Old Town San Sebastian

San Sebastián
Old Town featuring street scenes and night scenes as well as a small group of people
Piece together intriguing Basque stories from the museums and religious treasures and enjoy scenic views of headlands and islands in this historic neighborhood.

The Old Town district of San Sebastian comprises a hub of intriguing and historical sights at the foot of Mount Urgull. The district’s many museums and churches shed light on the art, culture and history of the Basque region. Stroll through narrow alleys in the historic center and choose from three urban beaches in this eclectic area.

Walk along the stone-lined banks of the picturesque Urumea River that divides Old Town in two. Relax in some of the many bars that you’ll find along the avenues. Restaurants here specialize in Basque tapas and pintxos, which are bite-sized culinary treats.

Gaze up at impressive buildings dotted around the historic center. Among the highlights is the 18th-century Basilica of Saint Mary of the Chorus. Detailed carvings and statues are engraved on its intricate façade. Admire the 19th-century neoclassical frontage of the Goikoa Palace.

Snap photos of the iconic twin towers of the San Sebastian City Hall, which was formerly a casino. Reach the historic Plaza de la Constitución and notice the numbers on the balconies that once marked old bullfighting boxes.

For a change of theme, place your bets at the upmarket Casino Kursaal, which has a range of betting machines, poker sets and a restaurant with a charming terrace. Bring your kids to the San Sebastian Aquarium and learn about all things Basque in the exceptional buildings of the San Telmo Museum.

Lay down a blanket for a picnic or sunbathing on Zurriola Beach or Concha Beach. Visit the bars and clubs of the latter’s famous promenade.

This historic center lies at the bottom of the verdant hills of Mount Urgull in central San Sebastian. Ride the train to Gros Station and get around this charming area on foot. Drive east from the base of Monte Igueldo for 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) to get here in about 15 minutes.

San Sebastian’s Old Town is a window into the fascinating and proud Basque traditions and history.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Old Town San Sebastian Hotel Deals

Hotel Parma
Hotel Parma
2 out of 5
PASEO DE SALAMANCA 10, San Sebastián, ESPAÑA
The price is ¥19,448 per night from May 27 to May 28
¥19,448
per night
May 27 - May 28
Book a stay at this beach hotel in San Sebastián. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (313 reviews)
Great hotel and area
"Beautiful hotel that is very convenient to the old part of the city. The ladies that worked at the front desk were wonderful with us. Gave us great information on where to go and eat and drink. Definitely would go back there. Wish the parking garage was closer is all I would like different"

Reviewed on Apr 19, 2024

Hotel Parma
Lasala Plaza Hotel
Lasala Plaza Hotel
4 out of 5
Plaza Lasala, 2, San Sebastián, Guipuzcoa
The price is ¥52,786 per night from Jun 19 to Jun 20
¥52,786
per night
Jun 19 - Jun 20
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in San Sebastián. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (547 reviews)
"Excellent"

Reviewed on May 19, 2024

Lasala Plaza Hotel
Hotel SANSEbay
Hotel SANSEbay
3.5 out of 5
Calle mari 21, San Sebastián
The price is ¥39,219 per night from May 27 to May 28
¥39,219
per night
May 27 - May 28
Stay at this 3.5-star beach hotel in San Sebastián. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (274 reviews)
The only place to stay for us.
"We found the hotel to be a pleasure. The staff was wonderful and very helpful. From the welcome beverage to dining suggestions and an overview of the city they shined. The hotel is modern in design and situated right on the edge of the harbor and old town. A total gem."

Reviewed on May 21, 2024

Hotel SANSEbay
Pension Anne
Pension Anne
1 out of 5
Esterlines Kalea 15, San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa
Stay at this hostel in San Sebastián. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Concha Beach and Donostia-San Sebastian Aquarium ...
8/10 Very Good! (36 reviews)
Great location and reasonable service
"Excellent for; Great location at the heart of the old city is San Sebastian. Wide room with comfortable bed. Noted; Very noisy with loud music till mid night around 2 am. Strongly recomends to have earplugs. Limited hot water from shower only for 5 min, and it becomes cold water, take care."

Reviewed on Feb 25, 2024

Pension Anne
Casa Nicolasa
Casa Nicolasa
2 out of 5
Calle Aldamar, 4, San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa
The price is ¥22,750 per night from May 26 to May 27
¥22,750
per night
May 26 - May 27
Stay at this pension in San Sebastián. Enjoy free WiFi, daily housekeeping, and minibars. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (233 reviews)
"Great place to stay. Everything you need is within walking distance"

Reviewed on May 23, 2024

Casa Nicolasa
Aldamar
Aldamar
2 out of 5
Calle Aldamar 2, San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa
The price is ¥20,682 per night from May 28 to May 29
¥20,682
per night
May 28 - May 29
Stay at this pension in San Sebastián. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Concha Beach and Donostia-San Sebastian ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (212 reviews)
Pension in Old Town San Sebastián.
"Great location. Helpful staff. No lobby but someone was always available for questions, directions, etc. Mattreses could be improved."

Reviewed on May 20, 2024

Aldamar
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighborhoods around Old Town San Sebastian

Maria Cristina Bridge featuring a river or creek, a bridge and a city

San Sebastián Centro

4.5/5(248 area reviews)

San Sebastián Centro is known for its stunning beaches, and with sights like Cathedral of the Good Shepherd and Concha Beach, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of San Sebastián.

San Sebastián Centro
San Ignacio Church which includes a church or cathedral and heritage architecture

Gros

4.5/5(48 area reviews)

Travelers come to Gros for its beaches, and you can see top attractions like Kursaal Congress Centre and Auditorium and Zurriola Beach while you're in town.

Gros

Egia

4/5(26 area reviews)

Bars, river views, and historic sites are some highlights of Egia. Make a stop by Tabakalera Donostia or Cristina Enea Park while you're exploring.

Egia
Miramar Palace showing general coastal views, flowers and a coastal town

Antiguo

5/5(46 area reviews)

Antiguo is known for its beaches, and you can plan a trip to Ondarreta Beach and Royal Palace of Miramar while you're in town.

Antiguo
 La Concha bay from mount Urgull

Amara

Though Amara might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Reale Arena and Tabakalera Donostia.

Amara
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Aiete-Miramon

While Aiete-Miramon might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Reale Arena and Concha Promenade.

Aiete-Miramon

Old Town San Sebastian