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Planning a trip to San Sebastian? We’ve got you covered!
Get ready to fall in love with one of Spain’s most beautiful coastal cities, where golden beaches, world-class pintxos, and Basque charm come together in the best way.
We were instantly hooked by the rhythm of this place. Slow morning walks along La Concha Bay, afternoons spent enjoying pintxos in the Old Town, and evenings watching the sun dip behind the sea. It’s relaxed and romantic, but also buzzing with local flavor!
In this guide, we’re sharing our favorite ways to explore San Sebastian with some of the very best tours. Your adventure starts here!
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our favorite foodie experience in San Sebastian was this Old Town pintxos food tour! We tasted incredible local bites like Iberian ham and anchovies, sipped local drinks, and explored six unique spots with a local guide. It was the tastiest way to dive into pintxos culture!
- Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
- Things to do in San Sebastian, Spain
- 1. Explore San Sebastian on an e-bike
- 2. Discover Old Town San Sebastian's famous pintxos scene
- 3. Spend a day exploring Biarritz and the French Coast
- 4. Learn how to cook authentic Basque food
- 5. Take a day trip to Bilbao and see the Guggenheim Museum
- 6. Take a private pintxos tour
- 7. Explore San Sebastian’s coast on a locally led small boat excursion
- 8. Enjoy the Basque Coast and see Hondarribia, San Juan & San Pedro
- 9. Enjoy a private cultural and gastronomic wine adventure in Rioja
- Where to Stay in San Sebastian, Spain
- Thanks for reading!
- Travel Like a Local, Not a Target.
- Travel Like a Local, Not a Target.
- Why We Book Tours with Viator
- Don't Forget Travel Insurance!
Things to do in San Sebastian, Spain
1. Explore San Sebastian on an e-bike
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: 10:00 am and 3:00 pm
- Highlights: Explore San Sebastian with ease and speed by battery-powered Orbea bike, discover hotspots like La Concha, the Boulevard, and Monte Igueldo, explore hidden gems like the university and sports quarter
- Inclusions: Guide, electric bike, helmet, bottled water
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 500+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
San Sebastian is the kind of place where every corner feels worth exploring, from the sparkling coastline to the hidden local neighborhoods. We wanted a way to take it all in without rushing or getting worn out, and this e-bike tour turned out to be the perfect choice.
We kicked things off near the Old Town and cruised along the iconic La Concha promenade, soaking up those sea views and feeling the breeze.
From there, we visited the gardens of the Miramar Palace, before climbing gently toward Monte Igueldo for a panoramic lookout, and looped through lesser-known areas like the university and sports quarter. That part surprised us, it’s quiet, green, and gives you a totally different feel for the city.
The bikes were comfortable and easy to ride, so don’t worry if you haven’t been on one in a while. The pace is super relaxed, and our guide, Alain, kept things fun with local stories, historical tidbits, and tips on where to eat later.
This tour lasts about two and a half hours and is great to do early in your trip. It’s a fun, low-effort way to get a real feel for San Sebastian’s layout and character. We’d absolutely recommend it if you want to go beyond the usual sightseeing route. But don’t just take our word for it—check out hundreds of 5-star reviews here to see why travelers rave about this experience!
Grab your spot on this fun and laid-back tour here, with free 24-hour cancellation!
2. Discover Old Town San Sebastian’s famous pintxos scene
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: 11:30 am, 6:00 pm, and 6:30 pm
- Highlights: Visit six different venues to try local drinks and delicacies, yummy pintxos, small-group or private tour (depending on option selected)
- Inclusions: Food and beverage tastings, expert culinary guide, local eating guide handout, all taxes, fees, and handling charges
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 890+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
One of the absolute best ways to experience San Sebastian is through its food, and nothing captures the city’s flavor better than a night spent hopping between pintxos bars. We joined this walking tour through the Old Town and were blown away by how much depth and variety we discovered.
Our guide, Gorka, led us to six different spots, each with its own specialty and local story. From the outside, some looked like simple neighborhood bars, but inside we were served beautifully prepared pintxos—think fresh grilled prawns, slow-cooked meats, creamy cod, and just-crisp croquetas.
Every stop had a standout bite, and Gorka explained the history or cultural tradition behind each dish, which made the experience feel both delicious and meaningful.
We also tried some amazing local drinks along the way, each thoughtfully paired with what we were eating. And with only eight people in the group, there was plenty of time to ask questions and really engage without feeling like part of a crowd.
One fun thing we learned: locals almost never sit for a long meal when they’re out for pintxos. They eat standing at the bar, often ordering one or two bites at a time before moving on to the next place. It’s fast-paced, social, and incredibly satisfying.
