{"id":16271,"date":"2018-03-12T14:58:11","date_gmt":"2018-03-12T14:58:11","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/devoursansebastianfoodtours.com\/?p=912"},"modified":"2023-02-27T17:18:10","modified_gmt":"2023-02-27T17:18:10","slug":"7-days-in-san-sebastian","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/devourtours.com\/blog\/7-days-in-san-sebastian\/","title":{"rendered":"Make the Most of Your Week: 7 Days in San Sebastian"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Beautiful, sophisticated San Sebastian is the perfect place to escape for a week.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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 Sebastian, from tourist must-sees<\/a> to hidden gems that are off the beaten path.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Day 1: Monte Igueldo, Peine del Viento, food tour<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Don’t jump into sightseeing right away\u2014start your 7 days in San Sebastian 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!).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once you’re there, spend some time visiting the attractions atop the mountain! The amusement park<\/a> 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<\/a> <\/em>and climb the centuries-old lighthouse tower<\/a> in the center of the park.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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You can’t beat the views from Monte Igueldo!<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finally, head into town to end the first of your 7 days in San Sebastian with a fascinating food tour! Our Ultimate Pintxos & Wine Tour<\/a> 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<\/a> during the rest of your stay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A Devour San Sebastian experience will show you the city through the eyes of a local. Photo credit: Shane Fallon<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Day 2: San Telmo Museum, Monte Urgull & Old Town<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Start the second of your 7 days in San Sebastian with a visit to one of its many fascinating museums<\/a>. Out of all of these great museums, the San Telmo Museum<\/a> (Plaza Zuloaga, 1<\/em>) 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A trip to San Sebastian would be incomplete without visiting the San Telmo Museum.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

From the museum, you’re at the perfect point to begin a hike up the second of San Sebastian’s famous mountains, Monte Urgull<\/a>. 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<\/a>, an offshoot of the San Telmo Museum located in historic Mota Castle<\/a> atop the hill. The castle itself is a military fortress dating back to the 12th century, whose walls hold centuries of fascinating history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Take the path along the western side of the mountain to come back down. You’ll find yourself in the Old Town<\/a>, San Sebastian’s most popular neighborhood among locals and visitors alike. Take some time to wander the streets and check out some of this vibrant barrio<\/em>‘s must-see sights. From the stately city hall building (Ijentea Kalea, 1<\/em>)\u2014once a casino!\u2014along the waterfront to the peaceful greenery of Plaza Gipuzkoa<\/a>, it’s the perfect place to simply get lost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The streets of the Old Town are made for wandering.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Day 3: La Concha Beach, Aquarium & pintxos crawl<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Start the third of your 7 days in San Sebastian with a trip to the beach! This isn’t just any <\/em>city beach, however. La Concha Beach<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The beautiful promenade along Playa de la Concha adds a touch of elegance.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

After the beach, continue your exploration of San Sebastian’s sea life with a visit to the city’s famous Aquarium<\/a> (Plaza de Carlos Blasco Imaz, 1<\/em>). 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To finish the third of your 7 days in San Sebastian, use the knowledge from your food tour to take a self-guided pintxos crawl through the Old Town<\/a>! As San Sebastian’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!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Eat like a local as you make your way through the pintxos bars of the Old Town.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Day 4: Day trip<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Now that your 7 days in San Sebastian 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 Sebastian, making for a perfect day trip. Here are some of our top picks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n