Last Updated on April 29, 2026 by Emma Fajcz | Published: March 12, 2018
Beautiful, sophisticated San Sebastián is the perfect place to escape for a week. It features a European, cosmopolitan vibe coupled nicely with the slow, laid-back pace of life so many visitors to Spain love. The city has plenty to see and do without being overwhelming. It’s the perfect place to spend a week visiting at your own pace. Here’s how to spend an unforgettable 7 days in San Sebastián, from tourist must-sees to hidden gems that are off the beaten path.
Day 1: Monte Igueldo, Peine del Viento, Food Tour
Don’t jump into sightseeing right away! Start your 7 days in San Sebastián off on a more relaxed note. Just west of the city lies Monte Igueldo, one of the two major lookout points along the coast. Take the cable car up to the top and enjoy the journey back in time (the car itself is over 100 years old!).
Once you’re there, spend some time visiting the attractions atop the mountain! The amusement park is a favorite among guests, combining an old-world feel with modern fun and excitement. Be sure to check out the stunning views from the mirador and climb the centuries-old lighthouse tower in the center of the park.
When you’ve finished your day of fun at Monte Igueldo, take a relaxing walk back down the mountain to the Peine del Viento sculpture directly below. This group of large sculptures mounted directly into the rocks along the shore is a testament to the power of nature over manmade objects. Over nearly 40 years, the wind and water have rusted the sculptures, but they still stand strong along the coast.
End the first of your 7 days in San Sebastián by going on a fascinating food tour! Our Ultimate Pintxos & Wine Tour is the perfect way to get a taste (literally and figuratively) of the city. In addition to enjoying some of the city’s best bites, you’ll also pick up valuable information about how to eat like a local during the rest of your stay.
Don’t miss our ultimate foodie guide to San Sebastián so you don’t miss out on the world-class food in this incredible city!
Day 2: San Telmo Museum, Monte Urgull & Old Town
Start the second of your 7 days in San Sebastián with a visit to one of its many fascinating museums. Out of all of these great museums, the San Telmo Museum (Plaza Zuloaga, 1) is your best bet for a first stop. It will give you invaluable insight into Basque history and culture. You’ll walk away with a deeper appreciation for this unique region. Additionally, you’ll have a better understanding of what makes it so different from the rest of Spain. Here’s our highlights and tips for visiting the San Telmo Museum.
From the museum, you’re at the perfect point to begin a hike up the second of San Sebastián’s famous mountains, Monte Urgull. Don’t let the word “hike” scare you! It’s not too steep and offers incredible views along the way, making for quite a pleasant walk. Just like Monte Igueldo, its summit is full of fascinating things to see and do.
Continue your exploration of Basque history at Casa de la Historia, an offshoot of the San Telmo Museum located in historic Mota Castle atop the hill. The castle itself is a military fortress dating back to the 12th century, whose walls hold centuries of fascinating history.
Take the path along the western side of the mountain to come back down. You’ll find yourself in the Old Town, San Sebastián’s most popular neighborhood among locals and visitors alike. Take some time to wander the streets and check out some of this vibrant barrio‘s must-see sights. From the stately city hall building (Ijentea Kalea, 1)—once a casino!—along the waterfront to the peaceful greenery of Plaza Gipuzkoa, it’s the perfect place to simply get lost.
Day 3: La Concha Beach, Aquarium, & Pintxos Crawl
Start the third of your 7 days in San Sebastián with a trip to the beach! This isn’t just any city beach, however. La Concha Beach has consistently earned high honors as the best urban beach in Europe as well as one of the best in the world. As you might imagine, that makes it quite popular. For this reason, we recommend going in the morning before the crowds arrive.
After the beach, continue your exploration of San Sebastián’s sea life with a visit to the city’s famous Aquarium (Plaza de Carlos Blasco Imaz, 1). As Spain’s first natural science museum, it is one of Europe’s best aquariums. It features a 360-degree shark tank, a “petting zoo” and exhibits on local seafaring history.
To finish the third of your 7 days in San Sebastián, use the knowledge from your food tour to take a self-guided pintxos crawl through the Old Town! As San Sebastián’s most exciting and historic neighborhood, it’s also home to some of the city’s best cuisine. Do as the locals do and eat a pintxo or two at each bar before moving on. It’s the best way to sample the city’s best food one bite at a time.
Day 4: Day Trip
Now that your 7 days in San Sebastián are about halfway up, take today to get out of the busy city. There are several lovely cities, towns and villages that are just a stone’s throw away from San Sebastián, making for a perfect day trip. Here are some of our top picks!
Bilbao
As the capital of the Basque Country, there’s so much to see and do in Bilbao that you might not get to it all in one day. However, if a different urban scene is what you’re after, this vibrant city takes less than 2 hours by bus to reach from San Sebastián. If you only go to one place in Bilbao, make it the world-famous Guggenheim Museum (Abandoibarra Etorb., 2).
Looking for more ideas? Here’s our day trip itinerary for visiting Bilbao!
