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.
San Sebastian looks interesting indeed! I haven’t explored Spain much and I know I have to!
You’d love it 🙂
Our younger daughter went to San Sebastian for a few days last year Ting and loved it – she said it was her favourite part of Spain so I’ve always wanted to go there! Great article and a good guide for anyone planning a visit 🙂 Thanks for dropping by my blog just now – I’m sorry I’ve not been on here as much recently. We’ve had 2 lots of overseas visitors then I got some horrible gastric flu bug (my other daughter and family had had it) and I’ve been chasing my tail trying to get everything done since then! I hope to catch up with the blogosphere this week and also check in to see what’s been happening in Monday Escapes! Hope you have a wonderful weekend 🙂
Oh you are so lovely Rosemary! No need to apologise I have loads of catching up on reading too, so apologies from me too! But I aim to be on top of it next week. I hope you fell much better though and have a lovely weekend too 🙂
Looks and sounds like a great place to visit. My husband frequently travels to Northern Spain on business and we sometimes tag along and squeeze in a trip to somewhere nice – this would suit us perfectly I think!!
I think you would love it and your son, too. There’s lots to see and explore and the beaches are wonderful
San Sebastian looks great, I’ve been meaning to go for such a long time and has never happened. I’m hoping to drive from Lisbon to the UK which is a great excuse for a few days in San Sebastian 😉 Looks like you’ve had a great time!
I think it would be rude not to stop there! 🙂
This looks fantastic – I’d heard good things about this coast, particularly for food and culture (art and architecture especially) but never realised quite how much there was to do. And I absolutely love that shot of Monkey in his ‘the dude’ T-shirt. Beaches and food sounds just about perfect.
Thanks Cathy, I love it too! The food is out of this world, although one night we opted for italian! Poor Monkey was desperate for some pasta!
This is awsm!! Looks like we need to keep at least a week aside to see all that uv explore.. 🙂
I reckon a long weekend would be enough – but longer if you want to spend all your days eating and drinking!
*explored
Really does look a great place! On my list too. Excellent guide Ting. Thanks! X
Pleasure Jo nad lovely to have you back. There is plenty of walking, plenty!
This is a great overview Ting and reading it has made me want to go back to the city and spend more time there. We went there just for a day a few years ago.
Thanks Gretta. I did see a lot of day trippers. You can definitely get a sense of it but staying for longer is definitely worth it
Great guide Ting, I enjoyed reading about a place I hardly know anything about. Spanish food and me don’t always agree (being veggie, I end up living on omelette) but I know my partner would be in seventh heaven from seeing your photos!
Ah, yes you would struggle being a veggie. They really don’t cater. It’s beautiful though and so much to do and explore. There are a few italians there! 🙂
This looks absolutely beautiful. I’ve decided I need to visit more of Spain, it really is such a family friendly country and so beautiful. Lovely article!
You guys would love it, and being so close and yet feeling like you’re so far away… bonus! I would love to explore more of Northern Spain
I went to San Sebastien for a day (a day trip from St. Jean-de-Luz in France) and really enjoyed it! I wish I had more time to spend there. What month did you visit in? We went in the beginning of May, which seemed like a great time – it was warm enough to sit on the beach in bathing suits, and people were in the ocean, although the water was a bit cold. It was warm and sunny to enjoy the city, yet still in the off-peak time to avoid the crowds it must see in the summer. (Although somehow we didn’t quite realize there was a beautiful beach there, so we came totally unprepared – no towels, bathing suits, or even sunscreen!!)
We visited a few weeks back, so it wasn’t busy, but the weather was a little hit and miss. All the same, it was so lovely. That’s what I love about it though, that you can enjoy the beach and the old town together
That sounds so great! I’ve heard of San Sebastian, but really don’t know much about it. Thanks for putting it on our radar!
Pleasure. Rob you’re list is getting super long! It’s a special place – definitely a favourite now!
That looks absolutely amazing! Good to know that it’s child friendly too. Looks like there was so much to do there and I love your photos of the old town!
I was worried, but turned out fine in the end! The Spanish are so relaxed with young kids. I wish the English were more accommodating!
Looks perfect!!
It was 🙂 Apart from the rain
Oh no! We drove straight past San Sebastian the last time we were in Spain (in a hurry to get somewhere) and now you’ve made me regret that! Thanks for sharing #MondayEscapes
Oh no!! You’ll have to go back now! 🙂
Oh it looks wonderful – love the old town and the narrow streets combined with the harbour and beaches. Oh and the yummy food of course!
