28+ Awesome Things to Do in San Sebastian, SPain (2022 Guide)

Looking for the very best issues to do in San Sebastian, Spain? In this text, I’ll stroll you thru my prime ideas.

Having spent nearly every week wandering round this beautiful place, San Sebastian is one in every of my favourite locations in your complete of Spain. Known for its gastronomy, it’s the 2nd metropolis on the earth with probably the most Michelin starred eating places per sq km!

An enthralling resort city on the Bay of Biscay, San Sebastián is packed filled with sights and actions that attract many a traveler which is why I’m excited to share with you my prime journey ideas.

Nestled within the mountainous Basque Country in Spain, this metropolis scores main factors for location, nevertheless it additionally appears to tick each different field too.

One of the world’s best eating scenes? Check. Elegant structure? Check. Amazing surf, rolling hills, and seashores for days? Check, test, and test.

Whatever time of 12 months you come right here, there are actions to be completed and recollections to be made.

So, whether or not you’re an avid hiker, surfer dude, or intrepid explorer, listed below are our favourite issues to do in San Sebastian to make your journey unforgettable.

San Sebastian Things to Do Highlights

As talked about, San Sebastian is a foodie city so don’t be stunned if majority of the very best issues to do across the space revolves round consuming and consuming! Here are a few our really useful excursions across the metropolis.

Best Things to Do in San Sebastian

1. Become a Beach Bum at Playa de la Concha

Known because the “shell beach,” Playa de la Concha is famend as one in every of Europe’s most stunning city shorelines.

A sandy, shell-shaped seaside on the Bay of La Concha, the charming promenade is dotted with nice seafood eating places, vigorous bars, and a mix of outlets.

Playa de la Concha may be very iconic within the metropolis and is a well-liked attraction in San Sebastian.

Do do not forget that this seaside can get fairly crowded so if you need a chief spot close to the ocean, goal to get to Playa de la Concha within the morning.

2. Climb to the Highest Point in San Sebastián

Monte Urgull is the best level on this Spanish metropolis. If you make it as much as its peak, you’ll be rewarded with the view of the spectacular Twelfth-century Mota Castle with sea views that final for miles round.

This tree-covered hill has different historic constructions such because the 12-meter excessive sacred coronary heart statue (Cristo de la Mota).

Walk round and picture how this location was used as a strategic level in San Sebastián’s defence. We suggest visiting this spot in San Sebastian both early morning or late afternoon to keep away from the blazing solar!

3. Admire Miramar Palace (Palacio de Miramar)

A late Nineteenth-century palace situated on La Concha Bay, it’s as if Miramar Palace was made only for its magnificence to be admired.

Once the stately summer season dwelling of the Queen of Spain, the palace truly now hosts University programs in the summertime.

Palacio de Miramar or Palacio Miramar is a well-liked attraction in San Sebastian which you’ll go to totally free. The gardens kind a public park the place locals come to picnic and is a good spot to sit back and calm down.

4. Gaze on the Towering San Sebastián Cathedral

Dedicated to the nice Shepherd, San Sebastian Cathedral is probably the most exceptional non secular constructing within the metropolis.

Built within the late-1800s with ornate Gothic-Revival structure and a powerful 75m central spire, this cathedral is a must-see whereas within the Basque Country.

5. Devour Everything on a Pintxos Tour

Renowned worldwide for its excellent delicacies, San Sebastián presents fairly the array of dishes to entice even probably the most skilled foodie.

Consider taking a pintxos tour that will help you determine what’s finest to begin consuming first! The excursions take you to the very best locations within the metropolis, and also you’ll go away with insider ideas and data in regards to the metropolis’s historical past and culinary evolution.

Some excursions may also take you to well-liked markets in San Sebastian like Mercado de La Bretxa, Mercado San Martín, and extra.

Insider’s Tip: Want to attempt your hand at making pintxos as an alternative? Try a pintxos cooking class! Get hands-on instruction from Spanish cooks and make your personal. The better part? After class, you’ll get to get pleasure from what you make, plus a wine pairing. Get particulars on the pintxos class right here.

6. Eat Local Delicacies at Borda Berri

Pintxos bars are the place the very best meals is at, so head to Borda Berri for some native favorites.

If you’re courageous sufficient, attempt the octopus or duck — these are what the crowds of locals are lining up for! Trust us once we say they’re definitely worth the wait. Not certain what else you must attempt? Then learn our information to Spanish meals.

