Is San Sebastian worth visiting? A big yes and exploring Basque country
Travelers to Spain wonder if San Sebastian worth visiting and spending some time up in Basque country. In short, yes it is fabulous and worth spending a day, two days exploring San Sebastian or longer visiting all of Basque Country. San Sebastian is recognized as the foodie capital of Spain with more Michelin star restaurants then many other larger and popular destinations in the country
Why Visit San Sebastian?
The city and region is steeped in natural beauty, historic and cultural treasures, amazing food scenes with Michelin star restaurants and Pintxos culture and outdoor adventure that excites different thrill seekers to visit the area.
Easily a walking city, you can tour the Old Town and central district easily or even take public transportation to get around. Most of the main attractions are centrally located in the Old Town, the revitalized French Inspired area called Antiquo and really fun and trendy neighborhoods like the Gros area.
How long to visit San Sebastian
You can easily base yourself in San Sebastian and explore the city and then regional areas of the French Basque region and even the sister rival city of Bilbao which is less than an hour and twenty minutes away. You can spend easily a few days to a whole week to enjoy the best of the city and surrounding region of Basque Country.
Main attractions and activities to do in San Sebastian
Depending on what your particular interests typically are in visiting in any location, San Sebastian covers all of the basis from foodie tours, outdoor adventure and hiking, historic and cultural sites, cool venues and neighborhoods and quirky or unusual one of a kind places worth exploring.
Here are some top attractions and suggestions to maximize your visit for a really fun and special visit to the city.
Enjoy some beach time at La Concha Beach
This crescent shaped golden sand beach is really spectacular whether you want beach day fun or even walk, job or do a workout along the promenade that skirts the entire beach area from the Old Town to the Castello or Castle of San Sebastian
La Concha beach extends for over a kilo meter and a half and this famous stretch of beach is known as one of the most beautiful and famous urban beaches in Europe. With crystal clear waters and nice golden sandy beach, you find a spot with all the masses of people in the heart of the beach or walk a little further down to find a more solitary area to enjoy with views.
Visit the Old Town or Parte Vieja
The heart of San Sebastian is it’s Old town or Parte Viega district right next to La Concha Beach. Rambling through the narrow streets filled with Pintxos bars, Michelin star restaurants, cool boutique stores and one of a kind shops quickly brings you to the mix of old and historic with modern and tourist focused center.
It’s easy to just wander and get lost exploring this historic district, but the must see’s when you are out exploring the area includes seeing:
Plaza de la Constitución
– Central square
– Vibrant atmosphere
– Historic buildings
– Numerous cafes and bars
San Vicente Church
– One of the oldest buildings in the city
– Gothic architecture
– Intricate details
Mercado de la Bretxa
– Bustling market
– Fresh produce
– Local delicacies
– Taste of daily life in San Sebastian
San Telmo Museum
– Located in a former convent
– Showcases Basque history, culture, and art
– Blends modern and traditional elements
Santa Maria Church
– Beautiful Baroque church
– Stunning interiors
– Grand facade
– Situated at the foot of Monte Urgull
Monte Urgull
– Historic hill
– Panoramic views of the city and the sea
– Several monuments and fortifications
Parte Vieja (Old Town at night time and Pintxos hopping)
– Heart of San Sebastian’s nightlife and food scene
– Known for its pintxo bars
– Narrow streets
– Lively atmosphere
Aquarium
– Located near the harbor
– Features a variety of marine life
– Impressive oceanographic exhibit
Explore the French inspired district of Antiguo
Located next to the Old Town, the Antiguo area of San Sebastian is more French Inspired with gorgeous squares, beautiful French Nouveaux inspired architecture and shopping and dining galore. It’s where the locals love to explore and shop late in the day and take their city back congregating around the main squares, shopping venues and strolling the promenades late in the afternoon to night and finding some fantastic outdoor cafes to enjoy the end of day here.
