2025 San Sebastian Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in March)

The moment you arrive in San Sebastián, La Concha beach invites you for a dip or a pleasant stroll along the shore, even in winter. The elegance of the bay, framed by the massif of Igueldo and the island of Santa Clara, is known the world over. The city has two other fine urban beaches: if you like walking you can start your stroll on Zurriola beach, frequented by surfing enthusiasts, then skirt round Monte Urgull along the Paseo Nuevo and then go right across the bay to finish on Ondarreta beach. There you are awaited by the Peine del Viento, an impressive large-scale sculpture by Eduardo Chillida and Peña Gantxegi which speaks of the ferocity of the Bay of Biscay. If the natural settings of San Sebastián are wonderful, the good taste of its inhabitants meant that its bridges, squares and buildings had to be even more so. You’ll feel as if you’re revisiting the Belle Époque when you pass in front of the Victoria Eugenia theatre, the Hotel Maria Cristina or the spa hotel of La Perla. #beautifulmoment #beachlife #goodfoods #tripinspired #spain

After wandering around the neighborhoods of San Sebastian, I finally saw La Concha Bay, which I had wanted to see so much. There were small fishing boats of various shapes docked in the old port. Then, when I went up to the observation deck next to the port, the beach, old town, and La Concha Bay of San Sebastian spread out before my eyes. During Corona, Spanish photographer Jose held a Yoshigo photo exhibition in Seoul, and the last part that I liked the most was Jose's nostalgia, and La Concha Beach in San Sebastian, his hometown. I saw the afterimage of Jose's photos on the beach. The emerald sea and the sunshine, and the people enjoying themselves there. The gloomy weather enveloped this place in a hazy atmosphere. #Europe #HotPlace #Spain #SanSebastian #Donostia

Hotel Maria Cristina, a Luxury Collection Hotel in San Sebastián, exceeded all expectations, offering an opulent experience that epitomized luxury and comfort. From the sumptuous beds to the stunning property, every detail was meticulously crafted to create an unforgettable stay. The beds at Hotel Maria Cristina were truly remarkable, providing a haven of tranquility and relaxation. The luxurious bed sheets were incredibly soft, caressing the skin with every touch. Combined with the heavenly pillows, sleep became a dreamy escape, ensuring a restful and rejuvenating night. The attention to detail in providing ultimate comfort was evident, and the quality of the bedding was second to none. Beyond the exceptional beds, the overall beauty of the property added to the allure of the hotel. The attention to architectural detail and elegant interior design elements made for a visually captivating experience. From the grand entrance to the beautifully appointed common areas, Hotel Maria Cristina exuded sophistication and refined taste. The central location of the hotel was another noteworthy aspect. Being close to the great restaurants of San Sebastián made it incredibly convenient to explore the culinary delights of the city. The concierge service was particularly helpful, going above and beyond to secure a reservation at the prestigious Arzak restaurant. Their expertise and dedication ensured a seamless experience, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the local gastronomic scene. The level of service provided by the staff at Hotel Maria Cristina was exceptional. The attentive and friendly concierge, in particular, demonstrated a genuine willingness to assist guests with their needs. Their assistance in securing the coveted reservation at Arzak exemplified their dedication and commitment to guest satisfaction. Their helpfulness and expertise added a personalized touch that enhanced the overall experience. In conclusion, Hotel Maria Cristina, a Luxury Collection Hotel in San Sebastián, offers a luxurious haven where comfort and beauty converge. The heavenly beds, with their soft sheets and divine pillows, create an environment of absolute relaxation. The central location and the helpful concierge service make it an ideal choice for exploring the city’s culinary scene. From the stunning property to the exceptional service, every aspect of this hotel exudes a sense of elegance and refinement. It is truly a destination that guarantees an indulgent and unforgettable stay.

At the end of the year, I went to northern Spain for a business trip. I specially stopped at San Sebastian to eat seafood. It’s super nice to spend the summer in San Sebastian, with sunshine and beaches. The food and accommodation are very cheap and high quality. The British and Europeans all like to spend their holidays in San Sebastian. I highly recommend it. #Spain #EuropeTravel #Europe

hi there, In the summer i was in a short road trip to Spain, one of the main stops was San Sebastian, unfortunately only for a short one day stay. We had our hotel in Ermua and we drove to San Sebastian from there which is a 30-45 min by car. The ocean in this area is calm and the beach is not so clean because it has a lot of seaweed but the sand is so small it feels so good on your feets. City has a nice arhitecture, but is expensive. The food is not the best, near the beach and is not enough ( at least for me 🤦🏼‍♂️ ). Hope you visit San Sebastian, and stay longer then us, because you have a lot of attraction to visit, we couldn't visit them. But we will go back some day for them. Let me know in the comments how was your experience in San Sebastian, or if u are planning to visit and if I can help you, i will give you some advices ☺️ #beachlife#summervacation

