If ticking off the coolest and most underrated cities in Europe is part of your travel bucket list, then you might be searching for the best things to do in San Sebastian.
Pinned to Spain’s gorgeous northern coast, this classy beach town has earned itself a reputation as one of the top foodie destinations in the world, and it’s the sort of place where locals go on holiday.
With more Michelin Star restaurants per square mile than anywhere else in Europe, and a more-ish local food ritual known as Pintxos, there’s plenty to sink your teeth into here.
But beyond the cosy Pintxos bars and fine dining haunts, there are plenty more gorgeous things to do in San Sebastian. Here I take a look at 20 of the best, plus all your FAQs answered.
Things to Do In San Sebastian: at a Glance
Where to stay:
Hotel de Londres: Gorgeous beachfront heritage hotel
Lasala Plaza: Old Town bolthole with rooftop pool
Hotel Trueba: Stylish low-cost spot in trendy Gros
3 Best Things to Do: Go on a Pintxos tasting tour, ride the funicular up Monte Igueldo and take a sunset bay cruise
3 Unusual Things to Do: Catch a contemporary art exhibit at the Tabakalera, try a Basque cooking class or give surfing a go on Zurriola Beach
Best Time to Go: July and August for the best weather, June, September and October for pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds.
What’s the Weather Like: Generally warm and sunny through the summer, but a lot more temperamental than southern Spain! Rain is heavy and frequent from October to April.
20 of the Best Things to Do in San Sebastian
I’ll start with the top 10 things to do in San Sebastian, followed by a few more unusual things to do, so if you’re looking for something unique, keep scrolling!
1. Go on a Pintxos Tour
Pintxos is the heart and soul of San Sebastian – a Basque food ritual that’s similar in style to tapas (but don’t let the locals hear you call it that).
It started off as small portions of food served on top of bread, and many of the more traditional pintxos bars still serve it this way. But there are also plenty of places that have added their own unique twist on the trend.
So while in one bar you can be sampling sauteed octopus on a slice of toasted baguette, another will serve up an expertly cooked scallop, or juicy sliced fillet steak as one of their daily specials.
You can’t really go wrong just hopping between the pintxos places in the Old Town to get a flavour of everything – we did this for nearly every meal.
But if you want to discover the real hidden gem, only-locals-know-about spots (that usually look dubious from the outside but serve the most incredible small plates), then a pintxos tour is the way to go.
I recommend doing this on your first day or evening in San Sebastian – that way, you can always go back and revisit all your favourite spots. It’s a great way to get yourself orientated with the city as well, as most good pintxos tours will include stops all around the Old Town.
My favourite tour is led by a local and includes wine to accompany the pintxos, making it a great alternative to an evening meal in a restaurant.
2. Sunbathe or Snap Photos on La Concha Beach
La Concha Beach is the iconic San Sebastian postcard scene, and it’s a beautiful, sheltered spot for a sun-bathing session.
If you’re lucky enough to be in the city in summer, you’ll find this seashell-shaped stretch of sand pretty busy, so get there early to secure a spot.
If it does look busy, you can try walking right along the promenade to Ondaretta Beach, where there are a few beach clubs with sun-beds and parasols for rent.
When we went in late September, there were still plenty of people soaking up the sun. But if swimming and sun-bathing are not for you, a walk along the promenade is still a must, where you can snap those postcard-worthy photos and soak up the cool city vibes.
3. Take a Boat Trip to Isla de Santa Clara
Nestled in the centre of the bay, Isla de Santa Clara is a charming little nugget of land that’s definitely worth a visit during your trip. There’s a boat that goes there every 30 minutes during the high season, and you can book your tickets in advance.
Once you’ve hopped off the short boat ride, you can explore the tiny islet on foot, checking out the charming lighthouse at its peak and keeping an eye out for birds like the peregrine falcon and the native San Sebastian lizard.
There’s a tiny beach bar on the island too, for refreshments or perhaps a lunchtime paella. There are also picnic areas on the island if you prefer to bring your own snacks.
A teeny tiny beach is revealed at low tide, by the jetty, while high tide offers a cooling swim in the natural swimming pool.
4. Ride the Funicular up Monte Igueldo and Visit the Fun Fair
One of the most iconic things to do in San Sebastian is to ride the historic funicular up to the top of Monte Igueldo.
This rickety cog railway is over a hundred years old, with charming red carriages that chug up through the forest to the funfair at the top of the mountain, where spectacular views of the city await.
If you’ve got kids, there are some retro funfair rides to get stuck into. We even tried the rollercoaster for a bit of a laugh, and it was surprisingly fast, with snapshot views over the bay.
The queue for the funicular can be long on a busy day, but it moves pretty fast, so don’t be put off.
Whatever you do, don’t attempt to walk up the hill; instead, as the road is closed following a landslide, and there’s no way to reach the top (you will make it 80% of the way, as we did, and then have to turn around).
5. Stop by the San Telmo Museum
If you want to learn about all things Basque, past and present, then you should definitely pop inside the San Telmo museum, which appears almost carved into the hillside at the back of the Old Town.
