San Sebastián Centro Travel Guide

San Sebastián

A bridge over a river with buildings and a crane in the background.
A crowded beach with people sunbathing and swimming.
A historic city square with ornate statues, a tram, and classic architecture.
A crowded beach with people sunbathing and swimming, a hill with buildings in the background, and a clear blue sky.
A river with a bridge, a white fence, and buildings along the riverbank.

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 Centre, or Erdialdea in Basque language) is one of the 18 neighbourhoods 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 neighbourhood 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 centre, 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.


Stay near popular San Sebastián Centro attractions

Things to do


Top hotels in San Sebastián Centro

Hotel Palacio Bellas Artes San Sebastián, Curio Collection by Hilton

Hotel Palacio Bellas Artes San Sebastián, Curio Collection by Hilton

4 out of 5
Calle Urbieta 61. 20006 Donostia - San Sebastián San Sebastián Basque Country
The price is £212 per night from 4 Oct to 5 Oct
£212
per night
4 Oct - 5 Oct
Stay at this hotel in San Sebastián. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Popular attractions Concha Beach and Edificio de Correos are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (23 reviews)
"Excellent hotel with wonderful friendly staff. The hotel room was clean and spacious with all the amenities you need, including an excellent steamer to get rid of those luggage creases. One tip: be careful of booking airport transfers through Expedia! Expedia will try and charge you for a transfer ..."

Reviewed on 12 Sept 2026

Hotel Palacio Bellas Artes San Sebastián, Curio Collection by Hilton
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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is £552 per night from 14 Oct to 15 Oct
£552
per night
14 Oct - 15 Oct
Stay at this luxury hotel in San Sebastián. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), 24-hour room service and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their ...
Hotel Maria Cristina, a Luxury Collection Hotel
Hotel Zenit Convento San Martín

Hotel Zenit Convento San Martín

4.5 out of 5
Calle San Martín, 45 San Sebastián
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is £229 per night from 14 Oct to 15 Oct
£229
per night
14 Oct - 15 Oct
Stay at this 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. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (768 reviews)
"Beautiful old convent sympathetically restored to a fantastic standard. Lovely clean rooms and the bar area is fantastic"

Reviewed on 13 Sept 2026

Hotel Zenit Convento San Martín
Axel Hotel San Sebastián - Adults Only

Axel Hotel San Sebastián - Adults Only

4 out of 5
Calle Amara 26 San Sebastián
The price is £150 per night from 13 Oct to 14 Oct
£150
per night
13 Oct - 14 Oct
Stay at this spa hotel in San Sebastián. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (741 reviews)
"Really nice lovely modern hotel, good facilities, rooftop pool is a lovely touch for a couple of hours, there isn’t a bar but they bring up a trolley with drinks now and again - extremely thoughtful. Rooms were spacious and modern. Location while a bit further inland is absolutely fine, its a nice ..."

Reviewed on 4 Sept 2026

Axel Hotel San Sebastián - Adults Only
Catalonia Donosti

Catalonia Donosti

4 out of 5
Alto San Bartolome Kalea 9 San Sebastián
The price is £232 per night from 11 Oct to 12 Oct
£232
per night
11 Oct - 12 Oct
Stay at this 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 condition ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (842 reviews)
"Great location, staff helpful and rooms very good."

Reviewed on 12 Sept 2026

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 £214 per night from 13 Oct to 14 Oct
£214
per night
13 Oct - 14 Oct
Stay at this luxury hotel in San Sebastián. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a beach locale and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,001 reviews)
"The hotel is located on the beach. Our room was pretty good size. Beds were comfortable. Reception staff was vey helpful. Conveniently located to the old town center. Highly recommended."

Reviewed on 11 Sept 2026

Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra
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.

Where to stay in San Sebastián Centro

Find the best San Sebastián Centro areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about San Sebastián Centro
Learn more about San Sebastián Centro

Old Town San Sebastián

Unique features of Old Town San Sebastián 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.

Egia

Bars, river views and historical sites highlight some of the notable features of Egia. Make a stop by Tabakalera Donostia while you're exploring.

Aiete

If you're spending some time in Aiete, Concha Promenade and Parque Aiete are top sights worth seeing.

Gros

Gros is known for its beaches, and you can plan a trip to Kursaal Congress Centre and Auditorium and Bay of Biscay while you're in town.

Amara

If you're spending some time in Amara, Reale Arena and Velódromo de Anoeta are top sights worth seeing.



San Sebastián Centro Travel Guide

Choose two or more items and save on your trip:

Explore a world of travel with Expedia