Nestled on the Basque Country’s beautiful shoreline in Spain, San Sebastian is just not solely a foodie haven but in addition completely stunning too! There are such a lot of unbelievable and greatest issues to do in San Sebastian that you simply’ll be spoilt for alternative. Particularly with all of the Pintxos. Yum!
We had a tremendous time exploring the very best places in the Basque Country. After exploring the larger metropolis of Bilbao, we ventured over to San Sebastian; and boy it was wonderful!
So, that will help you organise your journey to Gipuzkoa and particularly San Sebastian, I’m sharing a number of the greatest issues to do in San Sebastian that we completely cherished.
Simply be certain that to reach hungry! You gained’t cease consuming the Pintxos and making an attempt Kalimotxos (crimson wine and coca cola; it’s a factor right here).
1.) Outdated City (Parte Vieja)
Nestled between Alameda del Boulevard and Monte Urgull’s base, San Sebastian’s Outdated City is house to an assortment of beautiful Basque structure, yummy eating places for Pintxos, and loads of little alleys and plazas to discover.
My motto is, eat as you stroll; which works completely within the foodie metropolis of San Sebastian. You may cease at every little pintxos bar and simply have a relaxing day exploring.
To get the very best expertise, book this pintxos and wine tour of San Sebastian. It’s so good and also you’ll be launched to a number of the best pintxos in San Sebastian. We cherished it.
Not solely that, it’s among the finest issues to do in San Sebastian should you’re planning to stroll stroll the town. You see, you’ll be capable to discover cobblestone streets a lot simpler than by automobile (or anything for that matter).
As you wander by means of the Outdated City, you will note a lot to see and do. Make certain to move contained in the Pescaderia or Fish Market, the Plaza de la Constitucion, and the municipal library with its neoclassical structure. The latter is simply beautiful.
Oh, additionally, just some strides away from the Plaza de la Constitucion, you possibly can see the Iglesia de San Vicente, the oldest church in San Sebastian.
Constructed approach again within the 16th century, Iglesia de San Vicente has a shocking Gothic appeal and a meticulously carved retablo that has been there because the late 1500s. It’s nicely value popping inside to see.
Read more: Best places in Spain to visit
2.) Buen Pastor Cathedral
Often called the most important church in all of San Sebastian, Buen Pastor Cathedral is a towering icon and a well-known landmark of the town. Its 75-meter-high tower is simply large!
Constructed out of sandstone from the close by Monte Igueldo, it options Gothic Revival structure designed by Manuel de Echave, a notable Basque architect.
Now, in my view, the inside is somewhat less complicated in comparison with its sister church buildings. That being mentioned, it’s nonetheless among the finest issues to do in San Sebastian for a historic really feel of the town.
Don’t neglect to see the stained-glass home windows, too. Not solely that, the organ housed there is without doubt one of the largest in Europe with 1000’s of whistles.
Read more: Best places in Spain to visit
3.) Isla de Santa Clara
Isla de Santa Clara is only a tiny dot off the coast of San Sebastian however it’s the excellent getaway should you’re on the lookout for a peaceable little go to.
To get right here with ease, book this San Sebastian boat tour that can take you proper to Santa Clara. It’s so particular and a good way to discover the island. Simply be certain that to book these tickets in advance; the boats can replenish within the peak months.
As soon as right here, you’ll get to see how beautiful Isla de Santa Clara is; and why it’s been categorised as a website of Historic Nationwide Curiosity Website.
There are hidden swimming pools that can cool you on a heat summer season day, whereas the string of picnic areas, eating places, and cafes provide a pleasant escape from the busier elements of the town.
You may also take a brief scenic stroll to the island’s lighthouse. It’s among the finest issues to do in San Sebastion on a heat summer season’s day.
It’s a spot you possibly can’t miss if you journey to San Sebastian.
Read more: Best places to visit in Northern Spain
4.) La Concha Seaside
thought-about the Summer season Capital of Europe by Queen Regent Maria Cristina, La Concha Seaside is regarded all through the land as one of many continent’s most breathtaking shorelines.
Aptly named after its shell-shaped bay, La Concha Seaside is flocked by vacationers and locals alike.
Nestled between Mount Igueldo and Mount Urgull, La Concha Seaside is well-protected from the cruel waves and currents of the Atlantic Ocean.
It makes it the proper place to relax in the summertime. You see, there’s a lot to do, from; kayaking, swimming, and stopping by the close by cafes.
Afterwards, you can too stroll alongside the promenade for a stunning day of sightseeing. For me, it’s greatest at sundown.
Read more: Best places to visit in Northern Spain
5.) Plaza de la Constitución
Plaza de la Constitucion, located within the Outdated City, is without doubt one of the liveliest elements of San Sebastian and an amazing spot to go to from 5pm onwards.
