Best Things To Do in San Sebastian Spain

San Sebastian is gaining in popularity as a top tourist destination. Here are the best things to do in San Sebastian, Spain to help you plan the perfect itinerary.

Tucked away in the Basque region in the northeast of Spain is the seaside city of San Sebastian. This beautiful city features expansive beaches, world-class dining, amazing architecture, and rich history.

We spent about 10 days in Basque Country for the TBEX travel bloggers conference, and we absolutely fell in love!

The city is small enough to experience many of its attractions in just a couple of days. But stay a little longer and you can explore more of what makes San Sebastian so special.

Be careful though: like us, you may not want to leave!

Old Town

One of the most lively areas to visit in San Sebastian is it's Old Town.

Featuring centuries-old architecture and a multitude of quaint restaurants on pretty every street, this bustling quarter is the perfect spot to grab some pintxos (small, delicious sandwiches) and a refreshing glass of Txakoli (a local, slightly effervescent white wine).

Old Town is also ideal for leisurely strolls and to get a feel for the city.

We headed straight there right after we arrived for a quick bite to eat. We ended up walking around for a few hours, just popping in to various restaurants and shops and soaking in the charm of the city.

And we found ourselves returning to Old Town almost every day during our stay.

Basilica of Santa María del Coro

At the edge of Old Town lies one of it's most majestic sights.

Dating back to the 18th century, the Basilica of Santa Maria del Coro is a baroque-style church featuring a sculpture of Saint Sebastian the Martyr, the patron saint of the city.

The square where the church sits is also a popular gathering spot in the evenings. Here, you'll find people relaxing and socializing while enjoying pintxos and drinks from nearby restaurants.

La Concha Beach

One of San Sebastian's most well-known attractions is La Concha Beach.

This expansive strand stretches for one and a half kilometers (or about one mile). Considered one of Europe's best beaches, it features soft sand, great opportunities for sunbathing and swimming, and a neighboring footpath that's perfect for strolls or for runners.

The beach starts near the edge of San Sebastian's Old Town and curves east until it reaches Ondarreta Beach, a smaller but just as lovely stretch that leads to the Monte Igueldo funicular (more on this below).

Walking from one end to the other takes about 45 minutes, but it's worth it. Along the way, you'll find majestic hotels overlooking the sea, several restaurants to stop and grab a drink or meal, and breathtaking scenery.

Zurriola Beach

Need even more beach? You're in luck. Just to the west of La Concha sits the slightly smaller Zurriola Beach. This manmade strand was given a makeover about 15 years ago and has since become a haven for surfers. You can also take surfing classes here if you're new to the sport.

This beach is also great for lounging and people-watching. And it lies right behind the city's "Kursaal," a marvel of modern architecture that serves as a convention center and auditorium. This is also where the TBEX Europe travel blogger's conference was held.

From there, it's a short walk to old town or to the winding Urumea River, which features highly decorative bridges criss-crossing the city.

Monte Igueldo

If you're looking for the best views of San Sebastian, head on over, and up, to Monte Igueldo. This towering peak overlooks the city from the east and is reached by funicular, which costs about €5 for an adult roundtrip ticket.

Once you get to the top, you'll enjoy expansive vistas of the city, the ocean, and the surrounding hillsides—perfect for selfies.

But you may be surprised to also find a full-fledged amusement park! From bumper cars to a water ride and even a haunted house, the attractions are great for kids and kids at heart.

And once you're ready for a break, stop in at the on-site cafe and try to snag a table outside where you can laze the afternoon away admiring the stunning views.

Good Shepherd Cathedral

A kilometer away from—and in a direct line to—the Basilica of Santa María del Coro you'll find the towering Good Shepherd, or Buen Pastor Cathedral. The neogothic church opened in 1897 and can accommodate up to 4,000 people.

Inside you'll find ornate altars, stunning stain-glass windows, and breathtaking architecture.

City Hall

A quick stroll toward Old Town and overlooking La Concha beach is San Sebastian's ornate City Hall.

Once the largest casino in Spain, it entertained troops from neighboring France during World War One (during which Spain was neutral). The building remained a mainstay of social life during the "roaring 1920s".

However, it closed when gambling was outlawed in 1924. A couple of decades later, it became the headquarters for the city council.

Getting to San Sebastian

While San Sebastian does have its own airport, it's small and it can be expensive to book flights to the city. The more popular route is to fly into nearby Bilboa, Spain.

About an hour away, Bilbao has a larger airport with more flight options. It also has convenient bus service directly from the airport to the main bus station in the center of San Sebastian. Buses leave every hour and tickets cost about €12 ($13).

When we arrived, an attendant was there to help with the ticket machine. However, they're also easy to use on your own, as they feature on-screen directions in several languages, including English.