Visit San Sebastian in two days – highlights of the best things to do
San Sebastian is one of my favorite places to visit in northeastern Spain and definitely worth visiting San Sebastian in two days or longer if you want to explore more of the regional capital of Donosia. I’ll be sharing all my favorite spots to visit, and it will be a full two day tour and you’ll definitely get a good look about seeing most of the historic sites and attractions around the city.
We will cover most of the city by walking around the city (although I will give options on getting to places by public transporation or cab if you prefer. Since most of this will be walking, I would advise to wear very comfortable shoes so you can pound the pavement very quickly. San Sebastian is relatively compact, so it’s easy to get around by foot and see many of the sites by using Google maps to show you the attractions and locations of each place highlighted on this tour.
Pin and save this for later
Day one in San Sebastian
Explore La Concha Beach promenade
Start your day early with a nice walk around the promenade area of the main beach area in San Sebastian called La Concha. This gorgeous crescent shaped beach with golden sandy beach is beautiful with a nice walking promenade that lines the beach areas with spectacular views of the bay, the surrounding hills and the old town of San Sebastian.
La Concha Beach is perfect to explore in the morning timeframe when it is cooler without all the crowds filling up the beach area and promenade. I love visiting the beach area at this time since it really is more quiet and a wonderful time to enjoy the area without all the tourists flocking around the same promenade areas taking selfies.
Explore the Old Town or Parte Vieja of San Sebastian
Next in the tour is the historic district of San Sebastian is called Parte Vieja and one of the most beautiful areas of the city with many photo ops along the way. San Sebastián’s historic district is filled with stunning architecture, historic landmarks and vibrant culinary scene with plenty of Pintxos bars and Michelin star restaurants. You can walk through the many narrow streets, in the old town and check out these important attractions and monuments to visit in the old town.
Basilica of Saint Mary of the Chorus
San Vicente Church.
The local food markets known as Mercado de la Brexta
It’s easy to just get lost around the old town and find something fun or unique to hang out or explore in town.
Climb up Monte Urgull
Right next to the Old town is the harbor area with the large hill of Monte Urgull. An important historic area that houses the Castillo de la Mota which helped to the defend the city from many invaders through the city’s past. Its a relatively short hike to the top through paths with scenic viewpoints to stop and take some photographs. At the top is the Castillo de la Mota along with the Sagrado Corazon or the Sacred Heart where you can get more fantastic views of the old town and Bay of Biscay below. The Christ statue is about 12 meters high and can be seen throughout the city and beach area standing out on Monte Urgull.
Others places to explore along the way in Monte Urgull includes:
Batería de las Damas (“Ladies’ Battery”)
The English Cemetery
El Paseo Nuevo
Plaza de la Constitución
After the walk-up Monte Urgull hill, head back downhill and make your way back to the Old Town and to the main square of the area called Plaza de la Constiucion. The central square is very unique and was originally used as a former bullfighting rink with numbered balconies still present on the surrounding building. Now the colorful square is a great place to explore and soak up the rich atmosphere and check out all the surrounding restaurants and pintxos bars for a nice lunch in this historic square. While checking out all the menu’s look out for local specialty dishes of the area including Txangurro a la Donastiarra, Koktxas or the local favorite Bacalao a la Pil Pil along with the many small plate dishes or pintxos that is being offered from these delicious bites.
After your visit to the square, start heading out to the east side of the city and crossing the main bridge leading across the bridge to the Gros Neighborhood. Enjoy the walk past the older sections of the Parte Vieja and head out to our landmark bridge called the Zurriola.
Afternoon exploration in San Sebastian
Explore the Gros Neighborhood in the eastern side of San Sebastian
Head east of the city towards the Zurriola bridge and crossing the Urumea River. From the ocean side you’ll see the river opening directly to the Bay of Biscay with these huge rocks that were placed to protect both sides of the river opening to the ocean.
You’ll be crossing the bridge and passing the ultra-modern Kursaal convention center and entering the Gros neighborhood which has become the uber young and trendy part of the city, partially because of cheaper rents and food venues, but surprisingly prices have risen and made this a fun place to also explore.
If you keep walking past the convention center you’ll hit Zurriola Beach, an expansive beach area that is popular with surfers and younger crowds which is a vibrant spot for beach activities or just hanging out away from the tourist crowds visiting La Concha Beach. The area close to the beach is llned with small plazas, surf shops and inexpensive eateries that are off the tourist map and fun to explore.
Walking along the Urumea River
Both sides of the Urumea River have river walk promenades and you’ll pass some the the historic bridges that cross the river with nice views of the Old Town skyline. It’s a nice walk as you pass other locals walking or jogging or doing a variety of exercise along this untouristy part of the city. There’s a lot of great spots to pick a bench and just enjoy the views or take some fun selfies along the way.
Tabakalera – a beautiful repurposed multi-function exhibit space
Head down the Urumea and you’ll see a large factory like building called Tabakalera which used to be an old tobacco factory. Converted into a contemporary cultural and art center with rotating shows, you can check out the free exhibits or head out to the top floor for rooftop views above the city and overlooking the river and Old Town and into the bay. It’s a great spot to relax and enjoy some views and photo ops on the open observation area.
Head back to the Nouveaux French district called Antiguo.
After visiting Tabakalera, you go back across the river to the western side of the city to an area called Antiguo. This area is located to the west is centered in a Nouveaux French architectural style and is characterized by its residential neighborhoods, local shops, and the beautiful squares along the with main cathedral of the city called Cathedral of the Good Shepherd or known locally as Catedral del Buen Pastor de San Sebastián).
