San Sebastián is an eater's paradise. The Basque Country resort city, also known as Donostia, has the highest density of Michelin-starred restaurants in Europe—more than any other city except Tokyo. No worries if you're on a budget: The city is equally famed for its boisterous, convivial pintxo bars. Noshing aside, the best things to do in San Sebastián range from surfing and sunbathing at its city-center beaches to visiting its many museums, exploring its vibey Old Town, and admiring views atop Monte Igueldo.
In the northerly Basque Country, temperatures are typically cool, and rain falls frequently. It's no surprise that most San Sebastián visitors come in summer, when they're most likely to encounter good weather, as well as popular events like the San Sebastian Musical Fortnight, a major classical music festival. That said, autumn is a good time to miss the worst of the crowds, and events like the San Sebastián International Film Festival in September are draws.
San Sebastián does not have an international airport—the nearest are in Bilbao or Biarritz, across the French border—though it does have a domestic airport in nearby Hondarribia. The city is served by San Sebastián railway station, where mainline trains link to cities across Spain. Coaches from Donostiako Autobus Geltokia connect it to local and international destinations. San Sebastián's small center is largely walkable or accessible by bike paths, while local Dbus services—and taxis and rideshares—provide additional options.
If you go to a San Sebastián pintxo bar, expect to wash down your bites with txakoli (pronounced CHA-ko-lee): a lightly fizzy white wine that's native to the region. Many txakoli vineyards and producers are located within just a few miles (kilometers) of the city, and planning a day trip to drop by various producers—as well as the Txakolingunea, or Txakoli Museum—is a great way to discover another key element of Basque gastronomy.
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Yes, San Sebastián is absolutely worth visiting. A popular seaside resort city since the 19th century, it boasts belle epoque architecture, a scenic Old Town, sandy beaches, and a wealth of cultural highlights. The city is also renowned for its number of Michelin-starred restaurants, and its many buzzy pintxo bars.
...MoreTo make the most of San Sebastián, aim to spend at least three days in the city. You’ll want enough time to linger on its city beaches, to plan several meals at its Michelin-starred restaurants, and to wander among the boutiques, pintxo bars, and museums in the Old Town.
...MoreA rainy day in San Sebastián is an opportunity to explore the city’s many museums. Highlights include the Urgulleko Historiaren Etxea, San Telmo Museum, and Euskal Itsas Museoa, which cover aspects of Basque history. Or, head to the Kursaal cultural center and the food stalls of Mercado de la Bretxa.
...MoreThat depends on your preferences. It’s hard to beat San Sebastián’s picturesque looks: Its belle epoque architecture, city beaches, and charming Old Town are draws, as are its top-rated restaurants. But as a dynamic metropolis, Bilbao serves up vibrant neighborhoods, museums and cultural hubs, and its own top restaurants.
...MoreYes, San Sebastián is a very walkable city. Many of San Sebastián’s top attractions are located within easy walking distance from one another, while much of its pedestrianized Old Town is best accessed by foot or by bike. Walking is the perfect way to embark on a pintxo bar crawl.
...MoreThe best place to stay in San Sebastián is its Old Town, which is walkable and close to many city highlights; the adjacent Centro area is also popular. The Gros and Antiguo neighborhoods both offer beachfront appeal and a tranquil feel, while Egia and Amara have good transit links.
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