San Sebastian has long been considered one of the most incredible gastronomic scenes in the world. Throw in the fact that it also earned the designation as the 2016 European Capital of Culture, and youâll start to understand why this incredible seaside city is worth a visit. Spending 48 hours in San Sebastian is perfect for learning your way around and getting a feel for the local culture.
The city is made for wandering and visiting at a relaxed pace, so you wonât feel nearly as much overwhelming pressure to see and do it all. Ready to go? Hereâs your itinerary for an unforgettable 48 hours in San Sebastian.
Day 1: Morning
Breakfast like a local
Start your 48 hours in San Sebastian off right with the most important meal of the day! Whether you prefer a traditional tostada, sweet churros con chocolate or anything in between, youâll be able to find something to start your day off on a delicious note. Try one of our favorite picks for breakfast in San Sebastian. Donât forget coffee or freshly squeezed orange juice to wash it down.
Hike Monte Urgull
Walk off your breakfast and catch some of the most spectacular views of the city! 20 minutes is all you need to hike Monte Urgull, once a 12th-century military fortress and now a peaceful public park. The small mountain is easily accessible from the city center, but once youâre at the top, it feels like youâre a whole world away. To get back down, walk along Paseo Nuevo, which will take you past the cityâs incredible aquarium and into the Old Town.
Day 1: Afternoon
Lunch in the Old Town
Lots of walking in the morning is sure to make you hungry! Grab something to eat in San Sebastianâs most iconic neighborhood, the Parte Vieja (Old Town). The historic buildings and picturesque streets are filled with amazing bites! From irresistibly fresh seafood to meats from local farms to colorful seasonal produce, the Old Town is foodie heaven and the perfect place to grab lunch during your 48 hours in San Sebastian.
Learn about Basque history & culture
As youâve probably noticed, San Sebastian is quite different than what you might expect from Spain. As part of the Basque Country, its people have developed a completely unique language, culture and way of life. Learn more about the Basque people and their fascinating society at the San Telmo Museum. This amazing local history museumâone of the best in a city full of great museumsâis a living testament to the story of the Basque Country. After your visit, youâre sure to have a deeper appreciation for San Sebastianâs unique culture.
Day 1: Evening
Ultimate Pintxos & Wine Tour
The first day of your 48 hours in San Sebastian is drawing to a close. What better way to end it than with our Ultimate Pintxos & Wine Tour? With your exclusive small group and expert local guide, youâll eat and drink your way across our favorite pintxos bars in San Sebastianâs historic center. Along the way, youâll learn how to eat like a local and pick up useful tidbits of information regarding Basque culture and cuisine. This one-of-a-kind experience is essential during your 48 hours in San Sebastian.
Day 2: Morning
Market visit
The second day of your 48 hours in San Sebastian is here! Join the locals at a vibrant neighborhood market to start things off. An integral part of local culture all across Europe, fresh food markets give you a peek into a day in the life of a resident. Grab coffee and breakfast at one of the market bars, then take some time to simply wander the stalls. Head to Mercado La Bretxa for a more traditional, old-world feel, or Mercado San MartĂn for a taste of the cityâs modern vibe.
Visit Plaza Gipuzkoa and Playa de la Concha
Not too far from either of the markets lies San Sebastianâs main square, Plaza Gipuzkoa. A beautiful green space with lush gardens and walking paths, locals love to come here to relax and feed the ducks in the small pond. The plaza also hosts many cultural events such as a book fair and concerts throughout the year.
From there, youâre just a stoneâs throw from one of Europeâs most iconic beaches. Playa de la Concha, famous for its unique arch shape and gorgeous promenade, is absolutely worth checking out during your 48 hours in San Sebastian.
Day 2: Afternoon
Lunch in Gros
Head east of the city center to the unique Gros neighborhood, a relaxed and laid-back barrio where fewer tourists tend to wander. This is the perfect place to grab lunch! Here, youâll find more authentic options and less tourist traps than in the city center. From pintxos to paella, youâll find it all in this chilled-out neighborhood.
Stroll around Cristina Enea Park
Despite its prime location nestled between Gros and the Old Town, peaceful Cristina Enea Park will transport you to another world. Seemingly miles away from the hustle and bustle of the city, this beautiful green space is the perfect place to relax as your 48 hours in San Sebastian draw to a close. As you take a stroll along the verdant pathways, you might even catch a glimpse of local wildlife.
See whatâs on at Tabakalera
Once an important tobacco factory, today, Tabakalera is the most innovative contemporary cultural center in San Sebastian. The massive space is home to a movie screening room, art exhibitions, a cultural library, shops and so much more. Thereâs always something going onâmake sure to pop in and check it out.
Day 2: Evening
Self-guided pintxos crawl
Ready to end your 48 hours in San Sebastian with a bang? Use the knowledge you gleaned on your food tour (and the Devouring San Sebastian guide you received) to make your way around some of the cityâs best pintxos bars by yourself! We canât think of a more delicious way to end your 48 hours in San Sebastian. Donât be intimidatedâjust jump right in with the locals! And remember not to stay in one place for too long. Thereâs always another bar waiting to be discovered.
Update notice: This article was updated on August 22, 2023.Â
Make the most of 48 hours in San Sebastian by joining our Ultimate Pintxos & Wine Tour! From traditional gourmet shops to bustling pintxos bars, youâll step into establishments that locals have loved for generations. Join us to discover the worldâs best foodie city!