Of all the things to do in San Sebastián, these are a must-do

To really get to know the city, head to where the land ends and the Bay of Biscay begins. Here you will discover three colossal steel sculptures that punctuate the rock face at the foot of Monte Igueldo. Known as El Peine del Viento, The Comb of the Wind, they are the best-known works of Donostia-born and bred artist Eduardo Chillida. Each sculpture, made from weathered Corten steel and fixed to the stone, channels the wild Atlantic wind. They don’t just withstand the elements; they reflect the powerful energy of the Atlantic.
It is best to view these sculptures in the morning when the light is soft and the waves are gentle. Yet, if you brave the weather on a stormy afternoon, stand on the rose granite plaza designed by architect Luis Peña Ganchegui and feel the wind become music as it rushes through subterranean blowholes. Chillida insisted the place created the piece, not him. And standing here, you’ll understand exactly what he meant. The sensation you feel in this setting is something no San Sebastián travel guide can fully put into words, it is best to experience it for yourself.

San Sebastián is not just home to one masterpiece; it is, in a sense, an open-air Chillida museum. If you want to explore all the things to do in San Sebastián, take a walking route that begins just east of El Peine del Viento, offering a glimpse at just how important Chillida’s influence has been on the city. At Paseo de La Concha, stop at the granite sculpture Homenaje a Fleming. Set high above the sand with views to Santa Clara Island, this abstract tribute to the discoverer of penicillin has become a must-see landmark.

Continue to El Pico del Loro, the rocky divide between La Concha and Ondarreta beaches. There, Abrazo, Chillida’s tender 'hug' in stone, sits tucked into the cliffs, a tribute to fellow Basque artist Rafael Ruiz Balerdi, and a gentle reminder of the creative camaraderie embedded in San Sebastián’s DNA. Tracing the steps of this great artist is one of the must-do things in San Sebastián. 

No San Sebastián tourist guide would be complete without mentioning the city’s boisterous heart, its Old Town. A maze of narrow stone lanes, this neighbourhood buzzes with the sizzle of grilled seafood and the clink of txakoli glasses. Pintxo bars, Basque tapas bars, spill onto pavements. Church bells echo across sandstone facades. It’s timeless, yet a distinctly perfect spot for your city break. The Plaza de la Constitución, once a bullring, is now an open-air event space, flanked by uniform, numbered balconies (a nod to its arena days) - if you are lucky, you may catch a concert here during your San Sebastián holidays. 

Diving deeper into the Old Town, you will stumble across the Iglesia de San Vicente, the oldest church in the city, as well as the Gothic-Renaissance beauty of the Basilica of Santa María del Coro, nestled at the base of Monte Urgull. As the sun sets, do as locals do and sample the art of ir de pintxos, bar-hopping, in search of tasty bite-sized snacks to enjoy with a glass of local txakoli wine.

While the winding city streets provide endless opportunities to discover fun things to do in San Sebastián, sometimes a fresh perspective is needed. The beauty of the city is that it is surrounded by lush, cinematic hills, both of which are worth the climb (or ride). If you are looking for Instagrammable views, head skyward. From the summit of Monte Urgull, reached by a leafy hillside path behind the Old Town, the city unfolds beneath you. Soak up the picturesque view of the beaches, rooftops, and the curve of La Concha Bay all in perfect harmony. Across the water, take the vintage funicular up Monte Igueldo for a nostalgic escape. Here you will be greeted with sweeping views, an old-fashioned amusement park, and a golden-hour panorama. If you are searching for outdoor activities in San Sebastián, add these two landmarks to your list.

San Sebastián isn't just a city by the sea, it is a city shaped by it. If you are looking for a gentle stroll along the coastline or a big swell ideal for surfing, the city’s three beaches curve along its coast like brushstrokes, providing something for everyone. Perhaps the most famous of the three is La Concha. Beach lovers can find an elegant promenade, striped parasols and picture postcard perfection. While away a lazy afternoon or rent a paddleboard and head to Santa Clara Island for the ultimate relaxing beach escape.

Just west of La Concha, you will find Ondarreta, the popular sunbathing spot amongst locals. This stretch of sand feels more intimate and residential. Try your hand at beach volleyball or stroll to the El Peine del Viento sculpture - one of the unmissable things to do in San Sebastián. Yet, surfers prefer Zurriola, just across the river, in Gros. Here, the water is wilder and the vibe here is more youthful. Enjoy watching the waves roll in at golden hour, beer in hand and savour the relaxed Basque way of life.

If you want to include some culture in your beach day, set above the curve of the bay between La Concha and Ondarreta, Miramar Palace offers views fit for a royal. Once a summer retreat for Spanish monarchs, today its manicured gardens are open to the public and are an unmissable stop on your San Sebastián sightseeing tour. This is a peaceful spot to enjoy sweeping sea views and take a welcome pause from city life. From here, just a short stroll inland, the Romantic Centre of San Sebastián showcases the city’s belle époque charm with its 19th-century architecture. These grand facades are now home to independent shops and stylish cafés, which can all be enjoyed as you admire the tree-lined boulevards.

While the flashy museums of Bilbao may overlook the things to do in San Sebastián, you still cannot miss out on exploring the city’s museums during your stay. At the foot of Monte Urgull, the San Telmo Museum is a must-visit. Here you can explore the story of Basque identity through art, photography and immersive exhibits while admiring the contrast between the 16th-century cloisters and sleek contemporary design. 

Nearby, the Tabakalera, a former tobacco factory turned international centre for contemporary culture, is one of the best places in San Sebastián for exhibitions, film screenings and creative projects. For film lovers, there’s no better time to visit than September, when the San Sebastián International Film Festival brings the city alive with red carpets, premieres and a global spotlight at the striking Kursaal Centre, just steps from Zurriola Beach. 

If you happen to have some spare time in between exploring all the things to do in San Sebastián, be sure to visit the picture-postcard fishing village of Getaria, just a 30-minute drive from the city. This sleepy spot also happens to be the birthplace of fashion designer Balenciaga and today, there is a museum in his honour. For an authentic plan, pair a visit to the Balenciaga Museum with grilled turbot at a harbourfront asador and a glass of crisp txakoli, to feel like a local. As you head back to the city, why not stop off at Chillida Leku, another top place to visit near San Sebastián? Here, in a serene sculpture garden nestled among oaks and meadows, admire Chillida’s large-scale works, which inspire a moment of quiet reflection amongst nature.