What to see in San Sebastian in 1 day: a must-see route

San Sebastian is one of those cities that grabs you at first sight. Its combination of beaches, mountains, elegant architecture and a gastronomy that borders on perfection make any visit, however short, an unforgettable experience. If you want to discover what to see in San Sebastian in 1 day, here is an itinerary that will allow you to make the most of its most iconic spots.

Morning: the soul of San Sebastian between the sea and history

1. Breakfast overlooking La Concha Bay

Start the day with a good breakfast in one of the cafés next to La Concha beach. If you want something quick and local, order a coffee with a pintxo on a terrace with a view. You’ll need energy for everything to come.

2. Walk along La Concha Beach and the Town Hall

There’s nothing like a walk along the La Concha promenade to start you falling in love with San Sebastian. Enjoy the scenery and continue on to the City Hall, a historic building that was once a casino.

3. Hiking Mount Urgull and panoramic views

From the City Hall, head up Mount Urgull to discover one of the best views of the city. You can reach the top in about 20 minutes, passing the walls of the old fortress and the Castillo de la Mota. From the top, the panorama of the bay is spectacular.

4. Pintxos in the Old Town

It’s time to try the best of San Sebastian’s gastronomy. The Old Town is full of bars that serve authentic miniature gems: try the baked txangurro (spider crab), gilda or a good tortilla de patatas (potato omelette). Places like Gandarias, La Cuchara de San Telmo or Borda Berri are always safe bets.

Afternoon: culture, surfing and a postcard sunset

5. The Cathedral of the Good Shepherd and the centre of San Sebastian

After lunch, stroll through the city centre until you reach the Buen Pastor Cathedral, the largest church in San Sebastián. From there, stroll along streets such as Avenida de la Libertad and Plaza Gipuzkoa, where you’ll find elegant buildings and local shops.

6. The district of Gros and Zurriola Beach

Crossing the Urumea River, you’ll come to the Gros neighbourhood, the epicentre of surfing in San Sebastian. Zurriola Beach is the perfect place to watch the surfers in action and feel the city’s young, alternative atmosphere.

7. Kursaal and walk along the Urumea river

Next to the Zurriola, you’ll come across the Kursaal Palace, a building of modern architecture that contrasts with the rest of the city. From there, stroll along the Urumea River, crossing one of its bridges until you reach the Victoria Eugenia Theatre and the María Cristina Hotel, two jewels of the most stately San Sebastián.

Sunset and night: farewell in style

8. Sunset on the Peine del Viento (Wind Comb)

No visit to San Sebastian is complete without seeing the sunset at the Peine del Viento, Eduardo Chillida’s famous sculpture. To get there, walk along La Concha Bay to the end of Ondarreta beach. The combination of the sea lapping against the rocks and the sun falling over the horizon is a sight you won’t forget.

9. Dinner in the Romantic Quarter or in the Old Town

To end the day, you can opt for a sophisticated dinner in the romantic neighbourhood, with restaurants offering Basque cuisine with a modern twist. Or, if you prefer something more informal, head back to the Old Town a and enjoy a last round of pintxos with a good txakoli.

Are you still hungry for more?

San Sebastian is a city that deserves much more than a day, but this tour will allow you to see the essentials. If you want to discover more places without wasting time, an electric bike is one of the best options for getting around freely and getting to know even the less touristy places.

If you fancy a different experience, our guided electric bike tours will take you to the most emblematic spots in the city with the comfort of an e-bike and the company of expert local guides. Come and discover San Sebastian on two wheels!