It really is, I really think it’s special and can’t wait to return one day
Glad you had a fab time Ting – it’s such a great place! We went a couple of years ago when Mrs T was one and we had a great time. The food is just outstanding – wherever you go – and having the town and beach is a perfect combination. It’s also really chilled out (and the locals certainly like an early morning drink)! Love your pictures too #mondayescapes
Thanks Elizabeth. I’m glad you agree with me too. It’s a wonderful place. Now in my top five favourite places. I would definitely go back! x
I visited San Sebastian many years ago – it is such a pretty sea side town with lots of history and from the looks great food.
The food is out of this world. I will be doing a post solely on the food!
This is why I would love to experience living in Europe. A short plane ride will take you to a totally different place with exquisite beauty!
Yes, we’re lucky to be able to get cheap, short flights away and be in a totally different place. I plan to make the most of that rather than going further afield…
The nearest I’ve been is Bilbao but like you I’ve heard such good things about San Sebastian that I’d love to visit. Sounds like you had a lovely getaway.
It was relaxing and fun. But easy when you go to such a lovely place.
I spent a lot of time in Spain, but not in the north of the country. San Sebastian looks amazing, a must for a foodie like me! Thanks for sharing such a beautiful palce. #mondayescapes
Oh if you’re a foodie then you have to go. I am going to do a post soon on all the places we ate in!
What a beautiful city. It looks like you found the ideal place to stay. Whenever we venture abroad we always try to stay was close as we can to the centre of things as you get to know places much better on foot. As always, your food shots and descriptions are making me drool! 🙂 #MondayEscapes
I love exploring by foot, I think you miss things otherwise. Such a lovely city.The food is just amazing there. But you have to like meat!
Yet another for the list! You’ve done it to me again Ting, the list is growing awfully long… #MondayEscapes
Ha ha, don’t worry mine is too!
What a beautiful city! I’ve ever been to Spain so I’ll have to try to make it out there in the next year or so, it’s too pretty not to! P.S, loving your son’s “The Dude” tshirt – too cute!
Thanks Kana, it’s a great country and so diverse from north to south. I’d also recommend Madrid.
The photos are dreamy! This might have to be added to my list of places that I’d love to see!
It’s gorgeous, better in real life of course 🙂
I love Spain and have travelled around quite extensively however I have never visited San Sebastian, I have clearly missed out! Beautiful photos and descriptions as always Ting. #MondayEscapes
Thanks Lisa. I think because it’s in northern Spain and the Basque country it’s not necessarily a place you’d go because you can’t get there directly unless you’re a huge foodie! It’s definitely in my top five now
I’ve not been to San Sebastian, but it looks typically Spanish and now I’m wondering why I’ve not been. Anywhere that is pure indulgence sounds a fab place for a holiday 🙂 Thanks for hosting #mondayescapes
I just adore that second photo! One day I will make it there!
It’s really pretty. I hope you do make it!
It looks wonderful!
San Sabastián looks delightful, were is Spain last summer but didn’t get to Madrid or San Sabastián. Love the pic of little dude watching the surfers!
That’s a shame but then Spain is big and so much to see and do!
San Sebastian was my last stop on my recent two weeks trip to Spain. I loved it! We stayed and the Parte Vieja and took the PESA bus from Bilbao too. I was really impressed by the city and the Basque Country in general. I really want to go back.
Oh I am glad you got to go there too! I know you’ve been writing up Madrid. Did you love it?? Glad you enjoyed Mercado San Miguel 🙂
Sounds like you had a great time in San Sebastian and for once the weather was a lot kinder to you, yeah? 🙂
A little bit kinder… still some blasted rain! Grrr!
San Sebastian looks beautiful! Spain has been zooming up my travel wish list lately. I have only done 3 days in Madrid and really want to see more, but San Sebastian is new to me. Thanks for sharing.
Oh I couldn’t make it on the weekend. Did you enjoy the show? Yes, the europeans are so much more laid back which is how it should be here. Such a shame they’re not! x
It’s gorgeous, well worth a visit
Lovely post and pictures! I’ve been there once, for a day, and it always bothered me that it was such a short stay! 🙂
Thank you – glad you enjoyed 🙂
Hmm, looks like I need to add San Sebastian to our list. I haven’t been to Spain since I went backpacking after college, but I really should!
It’s such a diverse country. Hope you get to go back 😉
This looks like a lovely place to visit!
Looks like a wonderful place! I’ve always been intrigued by Spain. Thank you for posting. Bises, Kimberly
It really is – such a beautiful part of the world
Oh, Basque Country! So wanna go!
Looks like an amazing beach! We love pinxtos what an experience for Monkey. We also really like a good Acquarium! This may end up getting added to our bucket list! Thanks for hosting #mondayescapes X
You’d really love it – honestly so child-friendly x
It really is!
I’ve always wanted to go to San Sebastián. Next time . I hope I become active and blogging again ! Hope you’re having a great November so far.
Oh It’s lovely to hear from you Boots. I hope your son is on the mend and you and your family are well. Hope you get back to active blogging again soon too!