San Sebastian (Donostia in Basque) is easy to reach from most of Europe, and it was named European Capital of Culture back in 2016. It is no wonder why.
The city is packed with culture, history and some of the best food anywhere. We stayed here for six days in an Airbnb on our first visit, and these are the 10 reasons we think you must visit San Sebastian.
Updated October 2026: key facts for San Sebastian.
- Tourist tax: San Sebastian plans to charge a tourist tax from January 2027, from about €1.25 per person per night in rural stays up to €6.50 in the top hotels and tourist flats. Under-18s are exempt, and you pay for a maximum of six nights. The final rules were still going through the city council in autumn 2026.
- Tour groups: since April 2024, guided tour groups in the city are limited to 25 people, so food tours tend to be small.
- Pintxo prices: expect roughly €3 to €5 for most pintxos in the old town, more for hot dishes cooked to order.
- Big events: the Jazz Festival (Jazzaldia) is in late July, and the International Film Festival is in late September. Book accommodation early for both.
Jump to:
- 1. Scrumptious cuisine
- 2. Unmissable and unforgettable cider
- 3. The epic old town of San Sebastian
- 4. Soft sandy beaches
- 5. Dazzling architecture
- 6. Shopping for everyone
- 7. Surf, surf and more surf
- 8. Jaw-dropping views
- 9. Unique history
- 10. Unmissable events
1. Scrumptious cuisine
The Basque Country is famous around the world for its food, and “going for pintxos” (small bites, the Basque take on tapas) quickly became everyone’s favourite thing to do in the city.
Once you try them, you’ll know what all the fuss is about.
There are countless bars and restaurants, and it seems like everyone celebrates over food and wine or cider.
Over our six days, pintxos were the only thing on our menu, so we tried them in a lot of places. Our favourites were La Cepa, Bar Sport, A Fuego Negro and Borda Berri. As far as we can tell they are all still going in 2026, but check opening days, as several close one day a week.
Another must-try is handmade chocolate from the pastry shops in the old town. It was expensive when we visited (over €40 a kilo), but so worth it.
And if you want to splash out, San Sebastian has one of the highest concentrations of Michelin stars in the world, including three-star Arzak and Akelarre in the city, and Martín Berasategui just outside in Lasarte-Oria.
2. Unmissable and unforgettable cider
Cider has been part of the culture here for centuries, and you will find it in bars and restaurants all over the city.
Try it even if you are not a cider fan, as it goes really well with pintxos.
It is traditionally made in farmhouse cider houses (sagardotegiak) in the hills around the city. If you visit roughly between January and April, look out for the “txotx” season, when the cider houses open up and pour straight from the barrel.
3. The epic old town of San Sebastian
The old town (Parte Vieja) is the heart of the city and home to most of the famous pintxo bars.
It doesn’t matter if it is Monday, Tuesday or Saturday, the place is always packed with people having a drink and a bite.
It is a truly unique place that nobody visiting should miss.
With its heritage, great food and good wine, you can find both really expensive and really cheap places. When we visited, we found places where food and drinks for two came to less than €15. Prices have gone up since, so budget more today.
4. Soft sandy beaches
Outdoor life is a big part of the city’s culture, and the beach is at the top of the list. San Sebastian has not one but three main beaches.
The most impressive is La Concha, right beside the old town, looking out at Monte Urgull and Santa Clara Island. It is a long curve of fine golden sand.
Zurriola beach in the Gros neighbourhood, about 10 minutes’ walk from the old town, is the relaxed surf beach, with waves for beginners and more experienced surfers.
Ondarreta beach joins on to La Concha and is similar, with a very upmarket residential area behind it.
5. Dazzling architecture
There is so much to look at. The Castillo de la Mota sits on top of Monte Urgull. Plaza de la Constitución, in the heart of the old town, has numbered balconies from the days when the square was used as a bullring (now it is lined with bars and restaurants).
There is the impressive 18th-century baroque Basilica of Santa María, Rafael Moneo’s modern Iesu church and his Kursaal glass cubes, and the Basque Culinary Center, designed to look like plates stacked on top of each other.
The city’s buildings are finished in impressive detail and have been inspiring visitors for years.
6. Shopping for everyone
From fresh food markets to high-end boutiques, this city has something for everyone.
The old town has lots of shops selling local products such as cheese, ham, wine and cider, plus pastry shops full of bread, croissants and other treats.
There is no need to head to shopping centres out of town, as the big brands are all within walking distance in the city centre.
The La Bretxa and San Martín markets are good places for fresh local produce, and there are plenty of gift shops for souvenirs.
7. Surf, surf and more surf
The city has excellent surf too. You can rent boards and wetsuits all year round at Zurriola beach and surf with the locals.
Another surfers’ favourite is Zarautz, about a 25-minute drive along the coast, where you will find lots of surf schools and camps. It is really hard not to try it when you are here!
So make sure you take at least one lesson and find out what all the fuss is about.
8. Jaw-dropping views
San Sebastian has lots of spots with breathtaking views. Here are our top three:
- Monte Igueldo: spectacular views over San Sebastian and La Concha beach. You can take the old funicular railway up.
- Monte Urgull: take your time, as the walk up is a bit long, but the views are spectacular on a sunny day.
- The promenade: a lovely walk along the coastline around La Concha.
9. Unique history
The town’s history is very rich, so take your time wandering the streets to discover it.
Modern San Sebastian keeps its style and excitement, with a growing reputation as a venue for international cultural and business events.
10. Unmissable events
The city hosts some great events, and if you are planning a trip it is worth checking what is on while you are here.
- San Sebastian International Film Festival: every September, film stars from around the world arrive for one of Europe’s biggest film festivals. In 2026 it ran from 18 to 26 September.
- Jazzaldia (San Sebastian Jazz Festival): another world-famous event, held in late July, with concerts on the beaches, in theatres, squares and auditoriums.
Plenty of smaller events take place across the city all year round, so ask at the tourist office when you arrive and you will find something to enjoy.
Now go and visit San Sebastian!
As you can see from these 10 reasons, it is no surprise San Sebastian was picked as a European Capital of Culture. If you are in the area, it combines brilliantly with the French Basque coast: see our two weeks in Biarritz, Anglet and Hossegor guide.
Have you been to San Sebastian? Which pintxo bar was your favourite?
Planning your trip to San Sebastian?
- Booking.com: hotels and apartments in San Sebastian (book early for July to September)
- San Sebastian pintxos tours
- Discover Cars: car hire for Zarautz, the cider houses and the French Basque coast
- True Traveller: the travel insurance we use
- Airalo: a Spain or Europe eSIM
- Wise: a card for paying in euros without bank markups
Steve and Sabina
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