A 5 days guide while visiting San Sebastian

If you haven’t yet decided where you want to go on your next vacation, then San Sebastian, capital of Guipúzcoa province and located 20 kilometers from the border with France is an excellent option that you’ll love for sure. Its landscape, architecture and the cultural events celebrated there have given the place great fame.

A preamble that invites you to visit the city, and if you have time to stay at least five days in this city, then this following recommendations is a good way to do so.

First day

You could spend this day visiting La Concha beach, a beautiful and world-wide famous place for its almost perfect bay. In this urban beach you can relax during the morning, it’s not because of nothing that this beach is considered among the 12 treasures of Spain.

Following the Concha bay to the west, you’ll find the Miramar Palace, built with an english style, as a summer residence of the Spanish Royal House, there you’ll see the beautiful gardens of the palace that are open to the public, from which you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the bay.

Continue to La Ondarreta beach, which lies to the west of La Concha, and goes from Mount Igueldo to the Miramar Palace. This beach is smaller and very popular within the donostiarras (citizens of San Sebastian), especially for families with children.

In La Ondarreta you can also rent a Kayak to enjoy a trip in its calm waters.

And following to the end of the promenade, which borders the Bay, you’ll arrive to the Peine Del Viento, which is a sculptural complex located on the seafront that has become one of the emblems of the city.

Second day

You can start the day by talking a walk to the center of the city, in the so-called "Romantic Area" of the “belle époque”, the most remarkable places of this area are the Town Hall and the gardens of Alderdi Eder.

Then you can approach Gipuzkoa Square, an enchanted place where you can have a coffee and enjoy the peacefulness of the place, with ponds, gardens and sculptures. Then you can go to the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd, a neo-gothic temple with a high tower visible from almost the whole city.

Then head to the Victoria Eugenia Theater, which is one of the most emblematic buildings in San Sebastian, a place that since its opening in 1912 has housed a long list of cultural events.

Opposite the theater is the famous five-star Maria Cristina Hotel, which is considered one of the best hotels in the Basque Country, a beautiful, traditional and luxurious building.

Third day

This day begins going to the so-called Old Part (Parte Vieja), well known for having a high concentration of quality bars. It’s the perfect place to walk around, and you can relax in some of the bars and try pintxos, which is a slice of bread with a small portion of food on top, very similar to the tapas.

Following the Casco Viejo, visit the Church of Santa Maria del Coro and the Plaza de la Constitución, which is the main square of the whole city, home to the great celebrations and festivities of the year.

Then head to the San Telmo Museum, which is dedicated to Basque culture and history, offering a deeper insight into Basque society.

Fourth day

Dedicate this day to Monte Urgull, which is located at the eastern end of the bay and is surrounded by the Cantabrian Sea.

The Mount Urgull served as an important strategic point of defense for the city, in here you can see the canyons and the rest of the medieval wall. If you follow the ascent to the Mount you’ll find the Battery of the Queen, which was one of the places where the gunpowder and other explosives were stored.

You can also reach the Santa Clara High Battery, there you’ll find a small bar with a balcony which offers some of the best views of San Sebastian.

At the highest point of the Mount is the Mota Castle, where the House-Museum of History relies, a quality museum in which you can enjoy a trip to the past.

Don’t miss the Naval Museum where you can learn more about the Basque maritime heritage, and the Aquarium where you can admire more than 200 species of sea animals and pass through its famous 360 ° tunnel located underwater.

Fifth day

To finish your trip, go to Igueldo Mount located to the west of the city where you’ll enjoy some of the best panoramic views of San Sebastian. The best way to get to Igueldo Mount is by the Funicular, with a route of more than 300 meters.

One of the attractions on the top of the mountain is undoubtedly the amusement park, where you’ll enjoy different games, and besides there’s a pond with boats, an area for pony rides and a House of Terror, among other attractions for children as for the whole family.

And if you still have some time left, don’t forget to visit Zurriola Beach, it’s worth going even if you have to cross the city a bit. It’s an urban beach, suitable for swimming, sunbathing or water sports, especially surfing.

At the east end of the beach there’s a popular place called the "wall”, ideal for enjoying the sunset