San Sebastián, Spain

San Sebastián

A shell-shaped bay and an old town packed with pintxos bars.

  • All year
  • 2 nights
Explore on the map
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Recommended in San Sebastián

Explore with a local

Go Local San Sebastián
Go Local San SebastiánBike & food tours · our local partner
Partner
Classic E-bike Tour3 hAround La Concha Bay, then into El Antiguo, Amara and Gros, where locals really live.East San Sebastián E-bike Tour3 hAlong Zurriola Beach and below Mount Ulía to Pasajes, a village of sailors and fishermen.Bike + Pintxos Tour3 hRide the neighbourhoods away from the crowds, then walk the old town. 2 pintxos and 2 drinks included.Private Pintxos Tour3 hBars and markets with a local guide: the most traditional way to taste Basque food.
Visit Go Local San Sebastián

Things to do

2 days in San Sebastián

Day 1

  1. MorningWalk along La Concha beach and swim if the weather is right.
  2. AfternoonTake the funicular up Monte Igueldo for the view of the bay.
  3. EveningGo on a pintxos crawl in the Parte Vieja, one or two at each bar.

Day 2

Walk the coastal path to Pasaia, or visit Hondarribia.

What to eat

Pintxos, grilled txuleta steak and Basque cheesecake.

Local tips

Make the most of San Sebastián

Beat the crowds

La Concha beach is busy on summer afternoons. Mornings are perfect for a walk along the bay.

Best photo spot

Take the funicular up Monte Igueldo for the classic view of the bay, or walk up Monte Urgull from the old town.

Getting there

The old town is compact and walkable. Buses run from Bilbao airport in about an hour.

Don't miss nearby

Pasaia, a fishing village 15 minutes away, and the coastal walk from there back to the city.

Good to know

Pintxos are eaten standing at the bar; pay at the end and say which ones you had. Many bars are busiest from 20:00.

Secret spots

3 secret spots near San Sebastián

Our most hidden places around San Sebastián: fewer people, same wow. Unlock them with a route in Google Maps and a PDF guide of San Sebastián to take with you.

16 km away
18 km away
27 km away
Unlock the secret spots · €2.99+ VAT · one payment, valid for a year

Plan your visit

Getting to San Sebastián

Getting there

  • San Sebastián Airport (EAS)16 km away
  • Bilbao Airport (BIO)75 km away
  • Pamplona60 km away
  • Bilbao75 km away

The centre is best explored on foot. Distances are in a straight line.

At a glance

Best timeAll year
TypeCity
Good forFood, Coast
Getting thereCar or public transport
Stay2 nights
CountrySpain

Questions

San Sebastián: good to know

Is San Sebastián worth visiting?

Yes, especially if you like food and the coast. A shell-shaped bay and an old town packed with pintxos bars.

How many days do you need in San Sebastián?

Plan 2 nights. Our free 2-day plan above shows how to spend your time.

When is the best time to visit San Sebastián?

You can visit all year. La Concha beach is busy on summer afternoons. Mornings are perfect for a walk along the bay.

How do you get to San Sebastián?

The nearest airport is San Sebastián Airport (EAS), about 16 km away. The old town is compact and walkable. Buses run from Bilbao airport in about an hour.

What is there to see near San Sebastián?

Nearby hidden places include La Rhune (28 km), Pamplona (62 km) and Bilbao (77 km).

Day trips from San Sebastián: 6 hidden places nearby
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