Old Town San Sebastián Travel Guide

San Sebastián

Old Town showing street scenes as well as a small group of people
Old Town featuring night scenes and street scenes as well as a small group of people
Monte Urgull featuring a bay or harbour, a coastal town and a city
Old Town San Sebastián
Old Town showing interior views, food and a bar

Piece together intriguing Basque stories from the museums and religious treasures and enjoy scenic views of headlands and islands in this historic neighbourhood.

The Old Town district of San Sebastian comprises a hub of intriguing and historical sights at the foot of Mount Urgull. The district’s many museums and churches shed light on the art, culture and history of the Basque region. Stroll through narrow alleys in the historic center and choose from three urban beaches in this eclectic area.

Walk along the stone-lined banks of the picturesque Urumea River that divides Old Town in two. Relax in some of the many bars that you’ll find along the avenues. Restaurants here specialize in Basque tapas and pintxos, which are bite-sized culinary treats.

Gaze up at impressive buildings dotted around the historic center. Among the highlights is the 18th-century Basilica of Saint Mary of the Chorus. Detailed carvings and statues are engraved on its intricate façade. Admire the 19th-century neoclassical frontage of the Goikoa Palace.

Snap photos of the iconic twin towers of the San Sebastian City Hall, which was formerly a casino. Reach the historic Plaza de la Constitución and notice the numbers on the balconies that once marked old bullfighting boxes.

For a change of theme, place your bets at the upmarket Casino Kursaal, which has a range of betting machines, poker sets and a restaurant with a charming terrace. Bring your kids to the San Sebastian Aquarium and learn about all things Basque in the exceptional buildings of the San Telmo Museum.

Lay down a blanket for a picnic or sunbathing on Zurriola Beach or Concha Beach. Visit the bars and clubs of the latter’s famous promenade.

This historic center lies at the bottom of the verdant hills of Mount Urgull in central San Sebastian. Ride the train to Gros Station and get around this charming area on foot. Drive east from the base of Monte Igueldo for 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) to get here in about 15 minutes.

San Sebastian’s Old Town is a window into the fascinating and proud Basque traditions and history.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Top hotels in Old Town San Sebastián

Lasala Plaza Hotel - Adults only

Lasala Plaza Hotel - Adults only

4 out of 5
Plaza Lasala, 2, San Sebastián, Guipuzcoa
The price is £344 per night from 7 Aug to 8 Aug
£344
7 Aug - 8 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in San Sebastián. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a rooftop terrace and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (661 reviews)
"Beautiful hotel with amazing rooftop, outstanding location, friendly staff, great breakfast. Our room was noisy due to festivities outside our window. Otherwise, it was great!"

Reviewed on 26 Jul 2025

Lasala Plaza Hotel - Adults only
Pension Anne

Pension Anne

1 out of 5
Esterlines Kalea 15, San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa
The price is £201 per night from 16 Aug to 17 Aug
£201
16 Aug - 17 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hostel in San Sebastián. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Concha Beach and Casino Kursaal are located ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (127 reviews)
"We loved our stay, Annes hospitality was amazing! She was very helpful giving us tips on the best places in San Sebastian, along with doing our laundry and even managed to get red wine stains out of my partners white clothes. Thanks again Anne for everything!"

Reviewed on 16 Jul 2025

Pension Anne
Casa Nicolasa

Casa Nicolasa

2 out of 5
Calle Aldamar, 4, San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa
The price is £179 per night from 31 Jul to 1 Aug
£179
31 Jul - 1 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this pension in San Sebastián. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, daily housekeeping and minibars. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (352 reviews)
Excellent location
"We enjoyed a very pleasant short stay at Casa Nicolasa. This pension is ideally situated close to the old town. The staff were friendly and particularly helpful. The room we chose waste with a terrace. These rooms are at the back of the property and, whilst it is nice to have outdoor space to enjoy ..."

Reviewed on 6 Jul 2025

Casa Nicolasa
Hotel Atari

Hotel Atari

2 out of 5
C. Mayor 18, San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa
Fully refundable
The price is £231 per night from 31 Jul to 1 Aug
£231
31 Jul - 1 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in San Sebastián. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (234 reviews)
Excellent stay for a getaway
"We had 3 nights at this Hotel to experience the Pintxos bars which was just amazing, a must for any food lovers! The location of the hotel in the old town was perfect (actually as we got to know the area I would say probably the best place to be), bit noisy in the mornings but to be expected and ..."

Reviewed on 24 Jul 2025

Hotel Atari
Hotel SANSEbay

Hotel SANSEbay

3.5 out of 5
Calle mari 21, San Sebastián
The price is £198 per night from 31 Jul to 1 Aug
£198
31 Jul - 1 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star beach hotel in San Sebastián. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (406 reviews)
"Great location but difficult to get to due to the one way systems in San Sebastian."

Reviewed on 24 Jul 2025

Hotel SANSEbay
Aldamar

Aldamar

2 out of 5
Calle Aldamar 2, San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa
The price is £171 per night from 31 Jul to 1 Aug
£171
31 Jul - 1 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this pension in San Sebastián. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, parking (surcharge) and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9/10 Wonderful! (287 reviews)
"Decent property. Car park is a bit of walk and has to be paid for £27 Euros a day"

Reviewed on 29 Jul 2025

Aldamar
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 Old Town 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
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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Manteo

When in Manteo, you can plan a visit to Kursaal Congress Centre and Auditorium and Zurriola Beach, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Manteo

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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Ulia

Though Ulia may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Kursaal Congress Centre and Auditorium and Zurriola Beach.

Ulia
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 Concha Promenade while you're in town.

Antiguo


Old Town San Sebastián Travel Guide

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