Things to do in San Sebastián

Activities, attractions and tours

San Sebastian featuring a city, a bay or harbour and a coastal town
San Sebastian featuring a city, a bay or harbour and a coastal town
San Sebastian which includes general coastal views, a city and a coastal town
San Sebastian
San Telmo Museum which includes heritage elements and interior views
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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 which includes general coastal views, a sandy beach and a coastal town

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. 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 featuring heritage elements, night scenes and a square or plaza

4. 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 featuring general coastal views, a coastal town and a sandy beach

5. 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 which includes a sandy beach, general coastal views and a coastal town

6. 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 featuring general coastal views, views and landscape views

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 which includes a sandy beach, general coastal views and a coastal town

8. Miramar Palace

The Palacio de Miramar (Miramar Palace) also known as Palacio Municipal de Miramar, Palacio Real or Miramar Jauregia in Basque language, is a famous 19th-century building in San Sebastián. Visit this fantastic palace that was previously the summer residence of the royals and discover stunning views of the Bahía de la Concha (Shell Bay, better known as Concha Bay).
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Miramar Palace which includes heritage architecture and a house

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

4.5/5(7 reviews)

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
Plaza de La Constitucion featuring heritage elements, night scenes and a square or plaza

Plaza de La Constitucion

5/5(1 review)

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

Plaza de La Constitucion
Concha Promenade featuring general coastal views, a coastal town and a sandy 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 featuring general coastal views, views and landscape views

Monte Igueldo

4.5/5(33 reviews)

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
Palace of the Kursaal at sunset in San Sebastián

Kursaal Congress Centre and Auditorium

4.5/5(5 reviews)

Get tickets for a show at Kursaal Congress Centre and Auditorium, a theatre with a story to tell in San Sebastián. Wander the area's beautiful beaches or simply enjoy one of its lively bars.

Kursaal Congress Centre and Auditorium
Miramar Palace showing general coastal views and a coastal town

Miramar Palace

4/5(14 reviews)

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
Culinary center-Donostia; Shutterstock ID 320882249

Basque Culinary Center

4.5/5(15 reviews)

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
Cathedral of the Good Shepherd featuring heritage architecture and street scenes as well as a small group of people

Cathedral of the Good Shepherd

4.5/5(4 reviews)

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
Monte Urgull which includes a beach, a coastal town and general coastal views

Monte Urgull

4.5/5(20 reviews)

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 river or creek, a city and a bridge

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 featuring 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
San Ignacio Church showing a church or cathedral and heritage architecture

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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Aiete

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

Aiete
San Sebastian, north Spain

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
Streets of the Amara neighborhood without people in Donostia San Sebastian, Gipuzkoa. Basque Country

Amara

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

Amara
Vineyards between Zarautz and Orio, Euskadi

Orio

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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