7. Get Lost within the Old Town

Although not an enormous city, it’s doable to get misplaced (particularly in case you’re me) within the winding slender streets that make up La Parte Vieja, the Old Town.

Full of pintxo bars, historic buildings, and cute boutiques, it actually isn’t such a nasty factor in case you do get misplaced. During our go to, there occurred to be random fireworks illuminating the sky as we walked round.

It was magical!

8. Visit the Basilica of Saint Mary of the Chorus (Santa María del Coro)

Right within the coronary heart of San Sebastián, you’ll discover an 18th-century Baroque church with ornately carved exterior doorways and a small basilica.

Although perhaps not probably the most placing structure from the skin, Santa María del Coro actually shines with its interiors. Full of colourful and attention-grabbing paintings, you possibly can spend a while right here admiring the works.

If you want churchers, Iglesia de San Vicente is one other one value wandering to.

9. Visit the Charming Santa Clara Island

If you’re seeking to take a break from Playa de la Concha, head on over to Santa Clara island which is situated smack bang in the course of Concha Bay.

Take a ship over to this magical place and revel in all that it has to supply: views of town, a tiny seaside, cool waters, a unusual lighthouse, and an awesome bar with a terrace.

10. Walk over the Bridge of Maria Cristina

An iconic bridge in San Sebastián, stroll over to see the flowery statues up shut. The bridge itself is an ornate magnificence however it’s the views that it gives that make it actually definitely worth the journey.

Built by Engineer José Eugenio Ribera and architect Julio María Zapata, this bridge stands out with its 4 obelisks and complicated patterns.

11. Beat the Locals to Bar Nestor

Locals on the road name Bar Nestor the “holy trinity.” Why? Because they prepare dinner three issues to perfection: tomato salad, Padrón peppers, and txuleta.

This bar is value coming to simply for one in every of these dishes alone, however phrase on the road is that absolutely the icing on the cake is the well-known home tortilla de patatas. Warning: you need to get there early to get it!

San Sebastian is thought for his or her txuleta or txuleton (steak). If you’re a foodie, ordering this dish not less than as soon as when you’re within the metropolis is a should!

12. Treat Yourself to a Stay at Hotel Villa Soro

A surprising Victorian Villa surrounded by pristine lawns and timber is the idyllic setting at Hotel Villa Soro.

The elegant furnishings and fashionable services provide a splash of luxurious, whereas the wonderful service means you’ll be handled like royalty. The smartest thing a few keep right here is that you simply get an actual sense of being away from all of it, when actually you’re only a stone’s throw away from every part.

This is the place to remain for a calming, high-end expertise in San Sebastián!

13. Check out the Amusement Park at Monte Igueldo

Home to an old style amusement park accessed through an vintage funicular railway, Mount Igueldo is nothing wanting quirky. As effectively as providing this supply of leisure, you’ll additionally discover El Torreón tower right here, in addition to dazzling views of town over the water.

14. Learn Something New at Museo de San Telmo

The greatest museum for Basque historical past is the right place to study one thing new!

Featuring historical past from prehistoric instances all the way in which to modern-day, the oldest museum in the entire of San Sebastián must be in your listing (not less than to see its superb mix of structure if nothing else!).

15. Surf at Zurriola Beach (Playa de la Zurriola)

Surfers in all places flock to Playa de la Zurriola or Zurriola Beach for sand, surf, and candy candy views.

While the waves are the primary supply of attraction, the seaside can be rife with volleyball, soccer, seaside tennis, and different typical beach-like actions. If you’re visiting through the summer season, that is the spot to be!

San Sebastian is dwelling to among the finest surf spots in Spain so count on a crowded line up, particularly within the novices part.

We cherished watching the surfers in Playa de la Zurriola throughout our time there- its the right spot for chilling and other people watching.

16. Grab Some Salt Cod Fritters at Bar Haizea

If there may be one factor that you simply eat whereas in San Sebastián, let or not it’s salt cod as that’s what they’re well-known for.

We suggest getting them fried (as a result of doesn’t frying make every part higher?), and having fun with your fritters with superb service and pleasant locals at Bar Haizea.

17. Spend the Day at Ondarreta Beach

The final (however certainly not least) seaside of the three in San Sebastian is Ondarreta Beach.

A neighborhood favourite, Ondarreta is a large sandy seaside that has views of the Igueldo mount and stretching glowing waters. What extra might you need from a seaside?

18. Wander Around Paseo de la Concha

If you wish to individuals watch whereas in San Sebastian, we suggest heading in direction of Paseo de la Concha, San Sebastian’s primary boardwalk.

