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San Sebastian Guide, map and photos. boo.com members recommend hotels, restaurants and attractions in San Sebastian

San Sebastian guide

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Reflect on another day of unbridled sunshine and peaceful tranquillity as the sun sets behind Mount Igeldo; this is San Sebastian. The city, part of the Basque country of Northern Spain, enjoys a privileged location on the Bay of Biscay. The perfectly formed, crescent moon shaped beach of La Concha is one of three that offers excellent surfing opportunities. The focal point of the nightlife is concentrated on La Parte Vieja, the old town area. It is a maze of narrow, cobblestoned streets, full to bursting with cafes and bars. Enjoy the internationally renowned Pintxos (tapas) over a cool glass of beer and then party until dawn with the locals. If you feel the need to work off the previous night’s excesses, a walk up the mountain to view the statue of Jesus that overlooks the bay is the perfect tonic. San Sebastian is a jewel of the Atlantic; discover it for yourself before the secret is out.

Latest reviews of San Sebastian

I've just come back from San Sebastian and I've been raving about it to everyone. I've been dying to go for a while as it was one of the cities I hadn't visited when I lived in Spain. We stayed In Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra right on La Concha Beach and the views were stunning. There is a...more I've just come back from San Sebastian and I've been raving about it to everyone. I've been dying to go for a while as it was one of the cities I hadn't visited when I lived in Spain. We stayed In Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra right on La Concha Beach and the views were stunning. There is a definitely a certain charm about San Sebastian and you almost feel like you've stepped back in time as you stroll along the promenade. While San Sebastian has a lot to offer: beaches, surfing, shopping, the most exciting thing about it has to be the food! You can stroll from bar to bar in the old part of town and savour some of the most delcious morsels of food I have ever tasted!close

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by Erica – posted on Jun 12, 2007

Erica, from Ireland, has 78 reviews 78

San Sebastian is a cool, romantic and sophisticated city with a beach front tht knocks you off your feet. It is definitely a great place to enjoy the nightlife. The food is to die for, and it is extremely safe. It is very easy to visit the main site as you can go walking. The experience is more...more San Sebastian is a cool, romantic and sophisticated city with a beach front tht knocks you off your feet. It is definitely a great place to enjoy the nightlife. The food is to die for, and it is extremely safe. It is very easy to visit the main site as you can go walking. The experience is more than worth it!close

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by Sonia – posted on May 1, 2007

Sonia, from Spain, has 74 reviews 74

High and all as my expectations were, San Sebastian easily surpassed them. A passion for good food is the very heartbeat of this beautiful city. Even the most humble dive bar will serve you slices of moist tortilla and glistening plates of jamon. Everything is of the highest quality, everything...more High and all as my expectations were, San Sebastian easily surpassed them. A passion for good food is the very heartbeat of this beautiful city. Even the most humble dive bar will serve you slices of moist tortilla and glistening plates of jamon. Everything is of the highest quality, everything is fresh, nothing is expensive.

We generally drank txakoli (very fresh local sparkling wine) or the local cider. Both are poured from above head height with much bravado and accompanies the food very well

I was particularly taken by the Dining Societies, gorgeous old buildings scattered through the town dedicated to groups of people cooking for each other. Meeting once a week and cooking fantastic meals with a big group of friends, every week of their life.

San Seb has great beaches and surfing so you can enjoy working off the that great food.close

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by emily – posted on May 1, 2007

emily, from Ireland, has 27 reviews 27

when i first arrived, it was cold, wet rainy and noone was anywhere, half the places were cloased, it seemed like a miserable town. as soon as the sun came out, it was awesome, the beach was crowded, every cafe and bar was open, and filled to capacity, people were drinking in the streets it was...more when i first arrived, it was cold, wet rainy and noone was anywhere, half the places were cloased, it seemed like a miserable town. as soon as the sun came out, it was awesome, the beach was crowded, every cafe and bar was open, and filled to capacity, people were drinking in the streets it was so crowded. and when the party, they start at midday (or so it seemed) and would go well on into the morning. so a city i'd recommend going to in late spring/summer, where its likely to be warm the whole time.close