It walks you through the rich tapestry of the history and culture of the region, including key milestones that led to the formation of the Basque language and heritage.
There’s also Basque art spanning a century, and regularly changing exhibitions featuring worldwide artists, communities and cultures.
See upcoming exhibits on the San Telmo website.
6. Go Shopping for Artisanal Finds in the Local Boutiques
San Sebastian’s Old Town is a treasure trove of artisanal boutiques where you can pick up locally crafted clothes, homewares, and one-of-a-kind finds. One of my absolute favourite things to do in the city is just to stroll around, popping into each one.
Local art and jewellery are particularly popular souvenirs. Or, you can grab something foodie to take home from one of the many delis, sweet shops and confectioners.
And if you came to San Sebastian for its cool, surfer vibes, there are plenty of shops selling all the gear, from pro boards to swimwear and accessories.
7. Go to the Market
Continuing the shopping theme, San Sebastian’s markets are world famous.
If you’re staying in self-catering accommodation, why not shop in the footsteps of fine dining chefs at the traditional produce markets like La Brexta and San Martín?
It’s here where you can really get a sense of how San Sebastian got its reputation as the food capital of the world. Every ingredient is prized for freshness and flavour, with many having travelled tiny distances from local farms and producers in the Basque countryside.
If you’re staying in a hotel, the markets are still worth a quick wander, and you can also pick up some foodie gifts for the family while you’re at it.
**You might also be interested in reading 3 Days in San Sebastian: A Foodie’s Guide.**
8. Admire the Architecture of Local Basilicas
Full disclosure, I’m not a huge fan of stopping in endless churches on a European city break, but I do love admiring the architecture from the outside, and San Sebastian was no different.
There’s a handful that are worth visiting or snapping photos of, including the Basilica of Santa Maria del Coro, which you can often see peeking through the narrow Old Town streets. Up close, it has a breathtaking 18th-century Baroque facade, with intricate stonework.
Another impressive one is the Cathedral of Buen Pastor de San Sebastian, in the city’s new town, with ornate, Gothic-revival spires.
9. Take a Walking Tour of the Old Town
If you want to learn a little bit more about this one-of-a-kind city, I always recommend a cultural walking tour.
You’ll get to learn a little bit more about the background of San Sebastian (or Donostia, as it’s locally known), from a born-and-bred Basque guide, with fascinating insights into how the city came to be, and its rise to stardom in the food stakes.
It’s the perfect chance to ask any burning questions you have about the city, and get a real feel for the Old Town, with stops at some of the key landmarks and a little background on their history.
10. Visit Palacio Miramor, a Former Royal Summer Palace
Commanding a prime position at the centre of La Concha Beach, the Palacio Miramor was once the summer house of the Queen of Spain, and it’s easy to see why.
This striking mansion (which looks more like it belongs in the British countryside than the coast of Spain), offers stunning sea views and gorgeous gardens to explore.
There’s a sculpture to spot here by Eduardo Chillida – a rust-coloured monolith of steel known as The Embrace. The palace itself is used for summer university courses, concerts and events, but you can do as the locals do and bring a blanket to sit and while away an afternoon overlooking the bay.
10 More Unique Things to Do in San Sebastian
11. Visit the Tabakalera
Housed in a former tobacco factory, the Tabakalera is San Sebastian’s contemporary culture hub, crammed with contemporary art exhibits, film screenings, live music events and creative workshops.
It’s the sort of place where all sorts of up-and-coming artists and musicians come together to share their work, socialise, and create. You can check what’s going to be on during your visit via the Tabakalera website, or just pop by to stroll through the latest contemporary art or photography exhibit.
It’s located in the newer part of the city in the Egia district, around a 15-minute walk from the Old Town and La Concha Beach.
12. Stop for Some Pampering at La Perla Spa
La Perla Spa is perhaps one of the most famous buildings on the beachfront, and it’s definitely one of the best things to do in San Sebastian when it rains.
This historic spa features a gorgeous, mosaic-tiled water therapy circuit, a fitness centre with treadmills facing the sea, and a fully-stocked menu of treatments from facials to massages.
It’s the perfect way to ease those sightseeing muscles in the sauna, steam room or majestic sea view jacuzzis.
You can buy a day pass to enter the spa, which is discounted if you just go in the afternoon.
Find out more on the La Perla website.
13. Try Surfing on Zurriola Beach
While La Concha beach is prized for its beauty and clear, calm water that’s perfect for swimming, Zurriola Beach, on the other side of the Old Town, is its wild little sister.
Exposed to the elements of the Bay of Biscay, this windswept swathe of sand has become a mecca for surfers, with the perfect swells all year round.
Professionals should head there in autumn and winter, when the waves are at their most majestic, but beginners can have a go too, with surf schools and private teachers dotted all along the beach.
If surfing is not for you, it’s still worth heading down to the sand on a windy day to watch the pros in action! We spent a few hours there one Saturday watching dozens of kids and adults of all ages get stuck in.
14. Attend the Annual Film Festival
You’ve heard of the Cannes Film Festival, but did you know that the San Sebastian International Film Festival (Donostia Zinemaldia)is one of the most important cinema events of the year?