This tour is a great way to dive into San Sebastian’s food culture without having to guess which places are worth visiting. You can also choose to book it as a private experience if you want something even more personal.
Read all the 5-star reviews and book this tour here—just bring an empty stomach!
3. Spend a day exploring Biarritz and the French Coast
- Duration: 6 to 8 hours
- Time: 9 am
- Highlights: Visit the beautiful beach city of Biarritz and the historic town of Bayonne with round-trip transport, dive into cultural hotspots, and enjoy a delicious restaurant lunch
- Inclusions: Expert guide, hotel pick-up and drop-off, lunch
- Rating: 4.6 stars (check 150+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
As much as we loved exploring San Sebastian, taking a day trip across the border into the French Basque Country gave us a whole new perspective on the region. This full-day tour took us to Biarritz and Bayonne, two cities that are close in distance but feel completely distinct in atmosphere and style!
We started by visiting Biarritz, a glamorous seaside city that has long been a favorite of surfers and European royalty alike. The views from the coastline were stunning, and we had time to stroll the beachfront and explore the stone streets.
From there, we headed inland to Bayonne, a historic town known for its half-timbered houses, chocolate shops, and deep cultural roots. One thing we didn’t know before the tour is that Bayonne is considered the capital of French Basque culture, and it really shows in the local language, traditions, and architecture!
Our guide gave great context throughout, sharing stories that helped us understand how this corner of France connects with the Spanish Basque Country. We also stopped for a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, which was such a nice way to break up the day and try even more regional flavors.
The tour includes round-trip transport from San Sebastian, so all we had to do was sit back and enjoy the views! If you’re curious about the French side of Basque culture, this day trip is a beautiful and stress-free way to explore.
Immerse yourself in French Basque culture—secure this full-day experience here!
4. Learn how to cook authentic Basque food
- Duration: 2.5 hours
- Time: 5:00 pm (dates vary)
- Highlights: Prepare five Basque dishes, discover the stories behind every meal that you make, participate in a small group of just 10 people
- Inclusions: Expert guides (local guide and professional chef), five dishes with drink pairings, plus local recipes, and an apron to take home
- Rating: 4.7 stars (check 50+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Food is such a huge part of what makes San Sebastian special, so we couldn’t resist trying out a local cooking class. And it’s a good thing we did! This small-group cooking class was hands-on and a whole lot of fun—perfect if you’re curious about how traditional Basque dishes come together from start to finish.
Over the course of a few hours, we learned how to prepare five local favorites, including Spanish potato omelet, cod in pil pil sauce, and a rich, creamy burnt cheesecake that originated right here in the Basque Country.
One of the most iconic dishes we made was the potato omelet, or tortilla de patatas, which became a staple in Spanish kitchens during the 19th century, when potatoes were first widely introduced as a cheap and filling ingredient. No complaints from us!
The class was small, with just 10 people, which made it feel personal and relaxed. The chef (who was brilliant) shared stories behind each dish and technique, connecting every step back to Basque tradition. It was the kind of experience where you feel like you’re cooking with friends, not just following a recipe!
If you’re a food lover who wants to do more than just eat pintxos, this class is such a rewarding way to connect with the culture and come home with skills you can actually use. We’re already planning to recreate that cheesecake!
Impress your friends with your international cooking skills—reserve this tour here!
5. Take a day trip to Bilbao and see the Guggenheim Museum
- Duration: 9 hours
- Time: 9 am (not available Monday)
- Highlights: Check out San Juan de Gaztelugatxe (made famous by Game of Thrones), explore the old town of Bilbao, enjoy a traditional restaurant lunch, hear expert commentary from a local guide
- Inclusions: Tour guide, private round-trip transport, Guggenheim Museum and Gaztelugatxe Admission Ticket, lunch
- Rating: 4.8 stars (check 130+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
If you’re looking to explore more of northern Spain beyond San Sebastian, this full-day tour to Bilbao and San Juan de Gaztelugatxe is an unforgettable way to do it. Quick warning though, make sure you’ve got plenty of camera storage—you’re going to need it!
We started the day with a visit to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, a tiny islet connected to the mainland by a winding stone bridge and staircase that looks like it’s straight out of a fantasy film.
And we’re not the only ones who think so; it was actually made internationally famous as Dragonstone in Game of Thrones, but even without that connection, the setting is breathtaking! Standing at the top with the ocean stretching out below was a definite highlight of our trip.
From there, we continued on to Bilbao, where we explored the old town with our guide, Javier, who pointed out landmarks, local shops, and other spots that reflect the city’s transformation from an industrial port into a center of modern Basque culture.
Midway through the day, we sat down to a traditional restaurant lunch that gave us another taste of regional cooking. The food was hearty and delicious, and we may or may not have snuck some away to snack on later—sorry not sorry!