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by u41109718549 – posted on Mar 31, 2007

u41109718549, from Australia, has 2 reviews 2

i thought it was a really nice city, but definitely go in the summer. we went in the winter for just a little break, and it was really picturesque, but probably not the same. you cant lay out on the beach for goodness sake! and the bars were expensive. but if you are a kid and you are...more i thought it was a really nice city, but definitely go in the summer. we went in the winter for just a little break, and it was really picturesque, but probably not the same. you cant lay out on the beach for goodness sake! and the bars were expensive. but if you are a kid and you are thinking of going to biarritz or san sebastian, i'd say go to san sebastian instead.close

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by jdcoh0 – posted on Jan 26, 2007

jdcoh0, from USA, has 8 reviews 8

Recomendaría Donostia como viaje corto o escapada de unos 3 días. La ciudad tiene cosas muy bonitas para ver, sus paseos por la playa, la famosa playa de la concha, el monte urgull, el palacio de aiete,el peine de los vientos, su casco antiguo... pero ante todo recomiendo el viaje...more Recomendaría Donostia como viaje corto o escapada de unos 3 días. La ciudad tiene cosas muy bonitas para ver, sus paseos por la playa, la famosa playa de la concha, el monte urgull, el palacio de aiete,el peine de los vientos, su casco antiguo... pero ante todo recomiendo el viaje para disfrutar de su gastronomía en pleno casco antiguo. Es imprescindible entrar a tomarse un txacoli y unos pichos, e ir de tasca en tasca degustando esas pequeñas maravillas gastronnomicas. Mi recomendación sería intercalar excursiones o paseos por los sitios más bonitos con su gastronomía. Para mí ha sido un viaje que ha merecido mucho la pena, en 3 días hemos podido visitar todos los puntos de interés e integrarnos un poco en su gastronomía.close

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by Nester – posted on Dec 8, 2006

Nester, from Spain, has 2 reviews 2

That is right...I hate Spain. We were treated horribly. We were told incorrect trains and train information in general. The customer service sucks. We visited a restaurant where customer service was nonexistant. Our waiter put our pieces of bread on the bare table...WITH HIS DIRTY SCUMMMY...more That is right...I hate Spain. We were treated horribly. We were told incorrect trains and train information in general. The customer service sucks. We visited a restaurant where customer service was nonexistant. Our waiter put our pieces of bread on the bare table...WITH HIS DIRTY SCUMMMY HANDS! Skip Spain...spend an extra week in Italy...or France...or anywhere else.close

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by ncapu – posted on Oct 21, 2006

ncapu, from USA, has 4 reviews 4

wonderful beaches (comparable to australia), very clean and pretty town, great seafood and tapas and cool little bars. Even a few good little boutiques. Probably best to go here wihle the weather is still warñm so you can make the most of the beaches! This was my favourite place to have...more wonderful beaches (comparable to australia), very clean and pretty town, great seafood and tapas and cool little bars. Even a few good little boutiques. Probably best to go here wihle the weather is still warñm so you can make the most of the beaches! This was my favourite place to have visited on my trip so far. YOu can walk pretty much everywhere, and the boulevard along the beaches is great. Make sure you walk up the hills on either end of san sebastian for some fantastic views.close

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by jasmineo – posted on Oct 8, 2006

jasmineo, from Australia, has 4 reviews 4

San Sebastian is a wonderful town and I had a great experience there. The main attraction are the beaches, which are fantastic, but activities are sparse outside of beach going and partying. San Sebastian claims to have more bars per square meter than any other city in Europe, and I wouldn't...more San Sebastian is a wonderful town and I had a great experience there. The main attraction are the beaches, which are fantastic, but activities are sparse outside of beach going and partying. San Sebastian claims to have more bars per square meter than any other city in Europe, and I wouldn't doubt it. Party and bar atmosphere is great, very chill and marijuana policies are extremely lax. Basque culture is very intersting and something worth checking out. However, the scene is not very active on weekdays. I'd say San Sebastian makes an excellent weekend destination, but without any signifigant cultural sights, its not worth spending more than a few days here.close

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by alexander6824 – posted on Sep 10, 2006

alexander6824, from USA, has 5 reviews 5

San Sebastian was one of my most favourite places to stay. The people were friendly and very welcoming. The tapas was great. I highly recommend getting some beers from the supermarket and heading down to the beach. We went to the local fun park, rather crazy the Bumber cars certianly live up to...more San Sebastian was one of my most favourite places to stay. The people were friendly and very welcoming. The tapas was great. I highly recommend getting some beers from the supermarket and heading down to the beach. We went to the local fun park, rather crazy the Bumber cars certianly live up to there name. Loved this placeclose

