San Sebastián City Walk, San Sebastián

Enjoy walking through San Sebastián with a private guide, climbing one of the hills, admiring architecture, and trying pintxos.

Show all photos

Overview

Embark on a private city walk through San Sebastián, known for its beautiful European architecture and contemporary art. The excursion begins with a hill climb on Mount Igueldo for picturesque views and historical insights, followed by a descent via a century-old wooden funicular. Next, explore the city's surf scene at the beaches of Sagüés and La Zurriola, admire the architectural richness from Belle Epoch to contemporary structures, and wander through charming streets and parks. The walk culminates in the Old Town, the city's gastronomic hub, where you'll navigate its unique "miniature cuisine" with a rewarding pintxo and glass of wine.

Highlights

Traverse San Sebastián with a private guide, discovering its natural beauty, history, architecture, and art
Ascend Mount Igueldo for panoramic views and to learn about the city's cultural and maritime history
Make your way down the hill via a century-old wooden funicular, taking in the famed Wind Comb sculpture
Explore the beaches of Sagüés and La Zurriola and admire iconic sites such as the Miramar Palace
Visit the city's charming squares and streets and view historic sites, like the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd

Know before you go

Duration
3.5 hours

Recommended for
All ages

Group
Private

Food & Drink
Pintxo and drink at a local eatery

What you'll do

Your adventure begins with a walk up to the top of Mount Igueldo, one of the three hills in San Sebastián. Gaze upon the city and learn how San Sebastián's significant role in Spanish, Basque, and maritime history led to the Bay of Biscay's prominence. Discover the wool trading industry that turned locals into affluent citizens and why the 16th-century ships were considered the Ferraris of their time. Descend Igueldo on a wooden funicular that's over 100 years old, an experience in itself.

Upon reaching the bottom, visit one of San Sebastián's most photographed sculptures, the Peine del Viento by Eduardo Chillida. Crafted from corten steel, it has taken on a beautiful rust color due to the elements and is meant to interact with the winds and the crashing waves of the coast. Then, journey across the city to the other side, where you'll find Sagüés and La Zurriola beaches, the heart of the city's surfing scene. Along the way, marvel at iconic sites such as the Miramar Palace, a testament to the city's 19th-century "Belle Epoch."

As you traverse the city, your guide will highlight diverse architectural styles, from buildings that echo Parisian grandeur to those awarded the Mies van der Rohe Prize for Contemporary Architecture. Witness the Basque rationalism inspired by the Bauhaus and European modernism overlooking the river. Visit the works of Kursaal, whose two buildings mimic rocks by the sea.

The exploration continues as your guide leads you to the city's hidden squares and corners, charming streets, and beloved parks. Other must-see sites include Plaza Easo, Plaza Gipuzkoa, the 19th-century Cathedral of the Good Shepherd, Mercado San Martín, the 16th-century San Bizente Eliza Church, and the 12th-century Motako Gaztelua Castle.

Finally, immerse yourself in the cultural heart of San Sebastián's Old Town. This gastronomic epicenter is home to pintxo bars, private eating clubs, and locals enjoying the timeless txikiteo (bar-hopping). Learn how to order a pintxo, when to pay, and master the art of navigating this local cuisine. The excursion concludes in true Basque style: with a pintxo, a glass of wine, and a toast.

Start times

Daily

10:00 am, 4:00 pm

What's included

Professional guide
Transport
One pintxo
One drink

Like what you see?

Chat with our local specialists and let us help you customize your trip with experiences like this.

Get started

See alternatives

French Basque Coast & Biarritz Day Trip

Small group · 8 hours

Explore the French side of the Basque Country on this guided day trip to three of its historic towns. Start by discovering nautical history, sandy beaches, and ancient churches in Saint-Jean-de-Luz, and then continue up the coast to glitzy Biarritz. Here, you'll explore royal history and Belle Époque architecture, pausing for lunch in a traditional restaurant. End in the Basque capital, Bayonne, where you'll wander medieval cobbled streets and covered markets before returning to San Sebastián.

San Sebastián History & Culture Walk

Small group · 2 hours

Discover the wonders of San Sebastián, the Basque seaside city where Spanish royals once vacationed, on this guided walk. You'll wander the historic streets of the Parte Vieja (Old Town), passing ornate cathedrals and sweeping plazas. Continue to the Parte Nuevo (New Town) next for Belle Époque architecture while your guide details the city's rich history and modern expansion. End your walk at a traditional bar where you'll enjoy a drink and pintxos (small Spanish dishes).

