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 7 days: day-by-day itinerary
7-day itinerary for San Sebastián: pintxos, three beaches, Igueldo, Pasaia, Hondarribia, Getaria and a day trip to Biarritz and Saint-Jean-de-Luz.
- 7days
- 23stops
- 10Areas
This 7-day itinerary is designed for those who want to get to know San Sebastián in depth, at a relaxed pace and with time for its food. Six days in the city and along the nearby coast — Parte Vieja, La Concha bay, Gros, Pasaia, Hondarribia, Getaria and Zarautz — and a final day in Biarritz and Saint-Jean-de-Luz.
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 Balenciaga Museum, the txakoli tastings and restaurant dinners at weekends in advance.
- The boats to Santa Clara and Hendaye only run in season and in good weather; check beforehand.
- Take your ID for the trip to France and comfortable shoes for the slopes.
Day 1
Parte Vieja, Monte Urgull and the harbour
Monte Urgull
Parte Vieja
Start 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, 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 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.
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 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, with a tiny beach and a lighthouse.
Day 5
Hondarribia and the Bidasoa
Old town of Hondarribia
Hondarribia
You get there by bus from San Sebastián, and the airport is in the same municipality. Enter through the walls into the upper town, with the Plaza de Armas and the castle, now a parador.
Calle San Pedro y barrio de la Marina
Hondarribia
The fishermen's quarter has houses with colourful balconies, and Calle San Pedro is famous for its pintxo bars. It is a good option for lunch.
Walk to Hendaye
Hondarribia
A small boat leaves the harbour for Hendaye, on the French bank of the Bidasoa. It is an unusual way to set foot in France, though it is best to carry your ID.
Day 6
Getaria and Zarautz
Getaria
Getaria
A fishing village about 25 km from San Sebastián, reached by bus or train. Its streets run down to the harbour, where you can eat grilled fish.
Museo Cristóbal Balenciaga
Getaria
The designer was born in Getaria, and his museum traces his work in a modern building next to the Aldamar palace. Book ahead if you go in high season.
Txakoli winery
Getaria
The hills around the village produce txakoli, a light, fresh white wine. Several wineries offer visits with tastings, which are best booked in advance.
Playa de Zarautz
Zarautz
A few minutes from Getaria, Zarautz has the longest beach in Gipuzkoa. Finish with a stroll and, if the sea cooperates, watch the surfers make the most of the waves.
Day 7 · Day trip
Biarritz and Saint-Jean-de-Luz
Biarritz and Saint-Jean-de-Luz
A little over an hour by road, or by train and bus, from San Sebastián, the French Basque Country offers a change of scene. In Biarritz, stroll to the Rocher de la Vierge and the Grande Plage. Saint-Jean-de-Luz, a small port with a calm beach, is perfect for lunch. Take your ID and check the return times beforehand.
San Sebastián
Where to stay in San Sebastián
Centre
The most convenient option for seven 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.
Antiguo
Residential and quiet, next to Ondarreta beach and the Peine del Viento. Ideal if you prefer to sleep away from the bustle.
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
5 days
San Sebastián in 5 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
- + 1 day
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need to see San Sebastián in depth?
Seven days let you see the city at a relaxed pace, visit Pasaia, Hondarribia and Getaria and take a trip to the French Basque Country.
What do I need to book before travelling?
The Balenciaga Museum and the txakoli tastings in Getaria, the cider houses and restaurant dinners in high season. Pintxos do not need a reservation.
Do I need a passport to go to Biarritz?
EU travellers do not normally face checks at that border, but it is best to always carry your ID.
Can you do this itinerary without a car?
Yes. The city can be covered on foot, and the day trips have good bus and train 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