San Sebastián Centro Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

A bridge over a river with buildings and a crane in the background.
A crowded beach with people sunbathing and swimming.
A historic city square with ornate statues, a tram, and classic architecture.
A crowded beach with people sunbathing and swimming, a hill with buildings in the background, and a clear blue sky.
A river with a bridge, a white fence, and buildings along the riverbank.

Wander along the charming streets of this district to see some of the oldest buildings in the city, famous landmarks, exceptional restaurants and green areas.

The Centro de San Sebastián (City Centre, or Erdialdea in Basque language) is one of the 18 neighbourhoods of San Sebastián, capital of Gipuzkoa Province in Spain’s Basque Country. Discover the many interesting sites scattered around the district and enjoy delicious pintxos (pinchos in Spanish), small snacks spiked with toothpicks and served in local taverns and bars.

Parts of this famous district of San Sebastián were built after the ancient fortified walls that protected the city were knocked down in 1863. Look carefully to see remaining pieces of these walls around the port area.

The Spanish architect Antonio Cortázar Gorria was responsible for a large number of the designs of the new areas built in the city. Wander around the Centro to explore the interesting neighbourhood that meets the sea to the north, the river Río Urumea to the east, the gorgeous Bahía de la Concha to the west and the area of Amara to the south.

Stroll along the popular Boulevard Street, a bustling pedestrian street. Nearby, notice the City Hall, an elegant construction built in 1887. Opposite this impressive building, enter the Jardines Alderdi Eder, a green area with flowers and tamarinds and a big carousel for the youngest members of the family to enjoy. See other important sites in the area, including the Plaza Gipuzkoa (Gipuzkoa Square) and the Teatro Victoria Eugenia.

The popular Centro also includes the old quarter, known as Parte Vieja. Explore this area to see beautiful buildings and enjoy the liveliest social life in the city. Wander along the street 31 de Agosto to taste some of the best pintxos of San Sebastián. Visit the churches Basilica de Santa María del Coro and Iglesia de San Vicente. Find the Plaza de la Constitución, one of the most famous squares in the city. See El Ensanche, another area that forms part of the centre, and its wide Avenida de la Libertad (Freedom Avenue).

Tour the charming El Centro de San Sebastián and enjoy its numerous interesting and fun sites.


Stay near popular San Sebastián Centro attractions

Activities


Our pick of the best San Sebastián Centro Hotel Deals

Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra

Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra

4 out of 5
Zubieta Kalea, 2 San Sebastián Gipuzkoa
The price is AU$846 per night from 19 July to 20 July
AU$846
19 July - 20 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in San Sebastián. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a beach locale and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,001 reviews)
"Iconic hotel on La Concha beach. Can't beat the location! Staff is amazing. Breakfast buffet so yummy, although not inexpensive. The restaurant and bar staff on point. Front desk team helpful. Concierge, while a lovely person, gave a few recommendations that were "duds." The hotel is "older" and ..."

Reviewed on 1 July 2026

Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra
Axel Hotel San Sebastián - Adults Only

Axel Hotel San Sebastián - Adults Only

4 out of 5
Calle Amara 26 San Sebastián
The price is AU$443 per night from 12 July to 13 July
AU$443
12 July - 13 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this spa hotel in San Sebastián. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (694 reviews)
"This is an Axel hotel so I expected certain amenities and support. The room was great and spacious, as well as finely equipped. The pool area was good but lacked services like food and drinks. There was no rooftop scene to get into at night. Recommendations about bars and nightlife were severely ..."

Reviewed on 2 July 2026

Axel Hotel San Sebastián - Adults Only
Hotel Maria Cristina, a Luxury Collection Hotel

Hotel Maria Cristina, a Luxury Collection Hotel

5 out of 5
Paseo Republica Argentina, 4 San Sebastián Gipuzkoa
The price is AU$1,784 per night from 19 July to 20 July
AU$1,784
19 July - 20 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in San Sebastián. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), 24-hour room service and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (849 reviews)
"They say when you come to Euskadi you don't make friends, you make family. Well... at Maria Chirtina they make you feel at home. The attention to details, the service and the beautiful architecture and decor make it one of the finest hotels I've been in my life. Will come back for sure!"

Reviewed on 3 July 2026

Hotel Maria Cristina, a Luxury Collection Hotel
Hotel Zenit Convento San Martín

Hotel Zenit Convento San Martín

4.5 out of 5
Calle San Martín, 45 San Sebastián
The price is AU$579 per night from 12 July to 13 July
AU$579
12 July - 13 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in San Sebastián. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (722 reviews)
"This georgeous hotel was a delight. The lobby was spectacular. The staff incredibly helpful. Breakfast buffet delicious and just 2 blocks from a beautiful sandy beach. Not one complaint"

Reviewed on 1 July 2026

Hotel Zenit Convento San Martín
Intelier Victoria Hotel by Intelier Hotels & Suites

Intelier Victoria Hotel by Intelier Hotels & Suites

2 out of 5
Calle San Bartolomé 13 San Sebastián
The price is AU$379 per night from 12 July to 13 July
AU$379
12 July - 13 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in San Sebastián. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (487 reviews)
"Great location with fantastic breakfast."

Reviewed on 27 June 2026

Intelier Victoria Hotel by Intelier Hotels & Suites
Catalonia Donosti

Catalonia Donosti

4 out of 5
Alto San Bartolome Kalea 9 San Sebastián
The price is AU$643 per night from 12 July to 13 July
AU$643
12 July - 13 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this spa hotel in San Sebastián. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (801 reviews)
"It was fine, not anything exciting, a very impersonal and generic feel. Robes were not put in our room, we had to ask, there were no extra towels or pillows and the beds perhaps most noticeably were not changed... and we found ourselves getting into beds with sand from the night before inside. Food ..."

Reviewed on 1 July 2026

Catalonia Donosti
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.

Our guide on where to stay in San Sebastián Centro

Find the best San Sebastián Centro areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about San Sebastián Centro
Learn more about San Sebastián Centro

Old Town San Sebastián

Unique features of Old Town San Sebastián include the historical sites and bars. Make a stop by Basilica of Saint Mary of the Chorus or Plaza de La Constitucion while you're exploring the area.

Egia

Bars, river views and historical sites highlight some of the notable features of Egia. Make a stop by Tabakalera Donostia while you're exploring.

Aiete

If you're spending some time in Aiete, Concha Promenade and Parque Aiete are top sights worth seeing.

Gros

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

Amara

If you're spending some time in Amara, Reale Arena and Velódromo de Anoeta are top sights worth seeing.



San Sebastián Centro Travel Guide

Choose two or more items and save on your trip:

Explore a world of travel with Expedia