Things to do in San Sebastian

9 places, 6 of them free. A graceful seaside city famous for its beaches and extraordinary food.

9 places

BeachesFree

La Concha Beach

La Concha

A graceful shell-shaped bay of pale sand with a tiled promenade and old-fashioned bathing huts.

  • Suggested time: 3 hrs
  • No booking needed

Open access; lifeguards in season

Food & DrinkFree

Parte Vieja Pintxos

Parte Vieja

The old town’s bar-lined lanes, where you graze on bite-sized plates and cold local cider.

  • Suggested time: 2h 30m
  • No booking needed

Bars typically open lunchtime and evenings

Viewpoints~£2

Monte Igueldo

Igueldo

A funicular ride to a hilltop with a vintage amusement park and a bay-wide panorama.

  • Suggested time: 1h 30m
  • No booking needed

Daily in season; check winter hours

ViewpointsFree

Monte Urgull

Monte Urgull

A wooded hill above the old town with a castle, paths and a statue of Christ.

  • Suggested time: 1h 30m
  • No booking needed

Open daily; park closes at dusk

Museums~£6

San Telmo Museum

Parte Vieja

A museum of Basque society and history in a former convent, with a modern extension.

  • Suggested time: 1h 30m
  • No booking needed

Tuesday–Sunday, roughly 10:00–20:00

BeachesFree

Zurriola Beach and Gros

Gros

A surf beach and relaxed neighbourhood with bars and pintxo spots across the river.

  • Suggested time: 3 hrs
  • No booking needed

Open access; lifeguards in season

Hidden GemsFree

Peine del Viento

Igueldo

Chillida’s iron sculptures anchored in rocks, with waves crashing through blowholes.

  • Suggested time: 45 min
  • No booking needed

Open-air; always accessible

MarketsFree

La Bretxa Market

Centro

A modern market hall of Basque produce, seafood and cheese beside the old town.

  • Suggested time: 1 hr
  • No booking needed

Monday–Saturday mornings to mid-afternoon

Day Trips~£8

Getaria and Zarautz Coastal Trip

Getaria (25 km)

A fishing village famed for grilled turbot, and a long surf beach nearby.

  • Suggested time: Full day
  • Booking recommended

Trains and buses run daily; restaurants open for lunch