The Top Things To Do In San Sebastian
Nestled along the beautiful coastline of Spain's Basque Country is the magical city of San Sebastian. It’s a resort town, known for its stunning beaches, culture, and world-class food. Speaking of food, the city has 19 Michelin-starred restaurants, making it the city in Europe with the most Michelin stars per square meter and the second in the world after Tokyo. If the food alone isn’t enough to make you want to visit San Sebastián, the scenery is gorgeous.
Top Things To Do In San Sebastian
La Concha Beach
Known as one of the best beaches in Europe, La Concha Beach is one of the top things to do in San Sebastián. If laying out at the beach isn’t your thing, you can stroll along the water and still enjoy the scenery. The beach itself has such gorgeous views of the bay and surrounding mountains. It’s such a peaceful spot to spend an afternoon when visiting San Sebastián.
Go Pintxo Bar Hopping
No visit to San Sebastian would be complete without going pintxo bar hopping. Pintxos are similar to tapas - pintxos are small snacks whereas tapas are typically a smaller version of a larger dish. They are especially popular in the Basque Country. Pintxos food tours are led by local guides who take you through Old Town and to local bars. Some of the classic favorites are crispy croquettes and tender Iberian ham. Going on a pintxos food tour is definitely a must!
Old Town (Parte Vieja)
Get lost in the streets of San Sebastián's Old Town, where centuries-old architecture sits among trendy shops, lively taverns, and busy pintxo bars. There are so many decorated alleys and hidden squares, filled with cobblestone streets. You’ll feel like you’re stepping back in time when walking around the historic quarter!
Mount Urgull
Head to Mount Urgull for panoramic views of the city and its beautiful coastline. Mount Urgull served as a defense point for the city against invasions and attacks throughout history. Its slopes are marked with forts, including the iconic Castillo de la Mota, a 12th-century fortress that shows off San Sebastián's military past. You can hike through the lush scenery and admire all of Mount Urgull’s natural beauty.
Take a day trip to Getaria
Getaria is a short drive from San Sebastián along the gorgeous Basque coastline. It’s nestled between hills and the beautiful waters of the Cantabrian Sea and attracts visitors with its harbor, cobblestone streets, and maritime history. You can wander through the historic old town and see whitewashed houses decorated with colorful balconies. Getaria is also known for its fresh seafood restaurants, local wines from Txakoli vineyards, and beautiful beach. If you have time, I recommend a day trip to Getaria!
