What to do in San Sebastián

Activities, attractions and tours

A marina with boats docked, a waterfront promenade, and buildings along the shore.
A modern building with large windows and a stone facade.
A spiral staircase with wooden steps and stone walls.
A museum interior with a central ornate religious display, surrounded by statues and framed artworks.
A restaurant named 'JATETXEA' with people outside and a signboard.

San Sebastián Attractions

The picturesque city of San Sebastian is one of northern Spain’s culinary and cultural hotspots. Offering a spectacular beach, a wealth of watersports and great shopping, the city has more than enough to keep you busy during your stay. Plus, with the Basque region’s stunning countryside on your doorstep, there’s plenty more to discover once you’ve experienced the sights and sounds of this intoxicating city.

Areas & Neighbourhoods in San Sebastian

Parte Vieja – San Sebastian’s old town takes in the traditional heart of the city. Home to beautiful churches, winding streets and a great choice of bars and cafes, this is the perfect place to start your exploration of the city.

Downtown – The liveliest part of San Sebastian boasts a wealth of restaurants, shops and local businesses. Visit the Catedral del Buen Pastor, the Koldo Mitxelena Arts Centre and the Plaza del Buen to get a good feel for the area and its attractions.

Gros – Just across the Urumea River is a fantastic selection of high quality tapas bars, picturesque streets and one of the city’s main train stations. Gros also boasts Zurriola beach, one of the prettiest stretches of sand you will find in the area.

Zona Romantica – One of the best parts of San Sebastian for nightlife, the Zona Romantica boasts a number of stylish cafes, a choice of live music pubs and a famous jazz cafe. Head to this district to enjoy a lively night out and to see how the locals party.

Things to See in San Sebastian

Start your sightseeing tour of San Sebastian with a trip to the top of Monte Igueldo where you’ll be able to enjoy breathtaking views of La Concha Bay and the city. Next, visit the 19th century Miramar Palace, with its surprisingly English aesthetic style and its pretty garden. Head on to the ornate San Sebastian Cathedral and the delightful Basilica of Saint Mary of the Chorus. Other sights in San Sebastian include the El Peine del Viento (The Wind Comb) sculpture which is located at the far west of Playa Ondarreta, the Kursaal Congress Centre and the tranquil Mount Ulia park.

Things to Do in San Sebastian

Shop for traditional goods and souvenirs in the city’s old town, sample some local delicacies in one of its many tapas bars or explore San Sebastian’s historic sights and unique cultural heritage. If you’re a fan of sun, sea and adventure, San Sebastian is the perfect destination as the city boasts some of the best beaches in the area. Surfing is a popular activity in the local waters, or you can try your hand at kayaking, water skiing or sailing. The area around San Sebastian offers a wealth of hiking opportunities, while the city and surrounding countryside is also perfect for exploring on two wheels.

Things to do

Donostia - San Sebastián City Tour Bus, Hop On - Hop Off

Donostia - San Sebastián City Tour Bus, Hop On - Hop Off

£14
per adult
80% of travellers recommend
Donostia - San Sebastián City Tour Bus, Hop On - Hop Off
Aerial view of a church in Spain

The Basque Country Full-Day Tour

£64
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
The Basque Country Full-Day Tour
Ultimate San Sebastian Pintxos & Wine Tour

San Sebastian Ultimate Pintxos & Wine Tour in the Old Town

£88
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
San Sebastian Ultimate Pintxos & Wine Tour in the Old Town
Bilbao, Guggenheim and Gaztelugatxe from San Sebastian

Bilbao, Guggenheim and Gaztelugatxe from San Sebastian

£81
per adult
Bilbao, Guggenheim and Gaztelugatxe from San Sebastian
Eating San Sebastian Pintxos Tour

Eating San Sebastian: Beyond Pintxos Tour

£86
per adult
Eating San Sebastian: Beyond Pintxos Tour
Sampling San Sebastián's History: A Self Guided Audio Tour

Sampling San Sebastián's History: A Self Guided Audio Tour

£15
per adult
Sampling San Sebastián's History: A Self Guided Audio Tour
Explore San Sebastián in Your First Adventure

Explore San Sebastián in Your First Adventure

£26
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Explore San Sebastián in Your First Adventure
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Top places to visit

1. Concha Beach

The Playa de la Concha (usually referred to in English as Concha Beach) is a beautiful central beach in the city of San Sebastián in northern Spain. It’s located in the stunning bay Bahía de La Concha, which takes its name from its distinctive “concha” shell shape. Spend a fantastic day on a spacious Spanish beach with amazing views and lovely walkways.
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A crowded beach with people sunbathing and swimming, a clear blue sky, and boats in the water.

2. Concha Promenade

Concha Promenade is the central boulevard of San Sebastian, where you’ll find many of the city’s events, ceremonies and activities. With its white balustrade and tall clock towers straddling Concha Beach, the promenade is among the most iconic landmarks in the region. Join joggers and skaters on this lively pedestrian avenue, which is shaped like a horseshoe.
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A crowded beach with people sunbathing and swimming, a clear blue sky, and buildings in the background.

3. Donostia-San Sebastian Aquarium

Embark on an undersea odyssey and observe a variety of aquatic species at the Donostia-San Sebastián Aquarium. This oceanographic museum has more than 30 aquariums that feature animals from the Cantabrian-Atlantic Sea. Visit its exhibition space dedicated to naval history and the local fishing industry.
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A stone building with a sign reading "AQUARIUM" and a staircase leading to an entrance.

