Free walking tours in San Sebastián and what to see

Must-sees

La Concha bay is the first thing you’ll see, with La Concha and Ondarreta beaches and Santa Clara island in the middle. At the end of Ondarreta is the Peine del Viento, Chillida’s sculptures on the rocks. For the best view, take the funicular up Monte Igueldo or walk up Monte Urgull, crowned by the Mota castle.

The Old Town, between Urgull and the Urumea river, is packed with pintxo bars, the basilica of Santa María del Coro and the Plaza de la Constitución, with its numbered balconies. Across the river, Gros has Zurriola beach, with a surfing vibe, and Moneo’s Kursaal. The Centro, with the Buen Pastor cathedral and its French-style streets, completes the walk.

Free tours and guided visits

Free tours cover the Old Town, the port, the town hall and the La Concha promenade. They tell how the city was rebuilt after the fire of 1813 and about its days as a summer resort for royalty. Paid guided pintxo tours are very popular. As for day trips, the most common is Hondarribia with Pasaia, although people also go to Getaria and Zarautz, to Bilbao for the day or to the south of France, with Biarritz and Saint-Jean-de-Luz.

How long to spend

Two days let you see the city at a relaxed pace: one for the Old Town, Urgull and the port, and another for La Concha, the Peine del Viento, Igueldo and Gros. With three or four days you can add the coast, with Getaria, Hondarribia or the south of France. Leave time to eat without rushing, because here food is part of the trip.

Where to stay

The Old Town is ideal for pintxos and getting around on foot, although it’s noisy at night. The Centro, around the Buen Pastor, is quieter and a few steps from La Concha. Gros, by Zurriola beach, has a good atmosphere, its own bars and a little more choice. Ondarreta and the Antiguo district are residential and quiet, a good option if you’re travelling with family.