About San Sebastian, Spain

A paradise for foodies andsurfers, San Sebastian is a must visit if you are in Spain. Framed by goldenbeaches and beautiful hills, this city is full of hidden treasures andadventure. Get ready for an awesome experience as you explore the scenic beautyand enjoy some amazing cuisine. The city is always lively with friendly localsand there are numerous cultural attractions to discover. Spend a sunny dayrelaxing on the sandy beaches and stroll through the quaint Old Town in thecool evening breeze. Tour the romantic royal palace and its gorgeous gardens,visit the marvelous churches and museums and learn new historical facts, orwander the rustic cobblestone lanes in search of authentic pintxos and wine.Hop on a funicular and enjoy the breathtaking views below as you ride the steepcliff and reach the summit. There are an abundant amount of activities toparticipate in here. So why wait? Your next destination awaits!

Public Transport System

Bus, taxi, car rentals, funicular ( a small train made up of two wooden carriages, a large engine, a track and overhead steel cables. The track goes on a 33% incline over a 160 meter drop).

Cleanliness and Efficiency

Cleanliness: High, Efficiency: High

Mode & Cost of Transports

Bus: A one-way fare costs EUR 1.70 and buses run roughly from 7.30a.m to 10.30p.m. There are a limited number of night buses that continue until 4am. 

Taxi: Normal tariff starts at EUR 6, waiting charge  for an hour is EUR 20.

Car rentals:Price range starts from EUR 20 (single trip) to EUR 999 (for multiuple day rentals).

Funicular:

Ticket way / return: Adults- EUR 3.75, Children under 7 years- EUR 2.50 
One-way ticket: Adults-2.30, Children under 7 years- 1.5 
Special ticket (animals, bags)- EUR 2.50
Groups: Groups of 20 or more people- EUR 3.00
San Sebastián Card: Showing the card at the box office, way / return- EUR 3.00

Take a San Sebastián Card and get discounts on travel, shopping, restaurants and more: EUR 9 for 6 journeys, EUR 16 for 12 journeys

Basic Items & Cost

Name Price
Water Bottle USD 1.05
Cup of Coffee USD 2.10
Milk Carton Pack USD 1.05
Rice/Kg USD 1.05
White Bread USD 1.05
Eggs (12) USD 2.10
Combo Meal USD 7.35
Fine Dining USD 36.75
Bottle of Coke or Pepsi USD 2.10
Domestic Beer USD 3.15
Imported Beer USD 3.15
Bottle of Wine USD 5.25
Cigarettes (20 Pack) USD 5.25
Taxi ( 1 km ) USD 1.05
Ticket in local transport (Single way). USD 2.10
Rent ( One Bed Room) USD 884.10

Do’s

  • Try greeting people with “kaixo” and “agur”. It will show that you are willing to learn the language, and will help you to be seen as a friendly tourist. 
  • Always be sure to close taps and switch off electrical items when not in use. The people here are very environmentally conscious.
  • Use public transport whenever possible. The buses are clean and efficient. You can also rent bikes to roam around town.
  • Explore the streets of the city and buy in traditional, local stores. It’s cheaper for you and more economical for small businesses.
  • A good idea would be to hire a local guide if you are not familiar with the local language or culture. Exploring the city and communicating may be difficult otherwise. 

Don’ts

  • Do not litter the streets. Always use dustbins to throw away the garbage. Again, the locals here are very environmentally conscious. 
  • Try to keep quiet when partying into the early hours. It’s simply considerate of the locals. 

Night Life

San Sebastian is a city with a vibrant and varied nightlife. Surrounded by the sea and framed by beautiful mountains and landscapes, the city awakens at night with exotic aromas and sounds of music. From loud pubs to cozy bars and crowded casinos, San Sebastian has it all. The beachfront clubs and bars are hugely popular among tourists and locals alike. Sip your drink as you listen to the soothing waves crashing on the shore as the tides rise, with a backdrop of party music and dancing. The Old Town, Reyes Católicos, Egia and Gros District are where you'll find your cluster of choices. These choices can range from a unique selection of bars and pubs to chic restaurants and live music. After all the dancing and partying, and once the midnight hunger hits, fill up your tummy with french fries, hamburgers, pizzas, and sandwiches from the local outlets. The city hosts many festivals as well. If you are touring the city then, you must as well join the party. You will see Basque mythological characters dancing around the fire in a city that is cheerful with a festive atmosphere. The International Jazz festival happens during the month of July every year, and It is hugely popular. During your visit, you will find that this is a city that never sleeps!

