This blog post was originally posted on February 6, 2019 and was updated on February 4, 2020. Summer may get all the credit, but San Sebastian is positively magical during the springtime, too! In fact, we might even prefer low-key, mild spring to crowded, busy summer. Less tourists mean lower rates on hotels, and the mercury […]
How to Enjoy San Sebastian in February
This blog post was originally posted on January 9, 2019 and was updated on January 15, 2020. The weather may be cold, but with so much going on in San Sebastian in February, you’ll hardly notice the chilly temperatures. After all, you’ll be busy getting immersed in authentic cultural events, spending quality time with your special […]
Solo Travel in the Basque Country: Tips for Eating Alone in San Sebastian
Eating out alone is something that many of us may find uncomfortable—no worries! San Sebastian is perfect for solo dining, and this capital of gastronomy definitely isn’t the place to miss out on food. San Sebastian is a top destination for solo travelers; there are plenty of things to do and explore and food is, […]
A Basque City With Contrasts: Day Trip to Bilbao from San Sebastian
When visiting San Sebastian, taking a day trip to Bilbao is a must! This city bursting with culture and life has countless things to explore. The Basque Country is a great destination and it certainly isn’t all the same. Where San Sebastian is an architecturally beautiful beach town and surfer’s paradise, Bilbao is known as […]
An Authentic Basque Christmas Menu: Typical Festive Foods from San Sebastian
For Basques, food always comes first, and the winter holidays are no exception. Typical Christmas foods in San Sebastian are just as delicious as you can imagine. Spanish cuisine, famous for its amazing flavors, takes on even higher levels of deliciousness at Christmastime (if that’s even possible!). But not all regions in Spain celebrate the […]
Start the Year Off Right: What to Do in San Sebastian in January
This blog post was originally posted on December 12, 2018 and was updated on December 22, 2022. The new year has arrived, and in most places, that means it’s time to settle back into everyday life after the holidays. But not in San Sebastian! In a city famous for its unique blend of Spanish and Basque […]
Exploring San Sebastian On Your Own: Our Top Tips for Solo Travelers
Traveling on your own doesn’t have to mean cutting down on fun things to do. There’s a never-ending list of things to do and explore in San Sebastian, but here, we’re taking a look at the best options for solo travelers. From great hostels to how to enjoy the local food scene, this guide to […]
Our Best Tips for Spending New Year’s in San Sebastian
About to travel to the north of Spain after Christmas? There’s no better plan than celebrating the new year in San Sebastian! Wondering where to eat dinner on New Year’s Eve and where to head on New Year’s Day? Whether your preference is loads of glitter and bubbly, or a cozy dinner with some amazing […]
Spending New Year’s Eve in San Sebastian
Out with the old, in with the new—and there’s no better place to celebrate than San Sebastian! With its glamorous beaches and winding streets filled with bars and restaurants serving the best food in Europe, it’s no wonder why San Sebastian is many travelers’ dream destination. The unique Basque culture combined with the Spanish flair […]
Winter Holidays in San Sebastian: What to Do on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day
This blog post was originally posted on November 21, 2017, and was updated on November 28, 2019. Don’t listen to anyone who tells you that “everything is closed” on major holidays in San Sebastian—it’s still possible to have fun on Christmas and New Year’s Day! Yes, it’s true that major public holidays take on a […]
Where to Eat, What to Do & More in San Sebastian on a Budget
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 exploring San Sebastian on a budget so you can enjoy your trip in this […]
An Anthony Bourdain-Inspired Trip to San Sebastian, in 5 Steps
Even if you can’t claim to consider Juan Mari Arzak a father figure in your own life, you can still explore San Sebastian Anthony Bourdain-style. The late chef, author and travel documentarian visited the Basque Country and San Sebastian many times over the years. A couple of times, he also brought cameras along. In his […]
Where to Eat on Christmas Eve & Christmas Day in San Sebastian
Make your winter holidays unforgettable with these options for delicious Christmas Day and Christmas Eve dinners in San Sebastian. The town slows down during the Christmas holidays when local shops and restaurants close up and donostiarras get ready to spend the holidays with their families. But no worries––there are still plenty of excellent restaurants for […]
Winter Wonderland: Visiting San Sebastian in December
This blog post was originally posted on November 27, 2017, and was updated on November 6, 2019. Basque traditions, familiar holiday celebrations and delicious food converge to create a winter wonderland here in San Sebastian in December. Most people might flock to the city’s sunny shores in the warmer months, but that just means that the […]
A Complete Guide to the Best Christmas Markets in San Sebastian
At Christmas time, San Sebastian turns into a fairytale land full of beautiful lights and magical Christmas markets. If you’re planning a trip to this northern Basque city around Christmastime, you can’t avoid the contagious holiday atmosphere that takes over the town in December. San Sebastian is known for the many local Christmas markets where […]
5 Great Spots to Try Vermouth in San Sebastian
Waking up your appetite like a local with a marianito among friends is a must when in the Basque Country. Trying out this controversial drink may not be the first thing on your to-do list when traveling in Spain. After all, for many of us, the word “vermouth” brings back images of that old Martini […]
Explore Culture in the Kitchen with the Best Cooking Classes in San Sebastian
The best way to immerse yourself in the culture of a new place is to get your hands dirty—and if food is included, that’s even better! In San Sebastian, the gastronomic capital of Spain, we recommend taking a local version of tapas class, a pintxo class. These cooking classes in San Sebastian are a delicious […]
What to Do in San Sebastian in November
This blog post was originally posted on October 2, 2018 and was updated on October 2, 2019. Fall days get chillier and crisper late in the season, but that doesn’t mean you should skip visiting San Sebastian in November! In fact, if you’re looking for a true autumn experience, it’s the best time of year to […]
Txikiteo 101: 5 Steps Until You Master Bar Hopping in San Sebastian
The secret to eating pintxos like a local is to master the txikiteo, a Basque-style food crawl. In San Sebastian you can’t avoid seeing bar counters full of mouthwatering little pintxos, the local version of tapas. But it doesn’t end there. Basque people are also famous for creating a unique way of going out for […]
Our Favorite Things to Do in San Sebastian in October
When you visit San Sebastian in fall, you’ll miss the summer crowds and slip seamlessly into local life. Crisp temperatures ranging from 12–18 degrees C (54–65 degrees F) make autumn feel much more present than in warmer, more southerly parts of Spain. Throw in some spooky festivities, and you’ve got all the makings of fall […]