4. Zurriola Beach

Zurriola Beach is a stunning stretch of golden sand between the Urumea River and the mossy green Ulía mountain. It is the only one of three urban beaches of San Sebastian that doesn’t face Concha Bay, leaving it more exposed to larger waves that are ideal for surfing. Join skaters and joggers along the lively promenade that backs onto this exceptional stretch of sand.
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A coastal cityscape with a beach, surfers, and a hill with a monument.

5. Ondarreta Beach

One of the main urban strands in San Sebastian, Ondarreta Beach is a wide stretch of golden sand beside picturesque Igueldo Mount. Its shallow water and flat sand provide ideal conditions for the entire family. Snap photos of the mossy mound of Santa Clara Island that rises tall from the bay beside a headland.
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A beach with people sunbathing and swimming, a clear blue sea, and buildings on a hillside.

6. Monte Igueldo

The Monte Igueldo (Igueldo Mountain) or Igeldo, Txubillo o Hiru Txubilloak in Basque language, is a very famous spot west of the city of San Sebastián. Ride to the top of the hill on the old-fashioned Funicular de Igueldo (Igueldo funicular railway) to marvel at some of the most spectacular panoramic views of the bay Bahía de la Concha and discover a classic fun park.
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A coastal cityscape with a prominent hill and a lighthouse.

7. Plaza de La Constitucion

The site of celebrations and activities, Plaza de la Constitución is the main square of San Sebastian. Majestic colonnades of grand buildings surround the spacious plaza, which was formerly a bullfighting arena. Consider the rich and intriguing history of this square and how the city formed around it.
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A square with cafes and outdoor seating, surrounded by historic buildings with balconies and arched windows.

Recommended things to do in San Sebastián

Number of things to do
240
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TOP San Sebastian : Private Guided Tour with your mobile: £5
Top 5 things to do
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What to do in San Sebastián

Stay near popular San Sebastián attractions

A crowded beach with people sunbathing and swimming, a clear blue sky, and boats in the water.

Concha Beach

9.4/10 (1,186 reviews)
Enjoy one of the best city beaches in Europe. This fantastic spot in San Sebastián has an extensive sandy area and clear waters.
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Where to stay in San Sebastián

Find the best San Sebastián areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about San Sebastián
Learn more about San Sebastián
A bustling street with shops, a bridge, and a sign for 'BAR ARALAR'.

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.

A coastal city with a prominent hill, a beach, and a rocky breakwater.

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.

A crowded beach with people sunbathing and swimming, a hill with buildings in the background, and a clear blue sky.

San Sebastián Centro

San Sebastián Centro is known for its stunning beaches, and you can see some sights area like Concha Beach and Cathedral of the Good Shepherd.

A street lined with historic buildings, parked cars, and benches.

Amara

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

A coastal town with a hilltop castle, boats on the sea, and pink flowers in the foreground.

Antiguo

Antiguo is known for its beaches, and you can plan a trip to Ondarreta Beach and Concha Promenade while you're in town.

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from San Sebastián

A coastal cityscape with a bay, boats, and a mountainous backdrop.

Lasarte-Oria

Terraced vineyards, a winding road, and a village in the background.

Orio

A town nestled in a valley with a prominent church tower, surrounded by lush greenery and residential buildings.

Usurbil

A mountain with dense forest coverage and a clear sky.

Hernani

A coastal landscape with a clear blue sea, a small island, and a mountainous backdrop.

Pasaia

A cityscape with a river, historic buildings, and a mountainous backdrop.

Renteria

A small white church with a stone facade and a bell tower.

Astigarraga

A river with boats, a bridge, and buildings along the banks.

Pasai Donibane

Frequently asked questions

Is San Sebastián worth visiting?
Offering a mix of dining and festivals, there's no shortage of things to do in San Sebastián. While you're here, check out Concha Promenade, a key attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in San Sebastián?
Concha Promenade and Donostia-San Sebastian Aquarium are two excellent places to kick-start your holiday adventures. Be sure to explore the dining and shopping options in San Sebastián while you're here too.
What is the top tourist attraction in San Sebastián?
Concha Promenade is one of the top tourist attractions in San Sebastián and deserves a spot on every sightseeing list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in San Sebastián?
Three days in San Sebastián is enough to enjoy the city's leading attractions. Many travellers spend three days on average. Concha Promenade, Donostia-San Sebastian Aquarium and Kursaal Congress Centre and Auditorium are highly rated sights. Want to experience more? Stick around a little longer to check off nearby hotspots such as Bayonne and Biarritz.
Is San Sebastián a walkable city?
Some leading attractions in San Sebastián, like Concha Promenade and Donostia-San Sebastian Aquarium, are within walking distance. You can also experience several of the city's neighbourhoods on foot. Just 2 kms (1 mile) from the city centre of San Sebastián is San Sebastián Centro and Old Town San Sebastian is 0.32 kms (0.20 miles) away.
What are some activities to do in San Sebastián with kids?
If you're searching for sights and tours for all ages, take a look at these great ideas for what to do in San Sebastián with kids.

What to do in San Sebastián for adults?
Centro de Danza and Sagardoetxea are just a few of the things to do in San Sebastián. With lots of activities available, there's something here for everyone to experience.
Are there free things to do in San Sebastián?
From visiting parks to strolling around vibrant neighbourhoods, it's easy to discover free things to do in San Sebastián. If you're in need of ideas, ask for recommendations from a local tour guide. Concha Promenade is a top spot for anyone wishing to save on their travelling adventures.

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