Explore Donostia-San Sebastián, a jewel of the Basque Country, where the beauty of the sea meets cultural wealth and vibrant urban life. This detailed itinerary will guide you from early morning until dusk, showing you the best the city has to offer.
Tomorrow: Starting with Art, Nature and Spectacular Views
El Peine del Viento: Start your day at this iconic work of art by Eduardo Chillida, located at the westernmost end of the city. Here, three imposing steel sculptures face the roar of the Atlantic, in a dramatic interaction with the waves that is simply mesmerizing. It is a perfect place to contemplate the force of nature and human genius.
Playa de Ondarreta: From Peine del Viento, head towards Ondarreta Beach. This stretch of sand offers a calmer atmosphere compared to the other beaches in the city, ideal for those looking for a moment of peace. Enjoy the gentle murmur of the waves and the gentle sea breeze as you walk along the shore.
Miramar Palace: As you continue your walk, you will find the Miramar Palace, a beautiful palace designed in the English style that once served as a summer residence for Spanish royalty. Its gardens are an excellent place to enjoy a panoramic view of the bay and take a breather surrounded by history and beauty.
Concha Beach: Move towards Playa de la Concha, one of the most famous urban beaches in Europe. Here, the view of the curved bay, flanked by green mountains and the island of Santa Clara, is a living postcard of Donostia-San Sebastián. The boardwalk is full of life, with locals and tourists alike enjoying the vibrant atmosphere.
Beautiful Party: Just at the end of Playa de la Concha, visit Alderdi Eder, a small but charming park in front of the Town Hall. The well-kept gardens and ornamental fountain are the perfect prelude before ascending Mount Urgull.
Monte Urgull: This mountain not only offers a history lesson with its old fortress and the museum dedicated to the history of the city, but also the best panoramic views of Donostia-San Sebastián. It is an ascent that is rewarded with unparalleled views of the sea and the city.
Port and New Promenade: After descending from Urgull, walk through the Port and Paseo Nuevo. The latter is known for its seafront path where the waves crash spectacularly against the rocks, offering an impressive natural spectacle.
Kursaal: Continue towards the Kursaal, a cultural center of avant-garde design located at the mouth of the Urumea River. It is an architectural icon of the city that hosts a variety of cultural events, from concerts to exhibitions and conferences.
Zurriola and Sagüés Beach: Conclude your morning at Zurriola Beach, known for its youthful atmosphere and its popularity among surfers. It is the perfect place to watch the athletes or simply relax on the sand and enjoy the dynamic atmosphere.
Midday: Discovering the Heart of the Old Town and its Gastronomic Riches
Come midday, the old town of Donostia-San Sebastián, also known as the Old Town, becomes the epicenter of activity and festive spirit. This labyrinth of cobbled streets is full of history, culture and, above all, a culinary offering that is a true gastronomic treasure.
Basilica of Santa María del Coro: Begin your exploration in this basilica, an emblem of Basque baroque whose façade impresses all who see it. It is not only a place of worship; It is a testimony to the history and devotion of Saint Sebastian. The interior, with its gilded altarpiece and intricate details, invites contemplation and offers a serene refuge from the bustle outside.
Constitution Square: Continue towards Plaza de la Constitución, the vibrant heart of the Old Town. Surrounded by buildings with numbered balconies that recall its past as a bullring, today it is the perfect place to feel the pulse of the city. During the festivities, it becomes the scene of celebrations and events, being a meeting point for locals and tourists.
San Telmo Museum: A few steps from the square, you will find the San Telmo Museum, housed in an old convent with a façade adorned by impressive modernist murals. This museum is a time capsule that chronicles the evolution of the Basque Country through its art, photographs and artifacts. Temporary and permanent exhibitions offer a deep cultural and artistic understanding, which will enrich your visit.