San Sebastian is located in the north of the Basque Country. The surrounding area is lush and picturesque. It's a beautiful city which presents a wide variety of things to do all year round and all day long. Beaches are great for surfing and around there are many nice treks for hiking. San Sebastian is renowned for basque cuisine and boasts some of the best restaurants. #gooutside #beachlife #hiking #basque #travelinspiration

Introducing a recommended bar in San Sebastian. The name is Bar Nestor The recommended dishes here are the limited omelette tortilla, T-bone steak, and tomato. This time, I chose tomato with white wine. It's just a dish of tomatoes with olive oil and salt, but it's delicious because of the tomato! If you come to San Sebastian, be sure to try it! 📍Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/kSxXEvp9AashnPrC6 #0yentravelFebruary2025#Spain#SanSebastian

Introducing a recommended bar in San Sebastian. The name is Casa Urola The recommended dish is scallop white soup. It also comes with seaweed, but the seaweed at this restaurant has a different texture (lol) I recommend it. 📍Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/FdsH7L6jCzapPMYC6 #0yentripFebruary2025#Spain#SanSebastian

Introducing a recommended bar in San Sebastian! The name is La Cuchara de San Telmo Recommended dishes are foie gras, Galician octopus, and risotto. The foie gras in particular was the best in San Sebastian! The price is also a little more reasonable than other restaurants. If you come to this restaurant, please try it! 📍Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/wFVB5moJ9xPzKu647 #0yentripFebruary2025#Spain#SanSebastian

Introducing a recommended bar in San Sebastian. The name is Gandarias This bar has a variety of pinchos, but the recommended ones are the sea urchin soup and the duck pinchos! The duck pinchos in particular are amazingly soft and juicy, so you should definitely try them. They turn over quickly, but there are a lot of people. 📍Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/CVDTJVdyYHdiEEb88 #0yentripFebruary2025#Spain #SanSebastian

I'd like to introduce you to the restaurant that I personally found the most delicious in San Sebastian, Spain! The name is MendaurBerria Rather than a bar, it's a bar that makes snacks to order, and all the dishes are unique and delicious compared to other bars, but I recommend the foie gras risotto! It's so impressive that you should definitely try it if you come to San Sebastian! 📍Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/QBRSxi69PFgX18zG7 #0yentripFebruary2025#Spain #SanSebastian

San Sebastian is famous for its gourmet food, and it is no exaggeration to say that BAR SPORT is the most popular of the city. 📍Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/sRt4eowvym28XaBD9 It's always so crowded that people are overflowing outside, but the turnover is fast, so if you wait a little, you can eat right away. The recommended dishes are sea urchin and foie gras! The foie gras in particular is larger than you would think in Japan. And it's reasonably priced. It seems that Japanese people often come here, so if you ask for a menu in Japanese, they will bring it to you. The staff will also talk to you a little in Japanese, so it's a friendly restaurant. #0yentravel2025February#Spain#SanSebastian

Gorriti Taberna is one of the recommended tapas bars in San Sebastian. This place is a little cheaper than the tapas bars on the main street of San Sebastian, and the food is delicious! This was the first tapas bar I ate at in San Sebastian, and I was so impressed by how good it was! It was so delicious that multiple flavors intertwine to create a new taste. To order, point to the pincho you want and ask the staff to serve it. You can pay by cash or card after you've finished eating. This shop opens from 7am, but closes at 3:30pm or 5:30pm, so be careful about the opening hours. #0yentravel2025February #Spain #SanSebastian

#celebrateit San Sebastian, located in northern Spain, is a beautiful coastal city and a great destination for travelers. Its white sand beaches, stunning views, and laid-back atmosphere provide the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The city is packed with attractions, including the magnificent Mount Urgull, the iconic La Concha beach, and the beautiful Miramar Palace. The city also offers a plethora of activities, from water sports to cultural tours. The highlight of the city is its cuisine. San Sebastian is renowned for its delicious Basque cuisine and its world-renowned restaurants.

