Last Updated on March 18, 2026 by Emma Fajcz | Published: November 27, 2019
A trip to a city famous for its Michelin-starred restaurants and luxurious hotels by the beach may sound expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. In fact, it can be quite the opposite and still enjoyable! Here are our tips for visiting San Sebastián on a budget so you can enjoy your trip in this posh city without burning a hole in your wallet.
Planning a trip to San Sebastián? Here’s some tips for how to get to San Sebastián!
Table of Contents
How to Move Around
The best thing about San Sebastián is that the city is compact and therefore very walkable. In case of a sudden rain shower (let’s face it, they’re quite common here!) you can always catch a bus. The city is well covered by the bus lines and a single ticket will cost you €1.75.
Another budget-friendly way to move around the city—and get the most out of it—is to rent a bike. The city is well designed for bikers, with plenty of bike lanes and, if you’re up for it, there are some nice green routes outside town, too!
Where to Stay
Hotel One Shot Tabakalera House is our top recommendation for design lovers, and proof that you don’t have to sacrifice aesthetic for the sake of your budget. The beautiful building is an old tobacco factory that was turned into an attractive boutique hotel in 2015.
Another great option is Koba Hostel, located on a nice pedestrian street in the heart of the hip Gros district. Right next door to many pintxo bars and restaurants, and five minutes away from the beach, this hostel is a pretty budget-friendly choice.
What to Do
If it happens to be a rainy day, your best option is to explore the many museums in San Sebastián. As a bonus for budget travelers, most museums have free entry on certain days of the week. We recommend checking out the San Telmo Museum, as it will help you understand the rich Basque identity more than any other place in San Sebastián.
Stop by Tabakalera for a cozy cup of coffee with a side of culture. The old factory is also a cultural center with changing activities every week. You’ll find everything from art and photography expos to concerts and fine dining. A must for culture enthusiasts!
If it’s a sunny day, take a walk up to Monte Urgull or a funicular to Monte Igueldo. The funicular ticket costs a couple of euros, and from the hill you have breathtaking views around the city—and you can enjoy a caña or a glass of txakoli while enjoying the view!
Insider’s Tip: From the top of Monte Igueldo, you get the most Instagrammable pictures of the city!
For sports lovers, we recommend a hike from San Sebastián to the fishing village of Pasaia, the historical port of the town. This two-hour hike serves up some of the most beautiful and typical Basque landscapes, along with a complete disconnection from the busy city streets.
Time your hike so that you arrive to Pasaia at lunchtime, and enjoy a couple of pintxos or a lunch menu in the fishing village. An authentic atmosphere is guaranteed. Thanks to its location outside the touristic city center of San Sebastián, the prices in Pasaia are sometimes lower—a great option for a budget-traveler!
Where to Eat
Here in San Sebastián, we have a great concept called pintxo-pote. On a certain day of the week, a variety of bars offer a drink and a pintxo for a fixed price (typically a few euros). Pintxo-pote takes place in different neighborhoods on different days of the week, with the most famous taking place in the Gros area on Thursday nights.
Love seafood? Trying some of the best in San Sebastian doesn’t have to break the bank. La Mejillonera is famous for serving the best mussels and calamari in town, and a portion comes at a very reasonable price.
And if tortilla de patata, the Spanish omelette, is what you’re looking for, head to Bar Zabaleta! A pintxo de tortilla costs just a few euros, or for a heartier option, get it in sandwich form (the bocata) for just a little bit more.
Want to have lunch like a local? A Spanish classic, the bocadillo is a sandwich with different fillings, typically cheese and amazing local ham. The best ones in San Sebastian are served by Juantxo Taberna, and great news: you won’t be breaking the bank.
Fine Dining on a Budget
If you would like to have a small taste of the fine dining culture that San Sebastián is famous for, but don’t want to spend all your savings on it, we have a great insider’s tip for you: head to the Basque Culinary Center, a university and research center that’s all about gastronomy.
The university’s cafe-restaurant is managed by aspiring chefs, offering an affordable lunch menu and a tasting menu as well. The delicious bites created by the future super-chefs are extremely popular, so remember to book well before your trip!
Explore San Sebastián’s Cuisine Like a Local
Looking for great food at bars you’re going to remember for years to come? Allow us to introduce you to the Centro neighborhood on our San Sebastián Pintxos and Wine Tour. This less-visited area is the one we locals choose when making plans with friends. We’ll take you on a true local experience full of both iconic pintxos and pleasantly unexpected tastes you won’t find anywhere else.
San Sebastián on a Budget FAQs
Is San Sebastián expensive to visit?
Yes, San Sebastián is considered one of the more expensive cities in Spain, especially for accommodation and dining. However, budget travelers can expect to spend around €50–€90 per day by staying in hostels, eating casual meals, and focusing on free or low-cost activities.
How can you save money on food in San Sebastián?
To eat well on a budget, take advantage of pintxos bars, where small bites often cost just a few euros, or look for a menú del día, which typically includes multiple courses for a set price. Shopping at local markets or bakeries and planning a picnic is another great way to cut food costs.
What are the best free things to do in San Sebastián?
There are plenty of free activities, including relaxing on La Concha Beach, walking through the Old Town (Parte Vieja), hiking up scenic viewpoints like Monte Urgull, or visiting public art like the Peine del Viento sculptures. Exploring the city on foot is one of the best—and cheapest—ways to experience it.
Where should you stay in San Sebastián on a budget?
Budget travelers can save money by staying in hostels, guesthouses, or accommodations slightly outside the city center. Avoid peak seasons and major festivals when prices surge, and consider neighborhoods a short walk or bus ride from the Old Town for better value.
What’s the cheapest way to get around San Sebastián?
San Sebastián is a compact, walkable city, so getting around on foot is often free and easiest. When needed, local buses are affordable—typically costing around €1.50–€2.50 per ride—and multi-trip cards can help reduce transportation costs further.