This tour is great if you want to see both natural beauty and urban charm in one day. With round-trip transport and a well-paced itinerary, it takes the stress out of planning and lets you just enjoy the experience.
You can check out the glowing reviews and book your spot here!
6. Take a private pintxos tour
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: 12 pm and 7 pm
- Highlights: Private walking tour through the traditional Old Town, taste delicious pintxos at local tapas bars (based on your preferences!)
- Inclusions: Five dishes per person, five drinks per person, expert culinary guide
- Rating: 5 stars (check 100+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
If you’re the kind of traveler who wants to eat like a local but skip the crowds, this private pintxos tour is the way to go. It’s just you, your group, and your friendly guide leading you through San Sebastian’s Old Town, one delicious bite at a time!
From the get-go, we loved how personalized the experience felt. Our guide, Carlota, was so fun to be with, and she took time to ask about our food preferences. Next thing we knew, she had made up the route around our tastes, and we were stopping at small, often family-run pintxos bars we might have walked right past otherwise.
Each stop featured a standout dish, from melt-in-your-mouth beef cheeks to creamy cod and perfectly grilled prawns. One place even served seared foie gras with apple compote that was so good we seriously considered canceling dinner later. Priorities, right?
In between bites, we explored the narrow alleys of the Old Town, learning about the city’s history and how this pintxo culture developed. It was the perfect mix of walking, eating, and learning without ever feeling rushed!
This tour is ideal if you’re after something more intimate and flexible, without the busy tour crowds. Whether you’re new to Basque cuisine or already obsessed, read the 5-star reviews here and dive deeper into what makes San Sebastian such a legendary food city!
Treat yourself with the best pintxos San Sebastian has to offer—book here!
7. Explore San Sebastian’s coast on a locally led small boat excursion
- Duration: 2 hours and 10 minutes
- Time: Multiple departure times available
- Highlights: Morning, afternoon, or sunset boat tour from San Sebastian to Pasaia-San Sebastian, small-group tour, see different beaches and landmarks along the coastline
- Inclusions: Guide, drinks, souvenir polaroid photo, audioguide, on-board Wi-Fi, headphones, restroom on board
- Rating: 5 (check 90+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
After tasting our way through the streets of San Sebastian, we wanted to see the city from a different perspective. This two-hour coastal boat ride turned out to be the perfect answer! We chose the sunset tour, and it ended up being one of our favorite ways to wind down the day.
The boat holds just 12 people, which made the whole experience feel calm and personal right from the start. As we cruised out of the harbor, our guide pointed out key landmarks along the coastline, from La Concha and Zurriola beaches to the rocky cliffs around Monte Urgull. The views back toward the city were beautiful, especially as the light started to shift into early evening.
Since we were on the sunset tour, we also got to enjoy a glass of Cava during the ride. It’s a nice little bonus that’s only included with evening departures, so if that sounds like your kind of vibe, definitely aim for the later tour.
The ride to the fishing town of Pasaia was smooth and scenic, and it was great to see the coastline from a totally new angle. This tour is ideal if you’re looking for something relaxed but still rich with local insight. We left feeling recharged and glad we’d made time for it.
Grab your friends and reserve this fun boat ride here with free 24-hour cancellation!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
8. Enjoy the Basque Coast and see Hondarribia, San Juan & San Pedro
- Duration: 4 hours
- Time: 9 am
- Highlights: Visit scenic seaside towns including Hondarribia and Pasaia, enjoy a relaxing boat ride across the Oyarzun River between San Pedro and San Juan, option for a small-group tour or a larger group option, listen to facts and stories from an expert local guide
- Inclusions: Round-trip transport (only on small-group option), local guide, ticket for boat ride
- Rating: 4.8 stars (check 140+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
This half-day coastal tour felt like stepping into a slower, more traditional side of Basque life. We visited some of the region’s most charming seaside towns, including Hondarribia and Pasaia, and loved how much we were able to see and learn without rushing around!
We took the small-group version of the tour, which included round-trip transport from San Sebastian, and kept everything relaxed and easy. There’s also a larger group option available, but we really appreciated the quieter pace and personal feel of the smaller group.
We started by visiting Hondarribia, a town known for its colorful old houses, quiet plazas, and rich maritime history. Our guide, Victor, walked us through the cobbled streets, sharing local stories and pointing out details we never would have noticed on our own.
One fun thing we learned is that many of the brightly painted balconies in Hondarribia actually reflect the colors of local fishing families’ boats. It’s a way to show pride in their trade and helps identify where each boat belongs.
From there, we continued on to Pasaia and took a short boat ride across the Oyarzun River between the neighborhoods of San Pedro and San Juan. It was a quick trip but offered a lovely view of the waterfront and a chance to feel the rhythm of daily life in these small port towns.