Held in late September, it has featured premieres from the likes of Alfred Hitchcock, alongside shorts and screenings from more up-and-coming producers.
The city is incredibly busy during the festival, but the atmosphere is electric, with billboards and red carpets lining the main roads. You can usually buy tickets for individual films and screenings on the day or via presales on the festival website.
15. Take a Day Trip to Bilbao
The gritty city of Bilbao is only an hour from San Sebastian, so if you have time, I strongly recommend a quick day trip. It’s like the Basque region’s cool, industrial little cousin, with quirky architecture for your camera roll.
It’s ideal if you’re travelling outside the summer season and the weather isn’t the best, because you can easily spend a rainy afternoon getting lost in the Guggenheim – one of the world’s most famous contemporary art museums.
The full day tour also includes a stop at San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, a stunning spot on the coast known for its role as Dragonstone in Game of Thrones.
Book day trips to Bilbao here.
16. Take a Basque Cooking Class
Want to dig even deeper into the fascinating food culture of this more-ish region? A Basque cooking class is a must for foodies, giving you the ultimate souvenir to take home: centuries-old recipes you can re-create at home.
The cooking class takes place in the Old Town in a family-run restaurant for a real, authentic vibe.
Under the watchful guidance of a pro chef, you’ll learn how to make some of the most addictive dishes from the Basque Country, from zingy codfish in pil pil sauce to the iconic caramelised cheesecake.
Each one is paired with a local wine or cider, making the class a worthy replacement for your typical evening meal.
17. Sunset Bay Cruise
If you’ve already done the classic boat trip over to Santa Clara Island or you want to see the city from a different perspective, why not try a sunset bay cruise?
This fantastic boat trip gets you to some of the more unspoiled sections of the coast, with sunset sailings complete with a glass of cava. Need I say any more?
18. Go horse riding in the Basque Countryside
There is something about horse riding that just feels so nostalgic to me, so I love doing it in all the new places I visit. Exploring the green hills on horseback feels like going back in time, and the rides are led by animal-loving locals who have fascinating stories to tell.
The horse riding in the Basque Country is no different. It involves heading in land to the mystical peaks of the Peñas de Aya Natural Park, where you’ll ride the mountain trails with views stretching as far as the French border.
The tour includes transport from San Sebastian and a traditional Basque meal in a mountain inn, which just feels so peaceful compared to the hustle of the city.
19. Paraglide Over the Bay
If you’re a bit of a thrill-seeker or just feel like ticking something crazy off your bucket list, you can actually paraglide over the beautiful Bay of Donostia.
For an unmatched bird’s eye view of the city, you’ll take the leap from Mount Kukuarri (with an instructor to manage the entire flight), and soar through the clouds to land on a tiny beach in nearby Orio. A fast-paced and no-doubt impressive way to see the city.
20. Spot Sculptures and Artwork Across the City
San Sebastián feels like an open-air gallery, with sculptures and public artworks dotted all around the beaches, promenades, and historic streets. One of the most iconic is Eduardo Chillida’s Peine del Viento (Comb of the Wind), where monumental steel sculptures are anchored into the rocks at the end of Ondarreta Beach.
My favourite, though, is the Miramar Tunnel, a pedestrian passage that connects La Concha Beach with Ondarreta, wrapped in colour and often filled with the echo of the sea. It’s a small but atmospheric spot that adds to San Sebastián’s coastal character and makes for a unique photo op.
Along the promenade, you’ll also spot pieces like the Dove of Peace near La Concha and modern installations around the Kursaal Centre, where contemporary architecture meets public art.
**You might also be interested in reading: Where to Stay in San Sebastian: 5 Areas and Cool Hotels.**
Things to do in San Sebastian: FAQs
What are the most unique things to do in San Sebastian?
San Sebastián is all about experiences you won’t find elsewhere. Go pintxos hopping through the Old Town (Parte Vieja), riding the Monte Igueldo funicular for retro charm and sweeping bay views, and relaxing in the historic La Perla spa overlooking La Concha. For something truly special, book a seat at a Michelin-starred restaurant (like Arzak or Akelarre) or take a Basque cooking class to dive deeper into the region’s world-class food culture.
What are some free things to do in San Sebastian?
Many of the city’s highlights cost nothing. Walk the full curve of La Concha Beach, hike up Monte Urgull for panoramic views and a historic fort, explore the winding streets of the Old Town, and watch surfers at Zurriola Beach. Sunset strolls along the promenade and people-watching in Plaza de la Constitución are simple ways to soak up the city.
What are some things to do in San Sebastian when it rains?
Rainy days are perfect for San Sebastián’s gorgeous indoor spots. Spend hours sampling pintxos and Txakoli wine bar-to-bar, visit theSan Telmo Museum for Basque history and art, or unwind in La Perla spa. Food lovers can also book a cooking classor pintxos tasting experience, turning a grey day into a delicious one.
Have more questions or need travel tips for visiting Donostia San Sebastian? Let me know in the comments!
Leave a Reply