Visit San Sebastian: What are the best things to do and see in this world-renowned Basque seaside resort?
Located in the Basque Autonomous Community, San Sebastian (Saint Sebastian in French) is an excellent destination to discover the North of Spain. It is only a few kilometres from the French border and 100 km from the Cantabric Sea. Bilbao .
Visiting San Sebastian is the assurance of being seduced by its cultural dynamism, its exceptional landscapes and its much different atmosphere from the rest of the country. Guaranteed change! Are you wondering what to do in San Sebastian? This is it!
1. The old town of San Sebastian
Photo credit: Flickr – ctj71081
Visit San Sebastian necessarily starts with a visit to the old town, a typical area that invites you to the promenade. Explore its alleys, admire its emblematic buildings, vibrate in the heart of the city's true social centre. You will also discover the two oldest churches of the city, the church of Saint Vincent and the Basilica of Santa Maria, as well as its famous place of the Constitution, located in the heart of this small village in the city.
2. Museums of Saint Sebastian
Photo credit: Flickr – Trevor Huxham
It is a true range of museums that San Sebastian offers you. The house of history will allow you to discover the history of the inhabitants of the city over time, while the San Telmo Museum (photo) will seduce you with its harmonious blend of ancient and modern. The fashionistas will be pleased to walk to the Cristóbal Balenciaga Museum, the Real Sociedad Museum will delight football fans, children will take their eyes to the Aquarium (one of the largest in Europe) or the Science Museum and sea lovers will be able to discover the secrets and relationship of the Basques with the sea at the Naval Museum.
3. Mont Igeldo and Mont Urgull
Photo credit: Flickr – Koen Schepers
Are you still wondering what to do in San Sebastian? Considered one of the most emblematic places in the city, Mont Igeldo is immanquable. In addition to enjoying a spectacular view of the city and the bay, you will be charmed by the hidden amusement park at the top, where the past and the present meet in a Belle Epoque setting that will delight small and large. And to get there, board one of the oldest funiculars in the Basque country, dating from 1912.
Mount Urgull (photo) is used as a wall to the Old Town. Accessible by 4 different paths, this haven of peace and tranquility will allow you to discover a natural and preserved site, dotted with beautiful views of the city.
4. La Baie de la Concha
Visit San Sebastian without visiting La Baie de la Concha would be next to one of the most beautiful beaches in the world! A true San Sebastian icon, this large bay borders the city and houses a beautiful and long beach that invites you to relax. The beautiful island of Santa Clara located just at the entrance, preserves the beach of the swell, for a perfect relaxation moment.
5. Outdoor sculptures
Photo credit: Flickr – Carlos Olite
One of the characteristic features of San Sebastian is probably the possibility of admiring outdoor works scattered throughout the city. The Peigne du Vent is one of the many artistic achievements you can see if you visit San Sebastian. Made by Eduardo Chillida, this impressive set of sculptures is located at the end of Concha Bay. In the middle of the Paseo Nuevo stands the sculpture Construction Vide by artist Jorge Oteiza and in the promenade of Zurriola, by the sea, you will fall nose to nose with an imposing sculpture of 7 meters high, the Bakearen Usoa, made by the Basque sculptor Nestor Basterretxea, a strong symbol for the city reflecting peace, freedom and cohabitation.
6. The famous pintxos
Photo credit: Flickr – txmx 2
Turning around tapas bars (pintxos in Basque) is THE must-see thing to do in San Sebastian! A true institution, this more than friendly tradition takes place mainly in the streets of the old town or in the district of Gros, where each bar with its pintxo star.
7. A boat ride
Photo credit: Shutterstock – S-F
If you really want to enjoy the beauty of the particularly colorful nature of San Sebastian, don’t hesitate to take a day to take a boat ride! Indeed renting a boat in San Sebastian , you will sail in turquoise waters, explore a green coastline and follow beaches with golden colours.
Two solutions are available to you: climbing along the coastline to walk along the French coasts or going to the conquest of the west to Bilbao . Whatever your decision, you will offer your loved ones a peaceful day, with the opportunity to discover sublime corners in which you can swim together.
8. Surfing in Zurriola
Photo credit: Flickr – Marina Landa
The main place for young people and surfers, the beach of Zurriola is “the place to be” if you want to have fun. You will have the choice between taking surf lessons or simply watching professionals face each other, on a background of ambient music and a young and relaxed atmosphere.
How to get to San Sebastian?
Located less than 30 km from the French border (25 km from Hendaye) the car remains the easiest way to get to Saint-Sébastien, according to your departure city. Direct flights to San Sebastian are also available, as well as trains if you land in Bilbao. To find cheap flights to San Sebastian, you can search our partner's website Ulysses .
Where to stay in San Sebastian?
If you choose to visit San Sebastian, you must know that the hotel offer is substantial, but also high-end. As the city is not very large, prefer to stay in the centre of San Sebastian, or near the beach of the Concha. Many festivals and events take place throughout the year, learn and think to book in advance! You can find a cheap hotel in Antalya by searching for this Compare hotels .
Main photo credit: Flickr – Roman Ljubimov
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