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Planning a trip to San Sebastian, Spain? Well, you’ve come to the experts!
We love spending time in this Basque Country seaside gem, and so we thought it was only right to share this fun and easy-to-follow itinerary. In just three days, you’ll ride along the coast on an e-bike, sample mouthwatering pintxos, relax on golden sands, and even hop across the border to explore the French coast! We’ve got all of the timings and logistics covered, so all you need to do is follow along and enjoy.
Whether you’re a foodie, a beach lover, or just here to eat your weight in pintxos, this guide will help you make the most of your time in San Sebastian. Let’s go!
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE activity in San Sebastian is this Old Town pintxos tour. We hopped between six local spots, sampling grilled prawns, creamy cod, crispy croquetas, and more. It’s such a fun and delicious way to experience the city!
Itinerary Overview
Three days in San Sebastian is the perfect amount of time to soak up the city’s coastal charm, world-class food, and laid-back Basque culture. Getting around is easy—the city is compact, walkable, and well-connected by public transit, so there’s no need to rent a car.
From beach strolls and e-bike rides to pintxos crawls and day trips along the coast, this itinerary blends outdoor fun with cultural highlights and incredible local flavors. Expect breezy mornings, scenic views, and more than one stop for crispy croquetas along the way.
- Day 1: Today, we’ll get to know San Sebastian with an e-bike tour and plenty of time to wander around the Old Town on foot. Then, in the evening, you’ll dive headfirst into the pintxos scene on a small-group food tour through the historic center.
- Day 2: We’ll start out with a Basque region tasting adventure in two beautiful coastal towns, then spend the afternoon kicking back at the beach or exploring the surfer neighborhood of Gros. Then it’s time for a dreamy sunset boat cruise and a late-night dinner at a stylish local spot.
- Day 3: Spend the day exploring Biarritz and the French Basque coast on this epic full-day tour! Then, when you return, grab a glass of white and hit the town one last time.
Day 1
Breakfast – Koh Tao
Named after a famous Thai island, Koh Tao is a fun breakfast spot that serves up delicious fresh juices, fruit bowls, and yummy pastries. It’s just a 3-minute walk from where this morning’s tour meets, and it opens at 7:30 am on weekdays or 9 am on weekends. Either way, you’ll have plenty of time to grab a bite before heading to meet the tour at 10 am!
Morning – See San Sebastian on an e-bike
We always like to do a city tour on our first morning in a new place, and this e-bike tour is the perfect way to get to know San Sebastian! It really helped us get acquainted with the city, and roaming around on e-bikes meant we got to cover so much ground in just three hours, from the sparkling coastline to hidden local neighborhoods.
Book the 10 am time slot for this tour, and head here after breakfast at Koh Tao—the meeting point is just a few minutes’ walk from the cafe. It begins by cruising out of the Old Town and towards the iconic La Concha promenade, so you’ll have a chance to soak up those views and enjoy the breeze.
From there, it’s onto the gardens of the Miramar Palace, before climbing gently toward Monte Igueldo for a panoramic lookout. Later, you’ll loop through lesser-known areas like the university and sports quarter to see a more local side of life. That part of the tour actually really surprised us, as exploring these quiet, green areas showed us 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.
The tour wraps up at 1 pm back in the Old Town, just in time for lunch! It’s a fun and low-effort way to get a real feel for San Sebastian’s layout and character, so we think it’s the ideal way to kick off your trip. 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!
Lunch – La Cuchara de San Telmo
We love this traditional Basque restaurant, and it’s located right in the heart of the Old Town, where this morning’s tour ends and where we’ll be spending the afternoon. But convenience isn’t the only reason to dine at La Cuchara de San Telmo.
This place serves up authentic Basque pintxos as well as hearty main dishes. If you want pintxos, you can go inside and order at the bar, or if you want to enjoy a bigger meal al fresco, then you may have to queue. It’s definitely worth it, though, and you’re in no rush!
