20+ Fun Things to Do in San Sebastián for First-Timers
Looking for the best things to do in San Sebastián for your first trip? You’re in the right place!
I live in Spain and have spent time in San Sebastián, exploring the city, eating all the pintxos, and checking out the top sights and attractions.
It’s such a unique city where you can mix beach time, great views, beautiful architecture, and amazing food all in the same day.
In this guide, I’m sharing all the must do experiences in San Sebastián, plus some ideas for easy day trips to experience the best of the Basque Country while you’re there. Let’s get into it.
Best Things to Do in San Sebastián Spain
Here are my top recommendations for things to do in San Sebastián (also known as Donostia in Basque):
Taste your way through San Sebastian’s best pintxos, wine, and drinks with a local guide.
Tour the cellar of a traditional Basque cider house, and try local dishes and cider poured straight from the barrel.
Learn how to make classic Basque dishes in a hands-on cooking class in a private kitchen in the Old Town.
1. Explore the Old Town
The Old Town, also called “Parte Vieja” or “Lo Viejo”, is the heart of San Sebastián and one of the prettiest parts of the city to wander around.
It’s full of narrow pedestrian streets lined with pintxos bars, restaurants, and little shops, and there’s always something going on.
I loved seeing people spilling out of tapas bars, eating, laughing, and hanging out right in the streets.
This is also one of the best places to stay in San Sebastián since you’re close to so many sights and food spots.
Some must-see places here are the Basilica de Santa Maria del Coro, Constitución Plaza, La Bretxa Market, and the many hidden corners that make this area so fun to explore.
2. Walk along La Concha Beach promenade
San Sebastián is centered around its beaches, and the promenade along La Concha Beach is one of the best places to take a stroll.
It’s a super lively area where you’ll often see local vendors, artists, and sometimes even people dancing or performing.
The views of the bay are beautiful no matter the time of day (and even if it’s raining).
And one of my favorite things was spotting the massive sand art that locals create right on the beach.
3. Eat your way through the pintxos bars
If there’s one thing to know about visiting San Sebastián, it’s that it’s basically a foodie paradise and one of the top food cities in Europe.
The Basque region is especially known for pintxos (pronounced “peen chos”), which are small bites usually served on bread and topped with things like seafood, jamón, cheese, peppers, eggs, or creative combinations you wouldn’t expect.
In the Old Town, you’ll see bars with counters completely covered in pintxos, and you just point to the ones you want to try.
Half the fun is hopping from place to place and sampling a few at each stop.
It’s casual, social, and such a big part of the local culture.
4. Go on a guided food tour
If you want to experience the food scene without stressing over where to go, booking a food tour is the best way to do it.
Devour Tours is always my top recommendation–I’ve done their tours all over Spain and they’ve been amazing every time.
Their Ultimate Pintxos and Wine Tour in the Old Town includes more than 8 food tastings and 5 drinks across some of the best spots in the city.
You get to learn about the dishes, the history behind them, and where locals actually eat.
It’s honestly one of the best ways to really experience San Sebastián in a short time.
5. Relax on La Concha Beach
On warm days, spending time on La Concha Beach is a must.
It’s super popular with both locals and visitors, especially in the summer months when everyone comes out to swim or just hang out by the water.
The calm bay makes it great for swimming, and there’s always a fun energy around.
If you want something a little quieter, Ondarreta Beach is just down the promenade and tends to be less crowded.
Either way, beach time fits perfectly into a San Sebastián trip.
6. Ride the Mount Igueldo funicular for panoramic views
Taking the Mount Igueldo funicular is one of the most unique things to do in San Sebastián.
Monte Igueldo sits above the city on the western side of the bay, and the funicular is basically an uphill train that takes you straight up to the top.
Once you’re there, you’ll find a vintage amusement park known as “Parque de Atracciones Monte Igueldo” with rides like a carousel, roller coaster, bumper cars, a boat pond, and even a log flume.
Entry is only around €2.50 and then you pay a couple of euros per ride, so it’s fun and affordable, especially for families.
And even if you skip the rides, the lookout point alone is worth visiting for the incredible views over the city and coastline.
