Where to Stay in San Sebastian: 5 Areas and Cool Hotels

Whether it’s your first time in this dreamy Basque beach town or you’re wondering where to stay in San Sebastian for those cool, surfer vibes, this guide covers it all. 

I’ll walk you through all five of the major neighbourhoods and explain what kind of traveller they suit best. Plus, I’ve added a quick rundown of the top hotels for every budget. 

From classy, beachfront stays to urban boltholes, and everything in between, I’ve trawled all of the best places to stay in San Sebastian to bring you the ultimate shortlist from luxe to cost-effective. 

So without further ado, let’s dive into the best areas to stay in San Sebastian, with a quick overview first and more details and FAQs below. 

Best Places to Stay in San Sebastian at a Glance 

Old Town  

Best for foodies and first-time visitors

If it’s your first time in San Sebastián, the Old Town (also known as Parte Vieja) is hard to beat. 

This is where the city’s legendary pintxos culture truly comes alive, with some of the most famous bars – like Borda Berri, Bar Sport and Bar Nestor – packed into the marble-paved, pedestrianised streets. 

Staying here means you can step straight out of your hotel and onto the buzzing food scene, while some hotels also boast sweeping views of La Concha Bay. You’re basically living inside a San Sebastian postcard. 

The Old Town is also perfectly central, making it easy to walk to La Concha beach, Monte Urgull, and the main shopping streets in the New Town. 

If you came to San Sebastian to stroll, sip, and sample Basque tapas in one of the world’s most beautiful foodie destinations, then this is the area for you. Plus, you’ve got accommodation options in every price bracket, from swish hotels with a bayfront postcode to quirky, cathedral-view attics. 

Gros

Best for surfing and laidback vibes

Across the river from the Old Town, Gros is San Sebastian’s cool, relaxed little cousin. 

This is the city’s surf hub, with Zurriola Beach in front drawing surfers, creatives, and a younger crowd. We stayed in Gros, and loved it for its casual cafés, craft beer spots, and brunch culture. 

Plus, some of the best off-the-radar pintxos spots are located here, so it’s still a great pick for foodies. It feels more local and less polished than the Old Town. Despite this, you’re only a ten-minute walk from the historic centre when you feel like a spot of sightseeing. 

Gros is ideal if you want to hang out on the beach, watch the pros ride the waves, and rub shoulders with locals in some of the more low-key pintxos spots. In terms of accommodation, there’s plenty of low-cost guesthouses (often called ‘Pensions’), mixed in with a luxe and unique options.

Centro (New Town)

Best for shopping and transport links 

Centro is San Sebastián’s elegant, refined heart. Think wide, leafy boulevards, Belle Époque architecture, and beautifully polished streets running parallel to La Concha Beach. 

This area is ideal if you want easy access to designer boutiques, department stores, and the city’s best transport connections, including bus and train links. 

Centro is also right next door to the Old Town, so you’re in easy reach of a pintxos crawl when the mood strikes. But when you’ve finished sightseeing for the day, you can pop into Zara for some shopping or grab a drink in an upscale rooftop bar. 

As the name suggests, staying in Centro means you’re close to everything. 

Streets are organised in a modern grid format, and hotels have room to spread out, meaning you’ll find a mix of historic and modern properties with more amenities than you’d get in the Old Town – like a swimming pool, spa, or restaurant. 

You’re also steps from the city’s most beautiful beach, La Concha, so it’s a perfect spot if you’re visiting during the summer months and have sunbathing on your San Sebastian itinerary. 

Egia 

Best for culture, cafes and budget stays

Egia is an up-and-coming neighbourhood that shows off a more authentic, creative side of San Sebastián. 

It’s home to the Tabakalera International Centre for Contemporary Culture, a major cultural hub with exhibitions, a cinema, and rooftop views. A visit to the former tobacco factory is definitely one of the more unique things to do in San Sebastian.

Egia has winding streets dotted with independent cafés, bakeries, and casual eateries that feel super local and low-key. Accommodation here is often better value than on the beachfront or in the Old Town, but you can find some really unique stays in gorgeous converted villas and heritage stately homes. 

It’s a little further to the main tourist areas – perhaps a 20-minute walk – but hotels often offer free bike rental to help you unlock the city from your more suburban base.

Antiguo

Best for beach-lovers

Antiguo is the area right behind Ondarreta Beach, the calmer, more family-friendly alternative to La Concha. 

We found this area residential, leafy, and relaxed. It’s dotted with local restaurants and bakeries, and has a village-like atmosphere that’s perfect if your trip revolves around beach days and seaside strolls.

It’s also close to San Sebastian highlights like the Peine del Viento sculptures and Monte Igueldo, making it easy to tick off some of the top things to do without straying too far from your accommodation. 

The only downside is that you’re a little bit of a walk away from the buzzy pintxos bars of the city centre, about 30 minutes on foot. However, there is a bus that runs regularly between the foot of Monte Igueldo and the edge of the Old Town. 

Put simply, Antiguo is the perfect spot if you want a slower pace, beautiful sunsets, and easy access to the beach, while still being just a short bus ride or seaside promenade from the city centre.

Where to stay in San Sebastian: FAQs

Where to stay in San Sebastian for the first time?

If it’s your first time in San Sebastian, I strongly recommend staying in the Old Town (Parte Vieja) or Centro (New Town). The Old Town is perfect if you want to be surrounded by pintxos bars and a historic atmosphere, while Centro offers a more elegant base with bigger hotels and easy access to shopping and La Concha beach. 

What are the coolest hotels in San Sebastian?

For style-forward stays, I love boutique and design-led hotels like Nobu (iconic luxury), Lasala Plaza Hotel (modern with rooftop views), Hotel Arbaso (contemporary Basque design), and Akelarre Hotel (ultra-luxury on the coast with Michelin-star dining and spa views). 

For something a little more unique, Zenit Convento San Martin flaunts moody, modern rooms housed in a former convent. Meanwhile, Axel Hotel is an adult’s only Spanish chain known for its cool, LGBTQ scene. 

Where to stay in San Sebastian Old Town?

In the Old Town, boutique hotels and bijou guesthouses are the best choice due to the area’s historic buildings. 

Look for highly rated options (Like Lasala Plaza and SANSEbay) near Plaza de la Constitución or close to the waterfront for easy access to La Concha, Monte Urgull, and the city’s best pintxos bars. 

How long to stay in San Sebastian? 

We found that three days is ideal, giving you time to enjoy the beaches, explore different neighbourhoods, indulge in plenty of pintxos, and fit in a special dining experience. If you’re a food lover or want to add nearby Basque towns or wineries, four to five days would allow for a more relaxed pace.

Get the perfect 3-day itinerary here.

Where to park in San Sebastian? 

If you’re arriving by car, look for underground public car parks in Centro, Gros, and near La Concha, which are the most convenient for hotels and sightseeing. Many central hotels also offer paid parking or valet services. The Old Town has limited access and restricted driving, so it’s best to park nearby and walk in. We parked at an underground garage in the Gros district called Txofre, which was about €30 per 24 hours (not cheap, but it felt secure!).

Have more questions about where to stay in San Sebastian or just want some help planning your trip? Give me a shout in the comments section!

**Read next: 20 Beautiful Things to do In San Sebastian.**