10 Best Things to Do
San Sebastián curves around La Concha Bay, with green hills at either end and the Old Town tucked beside the harbour. Come for the food, from crowded pintxos counters to ambitious tasting menus, but leave time for the waterfront. Walk the promenade, climb Mount Urgull or cross to Gros to watch the surfers. Basque culture gives the city its character, and San Telmo Museum is a good place to begin understanding it.
Walk La Concha promenade
La Concha, Spain
La Concha is the place to get your bearings: a sweep of sand enclosed by green hills, with Santa Clara Island sitting out in the bay. Follow the promenade beside its white railings, stopping wherever the view catches your eye. The beach changes considerably with the tide, so check before planning a long afternoon on the sand. It is an easy outing to combine with the centre and Old Town.
A first look at the bay
Explore the Old Town
Parte Vieja, Spain
San Sebastián’s Old Town sits between Mount Urgull, the harbour and the Urumea River. Wander its compact streets around Plaza de la Constitución, then look out for the churches of San Vicente and Santa María. Pintxos bars make frequent stops tempting, but the neighbourhood rewards a slower look beyond the counters. Visit in daylight for the buildings and harbour, then return when the bars fill up for a different atmosphere.
Pintxos and historic streets
Climb Mount Urgull
Mount Urgull, Spain
Paths rise from the Old Town through Mount Urgull’s wooded slopes, passing remnants of the fortifications that once protected San Sebastián. The climb brings changing views over the harbour, bay and city, with Mota Castle above. Allow time to follow the paths rather than treating the summit as the only destination. Wear comfortable shoes and check access hours before setting out, as the hill is closed at night.
History and city views
Ride the Mount Igeldo funicular
Mount Igeldo, Spain
The wooden-carriage funicular carries visitors up Mount Igeldo to a wonderfully old-fashioned amusement park. Views over La Concha Bay are the main draw, but the vintage rides give the summit a character of its own. This is a place for a leisurely visit and photographs, rather than a modern thrill-ride park. Check the funicular and attraction schedules before travelling, and choose clear weather if the panorama is your priority.
The classic bay panorama
See the Peine del Viento
Ondarreta, Spain
At the far end of Ondarreta, Eduardo Chillida’s three steel sculptures grip the rocks where the sea meets the city. Architect Luis Peña Ganchegui’s terraced plaza provides space to look at the works from different angles. The setting is as much a part of the experience as the sculpture: light, wind and water continually alter it. Walk here along the bay, and respect any closures or restrictions during rough weather.
Sculpture beside the sea
Visit San Telmo Museum
Parte Vieja, Spain
San Telmo explores Basque society through art, history and everyday objects in a former Dominican convent at the foot of Mount Urgull. Its modern extension sits alongside a cloister and church, where Josep M. Sert’s large canvases are a highlight. The contrast between old and new buildings makes the setting worth attention as well. Check the exhibition programme before visiting and leave time for the permanent collections, rather than only the temporary show.
Understanding Basque culture
Take a boat to Santa Clara Island
La Concha Bay, Spain
Santa Clara offers a small escape within sight of San Sebastián’s waterfront. Paths lead around the island, opening views back towards the bay and city, while its little beach depends on the tide. The lighthouse houses Hondalea, Cristina Iglesias’s sculptural intervention. Check boat services and access arrangements before making plans, especially outside the main season; visiting the island and entering Hondalea may require separate arrangements. Take suitable shoes for walking beyond the landing.
A different view of the city
Explore Tabakalera
Egia, Spain
A former tobacco factory beside San Sebastián’s rail and bus stations now houses Tabakalera, a centre for contemporary culture. The substantial industrial building reopened in 2015 and brings cultural organisations and creative activity under one roof. It is a useful change of pace from the beachfront and Old Town, especially for visitors interested in the city’s present-day cultural life. Consult the current programme before visiting, since the exhibitions and events are part of its appeal.
Contemporary culture
Enjoy Zurriola Beach
Gros, Spain
Zurriola stretches beside the Kursaal in Gros, with Mount Ulia at its eastern end. Its waves attract surfers, and lessons offer a way for beginners to join in with local guidance. Even without entering the water, the beach is a good place to watch the surf and explore a different side of the city. Choose instruction suited to your experience and follow beach conditions and lifeguard advice before swimming or surfing.
Surfing and a lively seafront
Visit the Aquarium
Harbour, Spain
At the end of the harbour, San Sebastián’s Aquarium offers an absorbing change from walking the coast. The walk-through underwater tunnel is its memorable feature, surrounding visitors with views into the large tank. It is a particularly useful option when the weather turns or younger travellers need a different pace. Check current opening hours and ticket arrangements, and combine the visit with a stroll around the harbour when conditions allow.
An indoor family outing