Things to do in San Sebastián

Activities, attractions and tours

San Sebastian which includes a city, a bay or harbour and a coastal town
San Sebastian which includes a city, a beach and a coastal town
San Sebastian
San Sebastián
Basilica of Saint Mary of Coro showing interior views, heritage elements and religious elements
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Top places to visit

1. Concha Beach

The Playa de la Concha (usually referred to in English as Concha Beach) is a beautiful central beach in the city of San Sebastián in northern Spain. It’s located in the stunning bay Bahía de La Concha, which takes its name from its distinctive “concha” shell shape. Spend a fantastic day on a spacious Spanish beach with amazing views and lovely walkways.
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Concha Beach featuring a coastal town, a sandy beach and general coastal views

2. Donostia-San Sebastian Aquarium

Embark on an undersea odyssey and observe a variety of aquatic species at the Donostia-San Sebastián Aquarium. This oceanographic museum has more than 30 aquariums that feature animals from the Cantabrian-Atlantic Sea. Visit its exhibition space dedicated to naval history and the local fishing industry.
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Donostia-San Sebastian Aquarium as well as a small group of people

3. Concha Promenade

Concha Promenade is the central boulevard of San Sebastian, where you’ll find many of the city’s events, ceremonies and activities. With its white balustrade and tall clock towers straddling Concha Beach, the promenade is among the most iconic landmarks in the region. Join joggers and skaters on this lively pedestrian avenue, which is shaped like a horseshoe.
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Concha Promenade showing a coastal town, general coastal views and a beach

4. Ondarreta Beach

One of the main urban strands in San Sebastian, Ondarreta Beach is a wide stretch of golden sand beside picturesque Igueldo Mount. Its shallow water and flat sand provide ideal conditions for the entire family. Snap photos of the mossy mound of Santa Clara Island that rises tall from the bay beside a headland.
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Ondarreta Beach showing a sandy beach, general coastal views and a coastal town

5. Monte Igueldo

The Monte Igueldo (Igueldo Mountain) or Igeldo, Txubillo o Hiru Txubilloak in Basque language, is a very famous spot west of the city of San Sebastián. Ride to the top of the hill on the old-fashioned Funicular de Igueldo (Igueldo funicular railway) to marvel at some of the most spectacular panoramic views of the bay Bahía de la Concha and discover a classic fun park.
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Monte Igueldo which includes general coastal views, landscape views and a coastal town

6. Plaza de La Constitucion

The site of celebrations and activities, Plaza de la Constitución is the main square of San Sebastian. Majestic colonnades of grand buildings surround the spacious plaza, which was formerly a bullfighting arena. Consider the rich and intriguing history of this square and how the city formed around it.
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Plaza de La Constitucion which includes a square or plaza, night scenes and heritage elements

7. Zurriola Beach

Zurriola Beach is a stunning stretch of golden sand between the Urumea River and the mossy green Ulía mountain. It is the only one of three urban beaches of San Sebastian that doesn’t face Concha Bay, leaving it more exposed to larger waves that are ideal for surfing. Join skaters and joggers along the lively promenade that backs onto this exceptional stretch of sand.
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Zurriola Beach showing a coastal town, surfing and a sandy beach

8. Cathedral of the Good Shepherd

The Cathedral of the Good Shepherd (Catedral del Buen Pastor de San Sebastián) is a famous church in San Sebastián in the north of Spain. Within the Basque Country (Pais Vasco) it is known as Artzain Onaren katedrala. See this amazing neo-Gothic religious construction built in the late 19th century. Marvel at its picturesque spires and the many intricate details of its interior.
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Cathedral of the Good Shepherd showing street scenes and heritage architecture as well as a small group of people

What to do in San Sebastián

Popular places to visit

Donostia-San Sebastian Aquarium as well as a small group of people

Donostia-San Sebastian Aquarium

See extraordinary marine creatures, learn about life under the sea and get insights into the local fishing history at this aquarium and oceanographic museum.

Donostia-San Sebastian Aquarium
Concha Promenade showing a coastal town, general coastal views and a beach

Concha Promenade

Enjoy the spectacular views of the surrounding verdant headlands and admire the elegant railing and lanterns of this famous boulevard.

Concha Promenade
Monte Igueldo which includes general coastal views, landscape views and a coastal town

Monte Igueldo

Go to the top of this great mountain in San Sebastián and visit a traditional amusement park with spectacular views as a backdrop.

Monte Igueldo
Plaza de La Constitucion which includes a square or plaza, night scenes and heritage elements

Plaza de La Constitucion

Note the numbers on the balconies that represent former bullring boxes. Try delicious local wine in this festive central square.

