Located on the beautiful coastline of Spain’s Basque Country, San Sebastian is not only a foodie’s paradise, but also a beautiful city. With so many incredible activities to do in San Sebastian, it can be hard to know which one to choose. Especially with all pintxos. Hmmm!
We had a wonderful time exploring the best of the Basque Country. After exploring the big city of Bilbao, we stepped into San Sebastian. And boy was it amazing!
To help you plan your trip to Guipuzkoa, and San Sebastian in particular, here are some recommended things to do in San Sebastian that we loved.
Make sure you arrive hungry!you never stop eating Pintxos trying to Calimochos (Red wine and Coca-Cola, here).
1.) Old Town (Parte Vieja)
Located between the Alameda del Boulevard and Monte Urgull bases, San Sebastian’s old town is home to gorgeous Basque architecture, delicious pintxos restaurants and many small alleys and squares.
My motto is to eat while walking. This works perfectly in the foodie city of San Sebastian. Little pintxos Stop by his bar and let him go about his day at leisure.
For the best experience Book this pintxos and wine tour of San Sebastian.It’s very good and you will be introduced to some Best Pintxos in San SebastianWe loved it.
Not only that, but it’s one of the best things to do in San Sebastian if you plan to stroll around town. As you can see, the cobbled streets are much easier to explore than by car (or any other means).
There is so much to see and do as you stroll through the Old Town. Visit the Pescaderia or Fish Market, Place de la Constitución and the Neoclassical Municipal Library. The latter is just great.
Also a short distance from the Plaza de la Constitución is the Church of San Vicente, the oldest church in San Sebastian.
built in the 16th centuryth The century-old Iglesia de San Vicente has a stunning Gothic charm and meticulously carved retablos that have been there since the late 1500s. It’s worth jumping inside to see.
Read more: Best places to visit in Spain
2.) Pastor Buen Cathedral
Known as the largest church in all of San Sebastian, Buen Pastor Cathedral is a towering icon and a well-known landmark of the city. The tower with a height of 75m is huge anyway!
Built from the sandstone of nearby Monte Igueldo, it features Gothic Revival architecture designed by renowned Basque architect Manuel de Echave.
Now, in my opinion, the inside is a little simpler compared to the sister church. That being said, he is one of the best places to soak up the historic atmosphere of San Sebastian.
Don’t miss the stained glass. Not only that, the organ housed there is he one of the largest in Europe with thousands of whistles.
Read more: Best places to visit in Spain
3.) Santa Clara Island
Isla de Santa Clara is just 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 this San Sebastian boat tour Go straight to Santa Clara. Very special and a great way to explore the island.be sure to check Book these tickets in advancethe boat can fill up during peak months.
Come here to discover the wonders of Isla de Santa Clara. And that’s why it’s classified as a site of historic national interest.
With hidden pools to cool off on warm summer days, picnic areas, restaurants and cafés, it’s a fun escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
You can also take a scenic walk to the lighthouse on the island. He is one of the best things to do in San Sebastion on a warm summer day.
If you come to San Sebastian, this is a must-see spot.
Read more: Best places to visit in northern Spain
4.) La Concha Beach
Considered Europe’s summer capital by Queen Regent Maria Cristina, La Concha beach is considered one of the continent’s most breathtaking coastlines.
La Concha Beach, named for its seashell-shaped bay, attracts tourists and locals alike.
Located between Mount Igueldo and Mount Urgull, La Concha Beach is well protected from the raging waves and currents of the Atlantic Ocean.
A great place to cool off in the summer. See, there’s so much to do. Kayaking, swimming, and a stop at a nearby cafe.
Afterwards, you can stroll along the promenade for a nice day of sightseeing. For me, the sunset is the best.
Read more: Best places to visit in northern Spain
5.) Constitución Square
Plaza de la Constitución, in the Old Town, is one of San Sebastian’s most lively places and is a great place to visit after 5pm.
