San Sebastián

Travel Guide
San Sebastian showing a city, a beach and a coastal town
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 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 Sebastian

5/5(24 area reviews)

Unique features of Old Town San Sebastian 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 Sebastian
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 noteworthy features of Egia. Make a stop by Tabakalera Donostia or Cristina Enea Park while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Egia
Miramar Palace featuring a coastal town, flowers and general coastal views

Antiguo

4.5/5(16 area reviews)

Antiguo is known for its beaches, and you can plan a trip to Ondarreta Beach and Royal Palace of Miramar while you're in town.

Antiguo
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Amara

While there might not be top attractions in Amara, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Reale Arena and Cathedral of the Good Shepherd.

Amara
Barceló Costa Vasca
Barceló Costa Vasca
4 out of 5
Avenida Pio Baroja 15, San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa
The price is S$144 per night from 4 Apr to 5 Apr
S$144
per night
4 Apr - 5 Apr
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in San Sebastián. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and breakfast. Popular attractions Concha Promenade and Miramar ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (988 reviews)
"Very clean and quiet! Beautiful hotel!"

Reviewed on 21 Nov,2023

Barceló Costa Vasca
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 S$179 per night from 4 Apr to 5 Apr
S$179
per night
4 Apr - 5 Apr
Stay at this 4-star luxury hotel in San Sebastián. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and breakfast. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the bathrooms in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,002 reviews)
"Great location, comfort and services"

Reviewed on 10 Mar,2024

Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra
Catalonia Donosti
Catalonia Donosti
4 out of 5
Alto San Bartolome Kalea 9, San Sebastián
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is S$219 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
S$219
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
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 breakfast and the pool in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (303 reviews)
"Amazing hotel, exactly as it looks in the pictures, our room was fantastic, the brilliant bed, shower, dog bed and bowls were extras that made it great. The staff were very friendly and helpful. Parking is secure and safe with large spaces, it was underground so we didn’t have to worry about our ..."

Reviewed on 26 Mar,2024

Catalonia Donosti
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.
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, breakfast, and a 24-hour fitness center. Popular attractions Eureka! Science Museum and San ...
9/10 Wonderful! (154 reviews)
"Great sleep, beautiful building"

Reviewed on 27 Feb,2024

Numad Studios
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, a 24-hour front desk, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (197 reviews)
"First Class from the moment I walked in, greeted with a smile and a great attitude. Room was and remained spotless the whole visit. The location cannot be better. Highly recommend and I will be back for sure."

Reviewed on 16 Mar,2024

Legazpi Doce Rooms & Suites
abba Apartments Playa de Gros San Sebastián
abba Apartments Playa de Gros San Sebastián
3 out of 5
Calzada Vieja de Ategorrieta 35, San Sebastián
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in San Sebastián. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and a terrace. Popular attractions San Ignacio Church and Kursaal Congress ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (19 reviews)
"Séjour agréable"

Reviewed on 20 Mar,2024

abba Apartments Playa de Gros 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.

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