Last Updated on May 2, 2026 by Emma Fajcz | Published: August 10, 2023
San Sebastián 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 you’ll start to understand why this incredible seaside city is worth a visit. Fortunately, the city is made for wandering and visiting at a relaxed pace, so spending 48 hours in San Sebastián with this self-guided itinerary is the perfect way to get a feel for the local culture and spend an unforgettable time in San Sebastián.
Day 1: Monte Urgull, Old Town, Basque History, & Food Tour
Morning: Breakfast Like a Local
Start your 48 hours in San Sebastián off right with the most important meal of the day! Whether you prefer a traditional tostada, sweet churros con chocolate, or anything in between, you’ll be able to find something to start your day off on a delicious note. Try one of our favorite picks for breakfast in San Sebastián. Don’t 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 you’re at the top, it feels like you’re a whole world away. To get back down, walk along Paseo Nuevo, which will take you past the city’s incredible aquarium and into the Old Town.
Afternoon: Lunch in the Old Town
Lots of walking in the morning is sure to make you hungry! Grab something to eat in San Sebastián’s 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 Sebastián.
Learn about Basque History & Culture
As you’ve probably noticed, San Sebastián 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 museum—one of the best in a city full of great museums—is a living testament to the story of the Basque Country. After your visit, you’re sure to have a deeper appreciation for San Sebastián’s unique culture.
Evening: Ultimate Pintxos & Wine Tour
The first day of your 48 hours in San Sebastián 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, you’ll eat and drink your way across our favorite pintxos bars in San Sebastián’s historic center. Along the way, you’ll 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 Sebastián.
Day 2: Market Visit, Plaza Gipuzkoa, Outdoor Exploration, Gros, Culture, and Pintxos
Morning: Market Visit
The second day of your 48 hours in San Sebastián 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 Martín for a taste of the city’s modern vibe.
Visit Plaza Gipuzkoa and Playa de la Concha
Not too far from either of the markets lies San Sebastián’s 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, you’re just a stone’s throw from one of Europe’s 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 Sebastián.
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, you’ll find more authentic options and less tourist traps than in the city center. From pintxos to paella, you’ll 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 Sebastián draw to a close. As you take a stroll along the verdant pathways, you might even catch a glimpse of local wildlife.
See What’s On at Tabakalera
Once an important tobacco factory, today, Tabakalera is the most innovative contemporary cultural center in San Sebastián. The massive space is home to a movie screening room, art exhibitions, a cultural library, shops and so much more. There’s always something going on—make sure to pop in and check it out.
Evening: Self-Guided Pintxos Crawl
Ready to end your 48 hours in San Sebastián with a bang? Use the knowledge you gleaned on your food tour (and the Devouring San Sebastián guide you received) to make your way around some of the city’s best pintxos bars by yourself! We can’t think of a more delicious way to end your 48 hours in San Sebastián.
Don’t be intimidated—just jump right in with the locals! Remember not to stay in one place for too long; there’s always another bar waiting to be discovered.
Taste Your Way Through San Sebastián on Tour!
Make the most of 48 hours in San Sebastián by joining our Ultimate Pintxos & Wine Tour! From traditional gourmet shops to bustling pintxos bars, you’ll step into establishments that locals have loved for generations. Join us to discover the world’s best foodie city!
Featured Review: Ultimate Pintxos & Wine Tour in the Old Town
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “We had a very enjoyable tour with our guide Hector. He gave us a brief history of the town and old city, his knowledge was great, and his explanations of the foods we tasted made the tour really enjoyable for us.”
– Tessa
48 Hours in San Sebastián FAQs
Is 48 hours enough time to visit San Sebastián?
Yes, 48 hours is enough time to see San Sebastián’s highlights. In two days, you can explore the Old Town, relax on La Concha Beach, enjoy a pintxos crawl, and visit scenic viewpoints like Monte Igueldo without feeling rushed.
What should you do in San Sebastián in 2 days?
During 2 days in San Sebastián, focus on the Old Town (Parte Vieja), a pintxos crawl, La Concha Beach, and key viewpoints like Monte Urgull or Monte Igueldo. You can also visit a local market or museum to experience the city’s culture and cuisine.
What is the best 2-day itinerary for San Sebastián?
A simple 48-hour itinerary includes Old Town sightseeing, Plaza de la Constitución, and a pintxos crawl (Day 1) and a beach walk along La Concha, market visit, and a scenic viewpoint like Monte Igueldo (Day 2). This itinerary balances food, culture, and coastal scenery.
Where should you stay for a 48-hour trip to San Sebastián?
First-time visitors should stay in the Old Town (Parte Vieja) for easy access to pintxos bars, or in Centro for a quieter stay near La Concha Beach. Both areas are central and ideal for a short visit.
Do you need a car for 48 hours in San Sebastián?
No, there’s no need for a car, as San Sebastián is compact and highly walkable. Most attractions, restaurants, and beaches are within walking distance, making it easy to explore the city in 48 hours without a car.
