Exploring San Sebastian in one day – a popular foodie destination
San Sebastian on the northern eastern coastline area of Spain is definitely one of my favorite places to visit and exploring San Sebastian in one day would be a shame but it is doable. I’m sharing all my favorite spots to visit, it will be a full day but you’ll definitely get a good idea about visiting maybe spending a little bit more time on your next visit to the foodie capital of Spain.
All of this day tour will be covered by walking around the city, so I would advise to wear very comfortable shoes so you can pound the pavement very quickly. Since San Sebastian is relatively compact, it is really easy to get around by foot and exploring easily and using Google maps to show you the attractions and locations of each place highlighted on this tour.
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Why is San Sebastian the foodie capital of Spain?
San Sebastián’s reputation as Spain’s foodie capital comes from its world-class restaurants, vibrant pintxos culture, blend of tradition and innovation, fresh local ingredients, and a strong passion for gastronomy. Whether enjoying a Michelin-starred meal or sampling pintxos in a lively bar, the city’s culinary scene offers an unmatched experience.
San Sebastián, or Donostia in Basque, is often hailed as the foodie capital of Spain for several reasons:
1. Michelin-Starred Restaurants
The city has one of the world’s highest concentrations of Michelin-starred restaurants. Renowned spots like Arzak, Akelarre, and Martín Berasategui showcase cutting-edge Basque cuisine, attracting food lovers from all over.
2. Pintxos Culture
Pintxos, the Basque take on tapas, are a highlight of San Sebastián’s culinary scene. The Old Town, or Parte Vieja, is filled with pintxos bars, each offering unique, delicious bites. This encourages a fun tradition of bar-hopping, sampling the best of each place.
3. Blend of Tradition and Innovation
San Sebastián’s food culture blends rich Basque traditions with modern creativity. The Basque Culinary Center, a top gastronomic school, fosters this blend by training chefs and encouraging culinary innovation.
4. Fresh, Local Ingredients
With access to fresh seafood and local produce, San Sebastián’s markets, like La Bretxa, offer top-quality ingredients. This availability of fresh food plays a big role in the city’s exceptional dining experiences.
5. Food Festivals and Events
The city hosts various food festivals and events, such as the San Sebastián Gastronomika conference, which draws top chefs and food experts. Local celebrations like Semana Grande and the Tamborrada also highlight traditional Basque cuisine.
6. Love for Gastronomy
San Sebastián’s residents have a deep passion for food. This cultural love for dining is seen in the pride locals take in their cuisine and the social importance of mealtimes.
While exploring around San Sebastian make sure you indulge in the gastronomy from the area whether you try out some of the more casual pinxtos bars, check out the public farmers markets or have a really luxurious experience at any of the Michelin Star restaurants in the region.
Where to start in San Sebastian – the Historic district
The historic district of San Sebastian is called Parte Vieja and one of the most beautiful areas of the city. San Sebastián’s historic district is a blend of rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culinary culture. Walking through its narrow streets, visiting its historic sites, and sampling its famous pintxos offer a unique and unforgettable experience in this beautiful Basque city.
Enjoy a stroll at La Concha Beach
The best way to start in my opinion is from the waterfront boardwalk area of San Sebastian called La Concha Beach. This expansive and famous urban beach is crescent shaped with clear beautiful waters. It’s a great way to start along the promenade and enjoy the views and take some selfies of this very scenic beach area.
You can follow the beach from the crescent area start by the castelo or castle to the old town or do the reverse from the harbor area all the way to the castle grounds. It’s a pleasant walk to do especially in the morning hours when it isn’t so crowded and the sun isn’t to hot walking along the promenade area.
Visit the old town or Parte Vieja
Close to the small harbor area, the old town of San Sebastian is filled with colorful narrow streets and filled with historic buildings, colorful shops and boutique stores, delicious pintxos bars and historic landmarks like the Cathedral of San Sebastia, the basilica of Saint Mary of the Chorus and the San Vicente Church. It’s easy to just get lost around the old town and find something fun or unique to hang out or explore in town.
