hugged on Basque country Gorgeous beaches in Spain, San Sebastian is not only a foodie haven but it is also absolutely beautiful! There are so many great things to do in San Sebastian that you will be spoiled for choice. Especially with all the pintxos. Yum!
We had a great time exploring the best places in the Basque Country. After exploring the largest city Bilbao, we ventured to San Sebastian; And boy was that cool!
So, to help you organize your trip to Gipuzkoa and more specifically San Sebastian, I am sharing some of the best things to do in San Sebastian that we absolutely loved.
Just make sure you arrive hungry! You will not stop eating pintxos and try Calimotxos (Red wine and Coca-Cola; it’s a thing here.)
1.) Old Town (Bart Vega)
Nestled between Alameda del Boulevard and the base of Monte Urgull, Old Town San Sebastian is home to a variety of gorgeous Basque architecture, delicious restaurants for Pintxos, and plenty of little alleys and squares to explore.
My motto is: Eat while you get around; Which works perfectly in the foodie city of San Sebastian. Stop by each little pintxos bar and enjoy a cool day exploring.
For the best experience, Book this pintxos and wine tour San Sebastian. It is very good and you will get to know some of the Best pintxos in San Sebastian. We loved it.
Not only that, it is one of the best things to do in San Sebastian if you are planning to go hiking in the city. As you can see, you’ll be able to explore the cobblestone streets much easier than by car (or anything else for that matter).
As you walk around the Old Town, you’ll see plenty to see and do. Be sure to head inside the Pescaderia, or Fish Market, and the Plaza de la Constitucion and the Municipal Library, with its neoclassical architecture. The latter is just amazing.
Oh, also, just a few steps from the Plaza de la Constitucion, you can see the Iglesia de San Vicente, San Sebastian’s oldest church.
Road constructed in 16y From the 20th century, the Iglesia de San Vicente has stunning Gothic charm and a finely carved retablo that has been around since the late 15th century. It’s worth popping inside to see.
Further Read: Best Places In Spain To Visit
2.) Buen Pasteur Cathedral
Known as the largest church in all of San Sebastián, Buen Pastor Cathedral is a towering symbol and a popular landmark in the city. Its 75-meter-high tower is so huge!
Constructed of sandstone from nearby Monte Igueldo, it has Gothic architecture designed by Manuel de Echave, a prominent Basque architect.
Now, in my opinion, the interior is a bit simpler compared to its sister churches. However, it is still one of the best things to do in San Sebastian for the historical feel of the city.
Don’t forget to see the stained-glass windows, too. Not only that, the organ located there is one of the largest in Europe with thousands of whistles.
Further Read: Best Places In Spain To Visit
3.) Santa Clara Island
Isla de Santa Clara is just a small dot off the coast of San Sebastian, but it’s the perfect getaway if you’re looking for a quiet little visit.
to get here easily, Book a boat trip in San Sebastian It will take you directly to Santa Clara. It is a special and wonderful way to explore the island. Just make sure Book these tickets in advance; The boats can fill up in the peak months.
Once here, you will see how amazing Isla de Santa Clara is; and why it has been designated a Historic Site of National Importance.
There are hidden swimming pools that will cool you down on a warm summer day, while a series of picnic areas, restaurants and cafes provide a pleasant escape from the busy areas of the city.
You can also take a short scenic hike to the island’s lighthouse. It is one of the best things to do in San Sebastion on a warm summer day.
It is a place that you cannot miss when you travel to San Sebastian.
Further Read: Best Places To Visit In Northern Spain
4.) La Concha Beach
Considered the summer capital of Europe by Queen Regent Maria Cristina, La Concha beach is considered throughout the land as one of the most picturesque beaches on the continent.
Named after a shell-shaped bay, La Concha Beach is flocked by tourists and locals alike.
La Concha Beach is located between Mount Igueldo and Mount Urgull, and is well protected from the rough waves and currents of the Atlantic Ocean.
It makes the perfect place to relax in the summer. You see, there is so much more to do, than; Kayaking, swimming, and stopping at nearby cafes.
Afterwards, you can also stroll along the promenade for a nice day of sightseeing. For me, sunset is the best time.
