Old Town San Sebastian Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Old Town which includes street scenes and night scenes as well as a small group of people
Piece together intriguing Basque stories from the museums and religious treasures and enjoy scenic views of headlands and islands in this historic neighborhood.

The Old Town district of San Sebastian comprises a hub of intriguing and historical sights at the foot of Mount Urgull. The district’s many museums and churches shed light on the art, culture and history of the Basque region. Stroll through narrow alleys in the historic center and choose from three urban beaches in this eclectic area.

Walk along the stone-lined banks of the picturesque Urumea River that divides Old Town in two. Relax in some of the many bars that you’ll find along the avenues. Restaurants here specialize in Basque tapas and pintxos, which are bite-sized culinary treats.

Gaze up at impressive buildings dotted around the historic center. Among the highlights is the 18th-century Basilica of Saint Mary of the Chorus. Detailed carvings and statues are engraved on its intricate façade. Admire the 19th-century neoclassical frontage of the Goikoa Palace.

Snap photos of the iconic twin towers of the San Sebastian City Hall, which was formerly a casino. Reach the historic Plaza de la Constitución and notice the numbers on the balconies that once marked old bullfighting boxes.

For a change of theme, place your bets at the upmarket Casino Kursaal, which has a range of betting machines, poker sets and a restaurant with a charming terrace. Bring your kids to the San Sebastian Aquarium and learn about all things Basque in the exceptional buildings of the San Telmo Museum.

Lay down a blanket for a picnic or sunbathing on Zurriola Beach or Concha Beach. Visit the bars and clubs of the latter’s famous promenade.

This historic center lies at the bottom of the verdant hills of Mount Urgull in central San Sebastian. Ride the train to Gros Station and get around this charming area on foot. Drive east from the base of Monte Igueldo for 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) to get here in about 15 minutes.

San Sebastian’s Old Town is a window into the fascinating and proud Basque traditions and history.


Popular places to visit

Activities


Our pick of the best Old Town San Sebastian Hotel Deals

Pension Anne
Pension Anne
1 out of 5
Esterlines Kalea 15, San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$108 per night from 14 Apr to 15 Apr
AU$108
per night
14 Apr - 15 Apr
Stay at this hostel in San Sebastián. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Casino Kursaal and Plaza de La Constitucion ...
8/10 Very Good! (23 reviews)
Great location and reasonable service
"Excellent for; Great location at the heart of the old city is San Sebastian. Wide room with comfortable bed. Noted; Very noisy with loud music till mid night around 2 am. Strongly recomends to have earplugs. Limited hot water from shower only for 5 min, and it becomes cold water, take care."

Reviewed on 25 Feb. 2024

Pension Anne
Lasala Plaza Hotel
Lasala Plaza Hotel
4 out of 5
Plaza Lasala, 2, San Sebastián, Guipuzcoa
The price is AU$276 per night from 2 Apr to 3 Apr
AU$276
per night
2 Apr - 3 Apr
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in San Sebastián. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (534 reviews)
"This was an exceptional hotel, the room we had was large and comfortable, well equipped and spotlessly clean. The staff were amazing, very helpful and friendly. Very well located for old town and new town. Can’t fault it."

Reviewed on 3 Mar. 2024

Lasala Plaza Hotel
Hotel SANSEbay
Hotel SANSEbay
3.5 out of 5
Calle mari 21, San Sebastián
The price is AU$222 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
AU$222
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this 3.5-star beach hotel in San Sebastián. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and onsite parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (253 reviews)
"In the old town, very convenient to shopping and restaurants, but tucked away, and quiet with a contemporary feel. I will definitely stay here again."

Reviewed on 26 Mar. 2024

Hotel SANSEbay
Casa Nicolasa
Casa Nicolasa
2 out of 5
Calle Aldamar, 4, San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa
The price is AU$131 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
AU$131
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this pension in San Sebastián. Enjoy free WiFi, daily housekeeping, and a library. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (220 reviews)
"We loved this property but we had to leave early and pick up our car rental and drive to Malaga about 1000 kms that day! We would love to stay there again!"

Reviewed on 13 Feb. 2024

Casa Nicolasa
Aldamar
Aldamar
2 out of 5
Calle Aldamar 2, San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa
The price is AU$128 per night from 7 Apr to 8 Apr
AU$128
per night
7 Apr - 8 Apr
Stay at this pension in San Sebastián. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Concha Beach and Donostia-San Sebastian Aquarium ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (199 reviews)
"Everything was excellent. Location is perfect close to everything Comfortable nice cleans room. No complaint. We will stay again"

Reviewed on 30 Dec. 2023

Aldamar
Hotel Parma
Hotel Parma
2 out of 5
PASEO DE SALAMANCA 10, San Sebastián, ESPAÑA
The price is AU$126 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
AU$126
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this beach hotel in San Sebastián. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and onsite parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (302 reviews)
"Very helpful staff. Loved our stay."

Reviewed on 15 Mar. 2024

Hotel Parma
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Old Town San Sebastian

Maria Cristina Bridge featuring a bridge, a city and a river or creek

San Sebastián Centro

San Sebastián Centro is known for its stunning beaches, and you can see some sights area like Cathedral of the Good Shepherd and Concha Beach.

San Sebastián Centro
San Ignacio Church showing a church or cathedral and heritage architecture

Gros

Gros is known for its beaches, and you can plan a trip to Kursaal Congress Centre and Auditorium and Zurriola Beach while you're in town.

Gros

Egia

Bars, river views and historical sites highlight some of the noteworthy features of Egia. Make a stop by Tabakalera Donostia or Cristina Enea Park while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Egia
Miramar Palace featuring a coastal town, flowers and general coastal views

Antiguo

Antiguo is known for its beaches, and you can plan a trip to Ondarreta Beach and Royal Palace of Miramar while you're in town.

Antiguo
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Amara

While there might not be top attractions in Amara, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Reale Arena and Cathedral of the Good Shepherd.

Amara
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Aiete-Miramon

While Aiete-Miramon may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Reale Arena and Concha Promenade.

Aiete-Miramon

Old Town San Sebastian Travel Guide

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