Looking for the best things to do in Donostia-San Sebastian in Spain? From exploring a charming old town to walking on the beach and doing water activities, learn the best things to do in San Sebastian Spain.
Donostia-San Sebastian is a city that combines the charm of the seaside with the elegance of a cultural capital. It’s located on the northern coast of Spain, in the Basque Country, and it offers something for everyone: stunning beaches, delicious cuisine, rich history, vibrant nightlife, and a lot more.
In this article, we will show you some of the best things to do in Donostia-San Sebastian, and why you should visit this amazing city.
Why visit Donostia-San Sebastian?
San Sebastian is a city that has it all: natural, architectural beauty, and top-notch gastronomy. It is surrounded by the Bay of Biscay and the green hills of the Basque Country, creating a picturesque scenery that invites you to relax and enjoy.
But one of the biggest draws is how accessible it is, you can easily reach San Sebastian from Madrid by train on a 4h ride.
It is also home to some of the most impressive buildings and monuments in Spain, such as the Kursaal Congress Centre, the Victoria Eugenia Theatre, and the Miramar Palace.
And of course, it is famous for its culinary scene, which boasts a high concentration of Michelin restaurants, as well as the mouthwatering pintxos, the Basque version of tapas.
Best Things to Do in Donostia-San Sebastian
1. Stroll along the La Concha Promenade
One of the most iconic and enjoyable things to do in Donostia-San Sebastian is to walk along the La Concha Promenade, a seaside promenade that runs along the beach of the same name, one of the most beautiful urban beaches in Europe.
The promenade is a perfect place to admire the views of the bay, the island of Santa Clara, and the city skyline.
You will see a lot of cafes, restaurants, and shops along the way, as well as some landmarks and people jogging, cycling, and rollerblading.
2. Enjoy the beach life at La Zurriola and Ondarreta
If you are a fan of the sun, sand, and sea, you will not be disappointed by the beaches this city has to offer. Besides La Concha Beach, which is ideal for swimming and sunbathing, you can also visit La Zurriola Beach and Ondarreta Beach, which are located on opposite sides of the city.
La Zurriola Beach is the favorite of surfers and young people, as it has bigger waves and a more lively vibe, while Ondarreta Beach is the smallest and the most family-friendly, as it has calmer waters and a more tranquil atmosphere.
You can also rent kayaks, paddle boards, and boats to explore the bay and the island of Santa Clara (which I highly recommend)
3. Explore the Old Town and its pintxos bars
One of the most charming and historic parts of San Sebastian is the Old Town, also known as the Parte Vieja. It is the oldest and the most atmospheric area of the city, where you can find narrow streets, colorful buildings, and ancient churches.
It is also the best place to experience the pintxos culture, the art of eating small bites of food on a skewer or a piece of bread, accompanied by a drink (make it a beer!).
The Old Town is packed with bars, a main plaza, and a Motako Gaztelua, a castle on the hill.
4. Visit the San Telmo Museum and the Basilica of Santa Maria del Coro
If you are interested in the history and the culture of the Basque Country and this city, you should not miss the San Telmo Museum and the Basilica of Santa Maria del Coro, two of the most important and impressive buildings in the Old Town.
The San Telmo Museum showcases art, the society, and the identity of the Basque people, from old times to the present day.
The Basilica of Santa Maria del Coro is a stunning church from the 18th century, built in the Baroque style. It features a magnificent facade and a richly decorated interior.
Map of Donostia – San Sebastian, Spain
HOW TO USE THIS MAP TO BOOK YOUR RESERVATIONS:
CLICK the YELLOW MARKER OR THE DROP DOWN MENU next to the title to see the various things to do and point of interest in this guide and CHOOSE your desired preview of the map, whether HOTELS & RENTALS, EXPERIENCES, RESTAURANTS OR OTHERS. Feel free to use the filters, number of guests, and your preferred dates. You can see more information about the different attractions (the GREEN MARKERS) when you click the icons, as well as finding your perfect accommodation that will suit your budget and location. You could also book your guided tours and restaurants using the map.
Read More About Spain:
A Guide for Travelers
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Everything Zany
Travel Blog
Everything Zany Travel Blog exploring the UK and beyond. Sharing travel guides, tips, history, and culture. Our travel media brand is founded by travel and hotel industry expert – Ryazan Tristram, a Dual Citizen (British–Filipina) based in Birmingham, UK. Everything Zany is a reputable and award-winning travel blog. Our work and contributions have been featured in the Huffington Post, CNBC, Discovery Channel, GMA, Readers Digest, and Lonely Planet. Our mission is to build a great travel community and resource of travel tips, visas, and travel guides for travelers. Join us as we travel around the UK and beyond with a mission to share the best of the world.
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