31 de Agosto Street: Calle 31 de Agosto is probably one of the most emblematic and vibrant streets in the old town. Here, the tradition of pintxos comes to life in each bar and restaurant. This street is famous for its award-winning establishments where you can taste everything from classic pintxos to innovative culinary creations. Don’t limit yourself to one place; The magic is in the ‘txikiteo’ or poteo, which consists of going from bar to bar trying different pintxos accompanied by a ‘zurito’ (small glass of beer) or a local txakoli. Each location offers a unique experience, from the traditional Bar Nestor, known for its potato omelette, to the modern Gastroleku, where pintxos become small works of art.
Church of Saint Vincent: End your midday tour by visiting the Church of San Vicente, the oldest in the city, located at a quiet end of the Old Town. Its austere Gothic beauty and peaceful atmosphere are the perfect counterpoint to the bustle of the nearby streets. The church is a testimony of religious architecture and offers a space for reflection and admiration.
This walk through the old town will not only fill your palate with exquisite flavors but will also enrich you with its history and vibrant culture. It is a place where every corner tells a story and every bite carries with it the heart of San Sebastián.
Afternoon: Relaxation and Discoveries in the City Center
After an exciting midday in the old town, the afternoon is the perfect time to explore the vibrant city center, where modernity intertwines with tradition in a charming display of culture, commerce and urban life.
Buen Pastor Cathedral: Start your tour at the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd, located in the heart of downtown. This impressive neo-Gothic style building is not only the city’s main place of worship, but also an architectural landmark. With its tall tower visible from various points in the city, the cathedral invites visitors to enjoy its serene interior atmosphere and the Gothic details that adorn its doors and stained glass windows.
Liberty Avenue and Boulevard: After visiting the cathedral, stroll along Avenida de la Libertad, the commercial and social hub of San Sebastián. Flanked by elegant boutiques, big brands and bookstores, this avenue is perfect for an afternoon of shopping. The Boulevard, which separates the old town from the modern centre, is ideal for sitting on one of its many terraces and enjoying a coffee while watching the comings and goings of the city.
Plaza Gipuzkoa: A short walk away is Plaza Gipuzkoa, a green oasis in the middle of the city. Surrounded by historic buildings and featuring a central pond that houses ducks and swans, the square is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike looking for a moment of peace. It is an excellent place to relax, read a book or simply enjoy the shade of the trees.
Victoria Eugenia Theater: Near the Urumea River is the Victoria Eugenia Theater, one of the most important cultural centers in San Sebastián. With a rich history dating back to the early 20th century, the theater offers varied programming including theatre, dance, film and music. Check the listings to see if you can catch a show during your visit, which will definitely add a cultural touch to your afternoon.
Walk along the Urumea River: End your afternoon with a quiet walk along the Urumea River. This walk will take you under elegant bridges and next to emblematic buildings such as the María Cristina Hotel and the Victoria Eugenia Theater itself. The river, with its decorative piers and boats, offers a picturesque contrast to urban life and is perfect for enjoying the last rays of the day’s sun.
This afternoon in the center of Donostia-San Sebastián allows you to immerse yourself in contemporary urban life, enjoy local culture and relax in stunning natural and architectural settings, offering a perfect conclusion to a day full of exploration.
Conclusion: An Unforgettable Day in Donostia-San Sebastián
This Donostia-San Sebastián itinerary offers a day packed with discoveries, from stunning outdoor art to natural wonders, rich history and a vibrant food culture. Every step through this charming city reveals layers of its unique character, combining Basque tradition with natural beauty and urban dynamism. From quiet mornings on the beaches and parks to afternoons full of history and cultural life in the old town and center, Donostia-San Sebastián captures the hearts of all who visit it.
Donostia-San Sebastián is not just a tourist destination, it is an experience that is lived and felt at every step, leaving memories that last a lifetime. So take your time, explore slowly and let every corner of this beautiful city speak to you about its past, present and future. A day here will undoubtedly leave you wanting to come back for more.
More information: https://www.sansebastianturismoa.eus/
