9 Best Things to Do in San Sebastian

Plaza de la Constitución is a 2,000 sq m square in the heart of San Sebastian Old Town. Rectangular in shape and framed by 4-storey arcaded buildings, this former bull fighting arena is now a pleasant open-air space amid the maze of narrow lanes that is the Old Town. As an interesting little detail, you can still see the former arena’s seat numbers written above each of the balconies that surround the square. Take a table at the terrace of one of the restaurants and tapas bars lined around the plaza and take the pulse of the city.

Locally known as La Parte Vieja, the Old Town is the most popular district of San Sebastian. Most of the buildings there date back to the mid-19th century. It’s a real maze of small streets lined with Pintxos bars (pronounced “pinchos”, it means ‘tapas’ in Basque) and shops. Emblematic edifices such as the church of San Vicente and the basilica of Saint Mary of Coro are also worth a visit.

La Concha Beach is a 1,350-metre strip of sand named after the shell-shaped bay it’s in (concha means shell in Spanish). Often considered one of the most beautiful urban beaches in Europe, it’s sheltered from the assaults of the Atlantic Ocean by Mount Urgull and Mount Igueldo, that flank its sides, and by Santa Clara Island which lies in the centre of the bay. Sunbathing, swimming, and sea kayaking are the main activities available. The beach also features facilities like toilets, showers, lockers, beach guards and Red Cross Emergency Services (in summer).

Take the vintage funicular, first opened in 1912, and get to the top of Mount Igueldo to see a breathtaking panorama of Concha Bay and San Sebastian. A popular destination right next to the city, Mount Igueldo features cool landmarks and attractions like a lighthouse and an old-school amusement park. Don't miss a ride on the rollercoaster. Looking for an eagle’s-nest kind of place to stay in San Sebastian? Hotel Mercure San Sebastian Monte Igueldo is right next to the park, at the top of the mount.

Located in the basement of a shopping centre, Mercado de La Bretxa is a picturesque fresh market at which, according to the vendors, the top Spanish chefs source their ingredients. Olives, oil, wine, Iberia ham, and many more transport-friendly goods can be purchased. As in most Spanish markets, you’ll find a corner with a few stalls selling ready-to-eat local specialities, including tapas.

San Sebastian Cathedral was built at the end of the 19th century in a revival Neo-Gothic style. Locally called Catedral del Buen Pastor de San Sebastián, it’s a monumental edifice just south of the Old Town. The austere interior is dimly but beautifully lit by stained glass windows, which make the atmosphere serene and reverential. The highlight of the cathedral is its huge pipe organ, one of the largest in Europe.

San Sebastian Old Town is a very lively place after dark. It’s filled with pintxo bars and cool clubs, from which we’ve selected 3 recommendable venues. For a lively local experience, go to Bar Zeruko on Calle Pescaderia. You’ll spend the night like a local at this popular pintxo bar. Head to BE Club, near the river on Salamanca Pasealekua for a serene night softly rocked by jazz and blues beats. In a similar style, Etxekalte sits close to the pier on Calle de Mari. Here, you can chill out in the lounge upstairs between dancing sessions downstairs.

Arzak is a family-run first-class restaurant established at the end of the 19th century, 3 km east of the Old Town. The cuisine served at Arzak is rooted in the Basque tradition, but it’s prepared with an innovative twist. Check out the Red Mullet with Oak Leaves and Volcanic Oysters and get ready to enjoy a fine dinner in stylish décor and a refined atmosphere. Note that prices are exactly what you’d expect from the top-notch quality of the venue.