San Sebastian Travel Guide 2026: Best Things to Do

Top Things to Do in San Sebastian

Your Guide to Spain's Ultimate Summer Escape

Hola, travel lovers! I'm Melissa, sharing my latest adventures from the gorgeous Basque Country.

Planning a European summer getaway but worried about the blistering heat? You are not alone.

Summers in Spain have always been hot, but lately, climate change has made exploring some parts of the country downright exhausting.

While southern cities are sizzling, Northern Spain offers a refreshing, breezy alternative.

To give you an idea, while Seville is currently roasting at 104°F, San Sebastian is sitting at a perfect, comfortable 80°F.

Skip the extreme heat of the south and head north. Trust me on this one. Here is my curated list of the absolute best things to do in San Sebastian.

I have handpicked the best shots from the hundreds of photos I took during my trip. Enjoy the read! :)

1. La Concha Beach

Playa de la Concha

When you think of San Sebastian, this is the postcard-perfect view that immediately comes to mind. La Concha Beach gets its name from its breathtaking, crescent-like shell shape.

With its soft golden sand and calm, gentle waves, it is a favorite spot for both locals and travelers. The promenade running alongside the beach is beautifully designed. The walking paths are wide, smooth, and incredibly easy to stroll on—none of that bumpy, uneven cobblestone you often find in old European towns.

Widely regarded as one of Europe's top city beaches, it gets packed with sunbathers during the peak summer months.

The beach culture here is incredibly laid-back and body-positive. Topless sunbathing is very common, showcasing that effortless, sun-soaked European freedom that makes you feel instantly relaxed and at home.

Across the bay, perched high on the mountain (Monte Igueldo), you can spot a scenic lookout and a charming, vintage amusement park. Since my husband and I were too busy eating our way through the city, we skipped the trek up, but the view from the shoreline was more than enough to blow us away.

Sunset at La Concha is pure magic. As the sun dips below the horizon, crowds gather along the railing just to watch the sky turn brilliant shades of pink and orange. The yachts bobbing gently in the bay make the view look like a living painting.

2. Cathedral of the Good Shepherd

Catedral del Buen Pastor

Located in the heart of the New Town, this massive cathedral is a masterpiece of Neo-Gothic architecture. While it is not overly ornate, its sheer scale and clean lines make it incredibly grand. It is free to enter, and stepping inside offers a quiet, serene escape from the bustling city streets.

It is especially beautiful at dusk when the dramatic exterior lights turn on. Fitting the entire cathedral and yourself into a single photo is quite the challenge, but it is an absolute must-visit landmark!

3. Old Town Pintxo Crawl: A Foodie's Paradise

If there is one thing you absolutely cannot miss in San Sebastian, it is a food crawl through the historic Old Town (Parte Vieja).

San Sebastian boasts one of the highest concentrations of Michelin stars per square mile in the world. The culinary energy here is unmatched, especially in the evenings when the narrow streets fill with hungry food lovers.

The stars of the show here are pintxos—the Basque region's unique, bite-sized take on Spanish tapas, often served on a slice of bread and secured with a toothpick.

As you explore, your Google Maps will quickly fill up with saved spots. I honestly wished we had a full week just to eat our way through the town. While almost every bar serves incredible food, the legendary spots definitely live up to the hype. I also loved how dog-friendly the outdoor dining culture is here!

The golden rule of a pintxo crawl: do not fill up at just one place! Have one or two bites and a drink at one bar, then move on to the next. Pair your bites with local *sidra* (tart Basque cider) or *Txakoli* (a slightly sparkling, dry local white wine). It is culinary heaven!

4. More Scenic Spots for a Relaxing Stroll

San Sebastian is filled with beautifully manicured green spaces. The Basque Country is one of the wealthier regions in Spain, and you can really feel that prosperity in how clean, safe, and well-maintained the public parks and urban spaces are. The quality of life here is incredibly high, and it makes traveling here a breeze.

This lovely little park sits right in front of City Hall, near the edge of La Concha Beach.

It features a whimsical, vintage-style carousel that looks straight out of a fairytale. It is a wonderful spot to sit, relax, and watch local families enjoying the afternoon.

Just past City Hall on the way to the Old Town is this wide, tree-lined promenade.

It is a popular gathering place where locals sit on benches to chat and enjoy the fresh air. We grabbed a coffee, sat down, and simply enjoyed some classic European people-watching.

Even though it is right next to the bustling Old Town, the vibe remains incredibly peaceful and relaxed. The area often hosts live music performances and cultural events.

While sitting here, we spotted the most hilarious and adorable sight...

I’m not sure if the owner forgot their leash or if the pup was just feeling cozy, but this adorable dog was being walked wrapped in a blanket! The owner walked so casually, which made it even more amusing.

You do not need to go out of your way to find this square, but if you happen to pass by Bilbao Square (Bilbo Enparantza), stop for a quick photo. The combination of lush greenery, vibrant flowers, and the cooling mist from the fountain makes it a perfect summer oasis.

During our walks, we kept seeing this intriguing poster everywhere...

Since it was written in Euskara (the unique Basque language) rather than Spanish, we couldn't translate it on the spot and were so curious about what it meant.

It turns out it is an advertisement for the ONCE lottery. ONCE is Spain’s National Organization for the Blind, which runs the lottery to fund social services and support for people with disabilities. The Basque slogan translates to a positive message about making a good choice and having fun, supporting a wonderful cause!

This stunning 18th-century Baroque basilica is tucked away in the Old Town. Seeing its ornate facade framed perfectly by the narrow stone alleys is an unforgettable sight.

There is a small entry fee to go inside, and the interior artwork and architecture are highly recommended by visitors. The plaza in front of it serves as a lively meeting spot for locals.

Beautiful architecture is around every corner here.

San Sebastian is truly a dream destination. Because of its proximity to the French border, the architecture and atmosphere have a distinctly chic, French-influenced elegance. It is cleaner, safer, and more relaxed than almost any other city I have visited, and the food is second to none.

If you are looking for the perfect European summer destination to escape the extreme southern heat, San Sebastian should be at the very top of your list! :)