Here’s some of the popular attractions and places of interest to visit in Antiguo
Playa de Ondarreta
– Beautiful sandy beach
– Family-friendly atmosphere
– Ideal for sunbathing and swimming
Peine del Viento (Comb of the Wind)
– Iconic sculptures by Eduardo Chillida
– Located at the end of Ondarreta Beach
– Stunning views of the sea
Miramar Palace
– Historic palace with beautiful gardens
– Once a royal summer residence
– Offers panoramic views of La Concha Bay
Monte Igueldo
– Hill with an amusement park at the top
– Funicular ride to the summit
– Spectacular views of San Sebastian and the coastline
Antiguo Market
– Traditional market with fresh produce
– Local delicacies and artisan products
– Vibrant local atmosphere
Loretopea Park
– Green space perfect for relaxation
– Children’s play area
– Scenic walking paths
La Perla Thalassotherapy
– Renowned spa and wellness center
– Offers seawater treatments
– Located on La Concha Beach
Exploring Antiguo offers a mix of natural beauty, historic sites, and local charm, making it a must-visit area in San Sebastian.
Check out the riverfront area of the Urumea River
This area around the riverfront promenade areas along the Urumea River tends to be more low key with locals strolling, jogging and exercising along the banks of the river. It’s a great place to walk and enjoy views of the Old Town and downtown areas of San Sebastian area. You can do this as a nice stroll or more of a workout, but if you just want to stop and go to enjoy the views and captures some pictures, it’s all good to really get a nice vibe of the area.
Popular things to do along the Urumea River
Explore the Gros neighborhood
The eastern side of San Sebastian is up and coming and more trendy from the University area to cool squares and older churches to explore in this district. You’ll find the place loaded with more affordable Pintxos bars, restaurants and cool trendy shops and surfing boutique stores focused on the surfing beach in the area.
Tabakalera – a multi-function exhibit space with a view
Head down the Urumea River, and you’ll come across a large, factory-like building called Tabakalera, which was once an old tobacco factory. Now a contemporary cultural and art center with rotating shows, you can explore the free exhibits or head to the top floor for rooftop views of the city, the river, Old Town, and the bay. It’s an excellent spot to relax, enjoy the scenery, and capture some great photos from the open observation area.
Check out the surf scene or take a class along the Zurriola Beach
If you continue walking past the convention center, you’ll reach Zurriola Beach, a popular spot with surfers and younger crowds. This expansive beach is perfect for beach activities or simply relaxing away from the tourist crowds at La Concha Beach. Nearby, you’ll find small plazas, surf shops, and affordable eateries that are off the tourist map and fun to explore.
Fun Activities to do around San Sebastian
There’s so many fun activities that you can do in and around the city that will make your visit more special with in depth learning about the history, culture, food scene and general trivia about this very exciting city and region of Basque Country.
Check out all the wonderful tours to do around the San Sebastian region below.
How about taking a market tour and cooking class
You can enjoy a fun market tour and cooking class with on the leading cooking classes here and enjoy learning how to make delicious local food and amazing fresh ingredients from the region.
San Sebastian: Authentic Basque Cooking Class
Do a road trip experience from San Sebastian
There’s so many fascinating places to visit from San Sebastian and doing a small day tour is the best way to enjoy the rest of Basque country and its fascinating history and culture. Check out these fantastic local group tours you can do below.
San Sebastián and San Juan de Gaztelugatxe Day Trip
Saint-Jean-de-Luz, Basque country: Boat tour along the Coast
Do a fantastic walking tour around San Sebastian
For an expert and local guide to show you more about the city’s history, culture and important landmarks that made it what it is today, its better to get local insight with a guided tour. Check out this tour guide experience here for more details.
San Sebastián: Cultural Walking Tour
San Sebastian: Market, Pintxos and Wine Tasting Tour
Check out these other topics on San Sebastian below
Visiting San Sebastian in one day
How to get from Bilbao to San Sebastian
How to get from San Sebastian to Bilbao
