Located between the mountains and the Bay of Biscay, it’s clear why so many travelers are drawn to the many things to do in San Sebastian, a must-visit city in Northern Spain.
With La Concha Bay as its backdrop, San Sebastian is the ideal place for a relaxed stroll with incredible views. But let’s face it, visiting this city isn’t just about the picture-perfect scenery—it’s about immersing yourself in its vibrant local life, savoring world-class food, and, of course, munching on pintxos. In the Basque Country, dining is almost a competitive sport—so you’d better be ready to play hard!
In this post, we’ll show you how the city blends culture, nature, and delicious food with ease. You’ll soon be ready to dive into all the amazing things to do in San Sebastian.
1. La Concha Beach, a Must-See in San Sebastian
La Concha is the iconic beach of San Sebastian, recognized as a symbol of the city. Famous throughout Spain, it’s often listed among the most beautiful urban beaches in Europe.
Thanks to its natural bay shape and the sheltering presence of Santa Clara Island, the sea is gentler here compared to other beaches along the Basque coast. This makes it the perfect spot for a relaxing swim, free from strong currents.
A Royal Beach
In the 19th century, Queen Isabella II of Spain made San Sebastian her summer escape, seeking therapeutic sea baths. This transformed the city into a chic retreat for aristocrats, a legacy that still echoes today. A leisurely stroll around town is one of the best things to do in San Sebastian. As you take in the views and lively atmosphere, you’ll see why it’s a favorite activity.
💡 Insider Tip: For a refreshing alternative, head to the small Santa Clara Island in the middle of La Concha Bay. It’s just a short boat or kayak ride away. Once there, enjoy a peaceful escape with breathtaking views of both the city and the beach.
2. Relax at Palacio Miramar
This English-style palace offers stunning views over La Concha Bay. It’s one of the most peaceful and refined spots in the city. Although its architecture is captivating in itself, what truly draws you in are the vistas that open up before you, with the bay and Santa Clara Island serving as a breathtaking backdrop. If you’re looking for a spot to unwind and relax, this is the perfect place.
Did You Know…?
Despite its English style, the palace was designed to suit Basque culture. For instance, instead of a typical English garden, the palace features a more Mediterranean-style garden with native plants that highlight the region’s flora.
💡 Insider Tip: Locals love to visit the Miramar Palace gardens early in the morning, before the tourists arrive. You’ll have the entire area to yourself, offering a calm, tranquil atmosphere to enjoy the views over La Concha Bay. If you’re a yoga lover, don’t miss the chance to practice at sunrise for an even more peaceful experience.
3. Dive into Fun at Playa de Ondarreta
A little quieter than La Concha, Ondarreta Beach is the perfect place for a peaceful stroll. If you’re into water sports, it’s an excellent spot to catch some waves and try surfing in a more relaxed setting. Plus, its sheltered location protects it from western winds, making it an ideal choice even on choppy days.
La Concha in the Distance
From here, you’ll have some of the best views of La Concha, complete with its famous rowing boats. Moreover, with a bit of luck, you might even catch them in action—and, who knows, you might be tempted to try it yourself.
💡 Insider Tip: For a fun way to enjoy Ondarreta Beach, rent a kayak or paddleboard from the beach rentals. Not only is it a great way to get on the water, but it also allows you to take in the scenery of La Concha Bay from a different perspective.
4. El Peine del Viento
At the far end of Ondarreta Beach lies one of San Sebastian’s most iconic sculptures: El Peine del Viento, created by Eduardo Chillida. In fact, this piece seems tailor-made for the rocks, naturally integrating into the landscape.
As the waves crash against them and the wind does its thing, you can enjoy a truly unique moment, snap an epic photo with your hair flying in the breeze, and feel part of this very special corner of the city.
A Symphony of Nature
The three metal sculptures that make up the ensemble are designed to produce a unique sound when the wind blows through them, creating a sort of “natural symphony” that you can only hear in this part of San Sebastian. It’s like a live concert performed by nature herself!
💡 Insider Tip: To truly experience Eduardo Chillida’s iconic sculpture, visit at sunset. The fading light behind the sculptures creates a stunning, almost surreal scene. Locals love to gather at this time to soak in the peaceful atmosphere.
5. Hike up Monte Igueldo, a Great Thing to Do in San Sebastian
One of the things to do in San Sebastian is to climb Monte Igueldo, where the views are simply spectacular. From the top, you can see the entire city, the iconic La Concha Beach, and the Cantabrian Sea stretching to the horizon.
To get there, you have several options: drive up, enjoy a scenic walk, or, if you’re up for something different, hop on the funicular that’s been operating since 1912. Plus, at the summit, there’s a small amusement park with a vintage charm that adds a unique twist to your visit.
💡 Insider Tip: Forget the cable car for a moment and take the longer, scenic route up the mountain. There’s a charming path that winds through the forest, where locals often go for a quiet hike. The views are incredible, and the hike itself is peaceful and less touristy.
