San Sebastián Centro Travel Guide

San Sebastián
Maria Cristina Bridge featuring a bridge, a city and a river or creek
Wander along the charming streets of this district to see some of the oldest buildings in the city, famous landmarks, exceptional restaurants and green areas.

The Centro de San Sebastián (City Center, or Erdialdea in Basque language) is one of the 18 neighborhoods of San Sebastián, capital of Gipuzkoa Province in Spain’s Basque Country. Discover the many interesting sites scattered around the district and enjoy delicious pintxos (pinchos in Spanish), small snacks spiked with toothpicks and served in local taverns and bars.

Parts of this famous district of San Sebastián were built after the ancient fortified walls that protected the city were knocked down in 1863. Look carefully to see remaining pieces of these walls around the port area.

The Spanish architect Antonio Cortázar Gorria was responsible for a large number of the designs of the new areas built in the city. Wander around the Centro to explore the interesting neighborhood that meets the sea to the north, the river Río Urumea to the east, the gorgeous Bahía de la Concha to the west and the area of Amara to the south.

Stroll along the popular Boulevard Street, a bustling pedestrian street. Nearby, notice the City Hall, an elegant construction built in 1887. Opposite this impressive building, enter the Jardines Alderdi Eder, a green area with flowers and tamarinds and a big carousel for the youngest members of the family to enjoy. See other important sites in the area, including the Plaza Gipuzkoa (Gipuzkoa Square) and the Teatro Victoria Eugenia.

The popular Centro also includes the old quarter, known as Parte Vieja. Explore this area to see beautiful buildings and enjoy the liveliest social life in the city. Wander along the street 31 de Agosto to taste some of the best pintxos of San Sebastián. Visit the churches Basilica de Santa María del Coro and Iglesia de San Vicente. Find the Plaza de la Constitución, one of the most famous squares in the city. See El Ensanche, another area that forms part of the center, and its wide Avenida de la Libertad (Freedom Avenue).

Tour the charming El Centro de San Sebastián and enjoy its numerous interesting and fun sites.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Top hotels in San Sebastián Centro

Barceló Costa Vasca
Barceló Costa Vasca
4 out of 5
Avenida Pio Baroja 15, San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa
The price is £83 per night from 20 Oct to 21 Oct
£83
per night
20 Oct - 21 Oct
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! (990 reviews)
"The property was nice. But we booked it primarily to have a great pool to use. But the pool was very cold and the water is not heated in any way especially when the temperatures in San Sebastian are not that hot. The ocean water is much better and comfortable vs. the pool. Lack of easy grab and go ..."

Reviewed on 27 Aug 2024

Barceló Costa Vasca
Catalonia Donosti
Catalonia Donosti
4 out of 5
Alto San Bartolome Kalea 9, San Sebastián
The price is £185 per night from 13 Oct to 14 Oct
£185
per night
13 Oct - 14 Oct
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in San Sebastián. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (410 reviews)
"Great place to stay in the heart of San Sebastián. Roof top pool and bar a highlight."

Reviewed on 15 Sep 2024

Catalonia Donosti
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 £146 per night from 21 Oct to 22 Oct
£146
per night
21 Oct - 22 Oct
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 ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,003 reviews)
"This is the place to stay in San Sebastián. Our rooms faced the Bay and the promenade. Beautiful scenery all day and night. Lots of activity on the promenade including live music and dancing on the weekend. Hotel staff is friendly and helpful, and the hotel is convenient to everything. Our first ..."

Reviewed on 17 Sep 2024

Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra
Hotel Maria Cristina, a Luxury Collection Hotel
Hotel Maria Cristina, a Luxury Collection Hotel
5 out of 5
Paseo Republica Argentina, 4, San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa
The price is £429 per night from 20 Oct to 21 Oct
£429
per night
20 Oct - 21 Oct
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in San Sebastián. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), 24-hour room service and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (725 reviews)
Superb
"As excellent as usual!!!"

Reviewed on 26 Jul 2024

Hotel Maria Cristina, a Luxury Collection Hotel
Sercotel Hotel Europa
Sercotel Hotel Europa
3 out of 5
San Martin, 52, San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa
The price is £91 per night from 20 Oct to 21 Oct
£91
per night
20 Oct - 21 Oct
Stay at this 3-star hotel in San Sebastián. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
8/10 Very Good! (777 reviews)
"Very nice hotel centrally located with Laura as a wonderful reception staff. She guided us and helped us navigate and find everything we needed. Cute nice room very clean. Bathroom and shower with all we needed as well. I would stay here again."

Reviewed on 25 Aug 2024

Sercotel Hotel Europa
Hotel Zenit Convento San Martín
Hotel Zenit Convento San Martín
4.5 out of 5
Calle San Martín, 45, San Sebastián
The price is £121 per night from 20 Oct to 21 Oct
£121
per night
20 Oct - 21 Oct
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in San Sebastián. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (375 reviews)
"Great location. Perfectly quiet room. The black out shades were a wonderful touch. The front desk staff was stellar — and went above and beyond to help me (especially as my luggage arrived 2 days after I did)!"

Reviewed on 16 Sep 2024

Hotel Zenit Convento San Martín
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.

Other neighbourhoods around 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
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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
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Aiete-Miramon

While Aiete-Miramon may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Reale Arena and San Sebastian Technology Park.

Aiete-Miramon
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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