Must See

  • Take a romantic stroll along the Concha Bay and enjoy the amazing scenery.
  • Dive into the essence of the city when you visit the Old Town of San Sebastian.
  • Get the best view of the city from the summit of Mount Igeldo and enjoy the stunning city landmarks and beach below.
  • Enjoy a sunny day at Ondarreta Beach; it is a perfect family destination.
  • Visit the Museo de San Telmo and learn about the cultural heritage of the Basque country.
  • Explore the famous Miramar Royal Palace surrounded by a beautiful landscape overlooking the sea.
  • Do not miss the exquisite 18th-century Baroque church, Basilica de Santa Maria del Coro, in the heart of the Old Town. It is one of the most visited tourist spots in the city.
  • The International Jazz Festival is a must-see cultural event if you are visiting at the end of July.
  • Explore the Oceanographic Museum and the various marine animals in the amazing Aquarium-Sea Palace.

Experiences

  • If you love surfing, Zurriola is where you must be. Take your surfboard and head to the beach to experience the vibe of the young crowd.
  • Take a ride on the 100-year-old Igeldo Funicular railway and go back in time as you ride on the slopes of the mountain to the fairground at the summit.
  • Swim in the Isla de Santa Clara's small beach. It has hidden nooks along the island's coast and offers natural swimming pools.
  • Go for a stroll to the lighthouse and enjoy the stunning views along the way.
  • Shop at some amazing street markets and boutique stores. You will get all the souvenirs you are looking for, for reasonable prices. 
  • Take a gastronomical tour and taste the authentic pintxos and wine, along with some traditional cooking classes.
  • Hike the green spaces of the Monte Ulía. Despite its huge size, Monte Ulía is a fairly relaxing hike and offers unique views of the city.

Activities

Beach of La Concha
Beach
20007, Gipuzkoa, Spain
Distance From City Center
0.4 Kms.
Real Golf Club de San Sebastián
Golf
Barrio Jaizubia, Chalet Borda-Gain, Barrio Jaizubia Apartado, 6, 20280 Hondarribia, Guipúzcoa, Spain
Distance From City Center
20 Kms.
Real Golf Club De Zarauz
Golf
Calle Lauaxeta, 7, 20800 Zarautz, Gipuzkoa, Spain
Distance From City Center
19 Kms.
Aquarium
Zoo
1 Plaza de Carlos Blasco Imaz, 20003 Donostia, Gipuzkoa, Spain
Distance From City Center
2.5 Kms
Free Surf
Surfing
Calle Jose Miguel Barandiaran, 22, 20002 San Sebastián, Guipúzcoa, Spain
Distance From City Center
2.3 Kms.
GOIBURU GOLF CLUB
Golf
Barrio San Esteban, s/n, 20140 Andoain, SS, Spain
Distance From City Center
18.6 Kms.
Nymphalur
Zoo
Barrio Zamalbide 16, Edificio Belabaratz-Tknika, Oficina 1, 20100 Errenteria, SS, Spain
Distance From City Center
11 Kms.
Real Nuevo Club Golf Basozabal
Golf
Goiaztxiki Bidea, 41, 20009 Donostia, Gipuzkoa, Spain
Distance From City Center
6.5 Kms.
Santa Clara Island
Beach
Santa Clara Island, Spain
Distance From City Center
2.7 Kms.
Casino Kursaal
Casino
Calle Mayor, 1, 20003 San Sebastián, Guipúzcoa, Spain
Distance From City Center
1.8 Kms.
Bluemotion Surf & Bodyboard Academy
Surfing
Ramón y Cajal Kalea, 1, 20001 Donostia, Gipuzkoa, Spain
Distance From City Center
1.3 Kms.
Playa de Ondarreta
Beach
Gipuzkoa, Spain
Distance From City Center
2 Kms.
Zurriola surf eskola
Surfing
Calle Usandizaga Nº14 Bajo, 20002 San Sebastián, SS, Spain
Distance From City Center
2.1 Kms.
Zurriola beach
Beach
Gipuzkoa, Spain
Distance From City Center
1.7 Kms.
Pukas Surf Eskola
Surfing
Zurríola Hiribidea, 24, 20002 Donostia, Gipuzkoa, Spain
Distance From City Center
1.3 Kms.

