Last Updated on 06/02/2026 by Ting Dalton
If you’re looking for swathes of golden sandy beaches, an extraordinary dining scene, plus exciting cultural experiences, then San Sabastián ticks all the boxes. Having heard so many glowing reviews about it, the expectations were high. Did Donostia-San Sebastián deliver? Yes, it did on all counts.
San Sebastián is more than just a pretty coastal city. Whether you’re strolling along the sheltered Playa de la Concha, tucking into a plate of melt-in-your-mouth beef cheeks, or watching the sunset from the emerald green top of Monte Urgull, you’ll find countless reasons to fall in love with this gem of northern Spain.
Is San Sebastián worth visiting?
Without a doubt – yes! While the beaches, culture and scenery add to San Sebastián’s appeal, it’s the magical old town – the Parte Vieja – that makes the city so special. Get lost-on-purpose through its pintxos bar-lined narrow streets. From intricate Belle Époque facades and impressive architecture to hidden-away squares, wandering through the Old Town will, most likely, be your main activity during your stay.
That, and eating… San Sebastián is a gastronomic paradise. An iconic hub of cooking genius where Michelin stars and recommendations are handed out like sweets in a candy store. It is said that you’ll find more Michelin-starred restaurants within a 25km radius here than anywhere else in the world.
Many people choose to do a long weekend, or use San Sebastián as a stopover before exploring more of the Basque Country. We spent a week here, fitting in some beach time amongst the exploring and the eating. However long you stay, here are some of the reasons why we think you’ll love San Sebastián as much as we do.
San Sebastián is family-friendly
You might assume that this culinary capital isn’t suitable for kids, but San Sebastián is great for families. From pram-friendly pavements to tons of activities to keep little ones entertained, it really is a child-friendly holiday destination.
Don’t worry, either, about pintxos bars and restaurants not welcoming kids – we found the locals very welcoming to our son – and many went out of their way to make sure he was enjoying his food. For the best things to do with kids in San Sebastián – check out my guide here.
Food, glorious food…
One of the main reasons we wanted to stay in San Sebastián was for its first-class dining. And boy, did we eat… San Sebastián is a city for pure, unadulterated foodie indulgence. From Michelin-starred restaurants to buzzy pintxos bars in the Old Town, this city is a must-visit for food lovers.
It’s the local food eaten in the pintxos bars that took us to culinary heaven. Pintxos, similar to tapas, are small snacks held together by toothpicks and made with the finest of ingredients. From tender beef and freshly-caught seafood to creamy mushroom risotto and cod cheeks, San Sebastián food is exceptional.
Eating out here is mostly a casual affair. Simply wander into a pintxos bar, grab a plate, and help yourself. Hot dishes are made to order, and there’s often a queue of people waiting for the best spot. With Spanish wines flowing freely and crusty bread to mop up every last bite, it’s an experience not to be missed. For more on where to eat in San Sebastián, check out my ultimate guide.
You can explore on foot
San Sebastián is easy to explore on foot. Many of the streets here are pedestrian-only, while there are short distances between attractions. You’re also never too far from the beach or the sea. Visit Monte Urgull for panoramic views and the Castillo de la Mota. Take the funicular up to Monte Igueldo. Stroll the shopping districts of La Brexta and San Martín. Cross the elegant María Cristina bridge over the River Urumea to explore Gros – a relaxed area with a more surfy vibe. It also has fantastic pintxos bars, too, which are much less touristy. Plus, the food is priced more for locals.
A great way to explore San Sebastián on foot is with a walking tour. Be taken to all the hotspots and hidden gems by a local – and try some pintxos along the way too. It’s a great option if you want to get the lay of the land from an expert.
Stunning sandy beaches
San Sebastián is blessed with three golden beaches – all with their unique highlights. La Concha, the most iconic, has a wonderful location close to the main promenade and curves around a semicircular bay. It does get busy, particularly in the summer season as it’s so close to the Old Town.
Head to the western part of La Concha Bay, and you’ll find the quieter Ondarreta beach, which sits at the foot of Monte Igueldo. The water is calm, so great for families with young children. If you fancy taking some surfing lessons, head over to Gros and Zurriola Beach, which is a surfer’s paradise as the current here is much stronger. From beach tennis and volleyball, this urban beach is popular with young locals.
It’s a cultural haven
Once the European Capital of Culture, San Sebastián’s cultural calendar is jam-packed with events, festivals and activities that celebrate Basque culture. Appreciate art in the San Telmo Museum; marvel at the architecture of the contemporary Kursaal building; discover open-air sculptures around the city, including the Peine del Viento (Wind Comb) at the end of Ondarreta beach; explore the history behind Miramar Palace. And if you’re lucky enough, you can join in with the many traditional holidays throughout the year, like the Semana Grande in August, where you can watch regattas and the skies are lit up with fireworks.
So, is San Sebastián worth visiting? Regardless of whether you only have a day or a week to explore this captivating city, it’s worth it.
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