Tip: The amusement park is only open on weekends during the off season so make sure to check the schedule before visiting.
7. Try surfing at Zurriola Beach
If you’re up for something a little adventurous, Zurriola Beach is the place to try surfing.
San Sebastián is one of the top surfing spots in Spain, and this beach gets the best waves in the city.
There are lots of surf schools around like Free Surf or Zurriola if you’re a beginner and want a lesson.
Even if you don’t feel like getting in the water, it’s still fun to watch the surfers doing their thing.
The surrounding Gros neighborhood also has a younger, trendier feel with cool cafes and bars.
8. Dine at Michelin-star restaurants
San Sebastián is famous for its food scene and actually has one of the highest concentrations of Michelin star restaurants in the world.
You can check out the Michelin Guide to see all the restaurants.
Some well known spots in the city center include Kokotxa, Amelia by Paulo Airaudo, and iBAi by Paulo Airaudo, along with many Michelin-selected restaurants for great cooking.
If fine dining is your thing, this is one of the best places in the world to try it.
You’ll definitely want to book reservations well in advance since tables fill up fast.
Most of these meals aren’t cheap, but for food lovers, it’s a big part of the San Sebastián experience.
9. Visit a traditional Basque cider house
Visiting a traditional Basque cider house is such a fun and local experience in San Sebastián.
Cider (called “sidra”) is one of the most famous drinks in Spain, especially in this region, and it’s usually poured from high up to help release the flavor.
Meals are typically served family style with dishes like steak, cod omelets, cheese, and lots of bread to go with the cider.
Some cider houses are right in the city, while others are just outside town and can be visited on guided tours.
It’s lively, social, and a great way to experience local traditions.
10. Hike up Mount Urgull to Castillo de la Mota
Mount Urgull rises right behind the Old Town and is more of a hill than a mountain, but the views from the top are so worth the walk.
At the top you’ll find Castillo de la Mota, an old fort that once helped defend the city.
You can explore the grounds, see old cannons, and even visit a small museum, all for free.
The walking paths up are shaded and pretty manageable for most people.
From the top of Monte Urgull, you get amazing views over San Sebastián and the bay, which makes it one of the best lookout spots in the city.
11. Walk around the city center
After exploring the Old Town, head over to the Centro neighborhood, which sits just outside it along the Urumea River.
This area is home to some of San Sebastián’s most important sights like the Buen Pastor Cathedral, the City Hall building, and the Victoria Eugenia Theater.
Even if you don’t go inside everything, it’s such a nice place to wander around and take in the bridges, plazas, and historic streets.
A lot of the buildings here are in the Belle Epoque style and have really beautiful details.
You’ll also pass by the famous Maria Cristina Hotel, which is worth a quick look just for the architecture alone.
12. Take a Basque cooking class
If you love food, another fun experience in San Sebastián is taking a Basque cooking class.
It’s such a cool way to learn about local dishes while actually getting hands on in the kitchen.
Devour Tours offers an Authentic Basque Cooking Class where you get access to a private kitchen in the Old Town and prepare an aperitivo plus four traditional Basque dishes.
The groups are small, so it feels more personal and relaxed.
Plus, you get to enjoy everything you cook at the end, which is always the best part.
13. Visit the San Telmo Museum
For something a little different, the San Telmo Museum is a great stop right in the Old Town.
It focuses on Basque art, archaeology, photography, and local history, so you get a deeper look into the region beyond just food and beaches.
The building itself is beautiful since it’s set inside an old convent with a peaceful courtyard and a small chapel.
Tickets cost around €10, and it’s a good option for a rainy day.
Tip: Entrance to the San Telmo Museum is free on Tuesdays.
14. Explore San Martin Merkatua
Another cool place to check out is San Martin Merkatua in the Centro neighborhood.
It’s an indoor local market that dates back to the 1800s but has been renovated so it feels modern inside.
You can walk around and browse the stalls selling fresh produce, seafood, meats, and local specialties.
From the outside it actually looks more like a shopping center, so it’s easy to miss.
Head downstairs and that’s where you’ll find the real market.
15. Stroll through the Miramar Palace gardens
For great views and a relaxing walk, the Miramar Palace gardens are a nice place to visit.
