San Sebastián Centro Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Maria Cristina Bridge featuring a bridge, a river or creek and a city
Concha Beach featuring a coastal town, a sandy beach and general coastal views
Maria Cristina Bridge featuring a city and heritage architecture
Concha Beach which includes general coastal views, a coastal town and a sandy beach
Maria Cristina Bridge showing a city and a river or creek

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.


Popular places to visit

Activities


Our pick of the best San Sebastián Centro Hotel Deals

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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$1,211 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
AU$1,211
31 Aug - 1 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in San Sebastián. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), 24-hour room service, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (780 reviews)
"great room setup for the kids, overall great hotel"

Reviewed on 6 Aug. 2025

Hotel Maria Cristina, a Luxury Collection Hotel
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$398 per night from 17 Sept to 18 Sept
AU$398
17 Sept - 18 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in San Sebastián. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (562 reviews)
"10/10- We had the best stay at the Axel Hotel. They really thought of everything you could need for a comfortable stay. The staff was great, friendly, and informative. We also loved the location. Would definitely stay here again."

Reviewed on 12 Aug. 2025

Axel Hotel San Sebastián - Adults Only
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$511 per night from 3 Sept to 4 Sept
AU$511
3 Sept - 4 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star luxury hotel in San Sebastián. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the bathrooms ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,001 reviews)
Can’t beat the location
"Best location in San Sebastián. Best viewing balconies for the fireworks during semana grande. Bed was very firm. Water pressure in shower was good. Great beach watching and walking distance from everything."

Reviewed on 13 Aug. 2025

Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra
Catalonia Donosti

Catalonia Donosti

4 out of 5
Alto San Bartolome Kalea 9, San Sebastián
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$540 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
AU$540
31 Aug - 1 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in San Sebastián. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (639 reviews)
"The family room we had was superb, it felt quality as soon as we walked in. The pool was good but could do with a few more Sun loungers / deck chairs, less sofa seats as big and bulky. I have to say the pool area was immaculate. The roof top bar we used twice during the day and evening, staff are ..."

Reviewed on 13 Aug. 2025

Catalonia Donosti
Hotel Arbaso

Hotel Arbaso

4 out of 5
Calle Fuenterrabía 24, San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa
The price is AU$704 per night from 28 Aug to 29 Aug
AU$704
28 Aug - 29 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in San Sebastián. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (374 reviews)
"Clean and luxurious boutique hotel."

Reviewed on 8 Aug. 2025

Hotel Arbaso
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$522 per night from 3 Sept to 4 Sept
AU$522
3 Sept - 4 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in San Sebastián. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (550 reviews)
"We stayed at Zanit Convento San Martin for 3 nights. The design of the hotel was nice, converted from a convent and location of hotel was great only 2 minutes walk from the beach. Check-in was good and staff were helpful with restaurant reservation. However it lacked the service and amenities of ..."

Reviewed on 13 Aug. 2025

Hotel Zenit Convento San Martín
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 San Sebastián Centro

Old Town featuring street scenes as well as a small group of people

Old Town San Sebastián

5/5(20 area reviews)

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

Old Town San Sebastián
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Aiete

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

Aiete
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Amara

If you're spending some time in Amara, Reale Arena and Parque Aiete are top sights worth seeing.

Amara
San Ignacio Church which includes heritage architecture and a church or cathedral

Gros

4.5/5(9 area reviews)

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

3.5/5(3 area reviews)

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

Egia
Miramar Palace which includes flowers, a coastal town and general coastal views

Antiguo

4.5/5(4 area reviews)

Antiguo is known for its beaches, and you can plan a trip to Ondarreta Beach and Concha Promenade while you're in town.

Antiguo

San Sebastián Centro Travel Guide

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