San Sebastián is a city of perfect contrasts. It is the stately elegance of the Belle Époque and the wild power of the Cantabrian Sea. It is military history and architectural avant-garde.
How to use this guide: group the central sights into one walking route and allow extra time for the hills and beaches. Access, funicular, museum, Aquarium and other service hours may change; check the linked article before planning your visit. You can also read our practical guide to San Sebastián.
At Descubre Donostia, I have compiled the iconic spots that define the city’s identity. If this is your first visit, these are the “essentials” you must mark on your map. If you already know us, I invite you to rediscover the hidden history behind each one.
La Concha Bay: The Elegant Heart
It is the image that has traveled the world. La Concha Bay is not just a beach; it is an architectural promenade connecting the City Hall to the end of the city, dotted with gems you cannot miss.
From the Alderdi Eder gardens, with their carousel and tamarisks, to the Comb of the Wind (Peine del Viento) sculpture, where Chillida’s iron dialogues with the waves. Walking here means traversing La Concha Beach (the queen of urban beaches) and Ondarreta Beach (more familiar and stately), always under the watchful eye of Santa Clara Island in the center of the bay.
Old Town, Port & Paseo Nuevo: Where It All Began
If the bay is elegance, this area is the soul and history. At the foot of Mount Urgull lies the Old Town (Parte Vieja), a labyrinth of streets full of life, gastronomy, and history.
Just beside the cobbled streets, the sea claims its spotlight. The Donostia Port maintains its fishing essence, the gateway to the fascinating Aquarium. From there, the Paseo Nuevo hugs the mountain, defying the sea (spectacular during high waves) until it returns you to the city.
The Three Guardians: Igueldo, Urgull & Ulia
San Sebastián is protected by three mountains, and each offers a totally different experience (and view).
The icon of vintage fun. Take the funicular up and enjoy the most famous views of the city from its amusement park.
Pure military history in the city center. Walls, cannons, and the Sacred Heart blessing the city from the summit.
The wildest one. Ideal for hiking, with vertigo-inducing cliffs and ancient whale-watch lookouts. Living nature.
Gros & Modern Donostia
Crossing the Urumea River, the city changes rhythm. The Gros neighborhood is young, surfer-friendly, and dynamic. Here, the protagonist is Zurriola Beach, the epicenter of surfing, watched over by the illuminated cubes of the Kursaal Palace, the symbol of the city’s modern architecture.
The Green Lung
Not everything is sea and stone. Donostia hides romantic and palatial gardens where you can disconnect. The Parks of San Sebastian, like Cristina Enea or Aiete, are peaceful oases perfect for a stroll.