San Sebastián or Donostia, is part of the Basque country and is one of the most diverse cities in southern Europe . This city has much more to offer beyond its incredible culinary experience. Due to its location near the sea and its mountainous surroundings, it has a unique and special landscape that it is impossible not to fall in love with. Take a look at our list of the best things to do and see in the charming city of San Sebastián.
Interesting sites and activities that you cannot miss in San Sebastian
San Sebastián City Council
The San Sebastian City Hall was built between 1882 and 1887 and is an architectural masterpiece . It is located between La Concha beach and the old town, next to the wonderful Alderdi Eder gardens. Originally, it was the location of a casino, where Belle Époque politicians and artists enjoyed their leisure time. The building set the stage for one of the many encounters between Nationalists and Republicans in the Spanish Civil War and bullet holes can still be found on the facade. Since 1947 it has been the seat of the city council that governs the Basque city.
Monte Igueldo
Monte Igueldo is located to the west of the city and offers a dazzling panorama over the coasts and mountains of San Sebastián . The mountain is accessible via the old funicular, which was first opened in 1912. This hill also has a former amusement park with reasonably priced tickets. In addition, it has the tower of El Torreón, which dates back to the 16th century. Visitors can climb the tower to enjoy the dazzling views and a historical exhibition at an affordable price.
Good Shepherd Cathedral
The Cathedral of the Good Shepherd was inaugurated in 1897 and was influenced by the style of the medieval German and French churches. Today it is home to the diocese of San Sebastián and is considered one of the most important religious buildings in the Basque Country. The organ is made up of more than 9,000 sound pipes, which makes it one of the largest in Europe. Neo-Gothic architecture shows the artistic prowess of its builders and the tower is a popular symbol of San Sebastián. On the facade of the cathedral you can find a wonderful element “The Cross of Peace” by the sculptor Eduardo Chillida.
La Concha beach
Playa de la Cocha is one of the three beaches in the city and is recognized as one of the most beautiful coasts in Europe. Its perfect arch made it popular with the Queen Regent María Cristina, prompting it to declare it the summer capital of Europe. Its charming promenade along the Cantabrian Sea offers a peaceful atmosphere and beautiful landscapes. As surfers head to nearby Zurriola Beach, Playa de la Concha is packed with locals and visitors looking to cool off in the turquoise blue water.
Miramar Palace
This historic building was opened in 1893 to serve as a summer vacation home for the Royal Family. British architect Seldon Wornum designed the building in an English cottage style and its location offers fantastic views of the bay. In 1972, the gardens were opened to the public , while the building generally remains closed. It is worth venturing up the small hill between the city center and the Old Quarter to stroll through the fantastic scenery and admire the beautiful views of La Concha.
Mount Urgull
At the highest point of the Urgull mountain, you will find the Mota castle, built in the 12th century and which today houses the Museum of the House of History, which allows you to know the past of San Sebastián. Urgull served as a strategic point in previous centuries and the ruins of the defense wall are still visible. The 12 meter tall Statue of the Sacred Heart (Cristo de la Mota) watches over the city from the top of the mountain and was sculpted by Frederico Coullaut in 1950. Urgull is home to some of the city’s most important historical heritages and of their views. The Paseo Nuevo is one of the most beautiful and peaceful trails in San Sebastain that surrounds the entire mountain and follows the Cantabrian Sea from the aquarium to the end of the old town.
House of History
Located at the top of Monte Urgull is the magnificent Castle of La Mota. Climb to the top and you will find the excellent Casa de la Historia museum, which details the history of the city of San Sebastián. Its collection is cleverly and creatively designed , featuring large cinema screens that play informative documentaries about the city.
Pinxos Tour
San Sebastian is famous for its excellent cuisine. The city is filled with a wide range of pintxo bars , offering traditional Basque dishes and wines. With such an overwhelming variety of tasty tapas, it can be impossible to choose and, although it is difficult to have an unpleasant gastronomic experience in Donostia, it is worth taking a route of pinxos. The tours will not only take you to the best places in the city , but also provide tips and insights into the history and culinary evolution of the city.
Bar Gangabara
One of the most popular pintxo bars in the city, the Ganbara is always full of tourists and locals. Located in the old part of the city, Ganbara is the idea of José and Amaia who wanted to create a restaurant that offered a varied pintxo bar with quality ingredients. Try the sautéed mushrooms topped with fried eggs and prawns or the squid cooked in its own ink.
Santa Clara Island
Right in the center of Concha Bay is Santa Clara Island, which is accessible by ferry from May to August. The small island has a small beach with great views of the city. Santa Clara tends to be isolated, but has a small beach bar and a charming lighthouse. Despite its small size, the island has a lifeguard service that allows visitors to take a dip in the water. Located between the Urgull and Igueldo mountains, Santa Clara represents one of the most idyllic places in the city and is perfect for a quiet day.
Old town
If you go to San Sebastián, taking a walk through the old town is an essential activity. Being home to numerous pintxo bars and restaurants, its historic buildings and beautiful monuments make it one of the most important cultural parts of the city. It is located between the port and the Urumea river , near the town hall. The old town houses the impressive church of Santa María y San Vicente. If you want to know it in depth, several city tours offer a guided walk through this area for those interested in learning more about the history of San Sebastián.
San Telmo Museum
The San Telmo Museum is now the largest museum of Basque history from prehistory to modernity. It was opened for the first time in 1902 and is the oldest museum in the Basque Country. San Telmo is located at the foot of the Urgull mountain and exhibits more than 26,000 historical artifacts . The original part of the museum is a Dominican convent, dating from the 16th century, while the new building was recently built. The mix of Renaissance, Gothic and contemporary design creates a fascinating interplay of architectural styles that, together with the extensive collection of Basque artifacts, offers an exciting insight into the history of the country.
Factoria Albaola
Known as “The Factory of the Sea of the Basques”, the Alboaola Factory is essentially a factory dedicated to building historic ships . Visitors will be able to witness its production using traditional methods and tools, and even help with the construction themselves. Don’t miss the reconstruction of the 16th century St. John’s whale ship, which sank off the coast of Canada in 1565.
Sagardoetxea
Sagardoetxea is located approximately 6 km south of the center of San Sebastián and is the place for cider lovers . Begin your tour in the apple orchard, where you will see the apples being grown and harvested . Then, head to the modern museum, where interactive displays explain the fermentation process. There are also games about cider, about Basque cider culture and, of course, tastings straight from the barrel.
Eureka! science Museum
The Science Museum is located in the Miramón technology park, in a beautiful natural environment . Ideal for families, it is an interactive museum where the practical approach to experiments is recommended. It has attractions such as a planetarium, an astronomy observatory, a roller coaster simulator and a mini botanical garden.
Naval Museum
Located near the bottom of the hill of Monte Urgull, next to the aquarium, the Naval Museum details the history and maritime heritage of the Basque Country . It is divided into several collections including shipments, maps and charts, underwater archaeological heritage, and fishing.