In terms of what to eat, I absolutely loved the grilled octopus and the risotto. They also do excellent blood sausage here. The hake with white beans is delicious, too!
Afternoon – Explore Old Town
You’ll spend the evening eating your way through Old Town on a pintxos tour, but this is your chance to explore the area’s cultural side. Take your time and enjoy it! From historic churches to scenic viewpoints, here are a few great spots to check out:
- San Telmo Museum – This popular art and history museum is set inside a 16th-century convent. It’s a great way to dive into Basque culture and only costs €10 to enter.
- Basilica de Santa María del Coro – A gorgeous Baroque church tucked into the heart of Old Town. For €3, you can step inside to admire the ornate altar and soaring ceilings.
- San Vicente Church – This is the oldest church in San Sebastian, and it’s free to visit! It’s known for its Gothic architecture and peaceful interior.
- La Bretxa Market – We love spending time at this old, traditional market that’s still in use today. It’s a really fun place to browse local food stalls, pick up snacks, or just soak in the atmosphere!
- Monte Urgull – If it’s not too hot, we love to hike up this scenic hill for incredible views of the city and coastline. It’s a fairly straightforward hike, and it takes about 50 minutes to get to the top, where you’ll find a fortress and a giant statue of Christ watching over the city.
Dinner/evening – Discover Old Town San Sebastian’s famous pintxos scene
One of the absolute best ways to experience San Sebastian is through its food, so tonight we’re heading out to explore on this epic pinxtos tour! You can book this tour for either 6 or 6:30 pm, and it meets in the Old Town.
We were honestly blown away by the depth and variety of this tour. It really is the perfect introduction to pinxtos. Our guide, Gorka, led us to six different spots, each with its own specialty and local story. From the outside, some just looked like simple neighborhood bars, but inside we were served beautifully prepared pintxos, such as fresh grilled prawns, slow-cooked meats, creamy cod, and just-crisp croquetas. Yum!
Every stop had a standout bite, and Gorka explained the history or cultural tradition behind each dish. We also enjoyed some delicious local pairings along the way that added an extra layer of flavor and made the whole experience even more memorable.
One fun thing we learned on this tour 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 a lot of fun, and this tour really showed us how to eat like locals.
This experience 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 900+ glowing reviews and book this epic food tour here!
Day 2
Morning – Go wine tasting in Getaria or Hondarribia
If there’s one thing you have to do while you’re in San Sebastian, it’s taste Txakoli straight from the source, and this small group tour is the perfect way to do it! The tour will visit either Getaria or Hondarribia, both of which are beautiful coastal towns with a strong connection to Txakoli. We went to Getaria when we did this tour, but trust me, you’re in for a treat either way.
And in case you didn’t know, Txakoli is a slightly sparkling and very dry white wine that’s only produced in a handful of places in Spain and Chile. It also has a low alcohol content, so there’s no need to be hesitant about indulging before lunchtime!
You’ll be picked up from your hotel around 9:30 am, so grab a quick breakfast and get ready for a breezy drive along the Basque coastline. We stopped to explore Getaria first before we continued on to a local winery to do a tasting.
And boy, was that a treat! We toured the beautiful vineyards, learned all about how Txakoli is made, and then got to do a tasting. We sipped a few different styles, each one crisp and refreshing, paired with local pintxos like anchovies, Idiazabal cheese, and jamón. We even learned how to pour Txakoli the traditional way, from high above the glass. It’s harder than it looks!
This tour is such a fun, easy way to explore beyond the city and get a feel for Basque culture. Just a heads-up—it’s not available on Sundays or Mondays, so if your Day 2 falls on one of those, consider swapping days to make sure you don’t miss it. Plus, you’ll be back in the city by 1:30 pm, ready for an afternoon on the beach.
Read the glowing reviews and book this small-group tour here!
