Things to do in
San Sebastián

This Spanish coastal town offers sunny beaches, a charming old town, and scores of Michelin-starred food.

Our most recommended things to do in San Sebastián

San Sebastian: Boat Tour with Stop at Santa Clara

San Sebastian: Boat Tour with Stop at Santa Clara

See amazing sights at La Concha Bay as you head to Santa Clara Island. Along the way, you'll be able to see beautiful views of the Town Hall, the famous La Perla Spa, Mount Urgull, the Miramar Palace, and the Peine del Viento. including free audio guide with information about the tour and the island (available in Spanish, Basque, English and French). The 30-minute journey will take you to Santa Clara Island. There, you'll be able can sunbathe, take a bath, enjoy the beach at low tide, visit the cliffs, the lighhouse which houses the sculpture Hondalea by Cristina Iglesias, (consult the visits available at hondalea.eus) and have a drink at the bar (from june to september). Return boats to San Sebastian from Santa Clara depart every 30 minutes or every hour depending on the weather and the season. If you do not wish to stop on the island for some free time the whole trip will take about 40 minutes in total.

Bilbao: San Sebastián and San Juan de Gaztelugatxe Day Trip

Bilbao: San Sebastián and San Juan de Gaztelugatxe Day Trip

Explore the Basque Country with a guided tour starting in San Sebastian around the old town to see San Vicente's Church and the Basilica of Santa María del Coro. Step back in time as you learn about the local history and visit important sites such as the Plaza Mayor, Plaza Gipuzkoa, and Town Hall.  Enjoy the atmosphere of San Sebastián as you stroll around Plaza Mayor and Plaza de la Constitución. Arrive at the port, one of the most important places in the area. Learn about the fires that devastated a large part of the town. Get your camera ready for photos of La Concha Bay.  Walk around the Town Hall, one of the finest buildings in the city, until arriving in the Ensanche de San Sebastián. Visit the city's lungs, Plaza Gipuzkoa and Plaza Okendo, greenspaces that are surrounded by the Urumea River. After the guided tour is finished, you will have some free time to explore or purchase some of the typical pintxos, or small plates. The tour will end in San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, an islet that can only be accessed by a pedestrian path. Go on a panoramic tour of the area and discover the area’s dreamlike cliffs which were featured in the HBO series, Game of Thrones.

San Sebastian: Panoramic Catamaran Tour of the Bay and Coast

San Sebastian: Panoramic Catamaran Tour of the Bay and Coast

Set sail from the enchanting fishing harbor of San Sebastián and embark on an extraordinary journey aboard our catamaran. Prepare to be captivated as you glide through the azure waters, immersing yourself in a mesmerizing experience along the stunning bay and picturesque coastline. Delight your senses with the invigorating sea breeze that caresses your face, while your eyes are treated to breathtaking panoramic views of unparalleled beauty. Discover iconic landmarks such as the awe-inspiring Oteiza sculpture, the dramatic Paseo Nuevo Sea Wall, and the enchanting mouth of the Urumea River. As we continue our voyage, be mesmerized by the striking Kursaal, the vibrant Zurriola Beach, and the majestic peaks of Mount Ulia and Mount Igeldo. Witness the magnificent Peine del Viento, a masterpiece of art and nature where wind and waves harmoniously dance. Returning to the coveted Bahía de la Concha, indulge your senses with the coastal charm of Ondarreta Beach, the regal elegance of Miramar Palace, and the panoramic vistas from the iconic Pico del Loro. Capture unforgettable moments and create lasting memories as you explore the wonders of the city from a unique perspective. Throughout the journey, seize the opportunity to take stunning photographs that showcase the allure of San Sebastián. Join us on this remarkable voyage, where adventure and beauty converge, and experience a truly unforgettable catamaran tour. Book your seat now and let your senses be enchanted by the allure of the sea and the splendor of San Sebastián.

San Sebastian: Hop-On Hop-Off City Tour Train

San Sebastian: Hop-On Hop-Off City Tour Train

Come aboard this sightseeing train and you will discover everything that makes San Sebastian a unique and special place. The departure point is located in the heart of the historic city center next to the Cantabrian sea, on Paseo de Salamanca. The train route goes around the historic center, along the bay of La Concha to see the Santa Clara Island, Mount Urgull, the Miramar Palace, the Buen Pastor Cathedral, the Victoria Eugenia Theatre, and more. Hop on and off at your leisure. The vehicle, an articulated train with 2 carriages, has screens in case of rain, panoramic roofs in all carriages providing easy visibility for all passengers. They also have TFT screens with information about different places on the tour and the various excursions that you can purchase from the Donostia-San Sebastián City Tour office.

San Sebastian: Hop-On Hop-Off City Tour Bus

San Sebastian: Hop-On Hop-Off City Tour Bus

Explore the Belle Epoque resort town of San Sebastian at leisure with a 1-day ticket to the open-top double-decker sightseeing bus. Learn the history of the Basque city with the complimentary audio guide, available in 8 different languages. You are free to get on and off all day long with the same ticket, while a complimentary guide and map contains all stops on the route to plan your visit. The buses are adapted for people with reduced mobility and have a sliding roof in case of rain. See the sites of the Parte Vieja (Old Town) and the ancient area beyond the Miramar Palace. Admire the grandiose buildings of Constitution Square and marvel at the 19th-century San Sebastián Cathedral and the historic bridges across the Urumea River.  • Aquarium/Paseo Nuevo • San Telmo/Parte Vieja • Plaza Guipúzcoa • Estación de tren-bus/Tabakalera • Gros • Playa Zurriola/Kursal • La Concha • La Perla • Playa Ondarreta • Peine del Viento • Funicular Igueldo • Barrio del Antiguo • Palacio Miramar • Catedral Buen Pastor

