San Sebastián Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

San Sebastian which includes a city, a bay or harbour and a coastal town
San Sebastian which includes a sandy beach, general coastal views and a city
San Sebastian
San Sebastián
Basilica of Saint Mary of Coro which includes heritage elements, interior views and religious elements
Fabulous sandy beaches, historical buildings and Basque cuisine make this resort town in northern Spain a compelling place to visit.

The seaside resort of San Sebastián is one of the most popular summer destinations in Spain's Basque Country. The city sits on a circular bay made up of white-sand beaches. Its gorgeous mountain scenery encompasses a fascinating old town. Tour ancient churches, visit a hilltop 12th-century fortress and spend sunny days on a beach.

The shell-shaped Playa de la Concha in the center of the city is where many visitors chose to relax. Sunbathe on this long, pleasant stretch of sand and swim or take a boat to Santa Clara Island, which lies just offshore. San Sebastián has two other city beaches, Ondarreta and Zurriola, popular with surfers.

Behind the beaches lies the old town, where San Sebastian was born. Follow streets leading to churches, plazas, shops and boutiques. Visit the 16th-century San Vicente Church and the 18th-century Baroque Basilica of Santa Maria. Browse the exhibits of the Museo San Telmo, a former convent that now houses a Museum of Basque Society and Citizenship. Stop at one of the cafés in the old town's main square and sample a variety of pintxos. The city is renowned for these tapas-like dishes.

Continue your exploration of San Sebastián with a trip up Mount Urgull, a hill in the heart of the city. Walk to the summit, which is topped by a statue of Jesus Christ and a 12th-century fortress.

For more lofty views, take the 3-minute funicular railway ride from Ondarreta Beach to the top of Monte Igeldo. The journey’s end is the Monte Igueldo Amusement Park, which is filled with old-fashion rides and attractions.

Select from several ways to get to San Sebastián. Fly into the international airport at BilbaoOpens in a new window, Spain or BiarritzOpens in a new window, France, about 60 miles (100 kilometers) and 30 miles (50 kilometers) away respectively. Alternatively, travel by bus, train or car from other destinations in Europe. Take advantage of the seaside resort’s beaches, history, mountainous scenery and culinary delights.

Where to stay in San Sebastián

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

San Sebastián Centro

4.5/5(92 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 showing street scenes as well as a small group of people

Old Town San Sebastián

5/5(24 area reviews)

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

Old Town San Sebastián
Default Image

Aiete

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

Aiete
San Ignacio Church showing a church or cathedral and heritage architecture

Gros

4.5/5(14 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

Egia

4/5(10 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
Default Image

Amara

If you're spending some time in Amara, Reale Arena and Parque Aiete are top sights worth seeing.

Amara
Barceló Costa Vasca
Barceló Costa Vasca
4 out of 5
Avenida Pio Baroja 15, San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa
The price is ฿3,007 per night from 6 Apr to 7 Apr
฿3,007
฿3,308 total
includes taxes & fees
6 Apr - 7 Apr
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in San Sebastián. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (993 reviews)
"I’ll do it again!"

Reviewed on 26 Mar 2025

Barceló Costa Vasca
LETOH LETOH San Sebastián
LETOH LETOH San Sebastián
1 out of 5
Matia Kalea 18, San Sebastián, Guipuzcoa
The price is ฿1,838 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
฿1,838
฿2,021 total
includes taxes & fees
31 Mar - 1 Apr
Stay at this pension in San Sebastián. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Donostia-San Sebastian Aquarium ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (162 reviews)
"It was very clean, beautiful and easy to check in. The location was quite good with it being next to ondaretta beach, movie theatre and delicious restaurants. The decor and space was the nicest place I had been to."

Reviewed on 26 Mar 2025

LETOH LETOH San Sebastián
Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra
Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra
4 out of 5
Zubieta Kalea, 2, San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa
The price is ฿3,809 per night from 6 Apr to 7 Apr
฿3,809
฿4,190 total
includes taxes & fees
6 Apr - 7 Apr
Stay at this 4-star luxury hotel in San Sebastián. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a beach locale and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the bathrooms ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,004 reviews)
"Construction around the Hotel but easy access anyway. Great accommodation and location is best."

Reviewed on 29 Mar 2025

Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra
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 Wi-Fi, housekeeping and air conditioning. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (269 reviews)
"Excellent location. Very small hotel. Rooms on the smaller side as well"

Reviewed on 20 Mar 2025

Legazpi Doce Rooms & Suites
Wecamp San Sebastian
Wecamp San Sebastian
2 out of 5
Paseo Padre Orkolaga, 69, San Sebastián, Guipuzcoa
Stay at this eco-certified campsite in San Sebastián. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Donostia-San Sebastian Aquarium ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (55 reviews)
Great place to do glamping
"It is a very nice glamping site when you stay in their bungalow. There is AC, dishwasher, cooktop, shower and bathroom, kitchen with utensils in a clean campground."

Reviewed on 18 Aug 2024

Wecamp San Sebastian
The Passage Apartments
The Passage Apartments
3 out of 5
Garibai Kalea 23, San Sebastián
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in San Sebastián. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities and concierge services. Popular attractions Concha Beach and Donostia-San ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (33 reviews)
"Perfect apartment for a family of four. The kitchen was well equipped. I wish we knew in advance about the siesta window shutters. They are a great feature for travelers that want to rest during daylight on the arrival day."

Reviewed on 15 Dec 2024

The Passage Apartments
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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Cities near San Sebastián