Parte Vieja
For being among bars and narrow streets and doing everything on foot. It is lively at night, so choose your street carefully if noise bothers you.
Itinerary · San Sebastián
San Sebastián in 5 days: day-by-day itinerary
5-day itinerary for San Sebastián: Parte Vieja, La Concha, Monte Igueldo, Gros, Pasaia and a day trip to Bilbao and the Guggenheim Museum.
- 5days
- 16stops
- 7Areas
This 5-day itinerary is designed for those who want to get to know San Sebastián without rushing and add a day trip to Bilbao. Four days in the city and its surroundings — Parte Vieja, La Concha bay, Gros and Pasaia — and a final day in Bilbao.
From San Sebastián airport, located in Hondarribia, you have two options. Lurraldebus has several lines linking the terminal with the city, and you can pay with the MUGI card. Taxis leave from the rank next to the terminal and take about 25 minutes to the centre.
Tips
- A MUGI card works out cheaper than single tickets if you are going to use the city bus several times.
- Pintxos are eaten bar to bar: order one or two and a small drink and do not stay in just one place.
- Bring a rain jacket: the weather is changeable and it can rain even in summer.
- Book the Guggenheim ticket and restaurant dinners at weekends in advance.
- The boat to Santa Clara island only runs in season and in good weather; check before you go.
- Wear comfortable shoes: Urgull, Igueldo and Pasaia have slopes and steps.
Day 1
Parte Vieja, Monte Urgull and the harbour
Monte Urgull
Parte Vieja
Start the day by climbing the wooded paths up to the Castillo de la Mota and the statue of the Sacred Heart. The views over the bay and the rooftops of the Parte Vieja make the climb worthwhile.
Museo San Telmo
Parte Vieja
A museum in a former convent that helps you understand Basque history and culture. It is a good plan if the weather is bad.
Parte Vieja
Parte Vieja
The old town revolves around the Plaza de la Constitución and streets such as Calle 31 de Agosto, full of bars. This is where pintxo culture begins: one or two per bar, then on to the next.
Puerto y paseo del Muelle
Parte Vieja
Finish the day with a stroll around the fishing harbour, with the bay on one side and the hill on the other.
Day 2
La Concha, Peine del Viento and Monte Igueldo
Playa de La Concha
La Concha
The promenade with its white railing curves around the bay and is the best way to take in the city's most famous beach. In summer, arrive early to find a spot.
Palacio de Miramar
La Concha
A 19th-century palace at the top of a garden overlooking the bay. You can stroll through the gardens, with a lovely view of Santa Clara island.
Peine del Viento
Ondarreta
At the end of Ondarreta beach are Chillida's steel sculptures, anchored in the rocks. In rough seas the waves crash against them and the spectacle is impressive.
Monte Igueldo
Igueldo
A century-old funicular takes you up to the viewpoint with the best view of the bay. Save the late afternoon to watch the city lights come on.
Day 3
Centro, Gros and Zurriola
Catedral del Buen Pastor
Centre
The neo-Gothic cathedral dominates the Ensanche district, with its straight streets and elegant buildings. It is a good starting point for a walk around the centre.
Puente de María Cristina y Teatro Victoria Eugenia
Centre
Near the River Urumea are the María Cristina bridge, the Hotel de Londres and the Teatro Victoria Eugenia, symbols of the city's elegance in the early 20th century.
Kursaal y playa de la Zurriola
Gros
On the other side of the river, the two glass cubes of the Kursaal lead to Zurriola beach, the surfers' beach and the youngest scene in town.
Pintxos in Gros
Gros
Have a pintxos dinner in the Gros district, with fewer tourists than in the Parte Vieja and more locals at the bar.
Day 4
Pasaia and Santa Clara island
Pasai Donibane
Pasaia
A fishing village of colourful houses on the shore of Pasaia bay. You get there by bus from San Sebastián and cross the bay on the little boat that links Pasai San Pedro with Pasai Donibane.
Casa de Victor Hugo
Pasaia
On the main street of Pasai Donibane, the French writer lived for a spell in 1843. It is a good stop on a relaxed stroll, among balconies and fish restaurants.
Isla de Santa Clara
La Concha
Back in the city, in season a small boat runs from the harbour to this island in the middle of the bay. It has a tiny beach and a lighthouse, and it is an ideal plan for the afternoon of a fine day.
Day 5 · Day trip
Bilbao and the Guggenheim Museum
Bilbao and the Guggenheim Museum
Bilbao is a little over an hour by bus from San Sebastián. The Guggenheim Museum, in Frank Gehry's titanium building, is the big stop; book your ticket in advance. Afterwards stroll along the estuary, head up to the old town of the Siete Calles and have some pintxos in the Plaza Nueva before returning.
San Sebastián
Where to stay in San Sebastián
Centre
The most convenient option for five days: close to La Concha and the Parte Vieja, with the bus and train stations at hand for day trips.
Gros
A more local, quieter district next to Zurriola beach, with very good pintxos.
Itinerary · San Sebastián
More San Sebastián itineraries
3 days
San Sebastián in 3 days
- Day 1 Parte Vieja, Monte Urgull and the harbour
- Day 2 La Concha, Peine del Viento and Monte Igueldo
- Day 3 Centro, Gros and Zurriola
7 days
San Sebastián in 7 days
- Day 1 Parte Vieja, Monte Urgull and the harbour
- Day 2 La Concha, Peine del Viento and Monte Igueldo
- Day 3 Centro, Gros and Zurriola
- Day 4 Pasaia and Santa Clara island
- + 3 days
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need to see San Sebastián?
Five days let you see the city at a relaxed pace, take a trip to Pasaia and devote a full day to Bilbao and the Guggenheim.
What do I need to book before travelling?
The Guggenheim if you are going to Bilbao and, in high season, restaurant dinners. Pintxos do not need a reservation.
Can you do this itinerary without a car?
Yes. The city can be covered on foot, and Pasaia and Bilbao have good bus connections from San Sebastián.
Photo credits
- Monte Urgull: Unukorno, CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
- Parte Vieja: Mikel Arrazola, CC BY 3.0 es, Wikimedia Commons
- Playa de La Concha: Ermell, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
- Peine del Viento: JStephanMease, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
- Monte Igueldo: Marco Almbauer, CC0, Wikimedia Commons