We recently visited San Sebastián, Spain 🇪🇸 A beautiful coastal city in northern Spain that completely won us over 💕 We started our day early with a stroll along Playa de la Concha, one of the most iconic beaches in Spain 🏝️ At sunrise, the light ✨ is soft and golden, making it the perfect time for photos with the bay shimmering under the morning sky ☀️ The calm waters and views of the Isla de Santa Clara are simply breathtaking. We captured a few shots of the beach as it started to come alive, with joggers and locals walking their dogs 🐕 If you’re a photography lover, this is a must 📸 📍Playa de la Concha, 20007 San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa, Spain We also wandered through San Sebastián’s charming Old Town, known as Parte Vieja. The narrow streets and vibrant buildings are full of character 😍 The Plaza de la Constitución, with its historic buildings and charming balconies, was one of our favorite spots for photos 📸 We explored the local shops and admired the bustling pintxos bars lining the streets. Make sure to stop by Bar Nestor, famous for its delicious tomato salad 🥗 and steak 🥩 it’s a hidden gem among the locals 💎 📍Parte Vieja, 20003 San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa, Spain One of the best ways to see the city from above is by hiking up Monte Urgull ⛰️The trail is quite scenic, with lush greenery and historic fortifications along the way. At the summit, we were rewarded with panoramic views of San Sebastián, including the whole coastline and the Old Town. The Castillo de la Mota, a small castle 🏰 perched on the hill, offers the perfect backdrop for a photo with the city spread out below you. The views at midday, when the sun is high, were just spectacular ✨ 📍Monte Urgull, 20003 San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa, Spain We also took a peaceful stroll around the Miramar Palace and its lush gardens. The palace itself is beautiful 😍 but the real highlight for us was the view of the bay and the surrounding hills. From the garden, we got a glimpse of the city and the coastline, which provided the perfect opportunity for some stunning photos 📸 The serenity of the place made it an ideal escape from the crowds. This is a less-visited spot that offers quiet beauty and wonderful photo moments 🙌 📍Miramar Palace, Avda. de los Recoletos, 20007 San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa, Spain We then took the funicular up to Monte Igueldo, where we enjoyed panoramic views of the city at sunset 🌇 The combination of the golden hues of the setting sun with the vibrant blue of the ocean 🌊 made for the perfect photograph. From the top, you can capture breathtaking views of the coastline, the city, and the bay. This is one of the best spots to get a sweeping view of San Sebastián at its most magical 💯 📍Funicular de Monte Igueldo, 20008 San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa, Spain San Sebastián truly is a hidden gem 💎 filled with so many spots that are perfect for photography, delicious food, and unforgettable views 🙌🙌🙌 #hiddengems #travel #Vacation

Here’s a casual and inviting description for Taberna Coffee in San Sebastián: --- Taberna Coffee in San Sebastián is the kind of spot that perfectly blends the charm of a European café with a relaxed, modern vibe. Nestled in this beautiful coastal city, it’s the kind of place where you can take a break from exploring, sit back, and just enjoy the moment. Whether you’re strolling along the city’s famous streets or relaxing after a day by the beach, Taberna Coffee feels like the perfect pit stop. The design is effortlessly chic—classic European touches mixed with a modern, minimalist aesthetic. There are warm wooden tables, cozy seating, and a welcoming atmosphere that makes you want to stay a little longer than planned. And if you’re lucky enough to grab a spot by the window, you can sip your coffee while watching the world go by, which is always a bonus in San Sebastián. Speaking of coffee, it’s clear the folks at Taberna Coffee know their stuff. From a perfectly pulled espresso to velvety cappuccinos, every cup feels like it’s made with care. If you’re more into cold brews or flat whites, they’ve got you covered too. And for non-coffee drinkers, their selection of teas, hot chocolate, and other refreshing beverages is just as good. The menu doesn’t stop at drinks—there’s a small but thoughtful selection of pastries, sandwiches, and light bites, all crafted to pair beautifully with your drink of choice. Whether you’re grabbing a quick breakfast or looking for an afternoon pick-me-up, you won’t leave disappointed. Taberna Coffee isn’t just about the coffee—it’s about the experience. It’s a place where locals and visitors alike come to slow down, soak in the San Sebastián vibe, and savor the little things in life. Definitely a must-visit if you’re in the area! #europetrip

🍴✨ A Food Lover’s Paradise: Donostia-San Sebastián ✨🍴 Welcome to the culinary capital of the Basque Country! Donostia-San Sebastián is a dream destination for foodies, offering an unforgettable journey through flavors, textures, and traditions. Here’s what makes this city a must-visit for food enthusiasts: 🍢 Pintxos: The ultimate Basque tapas experience! Hop from bar to bar in the Old Town (Parte Vieja) and try these bite-sized delights, perfectly paired with a glass of txakoli or cider. 🌊 Seafood Heaven: Located on the Bay of Biscay, Donostia is famous for its ultra-fresh seafood dishes like grilled hake, cod “pil-pil,” and spider crab. 🍷 Michelin-Star Magic: With some of the world’s best restaurants, including Arzak, Akelarre, and Martín Berasategui, treat yourself to a once-in-a-lifetime dining experience. 🥖 Local Markets: Explore La Bretxa Market for fresh ingredients and traditional Basque flavors that locals love. 💡 Don’t Miss: • Cheesecake from La Viña 🧀🍰 • The iconic Gilda pintxo 🫒🐟 • Basque cider houses for a rustic, authentic feast 🍎 📍 Pro Tip: Visit during a food festival or gastro-tour for the ultimate Donostia experience. 📸 Tag us in your foodie adventures! 🥂 #DonostiaFoodie #SanSebastianEats #BasqueCuisine #FoodiesInSpain #PintxosParade

