San Sebastián
Top-Rated Attractions in San Sebastian & Easy Day Trips
Sunny days spent on sandy beaches and evenings strolls through the quaint Old Town are among the attractions of visiting San Sebastian. Picturesquely set on the crescent-shaped Bay of Concha, this elegant town is one of Spain's most fashionable beach resorts. The expansive shoreline extends for several kilometers along a curving coastline, bookended by the Urgull and Igeldo hills. San Sebastian delights visitors with its scenic beauty and savory cuisine, and surprises with its lively ambience and cultural attractions.
Visit the royal palace and its gorgeous gardens; amble along the terraced seaside promenade that overlooks the town's inspiring architecture; and then wander atmospheric cobblestone lanes in search of authentic pintxos, the Basque version of tapas. These tantalizing small bites include specialties such as seasoned olives, marinated sardines, and salted cod omelet.
Discover more things to do with our list of the top tourist attractions in San Sebastian.
1. The Seaside Elegance and Beautiful Beach at La Concha Bay
La Concha Bay | dynamosquito / photo modified
The picture-perfect white sand beach of the Bahía de la Concha (Bay of Concha) is the most iconic sight in San Sebastian. With a wide shoreline and mesmerizing turquoise waves, this expansive beach extends for more than a kilometer. The beach, known as La Perla, overlooks the cityscape of San Sebastian and has an ambience of elegance. A protected location in the bay ensures calm, gentle waters that are safe for swimming. The Perla del Océano swimming area is found on the site of the former royal bathing pavilion.
Besides sunbathing and swimming, tourists will also enjoy strolling La Concha. A lovely promenade with elegant railing and street lamps, the Paseo de la Concha encircles the bay along the beach. Within walking distance of the Bay of Concha is the tree-lined Alameda del Boulevard, a hub of San Sebastián's life with many shops, restaurants, and cafés. From here, tourists can explore the charming Old Town of San Sebastian.
2. Parte Vieja (Old Town)
Parte Vieja (Old Town)
The Old Town of San Sebastian is tucked between the base of Monte Urgull and Alameda del Boulevard, and is one of the most popular places to see and be seen for both tourists and locals alike. The center of the Parte Vieja is the arcaded Plaza de la Constitución, a large public space that once hosted bullfights while the spectators watched from the rows of balconies above.
Notable buildings nearby include the Neoclassical municipal library and the Pescadería (Fish Market). Also near the Plaza de la Constitución is the 16th-century Iglesia de San Vicente; this Gothic church is San Sebastian's oldest church and has a richly carved retablo dating to 1584.
A favorite pastime in the Old Town is strolling the quaint cobblestone streets in search of traditional Basque tapas. This atmospheric quarter is filled with authentic pintxo restaurants and is at its liveliest in the evening, when tourists and locals flock to the area.
Pintxos are delicious little snacks rather than a full meal, but are served in abundance with plenty of variety. Sample these tantalizing gastronomic delicacies, from deep-fried cod and marinated anchovies to crisp handmade croquettes. The experience is a Basque culinary adventure.
3. Monte Urgull & Monte Ulía: Historic Sites & Nature Walks
Beginning at the aquarium, the Paseo Nuevo encircles the entire Monte Urgull, which is crowned by the Castillo de la Mota, a formidable 12th-century fortress, and a statue representing the Sacred Heart. The scenic promenade of Paseo Nuevo affords sensational views of the rocky shoreline extending to the Urumea River.
Beyond the river's Puente Zurriola (bridge), a seafront promenade runs east towards Monte Ulía. Beyond the Zurriola Beach, the expansive Parque de Ulía is a beautiful natural space that's ideal for hiking and picnics. If you don't feel like carrying your lunch, the Mirador de Ulía restaurant provides panoramic views of the city, beach, and water from its perch on the slopes of Monte Ulía.
4. Museo de San Telmo
Museo de San Telmo | C D _Fr / photo modified
The Museo de San Telmo is an exceptional museum devoted to the cultural heritage of the Basque country. The museum occupies the Renaissance-era buildings of a 16th-century convent in the Old Town. Offering visitors an overview of Basque culture, the diverse collection is presented in different departments such as fine arts, history, archaeology, and ethnology. The fine arts collection exhibits a wide array of paintings, drawings, engravings, and sculptures.
