Itineraries for Your Trip to San Sebastian
3 Days in San Sebastian for First Timers
San Sebastian is a little like a magic trick. It makes you think you're just getting one of Europe's most beloved food destinations—and eating is definitely still one of the best things to do in San Sebastian. But then the big reveal hits: It's also home to brilliant beaches, sublime coastal views, and distinct architecture.
I came to San Sebastian expecting to eat well, but ultimately, the food was just one of my many highlights from a few days spent in this wonderful corner in the Basque Country. Discover for yourself how to spend three days in San Sebastian—even if you’re not a foodie—with this 3-day San Sebastian itinerary for first timers.
Evenings stay cool, even in summer, so bring a light jacket just in case.
If you only have time for one thing, dive into San Sebastian’s celebrated food scene.
Home to highlights such as San Sebastian Cathedral to La Concha Beach, San Sebastian’s compact historic center is the perfect place to start exploring. A hop-on hop-off bus tour offers a flexible mix of handpicked stops and time to explore on your own, while other sightseeing options include walking tours, electric bike excursions, and tours by private vehicle. Before you break for lunch, pick a must-see San Sebastian museum to visit. Highlights include San Telmo Museum, Museo Naval, and Casa de la Historia; save time waiting at each by booking your admission ticket in advance.
Now that you’ve taken in a day’s worth of culture and history, trade your walking shoes for bare feet at La Concha Beach. San Sebastian’s most popular swimming and surfing spot is just steps away from the historic center and has changing rooms onsite, so you can linger here until the sun sets on the water.
Later in the day, enjoy an easy afternoon soaking up the sun at La Concha and Ondarreta Beach, or explore the waterfront to admire the views from Miramar Palace and the top of Monte Igueldo. Cap the day off with an old town pintxo tour and some bar hopping.
If it’s your first time in San Sebastian, it may also be your first time in the Basque Country. Learn more about this region’s backstory on your second day with a visit to the San Telmo Museum, which specializes in Basque culture, or try a cooking class to grow your appreciation of the region’s culinary style.
Switch gears in the afternoon with some time by the seaside. For some, that means looking at creatures at the Aquarium San Sebastian, while others might prefer a beach day, surfing lessons at Zurriola Beach, or a boat ride out to Santa Clara Island.
San Sebastian is the gateway to the Basque Country, which means that there are lots of tours that let you explore the wider region’s top sights and culture. For your final day, take a day trip east along the coast to Hondarribia, a town by the French border with a gorgeous walled old town, to see even more Basque culture and scenery—and yes, food.
However, if you want to stay a little closer to San Sebastian, make for the colorful port town of Pasaia today instead. Homes in this former fishing village are split across either side of its little bay and are best seen by boat.