Find out what to do in San Sebastián, Spain, with sightseeing tips, events happening in the city and information about what to visit. San Sebastián, also called Donostia, is a city in northern Spain, in the Basque Country. It is a very beautiful place, with a beach and other attractions that make the city one of the most touristic parts of the north of the country. Check out what to do in San Sebastian:
1. Tour of the Center of San Sebastián
The historic center or old part of the city is where there is more tourism, restaurants and typical places in San Sebastián. The region is marked by very narrow streets full of charm. In the center is also the San Telmo Museum, with archaeological and ethnographic collections, and the Plaza de la Constitución. In the restaurants, you will see many “pintxos”, the typical tapas of the Basque Country. It’s really worth a try!
2. Jazz Festival in San Sebastian
Every year, San Sebastián celebrates the Jazz Festival, which normally takes place in July. This is an event open to the entire public and, without a doubt, one of the most important in this destination. The festival takes place over six days of great music, in addition to more than 60 performances in different parts of the city, with always incredible scenarios.
3. San Sebastian International Film Festival
Annually, the International Film Festival also takes place in the city. It always happens in September, which is one of the times with more tourism in the city. The first edition of the festival was in 1953 and since then the city has always celebrated it. It is one of the most important and prestigious film festivals in the world.
4. Mercado de la Brexta in San Sebastián
This is a very traditional market in San Sebastián, which is modernized every year and where there are several stalls selling food and other items. There you will find two buildings dedicated to this market, which are divided into by-products: fish, fruits, vegetables, among others. For tourists and food lovers, it is well worth the visit!
5. Cathedral of San Sebastian
The Cathedral of San Sebastián, also known as the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd, was inaugurated in 1897. Without a doubt, this is the most important religious building in the city. The biggest highlight of this monument is due to its height, being also the largest in the region of Guipúzcoa.
6. San Sebastián Beaches
Among the city’s beaches, two very beautiful and famous stand out: Playa de La Concha and Playa de la Zurriola. The first is one of the city’s postcards, with a large boardwalk that runs along the entire length of the beach.
Playa de la Zurriola is perfect for surfers, as its waves are good all year round. The beach attracts a lot of young people and surfers from all over the world.
7. Peine del Viento in San Sebastián
This is one of the most famous landscapes in San Sebastián, a sculpture by artist Eduardo Chillida, who was from the Basque Country, but who has since passed away. The sculpture is made up of three steel parts, which intertwine and are embedded in the rock. The work is called “Pente de Vento”, because when the sea is rough, the shape of a comb is very visible.