Nestled on the Basque Nation’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 unimaginable and finest issues to do in San Sebastian that you just’ll be spoilt for alternative. Particularly with all of the Pintxos. Yum!
We had a tremendous time exploring one of the best locations within the Basque Nation. After exploring the larger metropolis of Bilbao, we ventured over to San Sebastian; and boy it was wonderful!
So, that can assist you organise your journey to Gipuzkoa and particularly San Sebastian, I’m sharing a few of the finest issues to do in San Sebastian that we completely beloved.
Simply ensure that to reach hungry! You gained’t cease consuming the Pintxos and making an attempt Kalimotxos (pink wine and coca cola; it’s a factor right here).
1.) Previous City (Parte Vieja)
Nestled between Alameda del Boulevard and Monte Urgull’s base, San Sebastian’s Previous City is residence 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 possibly can cease at every little pintxos bar and simply have a calming day exploring.
To get one of the best expertise, e-book this pintxos and wine tour of San Sebastian. It’s so good and also you’ll be launched to a few of the finest pintxos in San Sebastian. We beloved it.
Not solely that, it’s among the best issues to do in San Sebastian in the event you’re planning to stroll stroll town. You see, you’ll be capable to discover cobblestone streets a lot simpler than by automotive (or anything for that matter).
As you wander via the Previous City, you will note a lot to see and do. Be sure that 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, only a few strides away from the Plaza de la Constitucion, you possibly can see the Iglesia de San Vicente, the oldest church in San Sebastian.
Constructed means again within the 16th century, Iglesia de San Vicente has a surprising Gothic appeal and a meticulously carved retablo that has been there for the reason that late 1500s. It’s effectively value popping inside to see.
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2.) Buen Pastor Cathedral
Referred to as the most important church in all of San Sebastian, Buen Pastor Cathedral is a towering icon and a well-known landmark of town. Its 75-meter-high tower is simply enormous!
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 a bit of less complicated in comparison with its sister church buildings. That being stated, it’s nonetheless among the best issues to do in San Sebastian for a historic really feel of town.
Don’t overlook to see the stained-glass home windows, too. Not solely that, the organ housed there is likely one of the largest in Europe with hundreds of whistles.
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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 in the event you’re on the lookout for a peaceable little go to.
To get right here with ease, e-book this San Sebastian boat tour that may take you proper to Santa Clara. It’s so particular and a good way to discover the island. Simply ensure that to e-book these tickets upfront; 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 may cool you on a heat summer season day, whereas the string of picnic areas, eating places, and cafes supply a pleasant escape from the busier components of town.
You can even take a brief scenic stroll to the island’s lighthouse. It’s among the best issues to do in San Sebastion on a heat summer season’s day.
It’s a spot you possibly can’t miss once you journey to San Sebastian.
Learn extra: Finest locations to go to 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 tough 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 may also stroll alongside the promenade for a beautiful day of sightseeing. For me, it’s finest at sundown.
Learn extra: Finest locations to go to in Northern Spain
5.) Plaza de la Constitución
Plaza de la Constitucion, located within the Previous City, is likely one of the liveliest components of San Sebastian and an amazing spot to go to from 5pm onwards.
Referred to as the center of town, it’s the place a lot of the metropolis’s occasions, holidays, and feast days are held all yr spherical.
One of the vital 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 stated, Plaza de la Constitucion attracts crowds no matter timings. It’s crammed with bars serving pintxos and a few of the tastiest Basque wines.
It has been on the coronary heart of San Sebastian for the reason that 1800s and is a spot it’s best to positively arrive hungry and thirsty.
Learn extra: Finest locations to go to 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 likewise one of many bigger museums within the space.
It’s among the best issues to do in San Sebastian that’s completely devoted to the historical past of the Basque Nation, and effectively 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 effectively over 20,000 artefacts housed inside. It’s so value a go to.
Learn extra: Finest issues 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.
Through the years, 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. Nevertheless, you possibly can nonetheless stroll alongside its well-manicured gardens and have a picnic in a tranquil spot.
Afterwards, ensure 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.
Learn extra: Finest locations to go to in Northern Spain
8.) Monte Urgull
Through the years Monte Urgull has served to be a everlasting backdrop of San Sebastian’s skyline. The truth is, I’d go so far as saying that it defines the panorama of town.
While you go to, you possibly can hike to the highest in the direction of the Twelfth-century Mota Citadel. It’s a quaint historical past museum, with a 39-foot tall statue of the Sacred Coronary heart constructed within the Fifties. Properly value seeing.
To get there, chances are you’ll begin from the Previous 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 components of the pathway shaded and effectively sorted.
Other than the buildings sitting atop Monte Urgull, the Polbariña is a homely cafe close to the Mota Citadel which has some tasty ice lotions, too.
Learn extra: Finest issues 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 likely one of the finest issues to do in San Sebastian for a pleasant chilled day.
Better of all, it’s excellent to relax on the sand through the summer season season.
With Monte Igueldo bordering the shore, Ondarreta Seaside has a completely spectacular vista which you could’t miss. Reality be informed, even in winter, this seaside is ideal for a bit of stroll.
Oh, and don’t overlook about stopping by Zurriola Seaside, too. It’s an amazing place to relax out on the shoreline.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Bilbao
10.) Basilica de Santa Maria del Coro
Situated on the coronary heart of the Previous City, Basilica de Santa Maria del Coro is a splendid church with an 18th-century Baroque architectural model. 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.
Learn extra: Finest issues 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 strategy to get to the highest of Monte Igueldo.
As you experience the funicular, you’ll have a surprising 360-degree vista of the whole San Sebastian and the coastlines throughout the Basque Nation.
Better of all, you’ll find an old school amusement park proper on the tip. There are rides which you could attempt, comparable to carousels and a picket curler coaster that’s so kitsch.
Not solely that, you may also go to the El Torreon Tower close to the park and keep on the well-known Resort Mercure San Sebastian Monte Igueldo. We beloved it.
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