San Sebastián

Travel Guide

San Sebastian featuring a coastal town, a bay or harbor and a city
San Sebastian featuring a beach, a coastal town and general coastal views
San Sebastian
San Telmo Museum which includes heritage elements and interior views
Basilica of Saint Mary of Coro showing heritage elements, interior views and religious elements
Fabulous sandy beaches, historical buildings and Basque cuisine make this resort town in northern Spain a compelling place to visit.

The seaside resort of San Sebastián is one of the most popular summer destinations in Spain's Basque Country. The city sits on a circular bay made up of white-sand beaches. Its gorgeous mountain scenery encompasses a fascinating old town. Tour ancient churches, visit a hilltop 12th-century fortress and spend sunny days on a beach.

The shell-shaped Playa de la Concha in the center of the city is where many visitors chose to relax. Sunbathe on this long, pleasant stretch of sand and swim or take a boat to Santa Clara Island, which lies just offshore. San Sebastián has two other city beaches, Ondarreta and Zurriola, popular with surfers.

Behind the beaches lies the old town, where San Sebastian was born. Follow streets leading to churches, plazas, shops and boutiques. Visit the 16th-century San Vicente Church and the 18th-century Baroque Basilica of Santa Maria. Browse the exhibits of the Museo San Telmo, a former convent that now houses a Museum of Basque Society and Citizenship. Stop at one of the cafés in the old town's main square and sample a variety of pintxos. The city is renowned for these tapas-like dishes.

Continue your exploration of San Sebastián with a trip up Mount Urgull, a hill in the heart of the city. Walk to the summit, which is topped by a statue of Jesus Christ and a 12th-century fortress.

For more lofty views, take the 3-minute funicular railway ride from Ondarreta Beach to the top of Monte Igeldo. The journey’s end is the Monte Igueldo Amusement Park, which is filled with old-fashion rides and attractions.

Select from several ways to get to San Sebastián. Fly into the international airport at BilbaoOpens in a new window, Spain or BiarritzOpens in a new window, France, about 60 miles (100 kilometers) and 30 miles (50 kilometers) away respectively. Alternatively, travel by bus, train or car from other destinations in Europe. Take advantage of the seaside resort’s beaches, history, mountainous scenery and culinary delights.

Where to stay in San Sebastián

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
Old Town which includes street scenes as well as a small group of people

Old Town San Sebastián

5/5(72 area reviews)

Unique features of Old Town San Sebastián include the historic sites and bars. Make a stop by Plaza de La Constitucion or Monte Urgull while you're exploring the area.

Old Town San Sebastián
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Aiete

While visiting Aiete, you might make a stop by sights like Concha Promenade and Parque Aiete.

Aiete
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 highlight some of the notable features of Egia. Make a stop by Tabakalera Donostia while you're exploring.

Egia
 La Concha bay from mount Urgull

Amara

If you're spending some time in Amara, Reale Arena and Parque Aiete are top sights worth seeing.

Amara
The Social Hub San Sebastián

The Social Hub San Sebastián

3 out of 5
Otamendi Anaiak Kalea, San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥22,862 per night from Jul 31 to Aug 1
¥22,862
¥25,149 total
Jul 31 - Aug 1
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in San Sebastián. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Concha Beach and Cristina Enea Park ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (204 reviews)
"Fantastic place to stay. Clean, great staff, easy check in. Lovely bed and fabulous shower. Great pool and bar"

Reviewed on Jul 10, 2025

The Social Hub San Sebastián
Barceló Costa Vasca

Barceló Costa Vasca

4 out of 5
Avenida Pio Baroja 15, San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa
The price is ¥39,155 per night from Jul 29 to Jul 30
¥39,155
¥43,071 total
Jul 29 - Jul 30
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in San Sebastián. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (993 reviews)
"Rooms are well set up, the breakfast buffet was really good (value and quality) and you are walking distance from the beach. I find it very convenient. A good choice for families."

Reviewed on Jul 9, 2025

Barceló Costa Vasca
Hotel Maria Cristina, a Luxury Collection Hotel

Hotel Maria Cristina, a Luxury Collection Hotel

5 out of 5
Paseo Republica Argentina, 4, San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa
The price is ¥93,428 per night from Aug 19 to Aug 20
¥93,428
¥102,770 total
Aug 19 - Aug 20
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in San Sebastián. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), 24-hour room service, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (773 reviews)
"Beautiful old grand dame hotel. Nicely done, General Manager was charming, attentive and made the rounds. Concierge needs more training. Not knowledgeable in different types of restaurants or museums. The GM told us about the Chillida outdoor museum. Terrific!!"

Reviewed on Jun 3, 2025

Hotel Maria Cristina, a Luxury Collection Hotel
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.
Numad Studios

Numad Studios

3 out of 5
Paseo de Miramón, 162, San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in San Sebastián. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour fitness center, and dry cleaning or laundry services. Popular attractions Concha ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (210 reviews)
"Great property, wonderful breakfast, superb staff and easy bus access to old town."

Reviewed on Jul 6, 2025

Numad Studios
Wecamp San Sebastian

Wecamp San Sebastian

2 out of 5
Paseo Padre Orkolaga, 69, San Sebastián, Guipuzcoa
Book a stay at this eco-certified campground in San Sebastián. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Concha Beach and Zarautz ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (76 reviews)
"Wecamp was a great place to stay. Shop, swimming pool, playground and restaurant with good paellas. The bungalow was clean and the beds were really comfortable. We recommend!"

Reviewed on Jul 6, 2025

Wecamp San Sebastian
Legazpi Doce Rooms & Suites

Legazpi Doce Rooms & Suites

3.5 out of 5
Calle Legazpi, 12, San Sebastián
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in San Sebastián. Enjoy free WiFi, premium bedding, and housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (305 reviews)
"Service was excellent and so personable. Oskar was especially attentive and went out of his way to be helpful. Location ideal"

Reviewed on Jul 16, 2025

Legazpi Doce Rooms & Suites
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.

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