San Sebastián Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

San Sebastian featuring a coastal town, a bay or harbour and a city
San Sebastian which includes a beach, a coastal town and a city
San Sebastian
San Sebastián
Basilica of Saint Mary of Coro featuring religious elements, heritage elements and interior views

Explore quaint old laneways, experience a dynamic cultural scene and soak up the Spanish sun at the beach in this city overlooking the Bay of Biscay.

San Sebastián is packed with fascinating Basque culture and food. This coastal city is located in the autonomous nation of Basque Country within Spain. Year-round, San Sebastián is alive with film and music festivals, religious celebrations, theatre productions, beach parties and discotheques. San Sebastián is a photographer’s dream with its 19th-century buildings, beaches and surrounding mountains.

Orient yourself in the city with a cable railway ride from Ondarreta Beach up Monte Igueldo. Enjoy views over the bay, explore an 18th-century lighthouse tower and visit an old-fashioned amusement park. The rides have a view over the green parks, palaces, islands and beaches in La Concha Bay.

There are three city beaches, located within La Concha Bay. Concha Beach is the longest of the three. Come to play sports on the golden sands. Learn to surf at Zurriola Beach or hire a canoe at Ondarreta. Make the most of the sun and surf when you stay at one of the nearby beach resorts. Many of these offer extra beach and watersports facilities.

Relax in one of San Sebastián’s green spaces. Cristina Enea Park is a great place to wander and picnic. The gardens of Miramar Royal Palace, built in the English style in the 19th century, give a view over La Concha and Ondaretta beaches.

Take a ferry ride to the island of Santa Clara and hike to the lighthouse.

Find the best of Basque cuisine at pintxos (tapas) bars. Feast cheaply on gourmet bites of octopus, anchovies, wild mushrooms and other concoctions made from locally grown and freshly caught produce. Enjoy a glass of cider with your pintxos and then head to the bars in the Old Town district after dinner. Dance the night away to salsa and DJ music.

Come to San Sebastián in September to plan some outings at the San Sebastián International Film Festival and immerse yourself in culture during Basque Week.

Get around San Sebastián on foot or by bicycle or bus. There are bike lanes all throughout the city centre as well as a cheap and easy-to-use bus system.

Where to stay in San Sebastián

Maria Cristina Bridge featuring a bridge, a river or creek and a city

San Sebastián Centro

4.5/5(38 area reviews)

San Sebastián Centro is known for its stunning beaches, and you can see some sights area like Cathedral of the Good Shepherd and Concha Beach.

San Sebastián Centro
Old Town featuring street scenes as well as a small group of people

Old Town San Sebastián

5/5(20 area reviews)

Unique features of Old Town San Sebastián include the historical sites and bars. Make a stop by Plaza de La Constitucion or Monte Urgull while you're exploring the area.

Old Town San Sebastián
San Ignacio Church which includes heritage architecture and a church or cathedral

Gros

4.5/5(9 area reviews)

Gros is known for its beaches, and you can plan a trip to Kursaal Congress Centre and Auditorium and Zurriola Beach while you're in town.

Gros
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Aiete

If you're spending some time in Aiete, Concha Promenade and Parque Aiete are top sights worth seeing.

Aiete

Egia

3.5/5(3 area reviews)

Bars, river views and historical sites highlight some of the notable features of Egia. Make a stop by Tabakalera Donostia while you're exploring.

Egia
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Amara

If you're spending some time in Amara, Reale Arena and Velódromo de Anoeta are top sights worth seeing.

Amara
The Social Hub San Sebastián

The Social Hub San Sebastián

3 out of 5
Otamendi Anaiak Kalea, San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa
The price is AU$190 per night from 28 Sept to 29 Sept
AU$190
28 Sept - 29 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in San Sebastián. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Concha Beach and Cristina Enea Park ...
The Social Hub San Sebastián
Axel Hotel San Sebastián - Adults Only

Axel Hotel San Sebastián - Adults Only

4 out of 5
Calle Amara 26, San Sebastián
The price is AU$336 per night from 1 Oct to 2 Oct
AU$336
1 Oct - 2 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in San Sebastián. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
Axel Hotel San Sebastián - Adults Only
Hotel Silken Amara Plaza

Hotel Silken Amara Plaza

4 out of 5
Plaza Pio XII, 7, San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa
The price is AU$219 per night from 28 Sept to 29 Sept
AU$219
28 Sept - 29 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in San Sebastián. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Popular attractions Concha Beach and ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (993 reviews)
"A very comfortable hotel with friendly staff, pleasant rooms and good facilities. Excellent art display in communal areas, decent gym and great breakfast. It has it's own parking, which is very useful in high season, though it does cost 21 Euros a day... The heat in August 2025 put a strain on an ..."

Reviewed on 14 Aug. 2025

Hotel Silken Amara Plaza
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Legazpi Doce Rooms & Suites

Legazpi Doce Rooms & Suites

3.5 out of 5
Calle Legazpi, 12, San Sebastián
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in San Sebastián. Enjoy free WiFi, premium bedding, and housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
Legazpi Doce Rooms & Suites
Numad Studios

Numad Studios

3 out of 5
Paseo de Miramón, 162, San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in San Sebastián. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour fitness center, and dry cleaning or laundry services. Popular attractions Concha ...
Numad Studios
Wecamp San Sebastian

Wecamp San Sebastian

2 out of 5
Paseo Padre Orkolaga, 69, San Sebastián, Guipuzcoa
Book a stay at this eco-certified campground in San Sebastián. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Concha Beach and Zarautz ...
Wecamp San Sebastian
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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