Known as the heart of the city, it hosts most of the city’s events, holidays and festivals all year round.
One of the plaza’s most popular events is the flag-raising ceremony, which takes place every 21 days.st Held in January, it draws crowds of locals and tourists.
Nevertheless, Constitución Square is always crowded with people. There are many bars serving pintxos and good Basque wines.
It’s been in the heart of San Sebastian since the 1800s and is a must-visit when you’re hungry and thirsty.
Read more: Best places to visit in Northern Spain
6.) San Telmo Museum
Located at the foot of Monte Urgull, the San Telmo Museum is the oldest museum in the Basque Country and one of the largest in the region.
Fully devoted to the history of the Basque Country, it is one of the best things to do in San Sebastian and well worth a visit.
As you can see, the Museo de San Telmo was originally a 16th-century Dominican monastery, but a new building was recently added.
Inside, you’ll find well over 20,000 artifacts. Worth a visit.
Read more: Things to do in Bilbao
7.) Miramar Royal Palace
Featuring English Tudor architecture, the Miramar Royal Palace was built by renowned British architect Selden Warnham.
Over the years, the Miramar Royal Palace has been the summer residence of many Spanish royal families and is a perennial favorite with visitors.
The palace itself does not currently offer guided tours and is closed to the public. However, you can take a walk in the manicured gardens or enjoy a picnic in a quiet area.
Afterwards, head back to the historic center of San Sebastion to enjoy a well-earned glass of wine and pintxos.
The perfect way to end a day in San Sebastian.
Read more: Best places to visit in Northern Spain
8.) Monte Urgull
For years, Monte Urgull has served as a permanent backdrop to the San Sebastian skyline. Rather, it is no exaggeration to say that it determines the landscape of the city.
Visitors can hike to the top towards the 12th-century Mota Castle. Quaint historical museum with a 39-foot-tall statue of the Sacred Heart, built in the 1950s. Worth a visit.
To get there, you can start from the Old Town and choose either Zutoaga Square or the Aquarium as your starting point. Most of the trail is shaded and well-maintained, making it a leisurely walk to the top.
Apart from the structures atop Monte Urgull, Porvalinha is a homey cafe near Mota Castle with some delicious ice cream.
Read more: Things to do in Bilbao
9.) Ondarreta Beach (Playa de Ondarreta)
A stone’s throw from the Miramar Royal Palace, visiting Ondarreta Beach is one of the best things to do in San Sebastian.
Best of all, it’s perfect for lounging on the sand during the summer months.
Ondarreta Beach, where Monte Igueldo meets the shore, has a completely impressive view that you can’t miss. In fact, even in winter, this beach is perfect for a short walk.
Oh, and don’t forget to stop by Zuriola Beach. The perfect place to unwind on the coastline.
Read more: Things to do in Bilbao
10.) Santa Maria del Coro Cathedral
Located in the heart of the old town, the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Coro is a stunning 18th-century Baroque church. It reminded me of Sicily, especially the churches in Noto. they are gorgeous.
Honestly, its exterior has the most magnificent Churrigueresco façade. Furthermore, once inside, you can see the huge Gothic vaults that make this church so special.
Read more: Things to do in Bilbao
11.) Monte Igueldo
Located west of San Sebastian, Monte Igueldo is a must-see natural attraction in the city.
Famous for many things now, the vintage cable car is a complete gem. Built in 1912 and in operation ever since, the cable car is the most exciting way to reach the top of Monte Igueldo.
A cable car ride offers 360-degree views of all of San Sebastian and the Basque coastline.
Best of all, there’s an old-fashioned amusement park on the tip. There are rides you can try, including a carousel and a kitschy wooden roller coaster.
Not only that, you can also visit the El Torreon Tower near the park or stay at the famous Hotel Mercure San Sebastian Monte Igueldo. we loved it.
Read more: Best places to visit in Spain
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