A Perfect Itinerary: Best Things to Do in San Sebastián

Welcome to San Sebastián, or Donostia if you want to impress the locals, a coastal gem where every pintxo is a mini masterpiece and every sunset feels like a postcard. When it comes to things to do in San Sebastián, the list is as delicious as it is scenic. Wander through the buzzing old town
, stretch out on iconic beaches, and dive into the city’s rich history up on Monte Urgull. And if you’re into wine, a visit to a Basque Country winery nearby is the perfect pairing to your cultural and culinary adventure. Get ready, San Sebastián serves elegance with a generous side of flavor!

What are the best things to do in San Sebastián and what to see?

Stroll along the iconic La Concha Beach

One of the top things to do, and frankly, impossible to miss, is a visit to La Concha Beach, the city’s crown jewel. With its iconic crescent shape, golden sands, and postcard views of Santa Clara Island, it’s often ranked among the best urban beaches in Europe. Whether you’re diving into the Bay of Biscay, strolling the scenic promenade, or simply sipping a glass of wine with your toes in the sand, it offers the kind of laid-back luxury that defines the lifestyle.

Explore the historic Monte Urgull

For one of the most rewarding experiences in San Sebastián, lace up your shoes and hike up Monte Urgull. This lush hill rises right behind the old town and offers a fascinating mix of history, nature, and unbeatable coastal views. At the summit, you’ll find the Castillo de la Mota, a centuries-old fortress that once defended the city, as well as the iconic Sacred Heart statue watching over the bay. Along the way, discover old battlements, shaded trails, and open-air exhibits that bring the city’s military past to life. It’s the perfect spot to blend culture, fresh air, and postcard-worthy views, all in true local style.

Visit the San Telmo Museum for Basque History

Tucked at the foot of Monte Urgull in San Sebastián’s Old Town, the San Telmo Museum is your go-to spot for diving deep into Basque history and culture. Housed in a beautifully restored 16th-century Dominican convent, the museum combines old-world charm with modern design. Inside, you’ll find everything from traditional tools and crafts to contemporary art and thought-provoking exhibits on identity, politics, and society.

Immerse yourself in the culture

Kick off your Spanish experience in the buzzing Parte Vieja, the city’s Old Town and undisputed capital of pintxos. Wandering these atmospheric lanes, you’ll stumble upon some of the city’s most beloved bars, La Cuchara de San Telmo, Borda Berri, and La Viña, to name a few. Each one serves up small bites bursting with flavor, perfectly matched with a glass of local Txakoli or a bold Rioja. It’s more than just eating, it’s a culinary ritual that blends tradition, creativity, and a whole lot of character.

Take the funicular to Mount Igueldo

Aboard the charming old-school funicular railway, running since 1912, ride your way up to Mount Igueldo, a city this beautiful deserves to be admired from above. Once you reach the summit, prepare for jaw-dropping views, framed by rolling green hills and the sparkling Atlantic. But wait, there’s more: at the top, you’ll find a vintage amusement park straight out of a Wes Anderson film, think rickety roller coasters with million-euro views. Once a favorite of the Spanish royal family, Mount Igueldo is pure nostalgia and local charm rolled into one epic panorama.

Marvel at Gothic Architecture in the Buen Pastor Cathedral

Right in the heart of Donostia, the Buen Pastor Cathedral rises proudly with its neo-Gothic spire, the tallest, making it a standout on the city skyline. Step inside to enjoy a peaceful break from the bustle of the city streets and admire the stained-glass windows and elegant stonework. Whether you’re pausing for a quiet moment or using it as your go-to landmark while wandering the city, this 19th-century cathedral is both a spiritual and visual anchor in the vibrant center of town.

Experience Culture at Tabakalera

Once a sprawling tobacco factory, Tabakalera has transformed into one of San Sebastián’s most exciting cultural hubs. This massive space now buzzes with creativity, hosting cutting-edge art exhibitions, indie film screenings, workshops, and events that reflect the city’s innovative spirit. Whether you’re into contemporary art, curious conversations, or just looking for a cool café to recharge in a dynamic setting, Tabakalera offers a fresh, modern contrast to the historic charm of the Old Town.