Here, you possibly can stroll alongside the boardwalk, discovering many retailers, eating places, and cafes alongside the way in which. From Paseo de la Concha, you may have a direct view of Playa de la Concha / la concha seaside.

19. Appreciate the Ayuntamiento de San Sebastián

An architectural masterpiece, the City Hall might be probably the most placing constructing in the entire metropolis.

Constructed within the late Eighteen Eighties, the historic treasure can be in a chief location between La Concha Beach and the Old City, subsequent to the pristine Alderdi Eder Gardens.

Take an uphill hike from the facet of San Sebastián Church and Carmelite Monastery and also you’ll discover the Castillo de la Mota Fortress. This medieval constructing is a 12^th-century navy fortress that’s now a cultural house.

20. Wander round Castillo de la Mota

With a number of nice vistas alongside the way in which, you’ll suppose you’ve seen all of it till you come excessive and stand subsequent to the Jesus statue overlooking the waters.

Visiting Castillo de la Mota is without doubt one of the finest issues to do in San Sebastian for historical past buffs.

21. Drink within the Plaza de Guipuzkoa

An open inexperienced house excellent for individuals watching, escaping the solar, or simply stress-free since you really feel prefer it, Plaza de Guipuzkoa is a welcome escape from the bustle of town.

With pretty manicured gardens and spectacular buildings lining the skin, it is a excellent place to take a seat again and admire San Sebastián.

San Sebastián Travel Tip: Want an environment friendly solution to discover the very best of this charming seaside metropolis? Try a motorbike tour! Led by a neighborhood information, uncover San Sebastián through its in depth community of motorbike paths. Visit seashores, hidden gems, historic buildings, and the totally different neighborhoods to study extra about what makes this metropolis tick. Check out particulars of the bike tour right here.

22. Get the Best Bang for Your Buck at Green Nest Hostel

Affordable, hip, and simply plain superior, the Green Nest Hostel is the place to remain in case you’re on a good finances.

Featuring fashionable rooms, pleasing structure, greater than first rate services, an awesome social ambiance, and a good higher location, there’s no query the place to ebook your finances keep in San Sebastián .

23. Take a Pleasant Stroll round Paseo Nuevo

This is a neighborhood favourite for strolling and working so take their lead and have a stroll at your leisure. A merely beautiful and picturesque promenade, you possibly can benefit from the views whereas strolling alongside piers and boardwalks.

24. Marvel on the Wonders of La Catedral del Buen Pastor

Admire the cathedral’s structure which has each German and French influences. Marvel at one of the crucial important non secular buildings within the Basque nation. Be in awe by the most important organ in Europe (it has 10,000 whistles!) and the Cross of Peace sculpture.

25. Hike the Trails of St. James’ Way

St. James’ Way or the Camino de Santiago is a very talked-about climbing route, favored by many due to the difficult begin and the panoramas over San Sebastián which you can admire for lots of the way in which.

While the toughest (learn: steepest) a part of this hike is originally, it truly will get simpler afterwards. This implies that it is a nice outside exercise, even for novices. Hiking alongside clifftop paths, up and down valleys, and thru fishing villages, you even have time to cease for some tapas!

26. Book a Stay at La Galería

If location is a serious requirement when selecting your lodging in San Sebastián, La Galería Hotel has you coated.

Minutes away from the historic middle, Ondarreta Beach, and the well-known Playa de La Concha, this lodge additionally presents elegant decor in and out.

27. Be Charmed by Cristina Enea Park

A favourite escape for locals, Cristina Enea Park was created by the Duke of Mandas in honor of his spouse.

The most formal and enticing park within the metropolis, it’s positively value a go to in case you’ve acquired a free afternoon. Wander the paths and gardens, and take the time to identify native wildlife across the pond comparable to flamingos.

Check out this Spain journey information for superior tips about the place to remain and what to do!

28. Take a Day Trip from San Sebastián

If you’re in San Sebastian for every week or two, it may be used as an awesome hub to take day journeys.

Popular journeys normally take you to Biarritz (a beautiful village within the South of France) or Bilbao (the most important metropolis within the Basque Country).

Other well-liked locations are Playa de la Zarautz, Zumaia (Game of Thrones Dragonstone was filmed right here!), and Getaria.

Whether you’ve been to San Sebastián earlier than or by no means have, this listing ought to offer you loads of issues to do, see, and eat, to fill your time there.

Trying to determine the place to remain in San Sebastián? Check out our information on Where to Stay in San Sebastian.

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