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San Sebastián

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Bahia de la Concha beach.

©Justin Folkes/Lonely Planet

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Overview

Framed by golden beaches and lush hillsides, San Sebastián has undeniable allure, from its venerable dining scene to its grand architecture and packed cultural calendar.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • Landscape of La Concha beach in the city of San Sebastian, in the Spanish Basque Country, on a sunny day with people enjoying the beach and Mount Urgull in the background.

    Playa de la Concha

    San Sebastián

    Fulfilling almost every idea of how a perfect city beach should be formed, Playa de la Concha (and its westerly extension, Playa de Ondarreta) is easily…

  • Monte Igueldo Tower and amusement park on the Monte Igueldo mountain. 1145273030 aerial, amusement, atlantic, attraction, basque, bay, beach, cantabrian, city, cityscape, coast, coastline, concha, country, day, donostia, drone, europe, igueldo, island, landmark, landscape, marina, marine, mirador, monte, mountain, ocean, panorama, panoramic, park, san, scenic, sea, seaside, sebastian, sky, skyline, spain, summer, tourism, town, travel, view, viewpoint, water

    Monte Igueldo

    San Sebastián

    The views from the summit of Monte Igueldo (181m), just west of town, will make you feel like a circling hawk staring down over the vast panorama of the…

  • Maria Cristina Hotel in San Sebastian.

    Hotel Maria Cristina

    San Sebastián

    A wonderful example of belle époque architecture, the Hotel Maria Cristina was designed by Charles Mewes, the architect responsible for the Ritz hotels in…

  • Elevated view of Playa de Ondarreta beach from Monte Igueldo, San Sebastian, Guipuzcoa Province, Basque Country Region, Spain

    Playa de Ondarreta

    San Sebastián

    Playa de Ondarreta, the western extension of the renowned Playa de la Concha, has a less glam, more genteel atmosphere. It's long been popular with the…

  • Plaza de Gipuzkoa

    San Sebastián

    Designed in 1877 by French landscape artist Pierre Ducasse, who also created the Jardines de Miramar, this little park is one of San Sebastián's loveliest…

  • Tabakalera

    San Sebastián

    Sun-drenched cultural space Tabakalera occupies a beautifully reconfigured tobacco factory dating from 1913. It's a hub for the arts and design, as well…

  • Peine del Viento

    San Sebastián

    A symbol of the city, the Peine del Viento (Wind Comb) sculpture, which lies at the far western end of the Bahía de la Concha, below Monte Igueldo, is the…

  • Koldo Mitxelena Kulturunea

    San Sebastián

    Set in a grand neoclassical building dating from the 1890s, this cultural centre has a packed line-up of art exhibitions, book launches, discussions and…

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Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip

Best Things to Do

The Spanish city of San Sebastián has more incredible food than some entire countries, but there's plenty more to do and see. Try our top picks.

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Best Time to Visit

The town of San Sebastián in Spain's Basque Country is one of the most postcard-perfect destinations in Europe. Here are the best times to visit.

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Day Trips

From a Game of Thrones filming location to the Picasso's inspiration in Gernika, here are the best places to go on a day trip from San Sebastián.

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