Further Read: Best Places To Visit In Northern Spain
5.) Plaza de la Constitución
Located in the Old Town, Plaza de la Constitucion is one of the liveliest areas in San Sebastian and a great place to visit from 5pm onwards.
Known as the heart of the city, it is where most of the city’s events, festivals and festivals take place throughout the year.
One of the most popular events at the Plaza is the flag-raising ceremony every 21ststreet January draws a flock of locals and visitors alike.
However, Plaza de la Constitucion draws crowds no matter the timing. It is full of bars serving pintxos and some of the most delicious Basque wines.
It has been in the heart of San Sebastian since the 19th century and is a place where you should definitely arrive hungry and thirsty.
Further Read: Best Places To Visit In Northern Spain
6.) San Telmo Museum
Located at the base of Monte Urgull, Museo de San Telmo is the oldest museum in the Basque Country and also one of the largest in the region.
It is one of the best things to do in San Sebastian and completely dedicated to the history of the Basque Country, well worth a visit.
You see, the Museo de San Telmo was originally a 16th-century Dominican convent but with the recent addition of a new building.
Inside, there are more than 20,000 artifacts inside. It’s worth a visit.
Further Read: The Best Things To Do In Bilbao
7.) Miramar Royal Palace
Miramar Royal Palace features English Tudor-style architecture and was built by the famous English architect Selden Wornum.
Over the years, the Miramar Royal Palace has been the summer residence of many Spanish royal families and has become a favorite visiting destination.
Now, the palace itself does not provide guided tours and is not open to the public. However, you can still stroll along its well-manicured gardens and enjoy a picnic in a peaceful setting.
Afterwards, be sure to return to the historic center of San Sebastion and enjoy a glass of wine and pintxos.
It’s the best way to end a day in San Sebastian.
Further Read: Best Places To Visit In Northern Spain
8.) Monte Urgell
Over the years, Monte Urgull has served to be a permanent backdrop to the San Sebastian skyline. In fact, I would go so far as to say that it defines the landscape of the city.
When you visit, you can walk up towards the 12th-century Mota Castle. It’s an attractive history museum, with a 39-foot-tall statue of the Sacred Heart built in the 1950s. worth watching.
To get there, you can start from the Old Town and choose either the Plaza de Zotoga or the Aquarium as your starting point. It can be a leisurely walk to the top, as most parts of the path are shaded and well kept.
Apart from the structures on top of Monte Urgull, Polbariña is a family café near Mota Castle that has some delicious ice cream too.
Further Read: The Best Things To Do In Bilbao
9.) Ondarita Beach (Playa de Ondarita)
Just a stone’s throw away from the Miramar Royal Palace, a visit to Ondarreta Beach is one of the best things to do in San Sebastian for a nice, chilled day.
Best of all, it is perfect for lounging on the sand during the summer season.
With Monte Igueldo overlooking the beach, Ondarreta Beach has an absolutely amazing view that you can’t miss. Truth be told, even in winter, this beach is perfect for a short stroll.
Oh, and don’t forget to stop at Zurriola Beach, too. It’s a great place to relax on the beach.
Further Read: The Best Things To Do In Bilbao
10.) Church of Santa Maria del Coro
In the heart of the Old Town is the Basilica de Santa Maria del Coro, an impressive church with Baroque architecture from the 18th century. It reminded me a lot of churches in Sicily, and especially in Noto. They are awesome.
Honesty, the exterior features an epic Churrigueresco façade. Plus, once you head inside, you’ll see the massive Gothic vaults that make this church so special.
Further Read: The Best Things To Do In Bilbao
11.) Monte Igueldo
Located west of San Sebastian, Monte Igueldo is a must-visit natural landmark that you cannot miss in the city.
Now, it’s famous for many things, but the old funicular is a total gem. As you can see, the funicular, built in 1912 and in operation ever since, is the most exciting way to reach the top of Monte Igueldo.
While riding the funicular, you will have an amazing 360-degree view of the whole of San Sebastian and the coastlines across the Basque Country.
Best of all, you will find an old amusement park right at the edge. There are games you can try, like carousels and a very cool wooden roller coaster.
Not only that, but you can also visit El Torreon Tower near the park and stay at the famous Mercure San Sebastian Monte Igueldo. We loved it.
Further Read: Best Places In Spain To Visit
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