Among the highlights are paintings by El Greco, Alonso Cano, Rubens, Depièce, Morán, Ribera, and Coello. The Basque artists represented include Ugarte, Zubiaurre, Echagüe, Salaberría, Arteta, and Zuloaga. The archaeology department displays an extensive collection of coins, ceramics, and pre-Columbian artifacts, while the history department presents a unique exhibit on the history of weapons from the 15th century to the present day. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday, with free admission on Tuesdays.
5. Miramar Royal Palace
This English Tudor-style palace was designed in 1888 by architect Selden Wornum of England but was completed by Benito Olasagasti. Surrounded by beautiful grounds overlooking the sea, the palace was built as a vacation home for the Spanish royal family. Several Spanish Queens favored this location for their summer holiday. The building is distinguished by its octagonal tower and half-timbered details. Notice the coat of arms of the Habsburg dynasty on the facade.
The relatively simple but elegant home has two floors for the private residence and a third floor that was used by the servants. Beautifully manicured gardens with gorgeous ocean views lead down to a seafront promenade along the Bahía de la Concha.
6. Scenic Views and Amusement Park on Monte Igueldo
Scenic views from Monte Igueldo
For stunning views of the San Sebastian scenery, head to Monte Igueldo. This steep mount lies just beyond the Playa de Ondarreta at the far end of the beach near the Royal Tennis Club. Tourists can take a funicular ride up to the top. The hilltop stands 184 meters above the sea, offering sensational panoramas.
A favorite tourist attraction is the Parque de Atracciones de Monte Igueldo amusement park. Families with children will enjoy the charming carousels and roller coasters.
Another highlight is the observatory with an outlook tower. Ascend the tower for magnificent views of the town, the Bay of Concha, and the rolling hills of the Basque countryside. At the Hotel Mercure Monte Igueldo, a stylish restaurant with an outdoor terrace is ideal for taking in the gorgeous scenery.
7. Isla de Santa Clara
Travelers can enjoy a delightful island getaway right in the city of San Sebastian. Declared a Historical National Interest Site, the Isla de Santa Clara is a tiny 30-meter-wide island just off the coast, combining the peacefulness of nature along with the amenities of civilization. The island has cafés, restaurants, picnic areas, and a post office.
During summertime from June 1 to September 30, a ferry runs from the San Sebastian harbor to the island every 30 minutes. The island's small beach is surveyed by a lifeguard and is ideal for swimming. Hidden nooks along the island's coast offer natural swimming pools. Tourists can also go for a scenic stroll to the lighthouse and enjoy the stunning views along the way.
8. Basilica de Santa Maria del Coro
Basilica de Santa Maria del Coro
This exquisite 18th-century Baroque church stands on the foot of Monte Urgull in the heart of the Old Town. One of the most-visited tourist sites in San Sebastian, the Basilica of Santa María del Coro was built on the site of an ancient Roman temple. The church has a splendid Churrigueresco facade with a statue of Saint Sebastian in a niche and two towers.
Step inside to admire the interior, built on a rectangular plan with a semicircular apse. The sanctuary features impressive pillars and neo-Gothic vaulting. Guided tours of the Basilica are available.
9. Playa de la Zurriola: Surfers' Beach
Playa de la Zurriola: Surfers' Beach
This well-known surfers' beach is in a commercial district of San Sebastian that has many sports shops, large department stores, and art galleries. The Playa de la Zurriola draws surfers from all over the world because of its challenging waves and surf competitions. This beach is also a favorite destination of sports enthusiasts, who come here to play beach volleyball, football, and beach tennis.
The beach sits between Monte Ulía and Monte Urgull, and is backed by a wide promenade with benches for a relaxing view of the sea. At the western end of the beach, tourists will fins the Kursaal Centre music venue and Puente Zurriola, a historic bridge with a wide pedestrian concourse that leads to the Old Town.