Unwind at Miramar Palace

Perfectly perched between La Concha and Ondarreta beaches, Miramar Palace was indeed a summer residence for the Spanish royal family in the late 19th century. Commissioned by Queen María Cristina and designed in the English style, the palace is surrounded by beautifully manicured gardens overlooking the bay. It’s now used by the University of the Basque Country but remains open to the public.

Take a break and a drink at the Plaza de la Constitución

Plaza de la Constitución is the beating heart of the old town and the perfect place to hit pause on your sightseeing spree. Once the city’s bullring (you’ll still see the numbered balconies from those days), this lively square is now lined with cafés, pintxos bars, and locals soaking up the sun. Grab a seat under the arcades, order a glass of local Txakoli or a cold cider, and watch the buzz of the city unfold around you.

What are the best things to do around San Sebastián?

Explore the vineyards of the Basque Country

Just under an hour’s drive from the city, the Basque Country’s rolling green hills and Atlantic coastline give way to one of Spain’s most unique wine regions, home of Txakoli. This crisp, lightly sparkling white wine is made from local Hondarrabi Zuri grapes and perfectly reflects the freshness of the coast. Whether you’re heading toward Getaria, Zarautz, or Hondarribia, you’ll find family-run wineries perched on scenic slopes with sweeping sea views. Most bodegas offer guided tours, tastings, and insight into the region’s wine heritage, deeply rooted. It’s the perfect day trip if you’re craving sea air, stunning landscapes, and a glass of something truly local.

Visit the chic coastal town of Biarritz

A scenic 45-minute drive northeast along the coast takes you to Biarritz, a chic French seaside town that blends elegance with surf culture. Once a favorite retreat of European royalty, Biarritz still charms with its grand Belle Époque architecture, golden beaches, and lively markets. It’s the perfect cross-border day trip where you can soak up French-Basque fusion, wander along the coast, sample fresh seafood at the port, or browse boutiques in the old town. Whether you’re chasing waves or croissants, Biarritz makes for a stylish and easy getaway from Donostia.

Head to Vitoria-Gasteiz

Discover Vitoria-Gasteiz, the green capital of the Basque Country and an often-overlooked gem when planning your trip itinerary. Just a 75-minute drive from the coast, this elegant city offers a slower pace and a strong cultural punch, think medieval streets, impressive cathedrals, and a thriving arts scene. Stroll through the beautifully preserved Old Town, sip on local wines in the lively Plaza de la Virgen Blanca, or dive into the local food scene that rivals its coastal cousins. It’s also a gateway to the Rioja Alavesa wine region, making it a top stop for those curious about heritage, gastronomy, and wine culture.

Don’t miss our guide and find out the best things to do in Vitora-Gasteiz!

Take a day trip to Bilbao

Take a day trip to Bilbao and dive into a bold mix of industrial heritage, world-class art, and Basque culinary culture, just over an hour’s drive. Start with the iconic Guggenheim Museum, then stroll through the Casco Viejo for a taste of old-town charm and pintxos galore. For wine lovers, a Bilbao wine tour offers the perfect chance to explore nearby vineyards or sample local vintages in stylish bars and cellars across the city. Whether you’re sipping Txakoli by the river or soaking in panoramic views from Mount Artxanda, Bilbao makes for a flavorful and unforgettable detour.

Want to explore more of the city? Dive into our Winalist guide to discover the best things to do in Bilbao!

Wander through the vineyards of Rioja Alavesa

Just about 2 hours southeast of San Sebastián, the Rioja Alavesa region is a must for anyone passionate about Spanish wine. Nestled in the Basque Country’s southern tip, this prestigious area is part of the larger Rioja DOCa and is famed for its bold red wines, medieval hilltop villages, and architectural gems. Explore Laguardia’s cobbled streets, step into centuries-old underground cellars, and taste award-winning Tempranillo straight from the source.

Take a detour to Hondarribia’s old town charm

30 minutes from Donostia, the coastal town of Hondarribia charms with its beautifully preserved Old Town, where brightly painted Basque houses and flower-adorned balconies line cobbled streets. Perched on the Bidasoa River and facing France, this fortified fishing village blends history with culinary excellence, making it the perfect place to escape the city crowds. Wander through its medieval walls, visit the impressive Church of Santa María, and treat yourself to pintxos at one of the town’s acclaimed bars.

Good to Know before visiting San Sebastián