Visit Monte Urgull
Looming above the old town is a hill called Monte Urgull which offers fantastic views from the top and worth a visit after you explore the Old town. The paths going uphill are leisurely with scenic look out spots. Once on top you’ll encounter the Castillo de la Mota and a large statue of Christ to explore. The castle dating back to the 12th century offers stunning views of the Bay of Biscay. The castle also played a major role in defending the city throughout its historic past.
The impressive Christ statue is about 12 meters high and is called Sagrado Corazon or Sacred Heart and is seen from all over the city and adds to the hilltop sites impressive site.
Plaza de la Constitución
After your visit to the Monte Urgull hill come back downhill and make your way to the main square called Plaza de la Constitucion. This central square in the Old Town is a great place to soak up the atmosphere, surrounded by buildings with numbered balconies that reflect its history as a former bullring. It’s also a hub for cafes and social gatherings. The square is a great place to take a break and enjoy a nice lunch experience with cafes that surround the square and offering delicious local specialties like Bacalao a la Pil Pil, Kokotxas, Txangurro a la Donastiarra or a slew of delicious pintxos or Tapas style small bites that you can choose by seeing what’s good and appealing.
Afternoon Exploration around San Sebastian
After a nice lunch and exploration around the old town, head towards the Urumea River and cross the historic and ornate bridge called Zurriola with views of the Urumea River emptying out into the Bay of Biscay.
Visiting the Gros neighborhood
The area on the other side of the Urumea River is called Gros which was mostly seedy and run down but with the addition of the new convention center and other revitalized areas, this area is now trendy with bars, restaurants, lovely squares and fantastic places to hang out in the Gros. Pass through the ultra modern Kursaal convention center and you’ll see an expansive beach area called Zurriola Beach. A more rugged beach 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.
Walk along the Urumea River
After exploring the beach area, head towards the river and walk along the easy promenades with old historic bridges, great old town views and enjoying a slower pace and more local spot for tourists and Donostiarras (what the locals are called). Walking along the promenade shorelines is pleasant later in the afternoon timeframe and see the city in a different venue.
Tabakalera – a beautiful space
If you continue down the Urumea River, you’ll find the large tocacco actory called Tabakalera looming close to the riverfront area. A contemporary cultural center housed in a former tobacco factory, Tabakalera offers exhibitions, film screenings, workshops, and other cultural events. It’s a vibrant space for creativity and innovation.
Tip – head out to the rooftop area for amazing views of the entire city from above and a free visit to visit this place with views.
Visit the Antiguo
After visiting Tabkalera, you should head back across the river to an area called Antiguo. This area is located to the west of the city center 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. This chic area in the western side of San Sebastian is where all the large brands and boutique stores are located and a great place to stroll and also people watch.
Cathedral of San Sebastian – Catedral del Buen Pastor
The main cathedral of San Sebastián is Cathedral of the Good Shepherd (Catedral del Buen Pastor). This neo-Gothic cathedral, located in the city center, is the largest church in the Basque Country and features impressive architecture, including a tall spire and detailed stained glass windows.
While you are waiting for your dinner reservations hopefully at a Michelin star restaurant in the city, enjoy the later part of the afternoon, enjoying the Antiquo area of the city where most of the citizens love to spend the evening hours.
Best Michelin Restaurants in San Sebastian
If you want to eat at one of the popular Michelin star restaurants in the city, make sure you book this well in advanced so you’ll enjoy a fabulous meal at the end of your fantastic day exploring the city. Here are some of the best Michelin restaurants to choose from below:
Best Michelin-Starred Restaurants in San Sebastián
1. Arzak
– **Stars**: 3 Michelin Stars
– **Cuisine**: Modern Basque
Overview: Known for its innovative approach blending traditional Basque flavors with modern techniques. Run by Juan Mari Arzak and his daughter Elena.
2. Akelarre
– **Stars**: 3 Michelin Stars
– **Cuisine**: Contemporary Basque
Overview: Offers a unique dining experience with modern Basque cuisine and stunning views of the Bay of Biscay. Led by chef Pedro Subijana.
