in 1886, this historic pastry shop is famous for traditional Basque pastries and sweets.
Gros Neighborhood
Gros District
One of the city's trendiest neighborhoods, filled with independent cafés, boutiques, pintxos bars, and local life beyond the Old Town.
Zurriola Beach
Zurriola Hiribidea, 20002 San Sebastián
Home to San Sebastián's surfing scene, Zurriola offers a younger, more energetic atmosphere than La Concha and is a great place to watch surfers throughout the day.
Altxerri Jazz Bar
Reina Regente Kalea 2, 20003 San Sebastián
After a pintxos crawl, head over here. A longtime local favorite for intimate live jazz performances and late-night music.
EXPLORE
EAT SOMETHING
I've included a handful of favorites along with a few signature dishes to look for (many are seasonal). And I am not going to tell you which one has rooster comb in it. Access dining guide with password: sansebastian
I WANT THAT EXTRA
Cooking Classes & Food Tours
Looking to immerse yourself in Basque cuisine? I partner with one of San Sebastián's premier culinary schools and would be delighted to arrange a memorable cooking class or guided food tour tailored to your interests. Experiences are available as private or small-group (typically 4–8 guests) and should be reserved in advance. Simply let me know your preference, and I'll take care of the arrangements. Expect cost to start from $180/pp, all depends on the class.
Pintxos, Tapas & More Cooking Class
Traditional Basque Cuisine
Market Tour & Fish Cooking Class
Market Tour & Seasonal Cooking Class
Spanish Cooking: Beyond Paella
Michelin Secrets Cooking Class
Food Tours
Pintxos & Wine Tour (Lunch or Dinner)
Private Pintxos & Wine Tour
A charming fishing village known for Txakoli vineyards, fresh seafood, the Balenciaga Museum, and beautiful harbor views.
A picturesque fishing village where colorful homes line a narrow natural harbor rich in Basque maritime history.
One of Europe's most spectacular coastlines featuring dramatic geological formations made famous in Game of Thrones.
Zarautz
📍 Zarautz
🌐 https://www.turismozarautz.eus
A lively beach town with one of the longest beaches in the Basque Country, excellent surfing, and vibrant café culture.
Rioja Wine Country
📍 Rioja Alavesa
🌐 https://www.rutadelvinoderiojaalavesa.com
Spend a day exploring renowned wineries, medieval villages, and some of Spain's finest red wines.
French Basque Coast
📍 Saint-Jean-de-Luz • Biarritz • Bayonne
🌐 https://www.en-pays-basque.fr
Cross into France to experience elegant seaside towns, beautiful beaches, outstanding seafood, and classic Basque architecture.
Idiazabal Cheese Producer Experience
📍 Idiazabal, Gipuzkoa
Visit an artisan cheesemaker to learn how the famous Idiazabal sheep's milk cheese is produced while enjoying tastings directly at the farm.