free tour San Sebastian

Why should you visit San Sebastian?

“Donostia is one of the best places in the world, where you not only eat like nowhere else, but it is also beautiful and full of wonderful people”. These words are from the famous actor Ricardo Darín, but we could perfectly make them ours.

If you are thinking of traveling to San Sebastian to get to know it with a guided tour, we must admit that this is an excellent idea, since there are many reasons that invite you to discover the Pearl of the Bay of Biscay. Do you want to know them in our free tour?

San Sebastian, located in the north of the Iberian Peninsula, between Spain and France, is a jewel not to be missed. This charming city, also known as “Donostia” in Basque lenguage, is located in the heart of the Basque coast, where steep cliffs, islets, green mountains and sandy beaches are, as La Concha, since it is one of the most beautiful urban beaches in Europe. San Sebastian offers a perfect combination of history, culture, natural beauty and world-renowned gastronomy, giving it an identity of its own that distinguishes it from anywhere else.

This uniqueness Donostia has, is one of its main attractions. the people of San Sebastian are very proud of their city and have known how to preserve their traditions, while at the same time they have cultivated for decades a high taste for aesthetics and culture. The town lived its maximum splendor during the Belle Époque and this spirit of romanticism and elegance still can be felt in every detail, from the historical monuments of the Old town and the Ensanche to the avant-garde architecture, the beautiful gardens and the refined design of the urban elements.

La Bella Easo (another nickname for our beloved city) offers an overwhelming cultural agenda throughout the year, including events of great international relevance such as one of the longest running and most prestigious film festivals in Europe or the oldest jazz festival in Spain. If we add to this a first class gastronomic culture, from delicious pintxo bars to haute cuisine, being the second place with the highest concentration of Michelin Stars in the world, we guarantee that visiting San Sebastian is an unforgettable experience to live intensely with all the senses.

The must-see places in San Sebastián

San Sebastian invites you to enjoy a wide range of experiences and places that you cannot miss and that we visit or mention in our free tours: La Concha Beach is undoubtedly one of the most outstanding attractions in Donostia. With its perfect curve and fine golden sand, it was the first beach that began to attract tourism in Spain. You can relax, sunbathe or even take a refreshing swim in its crystal clear waters. Do not miss the opportunity to walk along the Paseo de La Concha and its viewpoints with the characteristic and centenary railing. This pleasant promenade lined with elegant buildings and gardens is an icon of the city and is ideal for strolling, exercising and enjoying the breathtaking views of the bay, dominated by the island of Santa Clara. Mount Urgull is another mandatory stop in San Sebastian. This green lung located in the center of the city offers incredible panoramic views of the bay and the Old Town. Also, at the top you will find the Castillo de la Mota, a 12th century military fortress that houses a small museum, and the impressive statue of the Sacred Heart, one of the symbols of Donosti. Explore the tree-lined paths and discover the historic ruins while enjoying a unique perspective of the town. La Parte Vieja, San Sebastian’s old town, is a labyrinth of narrow streets full of life. Immerse yourself in the bustling local atmosphere, where you will find traditional stores, lively squares and an abundance of pintxo bars. Enjoy the genuine experience of going from bar to bar tasting these small portions of typical local food and delight your palate with the ultimate expression of Basque cuisine. If you are a culture lover, the Kursaal is a place you must visit. This avant-garde building of groundbreaking aesthetics conceived by the architect Rafael Moneo houses the Congress Center and the Auditorium of San Sebastian. It hosts several events such as concerts, plays and is home to the San Sebastian International Film Festival, one of the most prestigious film events in the world. The Victoria Eugenia Theater is another of the most emblematic buildings of Donostia, it is a witness since its inauguration ,more than a hundred years ago, of the main cultural events of the town. With a typical Belle Époque design, it is currently an innovative scenic space that offers a varied program throughout the year. El Peine del Viento (The Wind Comb) is a work of art designed by the sculptor Eduardo Chillida. Located on the coast next to Ondarreta beach, it consists of steel sculptures embedded in the rocks that face the waves of the sea. Here you can feel the fusion between art and nature while contemplating the spectacle of the beauty and strength of the ocean. Finally, Mount Igueldo is another outstanding point of interest in San Sebastian. You can reach the top in a funicular with wooden wagons that retains its essence for over a hundred years. At the top you will find a viewpoint with the most portrayed views of the city and the coast of Gipuzkoa. There is also a vintage amusement park, which maintains the romanticism of past times and is ideal to enjoy with the whole family. These are just some of the must-see places in San Sebastian, but the city has much more to offer. Donostia is a destination for all tastes that combines beauty, culture, nature and flavors to give you an unforgettable experience. Come on a free tour in San Sebastian and enjoy your visit in this beautiful city!

