8 reasons to visit San Sebastian
Let’s talk about San Sebastian or Donostia as the locals call it. Did you know that San Sebastian is the city with the highest number of Michelin stars per square metre? Imagine a town that you can’t go wrong food-wise. Wherever you eat, you will have an explosion in your mouth. Everything revolves around the “pintxos”. Are you more interested in culture, San Sebastian has that as well. Rich in musuems and festivals. Walking through the old part is like stepping back in time. Looking for more adventure? Sure why not surf on one of the beaches.
San Sebastian might not feel as Spain. In fact, they are part of Basque country with their own language, culture, food, and traditions. Soraia speaks Portuguese, but couldn’t understand anything and especially the writing feels like something from the middle ages. This city is nothing like Madrid or Barcelona. It’s unique on its own and should be on your radar. We were happy that San Sebastian was our first stop in our road trip.
In this blog post, we’ll uncover the top 8 reasons why this vibrant city should be your next travel destination. From world-renowned pintxos to stunning coastal views, get ready to be inspired by the magic of San Sebastian. Welcome to a hidden gem in the Basque Country that promises an unforgettable experience.
1. Exquisite cuisine
San Sebastian is the city with the highest number of Michelin stars per square metre. But you do not need to have deep pockets to eat like a king in San Sebastian. They have an exquisite cuisine in every corner. It doensn’t matter what your budget is. To be honest, we enjoyed the most at the little pintxos bar. Pintxos can be very affordable and therefore it doesn’t need to get expensive while eating amazing. Seriously, the food of San Sebastian is living rent free in our heads. It’s a foodies Mecca.
It can be quite overwhelming where to eat. Therefore we recommend to do a food tour. We can’t recommend “Eat one feed one” enough. They really know where to bring you. And for every person that joins a tour, they donate a meal to a person in need, through the local soup kitchen. They offer various tours, the only mistake you can make is not going. Except for showing you around where to find the best food, they also give a small history lesson about the town and the food. This has been one of the best food tours we have done and we have done quite a few.
2. Great cider
This one is related to the food, but they have great cider. It is not only part of the food, but also part of their culture and history. Like a half hour from the city you can visit various cider houses. Unfortunately we didn’t had the time to do that. However we did taste cider in the city with our Pintxos. It maybe doesn’t look like much, but it’s very tasty and has it is unique flavors. We suggest you try it with one of the pintxos. Just ask for recommendations.
3. Rich cultural heritage
Imagine wandering through the historic Parte Vieja, where every corner tells a story. San Sebastian isn’t just a city of stunning beaches and exquisite cuisine; it’s a treasure trove of rich cultural heritage waiting to be discovered. Just wondering around makes you feel the rich cultural heritage. It has some amazing museums. One that you absolutely don’t want to miss is the San Telmo museum. Located in the Old Town, this museum showcases Basque culture and history through its extensive collection of art and artifacts. Make sure to reserve a couple of hours to explore the whole museum. Furthermore, San Sebastian is home to some amazing festivals, such as the International Film Festival. So if festivals are your kind of thing, then San Sebastian might be interesting for you.
4. Charming old town
Step into a world where history whispers through ancient cobblestone streets, and every corner reveals a story waiting to be told. Welcome to Parte Vieja, the enchanting Old Town of San Sebastian, Spain. Nestled between the majestic Urgull Mountain and the shimmering waters of the Bay of Biscay, this historic district is a living museum of Basque culture and tradition. Imagine strolling through narrow alleys lined with centuries-old buildings, sampling mouth-watering pintxos in bustling bars, and soaking in the lively atmosphere of vibrant plazas. San Sebastian is a vibe, one you don’t want to miss and really need to feel for yourself. Just sit down, enjoy a cup of coffee and watch the people passing by.
5. Elegant Architecture
San Sebastian, Spain, is home to several remarkable buildings that showcase its rich architectural heritage and cultural history. San Sebastian offers a mix of historical, cultural, and modern architectural marvels that reflect its rich heritage and contemporary vibrancy. Each building and landmark provides a unique glimpse into the city’s past and present, making it a fascinating destination for architecture enthusiasts and cultural explorers alike. Some of the buildings that are worth visiting: San Sebastian Cathedral (Catedral del Buen Pastor), Miramar Palace (Palacio de Miramar), San Telmo Museum (Museo San Telmo), Kursaal Congress Centre and Auditorium (Palacio de Congresos y Auditorio Kursaal), Victoria Eugenia Theatre (Teatro Victoria Eugenia), City Hall (Ayuntamiento), Maria Cristina Bridge (Puente de María Cristina), Aiete Palace (Palacio de Aiete), Basilica of Saint Mary of the Chorus (Basilica de Santa María del Coro), Peine del Viento (Wind Comb) and Tabakalera.
6. Nice beaches
Right in the heart of the town, there are 3 beaches. No need to take a bus to a far away beach. The beaches are nice, clean and with a cute size. There is even the opportunity to surf at one of the beaches. The beaches are: La Concha, Zurriola and Ondarreta. Just make sure to check the weather in case that’s important for you. Because San Sebastian gets the most rainfall of almost anywhere in Spain. They can have anywhere from 180 – 220 days of rain a year. Yikes! But hey, dancing in the rain can also be fun.
7. Hiking up Monte Urgull
If lying on the beach is not your kind of tea, maybe you can consider to climb Monte Urgull, 123 meters.There are a total of 4 paths running from the city to the summit of Monte Urgull. Each one of these paths begins at a different location. The oldest path can be found next to the Basílica de Santa María. It’s a climb, but nothing too challenging and it won’t take you that long to reach the summit. However the best views of the sea and city await you at the summit. Once you are done taking pictures and wondering around, take one different path as the way down.
8. Safe and friendly people
It’s a very safe place with friendly people. People are kind and don’t mind helping you, even if they do not speak English. We traveled by bus and at night, we never felt unsafe. It is as easy as that.
San Sebastian is also good for shopping and partying at night. It is not that touristic and wait, there is more. San Sebastian is a great getaway for other adventures. Go surfing at nearby Biarritz, visit the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao or move to the historical town Gijon. We were on our way to Portugal and San Sebastian was a great first stop. We wished we had stayed a bit longer.
San Sebastian offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, jaw dropping views and culinary excellence. Whether you’re a real foodie, beach lover, or adventure seeker, San Sebastian has something to offer for everyone. Start planning your trip today and go visit Donostia!