Shopping

Casa Ponsol SL
Handicrafts and Souviners
Narrika Kalea, 4, 20003 San Sebastián, Guipúzcoa, Spain
Distance From City Center
0.6 Kms
Alde Zahar Lore
Handicrafts and Souviners
Calle Mayor, 14, 20003 San Sebastián, Guipúzcoa, Spain
Distance From City Center
1.8 Kms
Souvenirs Santesteban
Handicrafts and Souviners
Paseo del Muelle, 3, bajo, 20003 San Sebastián, SS, Spain
Distance From City Center
2.2 Kms
Koloreka
Handicrafts and Souviners
San Jeronimo Kalea, 19, 20003 San Sebastián, Guipúzcoa, Spain
Distance From City Center
1.7 Kms
CASA San Sebastián
Handicrafts and Souviners
Gipuzkoa Plaza, 9, 20004 Donostia, Gipuzkoa, Spain
Distance From City Center
0.4 Kms
San Martin Azoka
Shopping Malls
Urbieta Kalea, 9, 20006 San Sebastián-Donostia, Gipuzkoa, Spain
Distance From City Center
0.45 Kms
Mercado de la Bretxa
Flea Markets and Bazaars
3, Boulevard Zumardia, 20003 Donostia, Gipuzkoa, Spain
Distance From City Center
1.1 Kms
Centro Comercial Garbera
Shopping Malls
C.C. Garbera Garbera Zeharbidea, Garberako, 1, 20017 San Sebastián, Spain
Distance From City Center
4.5 Kms
Arcco
Shopping Malls
Plaza de Irún, 6, 20011 San Sebastián, Guipúzcoa, Spain
Distance From City Center
2.5 Kms
C.C. La Bretxa
Shopping Malls
Alameda del Blvd., 3, 20003 San Sebastián, Guipúzcoa, Spain
Distance From City Center
1.3 Kms
Arbelaitz- Moda
Handicrafts and Souviners
Txurruka Kalea, 7, 20004 San Sebastián, Guipúzcoa, Spain
Distance From City Center
0.4 Kms
Pimlico
Antique Markets
San Bartolome Kalea, 2, 20007 San Sebastián-Donostia, Gipuzkoa, Spain
Distance From City Center
0.6 Kms
LANGER Arte y Antigüedades
Antique Markets
Ijentea Kalea, 2, 20003 Donostia, Gipuzkoa, Spain
Distance From City Center
1.9 Kms
Anteo Subastas
Antique Markets
Garibai Kalea, 18, 20004 Donostia, Gipuzkoa, Spain
Distance From City Center
0.35 Kms
Elena ZABALO Antigüedades
Antique Markets
C/ Bermingham 11 (Gros), 20002 San Sebastián, SS, Spain
Distance From City Center
1.5 Kms
La Txatarreria Antiguedades
Antique Markets
Paseo Colón / Kolon Pasealekua, 46, 20002 San Sebastián, Guipúzcoa,
Distance From City Center
1.8 Kms
  • Txapela: A txapela or Boneta is a traditional Basque beret still worn by some locals, and also used as part of the regional folk costumes.
  • Gold and silver jewelry with local symbols
  • Espadrilles shoes: These are skillfully handcrafted shoes popular in Spain and also a fashion accessory across the globe.
  • Table lamps
  • Handmade perfumed candles
  • Paintings from local artists.
  • Prints and ceramics 
  • Handcrafted wall decor items
  • Cider: It is the most popular local drink. You can get it in bottles and enjoy it with cod and red meat.
  • Chocolates and candy
  • Wooden furniture/ minimalist coffee tables
  • PET bottles
  • Swimsuits and metallic-hued bikinis
  • Txakoli: It is a local Basque white wine that’s very dry. It is exclusively produced in the Basque region and is not exported in huge quantities.
  • Patterned pillows and cushion covers
  • Denim
  • Leather boots

Official Language

Basque, Spanish

Other Language

Catalan, Galician, English

Spoken Language

Basque and Spanish are the mos... Read more

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Population

0.18 (Millions)

Weather Icon

Weather

Moderate Rain 10.6°C

Clock Icon

TimeZone

19:37 PM (GMT +01:00)

 

Ambulance Icon

Ambulance

112

 

Police Icon

Police

112

 

Electric socket

Type F
Type F ( 220 V 50 Hz)
Airplane Icon

Airport Name / IATA Code

San Sebastián Airport - EAS

Best time to visit

May, June, July, August, and September are the peak tourist seasons. These are also times when the temperatures are most ideal. There is almost no rain during this time. August and September are the ideal time for those who like to enjoy numerous cultural events hosted in the city, including Europe's longest-running classical music festival.

Moderate time to visit

November, December, January, February, March, April. The weather is significantly cooler, and a chill sets in in early November. If you are looking for low prices, this is the ideal time to visit. February sees the start of regional Txakoli wine and cider season, which is also quite popular among tourists.

Worst time to visit

There is no bad time to visit San Sebastian. However, October comes with heavy downpours, and the cities will have fewer people roaming around them. The weather is average-warmth and humid.

Taxi

Start Tariff: EUR 6.00

1 Km. Tariff: EUR 0.71

1 Hour Waiting Tariff: EUR 21.00

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Monthly Average Temperature & Rainfall

Local Services in San Sebastian, Spain (Contact directly)

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