The atmosphere here feels intimately human, where locals chat freely on pebble beaches and the scent of grilled pintxos mingles with salty sea air, creating a warmth that invites lingering rather than rushing. Today, it remains a sophisticated yet relaxed coastal hub, perfect for travelers seeking world-class cuisine without the overwhelming crowds of larger Spanish metros.
Do San Sebastián the way locals do: start slow at Alderdi Eder Parkea, eat where the regulars do at La Cuchara de San Telmo, let the evening run long at Atari Gastrolekua.
Top things to do in San Sebastián Ranked by rating and review volume. These earn their hype. Booking links may earn Roam a commission, at no cost to you.
1
Haizearen Orrazia
Sculpture · ★ 4.7 (14,906 reviews)
Tourist attraction known for contemporary sculpture made of iron contrasting landscape & sea.
Check tours & tickets 2
Alderdi Eder Parkea
Park · ★ 4.6 (17,645 reviews)
Vibrant palm & tamarind tree–filled park by the beach, with colorful gardens & a merry-go-round.
Check tours & tickets 3
Miramar Jauregia
Convention Center · ★ 4.6 (10,879 reviews)
This stately 1893 palace, once the summer home of the Queen of Spain, now hosts university courses.
Check tours & tickets 4
Aquarium San Sebastián
Aquarium · ★ 4.4 (15,742 reviews)
Seaside aquarium with fish from the region as well as exhibits on local fishing & naval history.
Check tours & tickets 5
Funicular Monte Igueldo
tourist_attraction, park · ★ 4.4 (14,945 reviews)
This vintage railway with wooden wagons ascends a scenic mountain to a historical amusement park.
Check tours & tickets 6
Cathedral Buen Pastor de San Sebastián
Church · ★ 4.5 (7,553 reviews)
Landmark late-1800s cathedral with ornate Gothic-Revival architecture & a 75-m. central spire.
Check tours & tickets 9
Chillida-Leku
Museum · ★ 4.7 (3,059 reviews)
Open-air works by Basque Country sculptor Eduardo Chillida, a restored farmhouse & an organic cafe.
Check tours & tickets 10
Parque de Atracciones Monte Igueldo
Amusement Park · ★ 4.1 (9,538 reviews)
Mountainside amusement park with kid-friendly attractions, such as bumper cars & bird exhibits.
Check tours & tickets
Where to eat Local favorites, not tourist traps.
11
La Cuchara de San Telmo
Basque Restaurant · ★ 4.6 (6,088 reviews)
12
Gandarias
Basque Restaurant · ★ 4.3 (10,621 reviews)
Seafood, steak & small bites in a homey restaurant with cookware & ham hocks hanging from the walls.
Website 13
El KBZÓN jatetxea
Bar & Grill · ★ 4.8 (3,698 reviews)
Website 14
Atari Gastrolekua
Bar · ★ 4.5 (6,364 reviews)
Traditional Basque pintxos & wines in a relaxed venue with tables overlooking an iconic church.
Website 15
KBZÓN TXIKI
Bar · ★ 4.9 (2,705 reviews)
Website 16
Juantxo Taberna
Bar · ★ 4.4 (6,485 reviews)
Narrow counter-service cafe offering sandwiches, sharing plates & traditional potato omelets.
Website 17
Bar Txepetxa
Bar · ★ 4.7 (3,656 reviews)
Long-standing tavern showcasing anchovy snacks & sandwiches in a convivial atmosphere.
Website 18
Bodega Donostiarra Gros
Bar · ★ 4.4 (6,210 reviews)
Traditional Basque pintxos, sandwiches, brochettes & rice dishes, in a simple rustic setting.
Website
Hungry for more? Book a food tour or tasting in San Sebastián
Tours worth booking ahead These sell out, so lock them in early.
23
San Sebastian Adventures - Donostia Tours & Activities
Tour Agency · ★ 4.9 (273 reviews)
Check tours & tickets
Get outside 25
Alderdi Eder Parkea
Park · ★ 4.6 (17,645 reviews)
Vibrant palm & tamarind tree–filled park by the beach, with colorful gardens & a merry-go-round.
Website 26
Mount Igueldo Viewpoint
Scenic Spot · ★ 4.6 (4,603 reviews)
Website 27
Parque de Atracciones Monte Igueldo
Amusement Park · ★ 4.1 (9,538 reviews)
Mountainside amusement park with kid-friendly attractions, such as bumper cars & bird exhibits.
Website 28
Listorreta Parkea
Park · ★ 4.5 (936 reviews)
29
Parque de Arrobitxulo
Park · ★ 4.4 (588 reviews)
After dark 30
Atari Gastrolekua
Bar · ★ 4.5 (6,364 reviews)
Traditional Basque pintxos & wines in a relaxed venue with tables overlooking an iconic church.
Website 31
Geralds Bar
Bar & Grill · ★ 4.6 (1,302 reviews)
Inventive Spanish & Italian cuisine & local beer in a cozy, wood-lined tavern with sidewalk tables.
Website 32
La Gintonería Donostiarra
Cocktail Bar · ★ 4.4 (1,626 reviews)
Boutique bar where mixologists craft elaborate gin & tonics with botanical infusions & dry ice.
33
Arraun
Cocktail Bar · ★ 4.8 (863 reviews)
Everything above is live data. Real ratings, opening hours, and photos, not AI guesswork. The planner turns it into your day, hour by hour.
The whole guide on one map
Every numbered pick above, pinned. Tap to pan, zoom, and plot your day.
Sights Food Tours Outdoors After dark
Explore this map
Tips from travelers No tips yet. Been to San Sebastián? Yours goes first.
Roam planner
Turn this into your personalized San Sebastián itinerary
Build my San Sebastián day
More guides