San Sebastian, Spain
A curated collection of my favorite places, experiences, and local recommendations to help you discover the best of San Sebastián.
kaixo (hello)
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eskerrik asko (thank you)
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kaixo (hello) · eskerrik asko (thank you) · non dago (where is) ·
EXPLORE
La Concha Beach & Boardwalk
Paseo de La Concha
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
Tourism Office: Ijentea Kalea, 1
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.
Private Sailing
See San Sebastián from an entirely different perspective aboard a private sailboat on La Concha Bay. Whether you choose a sunset cruise, a half-day charter, or a full-day excursion along the Basque coast to Getaria or Pasaia, it's one of the most memorable ways to experience the city's spectacular coastline.
San Martín Market
Urbieta Kalea 9
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
One of the city's oldest markets where locals shop for fresh seafood, meats, produce, and Basque specialties.
Casa Otaegui
Narrika Kalea 15
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
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
After a pintxos crawl, head over here. A longtime local favorite for intimate live jazz performances and late-night music.
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 EXTRA & DAY TRIPS
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. Contact me to book.
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
Rioja Wine Country
Spend a day exploring renowned wineries, medieval villages, and some of Spain's finest red wines.
Idiazabal Cheese Producer
Drive into the Basque countryside to meet cheesemakers, learn about the native Latxa sheep, and taste different ages of this famous smoked sheep's milk cheese.
Astigarraga
Located in the heart of Basque cider country, where traditional sagardotegis (cider houses) serve cider poured directly from enormous oak barrels alongside a classic communal menu of cod omelet, charcoal-grilled T-bone steak, Idiazabal cheese, walnuts. Book a table or a guided cider experience—including cellar tours, tastings, and transportation.
Drive West of San Sebastian to explore the coast. Cities well-worth visiting: Zarautz, Getaria, Zumaia, Bilbao.
ZARAUTZ
Suggested time: 45 minutes–1 hour
A lively Basque seaside town centered around the longest beach in Gipuzkoa, with a strong surf culture and an elegant promenade. Walk a section of the beachfront, then duck into the historic center to see the medieval Santa María la Real church and old stone buildings before continuing west. Zarautz is pleasant, but with limited time I would make this the shortest stop.
GETARIA
Suggested time: 2–3 hours
This is the stop I would give the most leisurely time to. Getaria is a beautifully preserved fishing village surrounded by hillsides planted with Txakoli vines and is the birthplace of both explorer Juan Sebastián Elcano and fashion designer Cristóbal Balenciaga. Wander the medieval lanes down toward the harbor, see the Gothic Church of San Salvador and continue toward Mount San Antón—the distinctive peninsula locals call the "Mouse of Getaria." If fashion interests you, Balenciaga Museum is absolutely worthwhile; I'd allow about an hour. The harbor, old town, San Salvador church, grilled fish and a glass of local Txakoli. Book a lunch ahead of time at Kaia Kaipe (higher end) or Asador Mayflower. Getaria has become famous for one of the Basque Country’s great culinary traditions: whole fish grilled over hot coals in specially designed metal baskets (a la parrilla). You’ll find this style along the Basque coast, but here, outdoor grills line the streets and freshly landed turbot goes almost directly from the Cantabrian Sea to the fire. Getaria Tourism
ZUMAIA
Suggested time: 1½–2 hours
The dramatic finale of the western coastline. Zumaia sits within the Basque Coast Geopark and is famous for the extraordinary Flysch—layers of ancient rock dramatically tilted along the coastline. Head directly to Zumaiako hondartza and the little San Telmo Ermita perched above it; this is the landscape that has appeared in Game of Thrones. The experience is much more impressive when the tide exposes the rock formations, so I would check the tide before choosing the day/time for this drive. Itzurun Beach, San Telmo hermitage and the cliff viewpoint. Plan on few hours or extend your time by booking a sail boat with Sailing Basque ahead of time. Zumaia Tourism
Bilbao
Blending striking contemporary architecture with Basque tradition. Visit the iconic Guggenheim Museum, stroll the charming Casco Viejo (Old Town), enjoy pintxos along Plaza Nueva, and explore the revitalized riverfront.
Drive East of San Sebastian to explore French Basque Coast. Cross into France to experience elegant seaside towns, beautiful beaches, outstanding seafood, and classic Basque architecture. Cities well-worth visiting: Hondarribia, Saint-Jean-de-Luz, Biarritz, Bayonne.
HONDARRIBIA
Suggested time: 1½–2 hours
One of the most beautiful historic towns in the Spanish Basque Country, combining a remarkably preserved walled medieval quarter with the colorful fishermen's houses and lively pintxos bars of the Marina district. Enter the old town through the monumental Santa María Gate, wander its cobbled streets and plazas, then descend to Calle San Pedro for lunch or pintxos. St. Maria Gate is a good starting point. Old Town, Plaza de Armas, Santa María Gate and the colorful Marina neighborhood. Hondarribia deserves considerably more time than Pasaia.
SAINT-JEAN-DE-LUZ
Suggested time: 1½–2 hours
One of the loveliest towns on the French Basque coast, with a sheltered crescent-shaped bay, handsome Basque houses and a pedestrian historic center. It has an interesting royal connection as well: Louis XIV married Maria Theresa of Spain here in 1660. Walk the waterfront, explore the pedestrian streets around Rue Gambetta and see the Church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste. This is also a very good lunch stop. The bay promenade, historic center, church and traditional Basque pâtisseries.
BIARRITZ
Suggested time: 2–3 hours
The glamorous counterpoint to the fishing villages—a 19th-century resort transformed by European royalty and later embraced by surfers. The attraction isn't simply the beach; it's the combination of grand Belle Époque architecture, dramatic Atlantic coastline and sophisticated resort atmosphere. Walk around the Grande Plage, Hôtel du Palais and waterfront, then continue to the Rocher de la Vierge, one of Biarritz's signature viewpoints. Grande Plage, Hôtel du Palais, Rocher de la Vierge and the cliffside coastal walk.
BAYONNE
Suggested time: 1½–2½ hours
An atmospheric riverside city where French and Basque influences meet, known for its half-timbered old town, Gothic cathedral and exceptional food culture. Wander the narrow streets of Grand Bayonne, visit Les Halles food market and seek out two of the city's specialties—Bayonne ham and chocolate, a tradition here dating back centuries. Cathedral Sainte-Marie, old town, riverside, Les Halles and one of the historic chocolatiers.