You’ll find that this chic area is where all the large brands and boutique stores are located. Late afternoon is a great time to expore, stroll and people watch while walking around the larger French inspired boulevards and shopping streets. It seems like everyone is out and enjoying the end of day here in the Anitguo area.
Find a nice dinner spot in San Sebastian
It’s getting late and hopefully you have made some dinner reservations to any of the amazing Michelin star restaurants which take months in advance to reserve. If you didn’t plan things out for your visit, then consider the myriad of Pintxos bars and cafes that you can easily see around the Antiguo. These places are also popular so think about coming out here for happy hour timeframe and consider having a long or leisurely dinner with some local favorite dishes to try.
Day two in San Sebastian
The next day will be varied with cooking classes and tours, more walking along the city’s beach promenade, a visit to a historic castle and a funicular ride up a mountain with amazing views of the city.
Market tour and cooking class at Mimo
Another fun day in San Sebastian starts with a fantastic food tour and cooking class. This wonderful cook class is offered by Mimo underneath the gorgeous Maria Cristina hotel. Offering a gastronomic cooking and dining experience that takes you first on a tour of the markets and seeing the fresh ingredients used for the lunch preparation. You’ll enjoy the intimate tours and classes offered at Mimi and their friendly chef and team offer an easy and fun experience with an exceptional dining venue and gastronomic meal. You’ll remember this experience as the highlight of your visit to this city and meet some cool people along the way.
Make sure you check out the daily programs and book your seats in advanced for this limited tour and cooking experience at Mimo.
Walk the La Concha promenade to a castle
Visit the Castillo de San Sebastian
After a nice long meal, its time to walk off that delicious lunch and head back out to the La Concha beach promenade and walk to the other side of the crescent beach where a castle created for the royal Spanish family was built and the grounds is now open for visitors to enjoy and photograph the marvelous views of the beach area and Old town beyond.
Fantastic views of La Concha beach and the Old Town in the distance.
The views are spectacular and the grassy hill inviting to sit, relax and enjoy the views from above.
Make your way to the Funicular at Monte Igueldo
Continue downhill from the castle along the beach promenade and follow the signs to get to the funicular which will take you to the top of Monte Igueldo. The funicular building is always busy so make sure you get in line quickly and pay your roundtrip ticket on the funicular. Views are fun riding uphill and enjoying the funicular experience.
For more details on the funicular, check out their website here.
Explore Monte Igueldo
At the top of Monte Igueldo is a functioning amusement park mostly for kids, but its fun to just walk around and enjoy the vibe, try some local snacks or food and find a bench with amazing views of the entire area below. On the backside of the hill are some spectacular views of the cliffsides that are raw and natural and worth exploring or just taking some photographs from above.
Spectacular views of San Sebastian from Above
Kitschy fun checking out the amusement park area of Monte Igueldo and try some of the local snacks and bar food at the various bars and vendors in the park area.
Beach time or Pintxos – its up to you!
Once you are done with touring the area, head back down the funicular and you can have some beach time to explore the area or take the local bus back to the Old Town, where we have a Pintxos tour of local bars serving up some delicious specialties of the house.
Pintxos food tour
You’ll probably be in the mood to snack on some local bites and some cider or the local wines, so get ready to go on a Pintxos tour which is like a Tapas tour of the best bar food spots around the city. Pintxos is a real elevated tapas or small specialty food scene here in San Sebastian and taking a local tour will give you the opportunity to try the local specialty dish from each bar/cafe spot in town.
This tour offered with Get Your Guide covers 10 pintxos treats and 5 local drinks. Meet your guide and start right away of exploring tasty places to eat while learning about some historic and fascinating food trivia along the way while noshing with your new foodie friends in the city. This is really a great way to end the day and enjoy some small bites of delicious local food made from each of these bars.
Finish your day walking to the Basilia of Saint Mary of the Chorus
It’s good to walk off all that food and drink and check out the ornate baroque church in the Old Town called Saint Mary of the Chorus or Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Coro an ornate church that dates back to 1774 and also has some fascinating art displays and sculpture to enjoy inside the church.
Interior details of the ornate basilica of Saint Mary of the Chorus
Sunset and walk back on the beach
By the time you finish your tour of Saint Mary’s, you might want to take a short walk back to the beach promenade of La Concha and enjoy those last sunset views while the sun fades behind Monte Igueldo where you were at this afternoon. Find a nice empty bench and enjoy the end of day here fronting the Bay of Biscay and cherish two days well spent here in San Sebastian.
Check out my other posts on visiting Donostia
Other cool tours you might want to consider
If any of the tours or classes don’t float your boat, consider these activities or tours as an alternative
Sunset boat cruise drinking cava
Traditional Cider House tour with lunch
Visit to Bilbao and Gaztelgatxe Day trip
Beach painting on La Concha Beach in San Sebastian
Conclusion on exploring San Sebastian in two days
I love visiting San Sebastian, there’s so much to see and do with two days to explore the entire city.
San Sebastián is a city that beautifully combines natural splendor and gorgeous beaches, historical monuments and architecture and culinary excellence. From its stunning beaches and scenic hills to its vibrant old town and modern cultural centers, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Hope that you enjoyed this one full day tour of San Sebastian and hope you can spend a lovely day here soon!
Thanks for checking out Visit Spain and Mediterranean and this post. We hope you check out all the other posts to explore all around the country for inspiration.
3 thoughts on “San Sebastian in two days”