🎄✨ Discover the Magic of Christmas in Donostia! ✨🎄 This holiday season, Donostia-San Sebastián transforms into a winter wonderland, where the charm of Basque culture meets festive cheer. Stroll through the Christmas Market along the iconic Kursaal Bridge and Zurriola Beach, with over 50 beautifully decorated stalls offering: 🎁 Artisanal gifts – Perfect for finding unique treasures 🍷 Hot mulled wine – To warm your hands and heart 🍴 Traditional Basque treats – Indulge in local flavors 🎶 Live music & performances – Adding to the festive atmosphere 🌟 Don’t miss the stunning Christmas lights and decorations throughout the city, especially at La Concha Bay and Old Town. 📅 When: December [insert dates] 📍 Where: Donostia-San Sebastián Gather your loved ones, soak in the festive spirit, and create unforgettable memories in one of the most enchanting corners of the Basque Country! #DonostiaChristmas #SanSebastian #BasqueChristmas #WinterWonderland #FestiveVibes

#FritaviWinter The final stop on our trip to Spain was San Sebastián ✨ This city is compact, but packed with so much to offer. You can walk to the beach, the old town, and the new town. 🏖️🍻It's my favorite place in Spain! The hotel we stayed at this time was HOTEL ZARA PLAZA. We had made reservations in advance, but the hotel was very expensive, probably because it was film festival season... We chose this hotel because of its good accessibility and price, but the soundproofing in the rooms was poor, and we could hear the noise of the surrounding construction and the voices of our neighbors. I wouldn't recommend this hotel to anyone who is sensitive to noise, but the rooms are spacious, clean, and the access to the old town, beach, and new town is very good, so it's definitely one of the hotels I would like you to consider🏨 If you want to eat delicious food, enjoy a European-style townscape, and stay in a safe place, why not enjoy a trip to San Sebastian☺️ #SanSebastian #beach #Spain #Donostia #barhopping

#donostia #euskalerria #spain #basquecountry

San Sebastian is Spain's gourmet city. The old town is lined with many bars, and tourists from all over the world come to bar-hop. The closer a hotel is to the old town, the more convenient it is! Boulevart Donostia is located in an early 20th century building at Calle Oquendo 2. There is no sign on the outside, but when you get close to the door of the building, you will see a small plate with the name of the store "Boulevart" written on it on the left, and a doorbell underneath it. You can check in by calling there. Be careful, as it is really small and difficult to find. When you go inside, there is a simple front desk counter. It is a simple hotel, but it is clean and safe to stay. The staff are also kind! The drinks in the refrigerator are free, and there was even beer in it. #overseastravelrecord #spaintourism #spaintrip

San Sebastian is famous as a gourmet town in the Basque region of Spain. There are many bars in the old town, and many tourists enjoy bar hopping. If you are staying in San Sebastian, it is convenient to stay in the old town! Cars are prohibited from entering the old town, but people staying in the old town can enter by car. However, if you are going by car, you need to inform the hotel in advance, so be careful. This hotel is located right next to the port (beach), so if you have a sea view room, you can see the port from the window, which is the best location! The welcome drink was not only soft drinks but also wine. Also, there is no plan with breakfast included, but breakfast is served at the restaurant on the first floor. Most of the menu is simple, but even the croissants were delicious, and I was very satisfied with my croissant, quiche, and latte. (I was surprised that the quiche arrived with a fork stuck in it) #Overseas travel record #San Sebastian #Spain trip