Lunch – Rojo y Negro
Rojo y Negro is a quirky little spot that serves pinxtos with a creative modern twist. It’s definitely worth coming here to experience something that’s a little different from the traditional Basque fare, but still very local. There are some snacks included on this morning’s wine tour, so just stop here for a light bite before heading to the beach, which is just a 2-minute walk away!
Afternoon – Relax on a beach and explore Gros
After a busy morning, it’s time to kick back by the water. La Concha is San Sebastian’s most famous beach, and for good reason! You can rent kayaks or paddle boards, lounge on the sand, or take a leisurely walk along the scenic promenade. But just a heads-up: we’ve found that it can get pretty busy here, especially on sunny days.
If you’re after a livelier vibe, head over to Zurriola Beach, right in front of the Gros neighborhood. It’s popular with surfers and full of energy, making it fun to watch the waves and water sports in action. If, like us, you enjoy surfing, you can even rent a board for a few hours and join in the fun!
But we know the beach isn’t for everyone, so if you’re not too keen on spending time on the sand, then go and explore Gros itself. This is a trendy, up-and-coming area known for its cool surfer vibe and great food scene. It’s famous for “Pintxo Pote,” which is basically a happy hour where pintxos and drinks come at great prices.
If you’re keen to get in on the “Pinxto Pote” action (and why wouldn’t you be?), then you’ll find lots of options along Zabaleta Kalea. Our favorite spot was Bar Bergara, partly because of the great food and ice-cold drinks and partly because of the friendly staff!
Beyond the food, Gros is also just charming and fun to stroll around. It boasts a laid-back atmosphere that perfectly complements its seaside location, so it’s a nice area to explore at your own pace.
Evening – Sunset boat trip
This sunset boat trip is the perfect way to end another fun day in San Sebastian – not to mention a great opportunity to see the city from a different perspective. It sets sail at 7:30 pm, so just before 7 pm, we suggest that you begin to make your way over to the main port, which is about a 20-minute walk from Gros. Just be sure to choose the “sunset” option when booking!
The boat holds just 12 people, which makes 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.
Better still, the sunset tour includes a glass of Cava during the ride. It’s a nice little bonus that really adds that VIP touch to the experience! I mean, what’s better than watching the sunset with a glass of bubbles in hand?
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 relaxed but still rich with local insight, so we really do consider it a must-do in San Sebastian. There’s definitely a reason it has over a hundred five-star reviews!
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.
Dinner – Aitana Donostia
In true Spanish fashion, dinner will be late tonight! After the boat trip ends at around 8:40 pm, stroll on over to Aitana Donostia, which should take around 10 minutes. We love the way that this place puts an inventive spin on traditional Basque flavors. The pulpo adobado (marinated octopus) is incredible, and I loved the hamachi and salmon tiradito. Oh, and trust me when I say that the cheesecake is to die for, so be sure to save room for dessert!
It’s a good idea to book a table online here, as this place is very popular. I suggest booking one for 9 pm, as that will give you plenty of time to disembark the cruise and wander over to the restaurant without having to rush.
Related Read: Heading to Madrid next? Don’t miss our 3-day Madrid itinerary here, packed with top sights, tasty tapas, and local tips to help you make the most of your time in Spain’s vibrant capital.
Day 3
Full day – Explore Biarritz and the French Coast
As much as we love exploring San Sebastian, we think that taking a day trip across the border into the French Basque Country is a must! It will give you a whole new perspective on the region.
This full-day tour is an absolute blast, and a super easy way to visit both Biarritz and Bayonne. These two cities may be close in distance, but they feel completely distinct in atmosphere and style!
The tour will pick you up right from your hotel at around 9 am, and you’ll get back to the city at roughly 5 pm. First on the itinerary is Biarritz, a glamorous seaside city that has long been a favorite of surfers and European royalty alike. We loved the views from the coastline here, and we had plenty of 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.
This tour is a fantastic opportunity to discover the French side of Basque culture, and we loved every moment of it. We’re clearly not the only ones, either, given all of the five-star reviews!
This tour is popular and tends to sell out, so snap up your place ASAP!
