San Sebastian 7 Day Itinerary

July 18, 2024

Day 1: Arrival and Beach Time

Arrive at San Sebastián Airport (EAS) and take a taxi or bus to the city center (~15-20 minutes)
Check-in to your hotel and freshen up
Head to Ondarreta Beach, one of the most popular urban beaches in Europe (~1 km from city center)
Enjoy lunch at a local pintxo bar (small plate restaurant) near the beach, such as Bar Zela or La Tasquita de Entrañable
Spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach, taking a stroll along the promenade, or trying your hand at surfing or paddleboarding
Visit the Kursaal Congress Centre and Auditorium, an iconic building designed by architect Rafael Moneo (~4 km from city center)
End the day with dinner at Donostiako Artxabaleta, a Michelin-starred restaurant serving innovative Basque cuisine

Start the day exploring the historic neighborhood of Santa Cruz, including the iconic Church of Santa María del Coro and the Plaza de la Constitución
Visit the San Vicente Church, one of the oldest churches in the city, with an impressive baroque interior
Wander through the charming streets and alleys of the old town, taking in the ornate architecture and lively atmosphere
Stop for lunch at a local bakery or café, such as La Casona or Café Irun
Visit the San Sebastián Cathedral (Catedral de Santa María), a beautiful Gothic-style church with stunning stained glass windows
End the day with dinner at a traditional Basque restaurant, such as Artxanda or Zeruko Semeak

Start the day with a guided gastronomic tour of the city’s famous pintxo bars and restaurants (~10 am)
Visit local hotspots like La Tasquita de Entrañable, Bar Gorri, and Casa Cicero, sampling an array of delicious pintxos and learning about the history and culture behind this unique culinary tradition
Enjoy lunch at one of these pintxo bars or a nearby restaurant, such as La Cuchara or El Puerto
Spend the afternoon shopping for local specialties like olives, cheese, and wine, or visiting the San Sebastián Market (Mercado de San Sebastián) for a taste of fresh seafood and produce
End the day with dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant, such as Mugaritz or Arzak

Take a day trip to the picturesque mountain town of Ordizia (~45 minutes by car)
Hike through the stunning natural scenery of the surrounding mountains, including the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve
Visit the charming Ordizia village, with its colorful buildings and historic architecture
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, such as El Mesón de Ordizia or La Tasquita de Entrañable (again!)
Return to San Sebastián in the evening and enjoy dinner at a local favorite, such as Bar Gatzola or Borda Berri

Start the day with a visit to the Koldo Mitxelena Cultural Centre, featuring exhibits on Basque culture and art (~1.5 km from city center)
Explore the San Telmo Museum, dedicated to the history of San Sebastián and the surrounding region
Visit the City Hall (Ayuntamiento), an impressive Baroque-style building with stunning views of the city
Enjoy lunch at a local café or bakery, such as La Casona or Café Irun
Spend the afternoon visiting the iconic Plaza de las Cortes, surrounded by beautiful architecture and lively atmosphere
End the day with dinner at a local favorite, such as Bar Zela or La Tasquita de Entrañable (again!)

Take a day trip to the stunning coastal town of Mundaka (~30 minutes by car)
Enjoy lunch at a local seafood restaurant, such as El Puerto or La Cuchara
Visit the picturesque beaches and coves along the Mundaka coast, including the famous Mundaka Beach
Return to San Sebastián in the evening and enjoy dinner at a local favorite, such as Bar Gatzola or Borda Berri

Spend the morning shopping for souvenirs or exploring any last-minute sights
Check-out of your hotel and head back to the airport (~15-20 minutes)
Depart from San Sebastián Airport, with memories of this incredible city and its gastronomic delights