6. Visit the Catedral del Buen Pastor
The Catedral del Buen Pastor, the largest church in San Sebastian, really stands out in the city center with its striking neo-Gothic design. What’s more, its 75-meter tower reaches high into the sky, making it visible from pretty much anywhere in the city.
What really catches your eye, though, are the beautiful stained glass windows, the cool gargoyles, and the sharp pinnacles that give it a bit of a medieval vibe. Built with stone from the nearby Igeldo quarries, this cathedral is a true piece of city’s history. It’s definitely one of the most interesting things to do in San Sebastian.
💡 Insider Tip: Grab a coffee at one of the nearby cafés and relax on a bench in the small plaza right in front of the cathedral. It’s a great spot to unwind and enjoy the impressive facade, all while avoiding the crowds inside.
7. Stroll around the Old Town, One of the Best Things to Do in San Sebastian
One of the best ways to experience San Sebastian is by wandering through its historic center. No need for a map—let the lively streets lead you, while you soak in the charming architecture as you go.
Be sure to stop by the famous Plaza de la Constitución. It’s a vibrant square where you can relax on sun-drenched terraces and enjoy the irresistible smell of food from nearby bars. Moreover, just a few steps away, you’ll come across the Basílica de Santa María del Coro, rising among the narrow streets of the old town.
💡 Insider Tip: Rather than sticking to the main streets, explore the hidden alleys of the Old Town, like “Calle Fermín Calbetón.” This street, where locals often go, is lined with small, family-owned taverns serving some of the best pintxos in the area.
8. Pintxos Tour: Must-Try Things to Do in San Sebastian
If there’s one thing that truly defines San Sebastian, it’s the pintxos. A visit to the city isn’t complete without a pintxos crawl through its vibrant bars. Our advice? Jump from one spot to the next, sampling the classics like the “gilda” or diving into more creative, modern twists—the choices are endless. Each pintxo is a little masterpiece, best enjoyed with a glass of refreshing txakoli.
Craving more than just pintxos? Embark on a culinary journey through the food of Northern Spain and let your taste buds explore the flavors.
How to Enjoy it Like a Local
To enjoy this experience as a local, there are a few key tips:
- Look for busy bars – If a bar is packed with locals, it’s a solid sign it’s worth a visit. San Sebastian residents know their food.
- Ask the waiters for recommendations – Don’t hesitate to ask for suggestions. Surely, they’ll point you toward the best pintxos to match your tastes.
- Hop from bar to bar – Don’t settle in one place. Explore different spots and sample a variety of pintxos.
- Forget the diet – This is your chance to indulge in authentic local delicacies—enjoy!
💡 Insider Tip: If you’re in the Old Town, don’t miss Atari. This iconic bar is famous for its carrilleras al vino tinto. These tender, slow-cooked beef cheeks practically melt in your mouth. Paired with creamy mashed potatoes, it’s a pintxo you’ll definitely want to try to kick off your tasting adventure.
9. The Port of San Sebastian
At the foot of Monte Urgull, the port of San Sebastian is a great place to take a laid-back stroll. Additionally, the area has a relaxed vibe, with colorful houses lining the waterfront and plenty of terraces where you can enjoy a drink.
Though it’s a calm area today, the port wasn’t always so peaceful. In fact, it used to be a key defensive point for the city, with walls built in the 18th century to protect San Sebastian from sea attacks. Thus, a perfect mix of history and local life.
💡 Insider Tip: Visit the Port early in the morning to avoid the tourist boats. For a unique perspective of the city, take a boat tour around the bay and experience some of the top things to do in San Sebastian from the water.
10. Views from Monte Urgull
Finally, if you want to enjoy some spectacular views, take a hike up Monte Urgull. From the top, you’ll get a sweeping panorama of the city, La Concha Bay, and the surrounding mountains.
While you’re up there, make sure to check out Castillo de la Mota, the historic fortress that has been watching over the city for centuries.
💡 Insider Tip: Head up to Monte Urgull in the evening for a fantastic view. As the sun sets, you’ll get an amazing view of the city with fewer crowds—perfect for snapping a picture.
Map of the Best Things to Do in San Sebastian
Wrapping Up all the Things to Do in San Sebastian with a Final Tip
And so, between pintxos, wandering through quirky streets, and soaking in spectacular views, you’ve got a solid dose of things to do in San Sebastian. In fact, this beautiful city is easily among the top 10 awesome things to do in Northern Spain—offering a unique blend of culture, food, and scenery that captures the essence of the region.
But if you really want to experience the city like a true local, we encourage you to stray from the beaten path and delve into those hidden corners known only to residents.
San Sebastian is a super safe city, so forget the tourist map and let yourself get lost. Allow the spontaneous vibe of its terraces, tucked-away bars in narrow alleys, and unexpected moments to lead you to unique experiences. Even more, chat with the locals, and let the city’s unique rhythm sweep you off your feet.