Evening – Go pintxos bar hopping
After your tour ends, you’ll have a bit of downtime to explore any areas you might’ve missed. Then, this evening is all about doing what San Sebastian does best: eating pinxtos! You can revisit any favorites from earlier in the trip or start fresh and hop your way through the Old Town’s legendary pintxo bars. Each spot has its own specialty, so be sure to ask what they’re known for. Here are a few of our favorite places and their specialty menu items:
- Bar Sport is THE place to try foie gras!
- Borda Berri is a must for their Basatxerri pork rib kebab. It’s so tender and smoky!
- Casa Urola serves the most amazing scallops with almond and garlic cream.
- Bar Txepetxa is famous for its anchovies. Make sure to try the anchovy and black olive combo, and we also loved their garlic cod au gratin.
Wander, snack, sip, repeat. There’s no wrong way to do a pintxos crawl here, so follow your appetite and enjoy your final evening in foodie heaven!
Related Read: Want even more ideas? Check out our full guide to the 9 best things to do in San Sebastian here for extra activities, hidden gems, and foodie favorites you won’t want to miss!
Where to Stay in San Sebastian, Spain
Now that you’ve got the perfect San Sebastian itinerary sorted, you just need a great place to stay. The good news is that there’s no shortage of excellent choices in the city, but the bad news is that sorting through them all can be pretty time-consuming. Luckily, we’ve gone ahead and done the hard work for you and selected our top hotel choice for every budget, whether you’re seeking a luxury escape, a budget stay, or a happy medium!
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!
Renting a Car in Spain
Renting a car in Spain is the perfect way to explore beyond the cities—think small villages, coastal towns, and hidden gems impossible to reach by public transit! The roads are well-maintained, and driving here is generally pretty relaxed, making it ideal for a road trip.
We always use Discover Cars to book our rentals and can’t recommend them enough. It’s super easy to compare prices, find automatic cars (which can be tricky in Europe!), and add affordable full coverage insurance. If you want a full breakdown, check out our Discover Cars review here.
Tips for Renting a Car in Spain
- Drive on the right: Like most of Europe, you’ll be driving on the right-hand side in Spain. And make sure you stick to the speed limit, speed cameras are common here!
- Pick the right car: Some of Spain’s smaller towns and villages have narrow streets and tight parking, so I recommend going for a compact car. Also, most rentals here are manual, so if you need an automatic (like me!), be sure to filter for it on Discover Cars when booking.
- Insurance is a must: I always add full coverage insurance, whether it’s a ding in a parking lot or a chipped windshield on a rural road, having full protection gives you peace of mind. Plus, it’s super affordable with Discover Cars!
- Toll roads: Spain has both toll and toll-free roads. Toll roads are usually marked with “AP” and can be paid using cash, credit card, or electronic devices like VIA-T. Plan your route accordingly and have a payment method ready.
- Parking tips: In urban areas, parking can be challenging. Look for designated parking zones and be aware of local regulations to avoid fines. Some areas may have restricted parking zones or require a resident permit.
What You Need to Rent a Car in Spain
- A valid driver’s license from your home country.
- If you’re from outside the EU, you’ll likely need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
- A credit card in the driver’s name is typically required for the security deposit.
- Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, with a young driver surcharge applicable for those under 25. Some companies may have higher age requirements, so make sure you double-check.
Ready to hit the road? Book your car with Discover Cars here and discover the freedom of exploring Spain on your own terms!
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!
Three days is the perfect amount of time to fall in love with San Sebastian. This itinerary covers the highlights—scenic rides, coastal walks, and incredible pintxos—while leaving room to explore at your own pace. Whether you’re here for the food, the beach, or both, we hope this guide helps you savor it all.
Looking for more inspiration? Check out all of our Spain blogs here! We’ve explored everything from hidden hill towns to big cities and have tons of tips to help you plan your next adventure. Or scroll some of our most popular guides below for even more ideas, itineraries, and travel tricks!
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