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 Plaza de La Constitucion or Monte Urgull while you're exploring the area.

Old Town San Sebastián
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
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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

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
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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 ฿3,287 per night from 27 Apr to 28 Apr
฿3,287
฿3,616 total
includes taxes & fees
27 Apr - 28 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! (992 reviews)
"Lovely upgrade to suite. Breakfast was very good. Shame the pool was empty as the weather was 26 degrees, so disappointing. Would return again."

Reviewed on 14 Apr 2025

Barceló Costa Vasca
Hotel Silken Amara Plaza
Hotel Silken Amara Plaza
4 out of 5
Plaza Pio XII, 7, San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa
The price is ฿2,595 per night from 27 Apr to 28 Apr
฿2,595
฿2,855 total
includes taxes & fees
27 Apr - 28 Apr
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in San Sebastián. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Popular attractions Reale Arena and Concha ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (992 reviews)
"A stop over while travelling to Bilbao. Busy hotel with a good cafe and restaurant."

Reviewed on 15 Apr 2025

Hotel Silken Amara Plaza
LETOH LETOH San Sebastián
LETOH LETOH San Sebastián
1 out of 5
Matia Kalea 18, San Sebastián, Guipuzcoa
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ฿3,997 per night from 29 Apr to 30 Apr
฿3,997
฿4,396 total
includes taxes & fees
29 Apr - 30 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 ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (138 reviews)
"Not closed to old town but quiet & clean place."

Reviewed on 8 Apr 2025

LETOH LETOH San Sebastián
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! (272 reviews)
"I loved this hotel! It was in a great area, walkable to everything and the staff was excellent! I would highly recommend it!"

Reviewed on 11 Apr 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! (57 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
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 Wi-Fi, a 24-hour fitness centre and dry cleaning or laundry services. Popular attractions Reale Arena ...
9/10 Wonderful! (186 reviews)
"A bus ride from city center that is about 20 minutes. Room was pleasant despite the tight space. Breakfast was very good. Design was modern."

Reviewed on 29 Aug 2024

Numad Studios
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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