What to do in San Sebastian

'Must see' in San Sebastian

The first stop in this guide is our NH Collection San Sebastián Aránzazu, if you stay here you will be at the ideal starting point to explore the city.

Heading eastwards from the hotel, a stroll along La Concha beach is a wonderful way to begin. As you breathe in the fresh sea air – the time of year will clearly affect how invigorating it is – you’ll likely observe joggers and cyclists joining you on this iconic promenade. Make sure to check out El Peine del Viento (The Comb of the Wind) sculpture at the western end of the bay, by the famous local artist, Eduardo Chillida.

As you curved your way around the beach, you may have spotted the Aquarium building that pokes out towards the Isla de Santa Clara. That’s our next stop. There is an abundance of activities to see and do here although the highlight is often the exceptional 360-degree viewing option from within the tunnel that runs through the water enclosure.

A short walk from the Aquarium takes you to the San Telmo museum. In this beautifully preserved building, dating back to the 16th century, time will be the deciding factor on what you are able to enjoy. The collection is presented across Renaissance styled cloisters and the contemporary art center, and covers a complex variety of works from Basque history through to modern day exhibits.

Another plan within this brief guide on what to do in San Sebastian is to walk along the Urumea Itsasadarra River. You will soon see the distinguished glass structure of the Kursaal. This cultural center hosts a variety of events and activities throughout the year. There is, however, another tempting option to eat just around the corner – a commonly heard phrase in San Sebastian – in the form of Bodega Donostiarra. A fabulous selection of pintxos await, in a memorably traditional setting.

The final stage of this flirtation with what the city has to offer is the Cristina Enea park, which lies just south of the art and design center, Tabakalera (another modern gem). Don’t be surprised to see a peacock strutting past you while you think, with his magnificently fanned tail out in all its glory.

From the park you can enjoy another stroll back along the promenade to the hotel or alternatively, if the Basque weather or time constraints advocate otherwise, take a short taxi ride instead. If you do decide to walk, head along Sánchez Toca Kalea and indulge in a carajillo, in the Pokhara café. Their specialty drink is a mix of coffee and whisky and is utterly delicious!

Original activities to do in San Sebastian

Food and architecture may take the headlines of this guide. However, there is much more to the city if time permits you to explore further, much of which is in close proximity.

Take the shopping scene, for example. Avenida de la Libertad is where you’ll want to venture if brand labels and delicious boutiques are of interest. The Old Town is where you’re most likely to pick up a souvenir for someone back home, while downtown is filled with more upmarket stores.

If among the things to do in San Sebastian, you are looking to relax, you have to go to La Perla. This Belle Époque spa is housed in an eye-catching building and was once the luxury domain of Queen Maria Cristina, but is now open to the public.

You also have the possibility to organize group visits to the Basque Cider Museum, Sagardoetxea. Learning about how the delicious apple drink is made, the history behind it, and the importance it has in the region’s culture, while savoring the product’s taste straight from the barrel is clearly an essential perk to the visit!

Another of the plans that we recommend within this list on what to do in San Sebastian is to visit the Anoeta Stadium and encourage the local Real Sociedad. Not as famous worldwide as the other ‘Real’ in Madrid, but as important as life itself to the loyal fans.

Where to eat in San Sebastian: the best recommendations

San Sebastian and food go hand in hand. Here are some examples to get the taste buds a-tingling…

1. Best place to have breakfast: you’re unlikely to need much more sustenance if your first stop of the day was into our highly-recommended breakfast bar, but if a coffee is required as you saunter along the emblematic bay, pop into Café de La Concha. If it’s already pushing closer to lunchtime then join the locals and treat yourself to a little vermút (vermouth) ‘to aid the upcoming digestion,’ as they say.

2. Snack on the run: if you or you have never tried crispy churros con chocolate then we’d strongly encourage you to dip in. Top of the healthy charts they are not, but they certainly stake a claim on the tasty ones. La Madame on Calle San Bartolome will ensure you get the authentic experience, as well as offering a variety of other bites to keep you going.

3. Preparing for the pm: most pintxo bars have their wares fully on display for you to admire and select. Their fame is well deserved, given the exquisite miniature cuisine found in many of the city’s best known bars. We will show you around the city’s most unmissable pintxo bars, centered mainly around the old town:

• La Cuchara de San Telmo: This bar is best known for putting a modern spin on the city’s miniature cuisine. It’s a highly regarded eatery and you’re unlikely to be disappointed with anything you go for, although if we had to recommend something then the scallops are exceptional.
• Bar Goiz-Agri: A traditional bar recommended by many travel guides. Although it has changed ownership fairly recently, its counter is still overflowing with pintxos. Here, we recommend trying the salmon and anchova pintxo known as “Mari Juli”.
• Gandarias: If you enjoy meat in general, and sirloin steak in particular, make sure to try the Ganadarias solomillo pintxo. It’s the house specialty.
• La Viña: This traditional bar is well worth a visit. Here, you can enjoy excellent pintxos at a very reasonable price. If I had to recommend one dish, it would be their “revuelto de hongos”, scrambled eggs with mushroom.
• Borda Berri: Like the other bars in this list, Bordi Berri offers a great variety of pintxos, but if you’re a fan of rice dishes make sure to try their “arroz bomba” pintxo, or their risotto made with local Idiazabal cheese. Neither of these will disappoint.

4. A perfect dinner: If you are wondering what to do in San Sebastian at night, and how luxurious it would be to have a renowned restaurant in such close proximity, you need to eat in Kukuari. As the main dining offering from our NH Collection San Sebastián Aránzazu hotel you can live that dream. Kitchen director Martin Aristondo ensures that freshness and quality are the fundamental elements behind the eclectic menu and the artist voted ‘best barman in Spain’ is on hand to connect a tasty infusion to accompany your meal. 

5. Casa Urola is a highly recommended alternative. It is a very elegant restaurant, perfect to enjoy a meal in a cozy and quiet atmosphere.

If you really want to push the boat out when it comes to dining, every attempt should be made to get a reservation at Arzak. Boasting three Michelin stars, if you didn’t have a love affair with food before arriving, you’ll certainly have one as you leave. The impeccable food is expected, with the philosophy here that virtually every ingredient should be sourced locally; however the non-pompous family feel that welcomes you, is possibly the most surprising element. Book well in advance.

San Sebastian nightlife

The Basques enjoy a late night on the town – Thursday’s are particularly fun – and will often be found milling outside on terraces even on nights that require you to wrap up warm. A wander around the streets is often all that it takes to have a good time, nipping in and out of the places that grab your attention. However, if you are looking for something even more lively, why not try Le Bukowski. Sat in the Egia neighborhood, this retro pub is a popular end-of-evening venue for the locals, catering for all sorts of musical tastes.

Live music is often the best way to spend the final hours of the day. If jazz is an appetizing offering on your menu then dive into the world of Altxerri, right beneath the art gallery of the same name. You’ll be surrounded by city residents, who have been coming back for years to enjoy the cozy, friendly atmosphere and a great selection of drinks to accompany the fine talent on stage.

A foodie’s paradise, full of stunning architecture, a mix of French and Spanish inspiration, and with a stunning coastal backdrop. We hope that our guide on what to do in San Sebastian will help you to learn more about the culture of San Sebastian and that you are looking forward to coming back soon.

Planning you next trip? Check out our hotels in San Sebastian.