Plaza de La Constitucion
Cathedral of the Good Shepherd showing street scenes and heritage architecture as well as a small group of people

Cathedral of the Good Shepherd

Visit one of the most astounding religious buildings in San Sebastián and one of the biggest of its kind in the province of Gipuzkoa.

Cathedral of the Good Shepherd
Basque Culinary Center

Basque Culinary Center

Explore the campus of Basque Culinary Center during your trip to San Sebastián. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.

Basque Culinary Center
Miramar Palace showing general coastal views and a coastal town

Miramar Palace

Explore a beautiful palace located in one of the best spots of San Sebastián. Enjoy its lavish gardens and fantastic panoramic views of the bay.

Miramar Palace
San Sebastian City Hall showing general coastal views and a coastal town

San Sebastian City Hall

Stroll through the landscape gardens and gaze up at the spectacular façade of this iconic city hall with a fascinating history.

San Sebastian City Hall
Monte Urgull showing a sandy beach, general coastal views and a coastal town

Monte Urgull

As well as lavish vegetation and panoramic views, this beautiful mountain has historic buildings that played an important role in the history of the city.

Monte Urgull

Areas of San Sebastián

Maria Cristina Bridge which includes a bridge, a river or creek and a city

San Sebastián Centro

4.5/5(92 area reviews)

Wander along the charming streets of this district to see some of the oldest buildings in the city, famous landmarks, exceptional restaurants and green areas.

San Sebastián Centro
Old Town which includes street scenes as well as a small group of people

Old Town San Sebastián

5/5(24 area reviews)

Piece together intriguing Basque stories from the museums and religious treasures and enjoy scenic views of headlands and islands in this historic neighborhood.

Old Town San Sebastián
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Aiete

If you're spending some time in Aiete, Concha Promenade and Parque Aiete are top sights worth seeing.

Aiete
San Ignacio Church which includes heritage architecture and a church or cathedral

Gros

4.5/5(14 area reviews)

An area for the young and young-at-heart describes this active area. Carry a surfboard like many others or just enjoy the charged atmosphere in this part of Spain.

Gros
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Photo by Tommie Hansen (CC BY)

Egia

4/5(10 area reviews)

Bars, river views and historical sites highlight some of the notable features of Egia. Make a stop by Tabakalera Donostia while you're exploring.

Egia
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Amara

If you're spending some time in Amara, Reale Arena and Velódromo de Anoeta are top sights worth seeing.

Amara
Photo "Lasarte-Oria" by Aitor Ubarretxena (CC BY) / Cropped from original
Photo by Aitor Ubarretxena (CC BY)

Lasarte-Oria

Orio

Orio

Photo "Renteria" by Daniel Losada (CC BY) / Cropped from original
Photo by Daniel Losada (CC BY)

Renteria

Frequently asked questions

Is San Sebastián worth visiting?
Offering a mix of dining and festivals, there's no shortage of things to do in San Sebastián. While you're here, check out Concha Promenade, a key attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in San Sebastián?
Concha Promenade and Donostia-San Sebastian Aquarium are two excellent places to kick-start your holiday adventures. Be sure to explore the dining and shopping options in San Sebastián while you're here too.
What is the top tourist attraction in San Sebastián?
Concha Promenade is one of the top tourist attractions in San Sebastián and deserves a spot on every sightseeing list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in San Sebastián?
Three days in San Sebastián is enough to enjoy the city's leading attractions. Many travellers spend three days on average. Concha Promenade, Donostia-San Sebastian Aquarium and Kursaal Congress Centre and Auditorium are highly rated sights. Want to experience more? Stick around a little longer to check off nearby hotspots such as Bayonne and Biarritz.
Is San Sebastián a walkable city?
Some leading attractions in San Sebastián, like Concha Promenade and Donostia-San Sebastian Aquarium, are within walking distance. You can also experience several of the city's neighbourhoods on foot. Just 2 kilometres from the city centre of San Sebastián is San Sebastián Centro and Old Town San Sebastian is 0.32 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in San Sebastián with kids?
If you're searching for sights and tours for all ages, take a look at these great ideas for what to do in San Sebastián with kids.

What to do in San Sebastián for adults?
Centro de Danza and Sagardoetxea are just a few of the things to do in San Sebastián. With lots of activities available, there's something here for everyone to experience.
Are there free things to do in San Sebastián?
From visiting parks to strolling around vibrant neighbourhoods, it's easy to discover free things to do in San Sebastián. If you're in need of ideas, ask for recommendations from a local tour guide. Concha Promenade is a top spot for anyone wishing to save on their travelling adventures.

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