Often called the guts of the town, it’s the place a lot of the metropolis’s occasions, holidays, and feast days are held all yr spherical.
One of the crucial well-liked happenings within the Plaza is the flag-raising ceremony each 21st of January and drawing a flock of locals and guests alike.
That being mentioned, Plaza de la Constitucion attracts crowds no matter timings. It’s crammed with bars serving pintxos and a number of the tastiest Basque wines.
It has been on the coronary heart of San Sebastian because the 1800s and is a spot you must undoubtedly arrive hungry and thirsty.
Read more: Best places to visit in Northern Spain
6.) Museo de San Telmo
Situated on the base of Monte Urgull, Museo de San Telmo is Basque Nation’s oldest museum and in addition one of many bigger museums within the space.
It’s among the finest issues to do in San Sebastian that’s completely devoted to the historical past of the Basque Nation, and nicely value a go to.
You see, Museo de San Telmo was initially a Sixteenth-century Dominican convent however with a current addition of a brand new constructing.
Inside, there are nicely over 20,000 artefacts housed inside. It’s so value a go to.
Read more: Best things to do in Bilbao
7.) Miramar Royal Palace
That includes English Tudor-style structure, Miramar Royal Palace was constructed by famend English architect Selden Wornum.
Over time, the Miramar Royal Palace has been the summer season residence of many Spanish Royal Households and have become a agency favorite to go to.
Now, the palace itself doesn’t present guided excursions and isn’t open to the general public. Nonetheless, you possibly can nonetheless stroll alongside its well-manicured gardens and have a picnic in a tranquil spot.
Afterwards, be certain that to pop again into the historic centre of San Sebastion and seize a well-earned glass of wine and pintxos.
It’s the easiest way to finish a day in San Sebastian.
Read more: Best places to visit in Northern Spain
8.) Monte Urgull
Over time Monte Urgull has served to be a everlasting backdrop of San Sebastian’s skyline. Actually, I’d go so far as saying that it defines the panorama of the town.
If you go to, you possibly can hike to the highest in direction of the Twelfth-century Mota Fortress. It’s a quaint historical past museum, with a 39-foot tall statue of the Sacred Coronary heart constructed within the Nineteen Fifties. Nicely value seeing.
To get there, chances are you’ll begin from the Outdated City and select both the Plaza de Zutoaga or the aquarium as a place to begin. It may be a leisurely stroll as much as the highest, with most elements of the pathway shaded and nicely sorted.
Except for the constructions sitting atop Monte Urgull, the Polbariña is a homely cafe close to the Mota Fortress which has some tasty ice lotions, too.
Read more: Best things to do in Bilbao
9.) Ondarreta Seaside (Playa de Ondarreta)
Only a stone’s throw away from the Miramar Royal Palace, visiting Ondarreta Seaside is without doubt one of the greatest issues to do in San Sebastian for a pleasant chilled day.
Better of all, it’s excellent to relax on the sand throughout the summer season season.
With Monte Igueldo bordering the shore, Ondarreta Seaside has a completely spectacular vista that you could’t miss. Reality be instructed, even in winter, this seashore is ideal for somewhat stroll.
Oh, and don’t neglect about stopping by Zurriola Seaside, too. It’s an amazing place to relax out on the shoreline.
Read more: Best things to do in Bilbao
10.) Basilica de Santa Maria del Coro
Situated on the coronary heart of the Outdated City, Basilica de Santa Maria del Coro is a splendid church with an 18th-century Baroque architectural fashion. It jogged my memory a lot of the church buildings in Sicily, particularly in Noto. They’re beautiful.
Honesty, its exterior has probably the most epic Churrigueresco facade. Plus, when you head inside you will note the massive Gothic vaults that make this church so particular.
Read more: Best things to do in Bilbao
11.) Monte Igueldo
Situated west of San Sebastian, Monte Igueldo is a must-visit pure attraction you possibly can’t miss within the metropolis.
Now, it’s well-known for lots of issues, however the classic funicular is a complete gem. You see, the funicular, inbuilt 1912 and working since then, is probably the most thrilling option to get to the highest of Monte Igueldo.
As you journey the funicular, you’ll have a shocking 360-degree vista of your entire San Sebastian and the coastlines throughout the Basque Nation.
Better of all, you will see an old school amusement park proper on the tip. There are rides that you could attempt, resembling carousels and a wood curler coaster that’s so kitsch.
Not solely that, you can too go to the El Torreon Tower close to the park and keep on the well-known Lodge Mercure San Sebastian Monte Igueldo. We cherished it.
Read more: Best places in Spain to visit
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