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by Liznchr – posted on Sep 4, 2006

Liznchr, from New Zealand, has 3 reviews 3

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Top Rated San Sebastian Places to Stay

  1. Pension Amaiur Ostatua 96%      

    This is a great little hotel, with a small kitchen fridg. sink, micro but no stove. The rooms and bathrooms where very nice and clean, We had to tell them not to make are beds everyday. It was quiet and in a great location.

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    by Dustin – posted on Apr 2008

    Dustin, from USA, has 3 reviews 3

    There are beautiful and comfortable rooms, and the kitchen is well equipped. I highly recommend it!

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    by stephanie21234275 – posted on Apr 2008

    stephanie21234275, from USA, has 4 reviews 4
  2. Hospedaje Donosti@ B&B 95%      

    This hostel is a little gem. We were given a warmly enthusiastic welcome, everything at the hostel was clean and attractive and the delicious home-cooked breakfasts were an added and unexpected bonus. The staff were extremely helpful and we would give this hostel five stars in all areas. There...

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    by carolepearson8155 – posted on Oct 2008

    carolepearson8155, from Australia, has 1 reviews 1

    值得推荐!氛围好!

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    by suixz – posted on Oct 2008

    suixz, from China, has 8 reviews 8
  3. SM31 Backpackers 94%      

    I wish i could live here! The staff were so incredibaly nice and helpful - i have stayed in over 20 hostels and this was by far the best.

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    by hoifyn – posted on Oct 2008

    hoifyn, from Australia, has 2 reviews 2

    Fantastic hostel! Felt like being at home with the family :)

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    by cindyleeangel9023 – posted on Oct 2008

    cindyleeangel9023, from Australia, has 8 reviews 8
  4. Ocean View 93%      

    Great spot and the guys that run the place are awesome... very helpful and lots of fun... thanks for having us! Bec and Soren

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    by djrasp – posted on Oct 2008

    djrasp, from Australia, has 3 reviews 3

    Right next to the beach and good, helpful staff. Feels like a home away from home, except you can surf and lie on the beach right outside this home.

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    by johnh269 – posted on Oct 2008

    johnh269, from Canada, has 2 reviews 2
  5. Pensión San Juan 91%      

    amazing location with view to the ocean! a lot of tapas bars around! clean and cosy rooms. I recommend this pension)

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    by jenny-wren – posted on Oct 2008

    jenny-wren, from Russia, has 1 reviews 1

    We thoroughly enjoyed our time at Pension San Juan. The room and shared bathrooms were exceptionally clean and tidy and the staff were very prompt in keeping them clean. The location couldn't be better positioned in the old town and 5 mins walking to the surf beach. Lots of tapas bars surrounding...

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    by amybamfo – posted on Sep 2008

    amybamfo, from Australia, has 6 reviews 6
  6. Husa Europa 81%      

    They tried to charge us tax and breakfast which was included on our booking. New beds would be good too as they were very old!

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    by jocordner – posted on Aug 2008

    jocordner, from New Zealand, has 1 reviews 1

    Very clean and comfortable. Staff were very informative.

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    by postie66232 – posted on Jan 2008

    postie66232, from Australia, has 3 reviews 3

Top Rated San Sebastian Restaurants

  1. Casa Gandarias100%      

    This is my personal favourite for pintxos. They have the biggest selection and everything is so fresh. You could easily spend a couple of hours here. Great selection of wine and Belondrade y Lurton is available by the glass. Great jamon and superb foie a la plancha served on a bed of apple puree and topped with redcurrant. The chuleton de buey is delicious, we...

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    by Erica – posted on Dec 2007

    Erica, from Ireland, has 78 reviews 78
  2. Bar Astelena100%      

    My second favourite after Gandarias. This place was packed when we were there with plates of Foie a la plancha being served to the hungry drinks. Some serious pintxos are produced here. One of the best.