San Sebastian: Guided Food Tour with Pintxo Tasting & Wines

San Sebastian: Guided Food Tour with Pintxo Tasting & Wines

Immerse yourself in the charming Parte Vieja (Old Town) of San Sebastian on a guided food tour. Discover the best pintxos in town, paired with 5 Spanish wines from different regions and local cider. Taste the best gastronomic creations combined with delicious Spanish wines. Learn the history behind each turn of the picturesque Old Town as you stroll to the five eateries with your guide. Choose between a shared or private option, and feel free to ask your guide for any recommendations on where to eat or drink during your stay.

From Bilbao: Biarritz, Saint Jean de Luz, San Sebastian Tour

From Bilbao: Biarritz, Saint Jean de Luz, San Sebastian Tour

Explore Biarritz and the delightful coastal village of Saint Jean de Luz on this full-day guided tour from Bilbao. Feel a salty breeze near the coast, marveling at the expanse of the blue ocean. Tuck into a tasty local treat before heading into Spain to visit San Sebastian's charming streets. We begin the tour with a guided visit to Biarritz in the French Basque Country, a summer resort for the European Royalty. Discover the best views of the city and its most famous corners. Head to Saint Jean de Luz, a quaint coastal village where you will have time to enjoy the charming streets. Finally, stop in San Sebastian with free time for lunch and to discover the old town, followed by a visit to Mount Igueldo with its spectacular panoramic views over the city. Tasting of local gourmet basque sweet included.

San Sebastian: Guided E-Bike Tour

San Sebastian: Guided E-Bike Tour

Feel like a local as you pedal through San Sebastian on a guided e-bike tour. Cross the city's extensive network of bidegorris (bicycle lanes) and see all the highlights before heading to the south of San Sebastian, a less touristy but equally interesting area. Meet your guide in town and get ready to explore Donostia in a sustainable and safe way thanks to the city's network of bicycle lanes, which spans over 30 kilometers. Learn about the local culture and history from your guide as you make your way around this picturesque resort town. Pedal through the vibrant Gros neighborhood and pass by La Concha Bay. Visit the city's less known neighborhoods as El Antiguo or Egia, climb Mount Igeldo and much more. The carefully planned route ends back where your cycling tour started, at the activity provider's office in the heart of San Sebastian. 

San Sebastian: The Ultimate Pintxos and Wine Tour

San Sebastian: The Ultimate Pintxos and Wine Tour

Join a curated San Sebastian pintxos tour to discover the city’s best pintxos bars in the old town while you learn the local ways of dining out and how to enjoy the Basque way of eating (and drinking).  Along the way, learn the fascinating history of the region’s complex and unique cuisine and culture, as you weave in and out of its mystery-filled streets. Begin the evening in true local style with some crisp local cider and delicious seafood pintxos. Move on to acorn-fed Iberian ham, as well as the local variety. Taste the best anchovies in the country, the most delicious local beef, seared local cod, suckling pig, and more.  Dive into hand-picked hidden taverns serving delicious and unique house specialties– from traditional local favorites to gourmet modern creations - you’ll try them all. Wash the pintxos down with excellent local wines, ciders, and more. Gain an understanding of the local culture and history – which is plentiful in the Basque Country and San Sebastian as you fill your mind as well as your belly.  Receive a free mini-guide, which is packed with all of the guide's favorite places to eat and drink in the city, so you’ll be eating well for the rest of your stay.

Bilbao: Small-Group Guided Walking Tour

Bilbao: Small-Group Guided Walking Tour

Meet Bilbao's most interesting spots by walking across its historic area. Join a local guide and do not miss any of the secrets that this emblematic city hides, learning every detail of its buildings and its people. Departing from the border of Old Town and Downtown you will be taken through the serpentine Old Town streets, going through the seven genuine streets and the churches of San Anton and Santiago, without missing the market of La Ribera. Later on, you will be shown the expansion of the city during the 19th century with the influence of industrialization and the development of banking, and finally the last modernization of the city with the building of the river bank walks. Approximate itinerary: 10:00 | 4:00 Introduction and walk through Old Town of Bilbao: Arenal, Plaza Nueva, San Antón Church and La Ribera Market 11:00 | 5:00 Arrival in the downtown of Bilbao and walk through the area: railway station, Gran Via, the banks of the Nervión river and City Hall. 12:00 | 6:00 End of the tour

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What people are saying about San Sebastián

Overall rating

4.3
(974 reviews)

The day trip was very enjoyable due to our guide and Amán and our driver. Punctual and informative We would have liked more time in San Sebastián as the weather was so good. The timing of our trip to Gaztelugatxe meant the facilities were not fully open. Would recommend this trip

We had a fantastic experience! Our guide ensured the class accommodated our needs. The instructor, Natalia, was amazing! We had an excellent balance of watching and hands on practice. The food and drink were delicious. Would definitely recommend!

We had a lovely day touring Hondarribia, San Pedro and San Juan. Our guide Iker was excellent. Friendly, informative, passionate about San Sebastian and very knowledgeable, Iker made the tour really enjoyable.

Very enjoyable tour with lots of lovely pintxos tastings. Thank you to Manos who made the evening a great success

Again our guide was terrific, he was very knowledgeable and good fun. A memorable bike tour.