About San Sebastian
San Sebastián or Donostia, officially known by the bilingual name Donostia / San Sebastián, is a city and municipality located in the Basque Autonomous Community in Spain. It lies on the coast of the Bay of Biscay, 20 km from the Spain–France border. The capital city of the province of Gipuzkoa, it has a population of 188,487 as of 2024, with its metropolitan area being 436,500 in 2010. Locals call themselves donostiarra (singular) in Basque, also using this term when speaking in Spanish. It is also a part of Basque Eurocity Bayonne-San Sebastián.
Places to visit in San Sebastian
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La Concha Beach
BeachA shell-shaped city beach with calm water and a famous promenade railing. Walk the promenade at sunset, and visit in late spring or early autumn for fewer crowds.
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Monte Igueldo
Viewpoint · 3 mi from centreA hill at the western end of the bay with an old funicular and a small amusement park at the top. Ride the funicular for the classic view over La Concha Bay.
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Monte Urgull
ParkA wooded hill above the old town crowned by a fortress and a large statue of Christ. Climb the trails from the old town for views over the bay and the city.
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Old Town
NeighborhoodThe historic heart of San Sebastián, packed with bars serving pintxos, the Basque version of tapas. Hop between bars, ordering one or two specialties at each rather than a full meal.
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Comb of the Wind
LandmarkA set of steel sculptures by Eduardo Chillida anchored to rocks at the western edge of the bay. Visit at high tide on a windy day, when waves crash dramatically around them.
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San Telmo Museum
MuseumA museum of Basque society and history housed in a former convent with a modern extension. Look for the large painted murals by José María Sert in the old church.
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Buen Pastor Cathedral
ReligiousA Neo-Gothic cathedral with a tall spire in the city's shopping district. It makes a good stop while walking between the old town and the Gros neighborhood.
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Hondarribia
Neighborhood · 10 mi from centreA walled fishing town near the French border with colorful balconied houses and good restaurants. Take the small ferry across the bay to Hendaye in France for a quick cross-border trip.
Things to do in San Sebastian by type
37 tours, tickets and experiences across 7 categories. Pick a type to see what is available for your dates.
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City tours 15 experiences Bilbao Old Town, La Ribera Market and Guggenheim -
Gastronomy & nightlife 11 experiences Authentic Basque Cooking Class -
Day Trips & Excursions 8 experiences Biarritz and French Basque coast - Small Group Tour -
Travel Services 6 experiences Private Tour: Car Disposal and Driver for Lunch or Dinner Service -
Classes 2 experiences Authentic Basque Cooking Class -
Art & culture 2 experiences Discover the Town of Oñati and The Aranzazu Sanctuary - Full-Day Tour -
Outdoor activities & Adventure 2 experiences Hike to San Pedro across St James Way
- 1-3 hours 8
- 3-6 hours 6
- Over 6 hours 2
- Small group 12
- Private 12
- Wheelchair accessible 1
Top experiences in San Sebastian
Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays, from 37 available.
Pintxo Tasting Tour with Spanish Wines
From $109 per adult
La Rioja Wine Region with Tasting and Lunch - Small Group Tour
From $227 per adult
Visit Bilbao, Guggenheim and Gaztelugatxe
From $232 per adult
Cider House Experience - Small Group Tour
From $109 per adult
Biarritz and French Basque coast - Small Group Tour
From $217 per adult
San Sebastian Highlights and Hidden Gems - Private Custom Tour
From $56 per adult
San Sebastián Bike Tour
From $43 per adult
La Rioja Wine Tasting Tour
From $237 per adult
Visit Zarautz, Getaria and Zumaia
From $54 per adult
Visit Hondarribia, San Juan and San Pedro
From $94 per adult
Hike to San Pedro across St James Way
From $94 per adult
Zarautz, Getaria and Zumaia - Small Group Tour
From $54 per adult
Best time to visit San Sebastian
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit San Sebastian is April to November, when average daytime highs are around 64–78°F and rain falls on about 15 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
San Sebastian weather forecast
- Wed 21 Oct 64° 56° 100%
- Thu 22 Oct 65° 49° 18%
- Fri 23 Oct 63° 55° 62%
- Sat 24 Oct 60° 54° 65%
- Sun 25 Oct 61° 55° 74%
- Mon 26 Oct 67° 56° 66%
Know before you go
- Currency
- Euro (EUR)1 US dollar ≈ €0.89
- Language
- Spanish
- Calling code
- +34
- Driving
- On the right
- Time zone
- Europe/MadridUTC+2
- Capital
- Madrid
Upcoming public holidays in Spain
- All Saints DayDía de todos los Santos
- Constitution DayDía de la Constitución
- Immaculate ConceptionInmaculada Concepción
- Christmas DayNavidad
- New Year's DayAño Nuevo
- EpiphanyDía de Reyes / Epifanía del Señor
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to San Sebastian
These are the airports closest to central San Sebastian. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- EAS San Sebastián Airport10 mi (16 km) from the city centre
Getting around San Sebastian
You can see Donostia on foot and by taxi. Taxis only pick up passengers at designated taxi stops or when booked by phone. They aren't permitted to take passengers who hail them on the street.
San Sebastian travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit San Sebastian?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit San Sebastian is April to November, when average daytime highs are around 64–78°F and rain falls on about 15 days a month.
What is the weather like in San Sebastian?
August is usually the warmest month in San Sebastian, with average highs of 78°F (25°C). December is the coolest, with average lows of 46°F (8°C). The wettest month is typically March, with about 166 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to San Sebastian?
San Sebastián Airport (EAS) is the closest airport, about 10 miles (16 km) from the centre of San Sebastian.
What currency is used in San Sebastian?
San Sebastian uses the Euro (EUR). At the latest exchange rate, 1 US dollar ≈ €0.89.
What time zone is San Sebastian in?
San Sebastian uses the Europe/Madrid time zone (currently UTC+2). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around San Sebastian?
You can see Donostia on foot and by taxi. Taxis only pick up passengers at designated taxi stops or when booked by phone. They aren't permitted to take passengers who hail them on the street.
What are the best places to visit in San Sebastian?
Top sights in San Sebastian include La Concha Beach, Monte Igueldo, Monte Urgull and Old Town. A shell-shaped city beach with calm water and a famous promenade railing. Walk the promenade at sunset, and visit in late spring or early autumn for fewer crowds.
What are the top things to do in San Sebastian?
Popular experiences you can book in San Sebastian include Pintxo Tasting Tour with Spanish Wines, La Rioja Wine Region with Tasting and Lunch - Small Group Tour and Visit Bilbao, Guggenheim and Gaztelugatxe. Destina Holidays offers 37 tours and activities here.
What kinds of tours and activities can I book in San Sebastian?
The most popular types of experiences in San Sebastian are city tours (15), gastronomy & nightlife (11), day trips & excursions (8) and travel services (6). Filter by type when you search to compare prices and availability for your dates.
