Curator’s statement
Nestled along the beautiful coastline of Spain's Basque Country is the magical city of San Sebastian. It's a town known for its history and world-class food. Speaking of food, the city has many Michelin-starred restaurants, making it the city in Europe with the most Michelin stars per square meter and the second in the world after Tokyo. If the food alone isn’t enough to make you want to visit San Sebastián, the scenery is gorgeous.
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Where to stay in San Sebastian, Spain
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Things to do in San Sebastian, Spain
Go Pintxo bar-hopping: No visit to San Sebastian would be complete without going pintxo bar-hopping. Pintxos are similar to tapas — pintxos are small snacks, whereas tapas are typically a smaller version of a larger dish. They are especially popular in the Basque Country. Pintxos food tours are led by local guides who take you through Old Town and to local bars. Some of the classic favorites are crispy croquettes and tender Iberian ham. Going on a pintxos food tour is definitely a must!
Stroll through Parte Vieja: Get lost in the streets of San Sebastián's Old Town, where centuries-old architecture sits among trendy shops, lively taverns and busy pintxo bars. There are so many decorated alleys and hidden squares, filled with cobblestone streets. You’ll feel like you’re stepping back in time when walking around the historic quarter!
Go up to Monte Igueldo Viewpoint: Take the funicular or drive up to Monte Igueldo for gorgeous panoramic views of San Sebastián. There's even a vintage amusement park at the top!
Spend the day at La Concha Beach: Relax on the golden sands of La Concha Beach, a beautiful urban beach.
Do the San Sebastián to Pasaia Hike: Escape the city and embark on the San Sebastián to Pasaia hike, a stunning coastal trail that’s part of the Camino del Norte. The route offers gorgeous views of rugged cliffs, lush greenery and the shimmering sea. End your hike in the picturesque fishing village of Pasaia, where you can reward yourself with a fresh seafood meal and soak up the quaint harbor vibes.
Mount Urgull: Head to Mount Urgull for panoramic views of the city and its beautiful coastline. Mount Urgull served as a defense point for the city against invasions and attacks throughout history. Its slopes are marked with forts, including the iconic Castillo de la Mota, a 12th-century fortress that shows off San Sebastián's military past. You can hike through the lush scenery and admire all of Mount Urgull’s natural beauty.
Take a day trip to Getaria: Getaria is a short drive from San Sebastián along the gorgeous Basque coastline. It’s nestled between hills and the beautiful waters of the Cantabrian Sea and attracts visitors with its harbor, cobblestone streets and maritime history. You can wander through the historic old town and see whitewashed houses decorated with colorful balconies. Getaria is also known for its fresh seafood restaurants, local wines from Txakoli vineyards and beautiful beaches. If you have time, I recommend a day trip to Getaria!
Places to eat & drink in San Sebastian, Spain
Arzak: A pioneer of modern Basque cuisine. The three-Michelin-starred Arzak blends tradition with avant-garde techniques. They offer dishes like red mullet with crispy scales and lamb with molecular pearls in an unforgettable tasting menu.
Akelarre: Perched on a cliffside with stunning sea views, Akelarre (also with three Michelin stars) delivers an amazing culinary experience.
Mugaritz: A two-Michelin-starred restaurant, crafting a thought-provoking, multi-course journey, featuring inventive dishes like edible stones and aged beef wrapped in flowers.
Alameda: A Michelin-starred hidden gem in Hondarribia, with a focus on seasonal Basque flavors, best showcased in its grilled hake with pil-pil sauce and house-made blood sausage pintxo.
Kokotxa: Located in the heart of San Sebastián’s Old Town, the Michelin-starred Kokotxa serves up delicate dishes like crab-stuffed piquillo peppers and monkfish with kokotxa pil-pil sauce.
Elkano: A seafood lover’s paradise in Getaria, Elkano is world-renowned for its grilled whole turbot, cooked to perfection over an open flame.
Rekondo: Known for its legendary wine cellar and warm hospitality, Rekondo pairs its exceptional vintages with standout dishes like slow-roasted suckling lamb and grilled squid with onion confit.
Pintxo bars & what to try
Casa Urola: Known for its grilled foie gras and txangurro (spider crab) tartlet.
Bar Sport: Known for its solomillo (grilled sirloin with foie gras) and the Gilda (anchovy, olive and pickled pepper).
Bar Martínez: Known for its jamón ibérico with tomato toast and txampis (grilled mushrooms with garlic and parsley).
Atari: Known for its delicious slow-cooked beef cheek and crispy squid bao.
La Cepa: Known for its melt-in-your-mouth jamón ibérico and txistorra (spicy Basque sausage).
La Viña: Known for their legendary Basque cheesecake.
Travel Advisor
Angela Hope
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For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our San Sebastian page.