Last Updated on May 2, 2026 by Emma Fajcz | Published: February 19, 2018
From rugged natural wonders to chic, stylish luxury, San Sebastián really does have it all. Throw in a unique local culture and some of the best food in the world, and it’s the perfect place to spend 3 days! This is the perfect amount of time to see the best of the city itself. Here’s how to spend an unforgettable 3 days in San Sebastián and experience everything this fascinating city has to offer!
Day 1: Parte Vieja & Pintxos Tour
Start off your 3 days in San Sebastián by visiting its most emblematic quarter: the Parte Vieja, or Old Town. The quaint cobblestone streets hold centuries’ worth of stories, so your best bet is to simply wander and see where they take you. However, there are definitely a few unmissable sights in the Old Town that you should be sure to check out on your wanderings!
Nestled right into the heart of the Old Town, you’ll find a bustling plaza with an intriguing past. Today, Plaza de la Constitución is the heart of modern life in the city, filled with locals and visitors alike on any given day. In the past, it was often equally crowded with spectators watching bullfights!
Insider’s Tip: Look for the numbers above each window. These mark where each of the numbered gates used to be in the plaza’s days as a bullring!
The Old Town is also home to some of the city’s best churches. The local cathedral, Catedral del Buen Pastor (Urdaneta Kalea, 12), isn’t as old as other cathedrals in Europe. However, its towering spire and jaw-dropping interior (including one of the largest pipe organs in the world) make it a must.
Another fascinating church is the Basilica of St. Mary of the Chorus (31 de Agosto Kalea, 46), a gorgeous example of Spanish Baroque architecture dating back to 1774.
You’re sure to get hungry during your wanderings, so be sure to stop for lunch at one of the many incredible restaurants in San Sebastián’s Old Town!
Then, walk off your meal by hiking up Mount Urgull. This hill just north of the Old Town offers spectacular views of the city and seaside. The walk up takes about 20-30 minutes, and is quite pleasant.
End the first of your 3 days in San Sebastián with an insider’s look at the city’s best cuisine! Our Ultimate Pintxos & Wine Tour is the perfect way to experience San Sebastián’s unforgettable gastronomy. In addition to tasting some of the best local bites, you’ll pick up valuable insider information about how to eat like a local during the rest of your trip.
Day 2: Museums, markets & more
Start the second of your 3 days in San Sebastián with a relaxing walk along Playa de la Concha. This stunning arch-shaped beach is considered one of the best in Europe. Its chic, picturesque promenade and lush green mountainsides captivate visitors from all over the world. We recommend taking a relaxing stroll here in the morning to avoid the crowds!
At the eastern end of the beach, you’ll find San Sebastián’s city hall (Ijentea Kalea, 1), another one of the city’s many buildings with a unique past. Though it’s now the seat of local government, the building itself used to be a casino! Politicians, writers and artists from all over Europe came here to try their luck during the Belle Époque, until the prohibition of gambling forced it to close its doors in 1924.
As you continue making your way through the city center, consider stopping for lunch at a vibrant local market. While some tourists occasionally wander in, the atmosphere at San Sebastián’s markets is overwhelmingly local. Two of our favorites are classic, traditional Mercado de la Bretxa (Boulevard Zumardia, 3) or the more modern Mercado de San Martín (Urbieta Kalea, 9).
After you eat, be sure to take a short, relaxing stroll (and feed the ducks!) in beautiful Plaza Gipuzkoa before heading to the oldest of San Sebastián’s many museums. The San Telmo Museum (Plaza Zuloaga, 1) might even be worth the visit for its location alone—part 16th century Dominican convent, part modern marvel! However, beyond its one-of-a-kind architecture, the museum is a living testament to the history and culture of the Basque Country. A visit here will surely give you a new appreciation for this unique region and its people.
Top things off with a self-guided pintxos crawl! Use the knowledge you gleaned on your food tour and head out to some of the best pintxos bars and cider houses for dinner. Check out our local’s guide to pintxo-pote so you know how to eat like a local around Basque happy hour!
Day 3: Monte Igueldo & Santa Clara Island
Your 3 days in San Sebastián are coming to a close! End things on a high note (literally and figuratively) by heading out of the city center and up Monte Igueldo for more unforgettable views! Take the cable car (in continuous operation since 1912!) or walk up to the top of the hill.
Once you’re there, you can also visit an incredible amusement park! Fun for all ages, Parque de Atraciones Monte Igueldo is a great place to relax and have fun on the last of your 3 days in San Sebastián.
When you come back down, head out to Santa Clara Island on one of the boat services. This is truly a one-of-a-kind experience—not many cities have an island just a stone’s throw away! The small but picturesque beach is just as beautiful as La Concha on the mainland. It’s also a stunning place to wander around and enjoy a picnic when you get hungry.
Experience San Sebastián Through Its Food
Looking for an unforgettable experience while you’re visiting San Sebastián? Join us for an Authentic Basque Cooking Class in San Sebastián! In this hands-on experience, a professional chef will guide you through creating an aperitivo and four beloved Basque dishes. You’ll come away from your San Sebastián cooking class with a better understanding of the city’s culture and the role food plays in it—plus a handy repertoire of new recipes to impress your family and friends back home!
Featred Review: Authentic Basque Cooking Class
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “We had a great time and learned a lot about Basque cooking. We made several dishes, tasted wines of the area as well as Cider and enjoyed eating all the dishes we prepared. It was a very relaxed environment, we made new friends and had all our questions answered about visiting the area. Everything was well organized and ready to go when we arrived. We would do it again!”
– Sharon
3 Days in San Sebastián FAQs
Is 3 days enough time to visit San Sebastián?
Yes, 3 days is the perfect amount of time to see San Sebastián’s highlights. You can explore the Old Town, enjoy the beaches, experience the city’s famous food scene, and visit key viewpoints without feeling rushed.
What should you do in San Sebastián in 3 days?
In 3 days, you should explore the Old Town (Parte Vieja), go on a pintxos crawl, visit La Concha Beach, tour local markets like Mercado de la Bretxa, and enjoy views from Monte Urgull or Monte Igueldo.
What is the best itinerary for 3 days in San Sebastián?
A typical 3-day itinerary includes Old Town sightseeing and pintxos tour (Day 1), beach walk, markets, and museums (Day 2), and scenic viewpoints like Monte Igueldo and nearby natural spots (Day 3). This structure balances food, culture, and relaxation!
What are the must-see attractions in San Sebastián for first-time visitors?
First-time visitors shouldn’t miss Plaza de la Constitución, La Concha Beach, the Old Town, Monte Urgull, and local markets. These spots showcase the city’s history, coastal beauty, and culinary culture.
Do you need a car for a 3-day trip to San Sebastián?
No, San Sebastián is compact and very walkable. Most major attractions, restaurants, and beaches are within walking distance, and public transportation is available if needed.
