Things To Do
in Donostia
Donostia/San Sebastián sits on the Basque coast with a crescent-shaped bay, elegant architecture, and a world-renowned food scene. Its compact center makes it perfect for strolls along La Concha and through the Old Town, where pintxo bars and pastry shops line the streets. The city is framed by the Urumea River and green hills, offering scenic viewpoints and easy sea access.
Cultural events—from film and jazz festivals to Basque celebrations—create a lively, cosmopolitan atmosphere year-round.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at a charming café in the Parte Vieja, savoring local pastries like 'pintxos.' Afterward, wander through the narrow streets, taking in the beautiful architecture and historic buildings. Make your way to the Plaza de la Constitución, where you can admire the vibrant atmosphere and the stunning surrounding facades.
For lunch, dive into more pintxos at a local bar, sampling the region's culinary delights. After eating, visit the San Telmo Museoa, which showcases the history and culture of the Basque Country through engaging exhibitions. Spend the rest of the afternoon strolling along the picturesque waterfront, enjoying views of the Bay of La Concha.
As evening falls, head to the iconic La Concha beach to catch the sunset, with the golden hues reflecting on the water. For dinner, indulge in a traditional Basque meal at a local restaurant, perhaps trying the famous 'bacalao al pil-pil.' Post-dinner, take a leisurely walk along the promenade, soaking in the lively atmosphere of the city at night.
Begin your day with a revitalizing breakfast at a beachside café overlooking La Concha beach. Afterward, rent a paddleboard or kayak to explore the tranquil waters, enjoying the scenic views of the city’s coastline. Take in the fresh sea breeze as you glide over the waves, feeling invigorated by the morning sun.
For lunch, grab a quick bite at one of the beachfront kiosks offering delicious seafood and refreshing drinks. Once you've refueled, take a swim or relax on the sandy beach, perhaps even joining a beach volleyball game with the locals. Try your hand at surfing with a lesson from a nearby surf school, where skilled instructors will guide you through the waves.
As the sun sets, unwind at a beachfront bar with a cocktail in hand, enjoying live music and the vibrant atmosphere. For dinner, indulge in fresh seafood at a restaurant with ocean views, where you can taste local specialties like grilled squid. After dinner, take a stroll along the beach, listening to the gentle waves lapping at the shore.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| 🍽️Meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $30-60 |
| ☕Coffee | $2-4 |
| 🚌Monthly transit pass | $50-70 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $90-180 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- World-class pintxos and seafood
- Stunning bay sunsets and beaches
- Compact, walkable city with historic charm
- Rich Basque culture and festivals
- Can be crowded in summer
- Rising prices in popular neighborhoods
- Hilly terrain in some areas may be challenging for some visitors
- "Hola" - Hello (Spanish)
- "Kaixo" - Hello (Basque)
- "Eskerrik asko" - Thank you (Basque)
- "Por favor" - Please
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "La cuenta, por favor" - The bill, please
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
Places to Visit in Donostia
Visit one of these nice places.
sweeping bay views with the city’s skyline and the old fortress as a backdrop.
Eduardo Chillida’s wind-sculpted steel anchors against the sea, best at golden hour.
Modern architecture meets surfers and the glowing horizon.
Colorful facades, balconies, and lively street life frame classic Basque streets.
Food in Donostia
Donostia Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A variety of bite-sized snacks on bread, perfect for a social tasting crawl through the bar scene.
Must-Try!
Crab meat baked in a crab shell with onion, pepper, and breadcrumbs, often enjoyed as a specialty in seafood bars.
A tuna and potato stew flavored with peppers and tomatoes, a comforting Basque seaside dish.
A thick, dry-aged beef steak grilled over open flame, typically shared among companions.
Cod in a rich red pepper and onion sauce, a classic Basque dish.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Historic market offering fresh seafood, produce, and pintxo bites from stalls and counters.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Spanish and Basque are spoken; a few Basque phrases are appreciated, but Spanish suffices for most interactions.
Lunch around 2–3 pm; dinner typically from 8–10 pm; socializing often continues late.
Bar hopping for pintxos is a social activity; sample small dishes and keep noise considerate during late hours.
Safety
Tipping in Donostia
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is customary but not obligatory; rounding up the bill or leaving 5–10% for good service is common in restaurants.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; contactless payments are common; cash remains useful in markets and smaller bars.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild days, blooming landscapes, and comfortable conditions for walking and outdoor dining.
Warm temperatures, peak beach crowds, and vibrant festivals; plan early for reservations and outdoor activities.
Gentle weather with harvest flavors in markets and fewer crowds than summer; great for culinary tours.
Cool and potentially rainy; excellent for museum visits, cozy pintxo bars, and festive events.
Donostia at Night
Hiking in Donostia
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Historic paths to the summit with fortress ruins and sweeping city views.
Clifftop trails with views of the bay and an old amusement park at the summit.
Forested ridges and scenic routes a short drive from the city, offering more challenging hikes.
Airports
How to reach Donostia by plane.
Small regional airport near Hondarribia; easy taxi or rental car access to the city.
French airport about 40 minutes away by car; services domestic and international flights.
Major international hub about 1–1.5 hours away by road or rail; broad connections to Europe and beyond.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Strong regional identity with Basque language and traditions.
A growing, diverse community attracted by cuisine and lifestyle.
Year-round visitors drawn to beaches, culture, and gastronomy.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Zurriola Beach is renowned for its surfing culture and schools.
Real Sociedad fans support the local team; matches add energy to the city.
Traditional Basque sport occasionally played in local venues and festivals.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Donostia.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many pintxo bars offer vegetarian options; ask for grilled vegetables, mushroom dishes, or tomato-and pepper-based plates.