San Sebastián Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

San Sebastian which includes a city, a bay or harbour and a coastal town
San Sebastian which includes a sandy beach, general coastal views and a city
San Sebastian
San Sebastián
Basilica of Saint Mary of Coro which includes heritage elements, interior views and religious elements
Vibrant Basque culture and one of Europe’s finest city beaches combine to make San Sebastian a highlight of Spain’s northern coast.

This European Capital of Culture has an irresistible mix of natural beauty, historic districts and a dining scene that rivals better-known Spanish cities. Enjoy a morning relaxing on the soft white sands of Playa de la Concha, one of the best city beaches in Europe. And an evening trawling the city’s atmospheric bars is a holiday must, so you can try some of San Sebastian’s famous pintxos – the Basque version of tapas. Plan your holiday in San Sebastian for festival time and join in the boisterous celebrations of jazz and film or San Sebastian’s patron saint.

During your holiday in San Sebastian, stroll through the lively streets of the old town, Casco Viejo, with its imposing Baroque churches and charming squares. Discover Basque Country’s rich history at San Telmo Museum, which is in a 16th-century former Dominican convent. Carry on to Monte Urgull, where you can enjoy panoramic views and impressive sunsets at the summit. Pop into the small museum in the 12th-century Castillo de la Mota to catch up on 800 years of San Sebastian’s history.

Take a holiday wander along the beautiful Playa de la Concha, where you’ll pass the English-style palace and gardens, once the holiday home of the Spanish royal family. You’ll soon reach the other headland which shelters the beach, Monte Igueldo. To save yourself the climb, hop on the funicular and take in the sweeping views at the top. Have a bit of old-fashioned fun in the amusement park perched on the headland.

With the French border so close, extend your San Sebastian holiday and take a bus or a train to some of France’s prettiest Basque towns, including the fishing village of St-Jean-de-Luz. Just beyond is Biarritz, a royal resort, which is also one of Europe’s most popular surf-holiday destinations.

San Sebastian’s historic streets, sheltered beaches, mountain scenery and buzzing restaurant scene make this Spanish coastal city an alluring choice for an unforgettable city break. It’s one of the most appealing places to soak up Basque culture – and fill up on innovative and renowned Basque cuisine.

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 Sebastián

5/5(24 area reviews)

Unique features of Old Town San Sebastián include the historical sites and bars. Make a stop by Plaza de La Constitucion or Monte Urgull while you're exploring the area.

Old Town San Sebastián
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Aiete

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

Aiete
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 notable features of Egia. Make a stop by Tabakalera Donostia while you're exploring.

Egia
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Amara

If you're spending some time in Amara, Reale Arena and Parque Aiete are top sights worth seeing.

Amara
The Social Hub San Sebastián
The Social Hub San Sebastián
3 out of 5
Otamendi Anaiak Kalea, San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa
The price is £110 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
£110
20 Jul - 21 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in San Sebastián. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Concha Beach and Cristina Enea Park ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (192 reviews)
"The Social Hub is an excellent hotel. The rooms are very clean. The restaurant and the pool and the gym are fantastic. All the staff especially Ailsa were extremely helpful and knowledgeable and courteous."

Reviewed on 29 Jun 2025

The Social Hub San Sebastián
Barceló Costa Vasca
Barceló Costa Vasca
4 out of 5
Avenida Pio Baroja 15, San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa
The price is £209 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
£209
20 Jul - 21 Jul
includes taxes & fees
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! (995 reviews)
"Very spacious rooms. Amazing breakfast. Wondering staff. Will come back."

Reviewed on 24 Jun 2025

Barceló Costa Vasca
Hotel ILUNION San Sebastian
Hotel ILUNION San Sebastian
4 out of 5
Avenida Zumalacarregui, 20, San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa
The price is £155 per night from 13 Jul to 14 Jul
£155
13 Jul - 14 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in San Sebastián. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (169 reviews)
"Very modern, contemporary clean rooms, well appointed Not too far from beach and promenade but at the other end of the old town to San Sebastián so as long as you don’t mind the promenade walk or have a car to drive in with, it’s fabulous Very clean and nice selection of decor, I am an interior designer ..."

Reviewed on 30 Jun 2025

Hotel ILUNION San Sebastian
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 Wi-Fi, a 24-hour fitness centre and dry cleaning or laundry services. Popular attractions Concha ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (203 reviews)
"Perfect place, easy way to the center via a 10 minutes bus, really good breakfast"

Reviewed on 26 Jun 2025

Numad Studios
Wecamp San Sebastian
Wecamp San Sebastian
2 out of 5
Paseo Padre Orkolaga, 69, San Sebastián, Guipuzcoa
Stay at this eco-certified campsite in San Sebastián. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Concha Beach and Zarautz Beach ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (68 reviews)
"Virgin glampers. Our “romantic” tent was well appointed and spacious. Bus #16 ran every 20 minutes to town. I would highly recommend Wecamp."

Reviewed on 1 Jul 2025

Wecamp San Sebastian
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 Wi-Fi, premium bedding and housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (294 reviews)
Excellent
"Nous avons passé deux nuits confortables et agréables dans cet hôtel parfaitement placé. We spent two nice and confortable nights in this perfectly located hotel."

Reviewed on 29 Jun 2025

Legazpi Doce Rooms & Suites
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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