3. Martín Berasategui
– **Stars**: 3 Michelin Stars
– **Cuisine**: Gourmet Basque
Overview: Celebrated for its refined dishes, seasonal ingredients, and innovative techniques. Run by chef Martín Berasategui.
4. Mimo
– **Stars**: 1 Michelin Star
– **Cuisine**: Basque and Mediterranean
Overview: Focuses on fresh, high-quality ingredients and artistic presentation.
5. Nerua
– **Stars**: 1 Michelin Star
– **Cuisine**: Modern Basque
Overview: Located in the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao (a bit of a drive from San Sebastián). Known for its avant-garde approach to Basque cuisine.
6. Nobeld
– **Stars**: 1 Michelin Star
– **Cuisine**: Modern Basque
Overview: Offers a modern take on traditional Basque dishes with an emphasis on creativity and presentation.
Best Pintxos Bars in San Sebastian
If you can’t make it to any of the famous Michelin star restaurants in the city, why not try out some of the best Pintxos bars that serve small bites to even full sized meals that are to die for. San Sebastián’s pintxos bars offer a rich variety of flavors and styles, from classic to modern interpretations. Each bar provides a unique experience, making it a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts.
Check out these fantastic top and tasty places to visit around San Sebastian:
1. Bar Nestor
– **Specialty**: Tomato salad, steak, and pintxos
Overview, Known for high-quality ingredients and simple, delicious offerings. Famous for its tomato salad and juicy steak.
2. Borda Berri
– **Specialty**: Braised beef cheek, tuna tartare
Overview: Offers creative and flavorful pintxos in a lively atmosphere. Known for both traditional and modern dishes.
3. La Cuchara de San Telmo
– **Specialty**: Slow-cooked pork cheeks, foie gras, croquettes
Overview: Popular for inventive and high-quality pintxos, attracting both locals and visitors.
4. Gandarias Jatetxea
– **Specialty**: Grilled beef, wild mushrooms, traditional Basque dishes
Overview: Classic pintxos bar with a reputation for hearty and delicious offerings.
5. Txepetxa
– **Specialty**: Anchovies and seafood pintxos
Overview: Known for fresh anchovies and high-quality seafood options.
6. Bar Zeruko
– **Specialty**: Foie gras with apple, smoked eel, octopus
Overview: Trendy spot with a modern twist on traditional pintxos, featuring creative presentation and unique flavors.
7. Oianleku
– **Specialty**: Classic Basque pintxos like tortilla de patata and gambas
Overview: Offers a wide selection of traditional pintxos in a cozy setting.
8. Txuleta
– **Specialty**: High-quality grilled meat and variety of pintxos
Overview: Known for excellent grilled meats and hearty pintxos.
How to get to San Sebastian
You can get to San Sebastian in Northern Spain by train, flying or taking a regional bus to the city. Here are the best routes to visiting the city:
By plane
There is a small regional airport at San Sebastian called Fuenterrabía (EAS) with limited flights, but the larger airport is located at Bilbao about an hour away with regular bus service from the airport directly to the city center. The Bilbao airport services more international flights to the region and prices will be more competitive and bus service is direct to San Sebastian.
By Bus
Bus service to San Sebastian is quite extensive and the main bus station is located in the downtown area close to the train station. The many bus lines cover national and international locations and are quite affordable and comfortable to get straight to the city center
By Train
The train station is also located right at the city center and is called Estacion del Norte. The train service covers routes to most national locations like Madrid, Barcelona and other Spanish cities. There are regional trains that services the Basque region but they tend to be fairly slow with many local stations so I would take direct bus lines to each destination in the region to save time.
Check out these other posts on visiting the Donostia region
Conclusion on exploring San Sebastian in one day
I love visiting San Sebastian, there’s so much to see and do on just this one-day highlight tour of the city.
San Sebastián is a city that beautifully combines natural splendor, historical richness, 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!
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