10. Playa de Ondarreta
Playa de Ondarreta | Ilkka Harmanen / photo modified
Ondarreta Beach is a lively beach that swells with holiday goers during summertime. On the Bahía de la Concha, the Playa de Ondarreta borders Monte Igueldo and the grounds of the Palacio de Miramar. This fine sandy beach is a great place for sunbathing, strolling, and playing beach volleyball, or for taking a stroll along the promenade. The 100-meter-wide shoreline extends for a kilometer, offering an impressive total surface area with plenty of space for sunbathing.
During the most popular months of June, July, and August, the shore is lined with classic striped beach cabanas, lounge chairs, and sun parasols. In the winter, when the waves are up, the beach draws many bodyboarders and surfers.
11. Aquarium-Sea Palace
Aquarium-Sea Palace | Baptiste Lafontaine / photo modified
San Sebastian's aquarium is fittingly located along the harbor at the end of the Bahía de la Concha in the Old Town. A popular tourist attraction, its 31 habitats are filled with colorful aquatic species, from tropical fish and sharks to species unique to the Atlantic and Cantabrian areas.
The aquarium also features an Oceanographic Museum with exhibits that display ship models, navigational instruments, and documents. A highlight of the museum is the Oceanarium, an underwater exhibition space. A walkway leads through a clear tunnel with 360-degree views of the swimming fish, sharks, and sea turtles in the aquarium.
12. Catedral del Buen Pastor
Catedral del Buen Pastor | Emmanuel DYAN / photo modified
The largest church in San Sebastian, the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd is in the New Town beyond the busy Calle de San Martín. This Neo-Gothic cathedral was designed by Basque architect Manuel de Echave in 1880 and completed in 1897. With its 75-meter-high tower, this inspiring edifice is an important city landmark.
The cathedral was built out of sandstone from the Monte Igueldo. The immense structure covers an astounding surface area of 1,915 square meters. Visitors are awed by the spaciousness of the interior, which has a symmetrical Latin cross formation with three naves and a transept. The richly decorative sanctuary features stained-glass windows by Juan Bautista Lázaro, and the high altar displays statues of Nuestra Señora del Carmen (Virgin Mary), Saint Antonio, Saint Teresa, and the Sagrado Corazón (Sacred Heart).
13. International Jazz Festival in July
For tourists visiting San Sebastian at the end of July, the International Jazz Festival is a must-see cultural event. Concerts are performed at the Kursaal Centre along with seven other venues in the city. Devoted to high-caliber jazz and blues music, this top-notch festival presents a wide range of musical styles and genres.
The festival takes place over six days with more than 60 performances. Concerts at the Kursaal Centre and Trinidad Square require tickets, while the concerts at the other venues, such as Zurriola Beach and the terraces at the Kursaal Centre, are free.
14. Parque de Aiete
Parque de Aiete | Urko Dorronsoro / photo modified
The 19th-century Aiete Palace of the Dukes of Bailen was built on a Camino de Santiago site where medieval pilgrims stopped on their way to Santiago de Compostela. The aristocratic palace once hosted illustrious visitors, including Queen Victoria of England.
Today, the palace grounds are used as a public park and venue for cultural events. This beautifully manicured parkland designed by French landscape architect Pierre Ducasse features a peaceful pond, caves, and rushing waterfalls. In an idyllic scene of pristine nature, hundreds of different trees and plants flourish. The park is a delightful place for tourists to explore on a sunny day, especially during spring and summer when the colorful flowers are in bloom.
For those seeking another retreat in nature combined with gourmet cuisine, continue further afield to Akelarre Restaurant at 63 Paseo Padre Orcolaga (a short drive from Aiete Park). This top-rated gastronomic restaurant boasts three Michelin stars and stunning sea views from the dining room. A special menú degustación (tasting menu) allows guests to sample many different dishes featuring specialties of Basque cuisine.
Gourmands will be interested to know that San Sebastian also has two other three-star Michelin restaurants, although the other two are on the outskirts of the city: Martin Barastegui Restaurant and Arzak Restaurant.
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