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    by Erica – posted on Dec 2007

    Erica, from Ireland, has 78 reviews 78
  3. Barandian80%      

    Great spot for breakfast particularly. Freshly squeezed orange juice. Some of the best tortilla we had all weekend - beautifully moist stuffed with chorizo and potato. Has tables outside, perfect for a sunny day.

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    by emily – posted on May 2007

    emily, from Ireland, has 27 reviews 27
  4. Astelena80%      

    The best of the brunch in our opinion. An open kitchen with chefs turning out some pretty serious dishes. Great range of croquettas, which they pride themselves on.

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    by emily – posted on May 2007

    emily, from Ireland, has 27 reviews 27
  5. PastelerĂ­a Oiartzun80%      

    We stopped by this great little bakery a couple of times. It's just at the Old Town and they have the best pastries for breakfast. There are seats outside so it's the perfect spot to sit back with a coffee. Prices for breakfast were about €13 for 2 fresh juices, 2 coffees and 2 of their tasty pastries.

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    by Erica – posted on Jul 2007

    Erica, from Ireland, has 78 reviews 78

Top Rated San Sebastian Attractions

  1. Statue of Jesus100%      

    The statue of Jesus dominates the whole city, sitting atop of Monte Urgull to the east of the Old Town. It takes roughly an hour to reach the top, but once you do the view is more than worth it. Also at the summit is a free museum, detailing the history of San Sebastian, aided by a small cinema screen which is prefect for putting for your feet up before the...

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    by houstyiscool – posted on Aug 2008

    houstyiscool, from Ireland, has 14 reviews 14

Top Rated San Sebastian Bars

  1. Bataplan Nightclub100%      

    • What?

        Nightclub
    • Where?

        Located along the seafront of San Sebastian

    Club Bataplan is easily the most revered nightspot in San Sebastian. It has a prime location right on La Concha beach, and hosts tourists and locals alike all year round. It is pricey, with entry being 14 Euros although this does include a free drink. Drinks inside for the most part are 7 Euros anyway so it's not as bad as you might initially think. Thursday...

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    by houstyiscool – posted on Aug 2008

    houstyiscool, from Ireland, has 14 reviews 14
  2. Nagusia Lau80%      

    Busy spot in the Old Town. It seems to be very popular with the locals and the staff are friendly. 3 tasty pintxos, a racion of patatas bravas and 2 glasses of white wine was €14 approx. Worth a visit

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    by Erica – posted on Jun 2007

    Erica, from Ireland, has 78 reviews 78
  3. Bar Iruña80%      

    This bar is not far from the bus station in San Sebastian. It's a busy spot for breakfast and does great grilled croissants and fresh orange juice. Only negative was that the girl serving us was not the friendliest!

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    by Erica – posted on Jun 2007

    Erica, from Ireland, has 78 reviews 78
  4. La Cepa80%      

    Worth trying for top class jamon and nice wine. It's located in the Old Town and is one to try for excellent pintxos in a nice atmosphere

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    by Erica – posted on Jun 2007

    Erica, from Ireland, has 78 reviews 78
  5. Bar Tas Tas80%      

    Tas Tas is a tiny bar/nightclub which is centrally located on the main street. As first impressions go you end up wondering what all the fuss is about, but it's renowned for its great atmosphere and is usually packed with erasmus exchange students in the summer months. Look out for there free entry/drinks tokens for other bars you might end up at some point!

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    by houstyiscool – posted on Aug 2008

    houstyiscool, from Ireland, has 14 reviews 14

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San Sebastian Weather

today
Partly Cloudy
24°C/75F
Tue
Foggy
22°C/72F
Wed
Mostly Sunny
23°C/73F
Thu
Rain
16°C/61F

In San Sebastian

Restaurants

Restaurant name price boo rate
Casa Gandarias $$$$$ 100%
Bar Astelena $$$$$ 100%
Barandian $$$$$ 80%
Astelena $$$$$ 80%
PastelerĂ­a Oiartzun $$$$$ 80%

See all restaurants

Bars

Hotel name boo rate
Bataplan Nightclub $$$$$ 100%
Nagusia Lau $$$$$ 80%
Bar Iruña $$$$$ 80%
La Cepa $$$$$ 80%
Bar Tas Tas $$$$$ 80%
Plaza Café Bar $$$$$ 60%

See all bars

See the San Sebastian guide

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