The palace was once the summer home of the Queen of Spain and has a Tudor-style look that stands out from the rest of the city.
You can’t go inside, but the gardens around it are open to the public and totally free.
Since it sits up on a hill, you get amazing views over La Concha Bay while you walk around.
It’s one of the best free things to do in San Sebastián and a peaceful break from the busier parts of the city.
16. Take a boat ride from the bay
If the weather is nice, taking a boat ride from the bay can be a fun way to see San Sebastián from the water.
There are larger boat rides, sunset cruises, private sailboats, and even catamarans that run along the coast.
It’s definitely best saved for a sunny, calm day though.
I actually tried this when the weather was windy and rainy, and the boat couldn’t leave the bay, so we just circled around instead.
It wasn’t really worth it in bad weather, but on a nice day I can see it being a really great experience.
17. Swim or relax on Santa Clara Island
Right in front of La Concha Beach you’ll spot Isla de Santa Clara, a small island that you can actually visit.
You can take a short ferry ride over from the fishing port or even rent a kayak if you’re feeling adventurous.
There’s a small beach where you can swim and relax, plus a lighthouse and one little restaurant on the island for drinks or snacks.
It’s a fun and different way to spend a couple of hours.
18. Unwind at La Perla Talasoterapia
For some relaxation time, La Perla Talasoterapia is a spa complex located right on La Concha Beach.
Inside you’ll find different pools, jacuzzis, saunas, and relaxation areas in a range of temperatures.
Some of the rooms even overlook the beach, which is a nice bonus.
You can buy day passes that usually range from €38-€54 for 2, 3, or 5-hour visits.
It’s especially nice on a rainy day or after lots of walking around the city.
19. Walk through Cristina Enea Park
If you want a city break, Cristina Enea Park is a great green space not too far from the center in the Egia neighborhood.
It’s more peaceful and natural compared to the busy beach areas.
There’s a small pond, open grassy areas, and even wildlife like peacocks and ducks wandering around.
The park is a bit hilly, so it feels like a mini nature walk. It’s perfect if you’re craving some quiet time.
20. Try Basque cheesecake
You have to try Basque cheesecake while you’re in San Sebastián.
It’s different from traditional cheesecake because it’s baked at a higher temperature, so the outside is caramelized and slightly burnt while the inside stays super creamy and soft.
I’m not even exaggerating when I say it might be the best cheesecake I’ve ever had.
I tried it at Bassk and absolutely loved it, though La Viña is one of the most famous spots for it in the city.
Either way, don’t leave without trying a slice.
21. Take a day trip to Bilbao or Biarritz
If you want to explore beyond San Sebastián, Bilbao and Biarritz both make great day trips.
Bilbao is about an hour away and is best known for the Guggenheim Museum (one of the best museums in Spain), along with its modern riverfront and great food scene.
Biarritz is just over 45 minutes away in southern France and is a beautiful coastal town known for surfing, seaside walks, and elegant architecture.
You can book one of these guided tours for a hassle-free experience:
- Bilbao, Guggenheim and Gaztelugatxe Tour from San Sebastián
- Biarritz and French Coast Tour from San Sebastián
22. Take a wine tour to La Rioja
If you’re a wine lover, taking a day trip to La Rioja is totally worth considering.
This region is one of the most famous wine areas in Spain and is especially known for its red wines.
It’s about a two hour drive from San Sebastián, so it’s definitely a longer day, but the experience makes up for it.
This small group wine tour to La Rioja picks you up in the city and takes you to two different wineries for tastings, with some pintxos included too.
It’s such a fun way to see the countryside and try incredible wines without having to plan everything yourself.
Final Thoughts: What to Do in San Sebastián Spain
I hope this guide helped you narrow down the best things to do in San Sebastián and feel more excited about planning your trip!
From pintxos hopping in the Old Town to beach walks along La Concha and scenic views from above the city, there’s such a great mix of experiences to enjoy.
It’s a city that blends food, ocean views, architecture, and local traditions in a really unique way.
And even if it’s raining, you can still enjoy a lot of the San Sebastián attractions on this list. Have fun in San Sebastián!
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