Overwhelming! This year's most enviable trip to San Sebastian. The city with the best food in the world! San Sebastian is a place that everyone who likes alcohol wants to visit. The streets, atmosphere, beaches, bar hopping, surrounding towns... everything was great! The only thing I regret is that I haven't been to many bars. Here are the bars I went to. 1st-4th photos: Casa Urola A popular restaurant listed in the Michelin Guide! They also speak a little Japanese (great)! So, it might be the perfect place for your first bar in San Seba. 5th-7th photos: Betijai Berria S.l The restaurant next to Casa Urola. It's relatively new, so it's the cleanest of the restaurants I went to. Each pintxo is large, so I thought it would be expensive, but it was totally normal! And it was delicious! 8th-11th photos: BAR SPORT This is also a super popular restaurant! The sea urchin pintxo and mushroom pintxo are popular. The sea urchin was a little (?) but the mushroom was delicious! 12th photo: Casa Vergara A bar in front of the Santa Maria del Coro Cathedral. There was sea urchin here too. *I only looked at it because the reviews were not so good. (No photos) La Viña The shop where Basque cheese originated. As it is said that cheesecake lovers from all over the world gather here, it is incredibly crowded! No matter what time you go, it is extremely crowded! Only those who line up with the determination to not give up can get it. I wonder if it tastes good? I don't usually eat sweet things, so I don't really know lol #Overseas travel record#San Sebastian #Bar hopping #Spain trip

You can visit the famous Pincho Bar Street and the San Sebastian Cathedral in San Sebastian, and also see La Concha Kontxa Hondartza, which has been voted one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. I recommend it because it's great for traveling through the Basque region of Spain while walking through the Old Town.

San Sebastian - Michelin Food and Natural Beauty ||| When you come to San Sebastian, Spain, in addition to enjoying the beautiful scenery, the most important thing not to miss is the various food! This city is not only the host of the famous San Sebastian International Film Festival, but is also known as the "Michelin Culinary Capital". Delicious Pinxos (Spanish tapas), a specialty of the Old Town, cost around €2.30 each. The most interesting way is to "eat and shop". Buy 1-2 at each store and taste them slowly. You can experience various flavors to your heart's content without having to eat your fill in one store. After enjoying the delicious food, you can walk directly to the foot of Eagle Mountain along Moon Bay to Eagle Cable Car, which takes about half an hour. Walk along the seaside and enjoy the unparalleled sea views along the way. The cable car ticket for Eagle Mountain is 4.5 euros per person. There are two activities you must experience when you reach the top of the mountain - rafting boats and roller coasters. The rafting boat costs 2.5 euros and the roller coaster costs 3 euros. Although the excitement is not high, the scenery is more charming, especially the top of the mountain overlooking the entire San Sebastian and Shell Bay. The panoramic view is picturesque and very spectacular. Warm tip: If you feel that the accommodation prices in San Sebastian are on the high side, you can spend a day here during the day and take the last train at 20:50 to stay in Bilbao in the evening. This is also a good choice. Spain holiday travel recommendations

For the food lovers amongst us, there a few better places than the costal basque city of San Sebastián, whilst there instead of sitting down for a meal head around the city hopping from bar to bar trying some of the famous bitesize treats. Here are some of our recommendations. Bar Txepetxa- famous for its fish and seafood, try the pan-fried Calamari whilst you’re here. Jatetxea- the crab stuffed peppers and risotto here are fantastic. #Pincho #food #basque

San Sebastián in the heart of the Basque Country is well known as a food lovers paradise. Whilst in the city, those looking for that perfect photo opportunity should head to the funicular railway up Monte Igueldo. The historic train ride will lead you up to not only spectacular views over the city for less than €5 return but also an amusement park hosting a scary looking roller coaster on the edge of the mountain. #toptip head up at sunset for the best views

San Sebastián (Donostia in Basque) is a city in northern Spain, located in the province of Gipuzkoa in the Basque Autonomous Community, on the Bay of Biscay, about 20 kilometers from the French border. The city is known for its beautiful beaches, rich food culture, and international film festival. San Sebastián has several famous beaches, including two in the city center, which are known as "the most beautiful beaches in Europe". In addition, the city has natural beauty such as Isla de Santa Clara and historical buildings such as Iglesia del Buen Pastor. San Sebastián is not only a tourist destination, but also a paradise for food lovers. It is considered one of the best places to taste Basque cuisine, has many Michelin-starred restaurants, and is the place with the most Michelin-starred restaurants per capita in the world. The Basque brewing industry is also very developed, especially cider. Culturally, San Sebastián hosts the San Sebastián International Film Festival every year. This is an international A-class film festival established by the International Federation of Film Producers in 1953 and is one of the top ten film festivals in the world. In addition, San Sebastián has a wealth of festivals, such as the "Tamborrada" festival on January 20th every year, and the Semana Grande or Aste Nagusia festival in August, when there will be fireworks competitions and various cultural activities. For solo travelers, San Sebastián offers a wealth of exploration opportunities, whether it is walking along the coastline, enjoying the sea view, or tasting Pintxos in a small bar in the old city, you can experience the charm of the city.