This tour is a great choice if you’re looking to explore beyond San Sebastian without venturing too far. It gave us a deeper look at the region’s fishing heritage, plus a chance to slow down and enjoy the scenery.
If you’re ready to slow down and enjoy the pace of local life, secure this coastal tour here!
9. Enjoy a private cultural and gastronomic wine adventure in Rioja
- Duration: 9 hours
- Time: 8 am
- Highlights: Visit three wineries, enjoy a five-course gourmet lunch paired with regional wines, receive undivided attention with a private tour
- Inclusions: Private guide and driver, door-to-door transport, all wine tasting fees, traditional Riojan lunch with local wines, olive oil tasting, all transport costs
- Rating: 5 stars (check 70+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
This full-day private tour in the heart of Rioja wine country was one of the highlights of our time in northern Spain! Between the vineyard visits, tastings, and an incredible five-course lunch, the day felt personal and full of flavor from start to finish.
Our first stop was Haro, in the historic Barrio de la Estación. This area is known for its cluster of century-old wineries built near the train tracks, once used to ship barrels across Spain and beyond. We visited one of the classics and tasted everything from elegant, time-tested reds to bold blends, shaking up tradition.
Along with the wine, we sampled local extra virgin olive oil—AOVE—which was just as rich and complex.
Next, we explored Laguardia, a postcard-worthy medieval town with narrow streets, baroque churches, and vineyard views in every direction. We took a short walk through town and glimpsed the famous Marqués de Riscal winery, designed by Frank Gehry. Its titanium rooftop mirrors the Guggenheim in Bilbao, blending history and modern design right in wine country.
We ended the day in Labastida with one of the best meals of our trip. The five-course lunch was traditional Riojan cuisine at its best, paired with more outstanding local wines. Every dish topped the last—it was the kind of meal that made us want to linger.
Throughout the day, our guide, Mikel, kept things engaging, informative, and tailored to us. For wine, history, and unforgettable food, this private tour is a must!
For the ultimate gastro experience, don’t forget to book this full-day tour in advance!
Where to Stay in San Sebastian, Spain
San Sebastian is a beautiful coastal city where golden beaches, world-class cuisine, and elegant architecture come together. Whether you’re here for the surf, the food, or a relaxing city break, there’s no shortage of excellent places to stay. From luxurious riverside hotels to cozy hostels near the beach, the city has something for every traveler and budget.
To make planning easier, we’ve put together a list of the best places to stay in San Sebastian—so you can focus on enjoying the trip.
Luxury – $$$
Set on the banks of the Urumea River, the iconic Hotel Maria Cristina, a Luxury Collection Hotel, San Sebastian, has been welcoming royalty, film stars, and discerning travelers since 1912. This 5-star hotel is pure elegance, with grand chandeliers, marble bathrooms, plush suites, and panoramic views over the river and city. It’s just a short stroll to the Old Town, Zurriola Beach, and the best pintxos bars in town.
Nightly rates range from about €400–€1,000, depending on room type and season. Check availability and book your luxury stay on Booking.com.
Mid-range – $$
Sercotel Hotel Europa is a charming mid-range option set in a historic building just steps from La Concha Beach in San Sebastian. With classic-style rooms, comfy beds, and a cozy, elegant vibe, it’s a solid base for exploring both the Old Town and the nearby beach. Guests rave about the friendly staff, quiet rooms, and standout breakfast buffet. It’s also conveniently close to the Amara-Donostia train station—ideal if you’re arriving by rail.
Rates typically range from €160–€360 per night. You can check Booking.com for your travel dates.
Budget – $
For budget-friendly accommodation in San Sebastian, A Room In The City Hostel is a solid pick! Just a short walk from La Concha beach and the Amara-Donostia train station, this stylish hostel offers both private rooms and shared dorms with city views. Rooms are bright and clean, with comfy beds, free Wi-Fi, and access to shared or private bathrooms. Guests can relax in the vibrant Convent Garden social space, sip drinks at La Cripta bar, or hang out on the terrace at El Patio. It’s a great option for travelers looking to stay central without spending a fortune.
Dorm beds start around €28 per night, while private rooms start at about €140. Reserve your stay on Booking.com!
For more options, see all of San Sebastian’s hotels listed here!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
That’s our full guide on all the best things to do in San Sebastian! You’re in for an unforgettable trip—this city has the perfect mix of food, coastline, and culture to keep you hooked from the first pintxo to the last sunset.
If this trip has you craving more, check out our other Spain blogs for even more travel ideas and inspiration. Or we picked out a few popular ones below for nearby destinations that might come in handy. There’s so much left to explore!
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