San Sebastián in 3 Days: A Complete Guide to the City and the Local Area

San Sebastian

If you’re thinking of heading to San Sebastián, get ready, the food is incredible and the scenery is absolutely stunning. While the city centre is easy enough to get around on foot, hiring a car in San Sebastián is the best way to see the surrounding areas at your own pace without missing anything out. DoYouSpain makes it much easier to reach those hidden gems that buses usually don’t get to.

Here’s how to plan your perfect getaway:

Day 1 in San Sebastián: La Concha Bay, the Old Town and Mount Urgull

Once you arrive, the best thing to do is take a stroll around the city centre. It’s incredibly easy to get around on foot, allowing you to enjoy the historic old town and the sea breeze at the same time.

La Concha Bay and the Miramar Palace

La Concha Beach is the city’s most famous spot, well-known for its curved shape and iconic white railing.

Start your walk at the Miramar Palace, which used to be the Royal Family’s summer residence. The gardens are stunning, and you’ll have a perfect view of Santa Clara Island just across the water.

• Top Tip: Parking in the center can be tricky, so your best bet is to book an underground spot ahead of time. Grab a Telpark voucher, it’s by far the cheapest and easiest way to park in San Sebastián.

El Peine del Viento

The Peine del Viento is one of Eduardo Chillida’s most famous pieces. These massive iron sculptures, set right into the rocks, represent the union between art and nature. However, the most interesting part is actually beneath your feet: underground pipes that blast out jets of air and water.

However, watch out if the tide is high, you might end up getting a bit soaked!

The Old Town (La Parte Vieja)

The Old Town is the heart of the city and home to the best food in all of Donostia. Get lost in its narrow streets and try a bit of everything. You have to stop by La Mejillonera, a classic in the historic center, and Juantxo, a traditional tavern with a great atmosphere, perfect for enjoying their famous bocadillos in-house or on the go for a beachside picnic. Just make sure to save some room for the iconic cheesecake at La Viña.

Day 2 in San Sebastián: Gros District, Mount Igueldo and Mount Urgull

On your second day, it’s time to head up the hills to see the city from above. You’ll go from postcard-perfect views to the laid-back surfer atmosphere of the beach. You’ll soon see that it’s impossible to get bored in San Sebastián, there really is something for everyone.

Mount Igueldo

For the best views over La Concha, a trip up Mount Igueldo is a must. The funicular ticket costs around €4.50 and also includes entry to the park (with lower rates for children). Once at the top, you’ll find a theme park where you absolutely can't miss the oldest ride in Spain. The views from the ride are incredible, with the tracks running right along the edge of the cliff.

Mount Urgull

If you enjoy the outdoors and fancy a bit of an adventure, the walk up Mount Urgull from the Old Town is a brilliant plan. The views you'll find along the way are breathtaking. Once you reach the top, as well as seeing the castle, there’s a 'secret bar' where you can grab a drink: the Polvorín de Urgull.

The Gros District

Gros is all about the surf scene and the most vibrant part of Donostia. It’s the perfect spot to browse designer boutiques, grab a surfboard, or simply soak up the modern atmosphere. If you’ve already picked up your hire car from DoYouSpain, you can simply leave your shopping in the boot and carry on enjoying your pintxos without having to carry heavy bags around. Check out these top tips for hiring a car without any hidden extras, so you can get around the city with complete peace of mind.

Day 3: Trips from San Sebastián to Hondarribia, Zumaia and Getaria

San Sebastián itself is amazing, but the Gipuzkoa coastline is home to some landscapes that you simply cannot miss:

Hondarribia

Right on the French border, you’ll find Hondarribia, a town everyone loves for its famous colourful houses and the lively atmosphere that’s always buzzing, especially in the Marina District. It’s the perfect place to wander around and enjoy the scenery.

• A must: Bar Gran Sol, the most award-winning pintxos bar in the Basque Country.

The Zumaia Flysch

About 45 minutes from the city, you’ll find the Basque Coast Geopark, famous for its 'Flysch'. Striking rock layers that act like a timeline of the Earth’s history, you can even see the mark left by the meteorite that wiped out the dinosaurs. Once there, make sure you visit the San Telmo Chapel, which offers the best views over Itzurun Beach.

• Fun fact: This was one of the main filming locations for Game of Thrones.

Getaria

Just half an hour from San Sebastián is Getaria, the birthplace of Cristóbal Balenciaga and home to his dedicated museum. Known as the capital of grilled fish, it’s a much quieter spot with a laid-back feel, perfect for enjoying a glass of Txakoli (the local white wine).

Why hiring a car with DoYouSpain is the best way to see San Sebastián



To explore the Basque Coast at your own pace, a hire car is your best option. DoYouSpain is Spain’s leading price comparison site, helping you find the best possible rates every time. With our easy-to-use filters, you can find the perfect vehicle for your trip in seconds, take advantage of exclusive offers, and have your booking confirmed in under three minutes.

Hiring a car allows you to get from San Sebastián Airport to the city centre in minutes and travel between towns like Zumaia or Getaria without being tied to a timetable.

If you have any questions while booking, our team is available 24/7 to help. You can reach us through the Customer Service Area, chat with our Virtual Assistant, or call us directly on +34 964 830 995. Book in advance to secure the biggest savings and get ready to explore San Sebastián.