Pintxos With a Chef

Small group · 4 hours

Dive into the culinary heart of the Basque Country on this one-of-a-kind culinary tour led by a professional chef. Everything's included on this four-hour walking tour of San Sebastián's Old Town—the birthplace of pintxos, the Basque version of tapas. Taste your way through the city, stopping at five taverns to sample this famous snack and sip traditional drinks like sidra (cider) and Txakoli wine.

Cantabrian Sea Sunset Cruise

Small group · 2 hours

Embark on a 2-hour Kantauri Route "2 Bays" sailing experience to unwind and take in stunning landscapes at sunset. Sail through the picturesque Bay of Pasaia, featuring a spectacular fjord, and admire the majestic cliffs of Jaizkibel. Enhance your journey with an audio guide sharing the history and anecdotes of the route, culminating in the world-famous Bay of La Concha, glowing in the golden hues of the setting sun.

Hike, Boat & Lunch on the Bay of Pasaia

(1)

Small group · 5 hours

Explore the beauty of San Sebastián's scenic coast and countryside with a hike along the sea cliffs and a cruise around the bay. The city is right on the beach, so you can easily escape the crowds for a bit and enjoy the surrounding nature. Your guide will take you along the Way of Saint James route to discover the beauty of the Bay of Pasaia, ending at a coastal village for a traditional lunch and a boat trip around the area.

Basque Cooking Class

Small group · 2.5 hours

Get a taste of the Basque Country with this hands-on cooking class in San Sebastián. Head to a family-run restaurant in the city's historic center, where you'll be guided by a professional chef who'll teach you about the region's rich food culture. You'll learn to create four signature Basque dishes, including steak with red piquillo peppers and the signature cheesecake. Afterward, enjoy your handmade meal with regional drinks like Basque cider and chilled wine.

Basque Countryside Foodie Day Trip

Private · 5 hours

Visit the idyllic Basque countryside on this local food-themed day trip. Your private driver will take you from San Sebastián south to the Goierri Region, where you'll learn about the area's farmland, slow food movement, and traditional dishes. Visit a farmers' market and then enjoy lunch at a family-owned ranch raising indigenous pigs. On your way back, stop in the town of Tolosa to try the wild game and visit the Chocolate Museum.

Private Coastal Walk Along St. James Way

Private · 4 hours

Hike along one of the most scenic stretches of the famous Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route with a private walking tour. The St. James Way offers an easy section outside San Sebastián, meaning you can partake in a tradition that attracts travelers worldwide. This stretch features impressive views of the rugged Basque coast and charming fishing villages, where you'll stop for a delicious lunch.

The Camino de Santiago (St. James Way) is a world-renowned pilgrimage trail with several routes. The most famous one stretches across Northern Spain's coast and culminates at the shrine of the apostle Saint James the Great in the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. During the Middle Ages, this pilgrimage matched in importance with pilgrimages to Rome and Jerusalem. Today, hundreds of thousands of travelers make their way to the shrine each year. Some still complete the journey for religious purposes, but the trails in Spain have become popular with hikers, too.

With the help of a private guide, you'll make your way to the coast and walk a section of the trail. This stretch is known for its incredible sea views, so enjoy the amazing Basque Coast! You'll make a few stops to learn about the area's history, culture, and religious importance and take photos of the scenery. At the end of the walk, you'll reach the quaint fishing village of Pasajes San Juan, where Victor Hugo, the French author of Les Misérables and The Hunchback of Notre Dame, lived and drew inspiration for his writings.

After strolling through the village, you'll finish the tour at a local eatery known for its regional fare. Try a few traditional Basque dishes, primarily sourced from the sea or countryside, while enjoying the views. After lunch, you'll head back to San Sebastián by bus.

Private Sailing in La Concha Bay

Private · 3 hours

One of the best ways to enjoy San Sebastián and the scenic Basque coastline is with a sailing excursion. You'll get a totally different perspective of the city, its famous bay, beach, and port, all important to the region's history and culture. This cruise includes wildlife sightings, a delicious local lunch, and regional wine, plus a swim in the bay if you wish.

Basque Coastline Foodie Day Trip

Private · 5 hours

Discover the rich flavors of Basque cuisine on this culinary journey through one of Spain's most picturesque coastal regions. Start by visiting the vibrant local markets to learn about the fresh ingredients that make up the area's signature dishes. Continue with visiting a traditional canning factory and learning about fishing methods spanning centuries. Wrap up this gastronomic adventure by tasting local seafood dishes paired with exquisite regional wines in a warm and welcoming traditional Basque tavern.