San Sebastián walking tour & city guide
A perfect shell-shaped bay and the world's best pintxo bars.
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San Sebastián, or Donostia in Basque, is one of Europe's most beautiful seaside cities, wrapped around the shell-shaped La Concha bay. It is also a world-famous food destination, with a remarkable number of Michelin-starred restaurants and an old town full of legendary pintxo bars.
La Concha and the bay
La Concha beach curves gracefully between two green hills, with the small island of Santa Clara in the middle of the bay. Its white railing and elegant promenade are symbols of the city, and the Belle Époque buildings behind it recall the era when the Spanish royal court spent summers here.
At the western end, Monte Igueldo has an old funicular and a vintage amusement park with sweeping views. At the eastern end, Monte Urgull, crowned by a castle and a statue of Christ, separates La Concha from the surfers' beach of Zurriola.
Parte Vieja
The Parte Vieja, the old town, is a grid of narrow streets packed with pintxo bars, where locals hop from bar to bar ordering a bite and a small drink at each. The arcaded Plaza de la Constitución, whose balconies are numbered from its days as a bullring, is its heart.
The Basilica of Santa María del Coro and the San Telmo Museum, devoted to Basque culture, are nearby. Along the river, the Kursaal concert hall hosts the San Sebastián International Film Festival every September.
Visiting tips
The weather can be changeable, but summers are pleasantly warm. The French border is a short drive away, and the coastal fishing towns of Getaria and Hondarribia make excellent day trips. Book Michelin-starred restaurants well ahead.
Top sights in San Sebastián
- 1
La Concha Beach
A world-famous shell-shaped bay.
- 2
Parte Vieja
The old town full of pintxo bars.
- 3
Monte Igueldo
A funicular ride to a vintage amusement park and views.
- 4
Monte Urgull
A hill with a castle and walking paths.
- 5
San Telmo Museum
A museum of Basque society and culture.
- 6
Zurriola Beach
The surfers' beach in the Gros district.
Food markets & where to eat in San Sebastián
Parte Vieja pintxo bars
Dozens of bars with counters full of pintxos.
31 de Agosto Street
The old town street most famous for pintxo bars.
Mercado de la Bretxa
The old town's market for local produce.
Gros neighborhood
Less touristy pintxo bars near Zurriola beach.
Food to try in San Sebastián
Pintxos
Creative bites, both cold on the bar and hot made to order.
Basque cheesecake
A creamy cheesecake with a caramelized top.
Txuleta
A thick, grilled bone-in steak.
Txakoli
A crisp local white wine poured from a height.
Opening hours and prices change often. Please check with each place before you visit.
Plan your trip to San Sebastián
Enjoyed the walk? Here is everything you need to see it for real.
- Hotels in San SebastiánCompare places to stay and prices.
- Tours & ticketsWalking tours, museums and day trips in San Sebastián.
- eSIM for SpainStay online from the moment you land.
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