Getaria
Looking for a more low-key trip? The picturesque fishing village of Getaria is a half-hour’s drive or less than one hour on the train from San Sebastián. Iconic fashion designer Cristóbal Balenciaga hails from Getaria, and today it’s home to a fascinating museum dedicated to him and his work (Aldamar Parkea Parkea, 6).
Even if you’re not into fashion, we guarantee you’ll have a great time in Getaria sipping on crisp, local txakoli wine and eating some of the freshest seafood in the region.
Hondarribia
This charming town just across the border from France is home to some of the best gastronomy in the area. That’s saying a lot, considering San Sebastián is world-famous for its fabulous food! Walking through the Old Town feels like you’ve stepped into a fairy tale.
Additionally, Hondarribia’s stunning beach is one of Spain’s best-kept secrets. And at less than 30 kilometers from San Sebastián, it’s a quick, easy, and stress-free day trip.
Day 5: Zurriola Beach, Parque Cristina Enea & Tabakalera
Spend the fifth of your 7 days in San Sebastián getting off the beaten path in the Gros neighborhood! This laid-back, residential area is great for experiencing the city like a local.
Start your day at Zurriola Beach, a surfers’ paradise that feels much more laid back than more popular La Concha. If you’re feeling brave, sign up for surfing lessons from a local school like Pukas Surf Eskola or Zurriola Surf Eskola!
Once you’ve had enough of the beach, head to peaceful Parque Cristina Enea (Mandasko Dukearen Pasealekua, 66) for some relaxation. This beautiful green space in Gros is a great place to spend an afternoon wandering the wooded paths. Keep an eye out for some of the unique local wildlife, including peacocks.
End your day by checking out what’s happening at Tabakalera (Andre Zigarrogileak Plaza, 1). This one-time tobacco factory reopened in 2015 to become San Sebastián’s essential contemporary culture center. It’s home to art exhibitions, concerts, film screenings, workshops, and more. Spend an evening here and get inspired!
Day 6: Shopping
Sleek, cosmopolitan shops, bohemian boutiques, and everything in between: you’ll find it all when shopping in San Sebastián! Now that your 7 days in San Sebastián are drawing to a close, it’s the perfect day to pick up some unique souvenirs and mementos from your trip.
Shop like a local at Mercado La Bretxa (Alameda del Bourlevard, 3) or Mercado San Martín (Calle Urbieta, 9). Pick up some delicious gourmet food gifts there, then hit the streets in the Old Town or the city center to find more unique souvenirs!
Day 7: La Perla Spa & Santa Clara Island
Your 7 days in San Sebastián are up! Spend the last of them relaxing at one of Europe’s most luxurious spas: La Perla Centro Talaso-Sport (Edificio La Perla, Kontxa Pasealekua, s/n). From their privileged location overlooking La Concha Bay, you’ll be transported to another world. Their unique thalassotherapy approach—using seawater in all rituals—will be an experience unlike any other. After a successful 7 days in San Sebastián, you deserve to treat yourself!
Once you feel relaxed and refreshed, take a boat out to Santa Clara Island in the middle of the bay. That’s right—one of Spain’s most sophisticated cities has its very own island just a stone’s throw away! This peaceful, tranquil island is the perfect place to bring your 7 days in San Sebastián to a close. Take a stroll up to the lighthouse or relax on the island’s small, calm beach with lovely views of the city.
Learn to Cook Authentic Basque Food
Want to cook like a local in San Sebastián? Join us for our Authentic Basque Cooking Class in the seaside Gros neighborhood. In this hands-on experience, a professional chef will guide you through creating an aperitivo and four beloved Basque dishes. You’ll come away with a better understanding of the city’s culture and a handy repertoire of new recipes!
Featured 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
7 Days in San Sebastián FAQs
Is 7 days too long to spend in San Sebastián?
No, 7 days is an ideal amount of time to experience San Sebastián at a relaxed pace. It allows you to explore the city’s beaches, Old Town, and museums while also taking day trips to nearby destinations in the Basque Country.
What should you do during 7 days in San Sebastián?
A 7-day itinerary should include time in the Old Town (Parte Vieja), La Concha Beach, Monte Igueldo, and Monte Urgull, along with multiple pintxos crawls. You should also plan at least one or two day trips to places like Bilbao, Getaria, or the French Basque coast.
What is the best time of year to visit San Sebastián?
The best time to visit San Sebastián is from late spring to early fall (May–October), when the weather is warm and ideal for beaches and outdoor dining. Shoulder seasons like May, June, and September offer fewer crowds with still-great weather.
Do you need a car when visiting San Sebastián?
No, you don’t need a car to enjoy San Sebastián. The city is very walkable, and public transportation (buses and trains) makes it easy to take day trips. However, renting a car can be useful if you want to explore smaller coastal towns at your own pace.
What is the best area of the city to stay in San Sebastián?
The best areas to stay are the Old Town (Parte Vieja) for easy access to pintxos bars and nightlife, or Centro for a more central, quieter base near the beach. Both locations are convenient for sightseeing and exploring on foot.