Some tips about Donosti

If you plan to visit Donosti, as San Sebastian is known in Basque lenguage, here are some useful tips to make the most out of your stay in this welcoming city:

Get to know the language: Even though we donostiarras also speak Spanish, Basque is the co-official language in the region and the oldest language in Europe. For this reason, learning some basic words in Basque can be well received and shows interest in the local culture. “Kaixo” to say hello, ‘eskerrik asko’ to say thank you and ‘agur’ to say goodbye are the most commonly used expressions. Put them into practice when you meet your guide for a guided tour in San Sebastian!

Wear clothes appropriate to the weather: Be aware of the weather in Donosti during your stay. It is important to have an umbrella or a raincoat, as rainfall is constant throughout the year. In summer, the weather tends to be warm, but it is advisable to bring a light jacket, as the nights can be cool. In other seasons, it is advisable to wear warmer clothing. In any case, we advise consulting the weather forecast for the days of travel, although in oceanic climates such as this one, conditions can be unpredictable and sometimes you will experience several weather changes in the same day.

Explore by foot: San Sebastian is an easy city to explore by foot, as we see daily on our free tours. Most of the sights are located close to each other, so walking will allow you to enjoy its charm and discover picturesque corners. Don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes, as some of the streets can be steep, and we assure you that you will finish our San Sebastian free tour with the desire to start another one.

Use public transport: If you need to travel longer distances, Donosti’s public transportation system is efficient. Use the city buses to reach different parts of the city and the trains for excursions to the surrounding areas. The Basque Card provides access to all public transport in Gipuzkoa integrated in the MUGI system, offering discounts and offers in museums and activities.

Escape to the surrounding areas: San Sebastian is the perfect spot to get to know Gipuzkoa, a small territory that contains the essence of the Basque Country in its stunning natural landscapes, charming fishing villages and historical sanctuaries that are worth visiting.

Taste the local gastronomy: Donosti is known for its excellent gastronomy. Take the opportunity to try traditional Basque dishes in the city’s bars and restaurants. Don’t miss out on the delicious pintxos, fresh seafood and typical desserts – let yourself be carried away by the authentic flavours of the area!

The famous pintxos, the classics and the innovative ones, which are offered in many bars and taverns of the city. Those form an essential part of the gastronomic experience of San Sebastian, especially in the “Parte Vieja”. Remember that it is common to move from bar to bar, trying different pintxos and enjoying a glass of txakoli or cider. Also, bear in mind that it is common to pay after eating, so keep your napkins or skewers to count the pintxos consumed.

But San Sebastian is also avant-garde cuisine, treasuring exquisite dishes made with local products and fresh, high-quality ingredients. Headquarters of the Basque Culinary Center and numerous gastronomic associations, the city was declared Best Gastronomic Destination in the World in 2018 and has the second highest concentration of Michelin Stars in the world, only surpassed by Kyoto (Japan).

Book in advance: Donosti is a very popular tourist destination, especially during the summer months. If you are planing to visit it in high season, it is advisable to book your accommodation, restaurants and activities in advance to avoid any setback. Here we include our free tour San Sebastian, important to always book in advance!

Discover the city’s markets: The historic Mercado de la Bretxa, the fairs at festive times of the year such as Santo Tomás and the gourmet shops are ideal places to find fresh local products, from fruit and vegetables to fish and meat. You can also immerse yourself in the authenticity and lively atmosphere of these places.

Experience the culture of Donosti: If you are a lover of art and culture, you are in the right city. Culture is present all year round in San Sebastian and is celebrated with all the senses, so it’s no wonder it was declared European Capital of Culture in 2016.

Check the calendar of events and festivals to see which ones coincide with your visit and enjoy Donosti’s lively cultural atmosphere: we have already mentioned Jazzaldia and the International Film Festival, but is also worth a mention the Tamborrada, a deeply-rooted festival held every 20 January on the city’s big day.

As for museums and cultural spaces, we recommend visiting the San Telmo Museum: located in a former convent with a cloister and extended with an avant-garde building, it houses an impressive collection on history and art that will help you understand the traditions and rich Basque culture. We also recommend to visit Tabakalera: a former tobacco factory, today it is an important International Centre for Contemporary Culture. In the port area of San Sebastian, the Naval Museum and the Aquarium will allow you to discover the city’s intense seafaring history, featuring whale hunters and fishermen who fought against countless storms.

Enjoy the beaches: Donosti is known for its beautiful beaches. La Concha is the most popular, with its golden sand and calm waters, making it perfect for relaxing and sunbathing and for sports such as canoeing. In the same bay is Ondarreta, a beach with a more family-oriented public from where with a short swim you could arrive to the island of Santa Clara. If you like surfing, Zurriola (next to the Gros neighbourhood) offers good waves and is a meeting point for surfing enthusiasts, being the favourite beach for young people.

These practical tips will help you get the most out of your visit to San Sebastian and we look forward to show you our wonderful city on our free tours in San Sebastian!