Introduction
San Sebastián, or Donostia to the locals, is a city that wins anyone over. With a stunning bay, world-renowned food culture and natural elegance, it’s the ideal destination for a 3-day getaway. We’ve put together an itinerary to help you explore the best the city has to offer, without rushing and with time for everything.
Day 1: The heart of the city and its views
Start the day by climbing Monte Urgull for a panoramic view over the city’s three beaches. You can explore the remains of the wall, the cannons and visit La Mota Castle. On the way down, lose yourself in the streets of the Parte Vieja (the old town), the heart of San Sebastián. Make sure to try the famous pintxos, small culinary delights that are a real institution in the city. Don’t miss La Bretxa Market and Plaza de la Constitución.
In the afternoon, a stroll through the city’s “romantic” area takes you to the iconic La Concha Beach. End the day with a quiet dinner at one of the many restaurants with a terrace and sea view.
Day 2: The coast and the art
The second day is dedicated to exploring the coast. Take the centuries-old funicular up to Monte Igeldo for another incredible perspective of the bay. Down below, visit “Peine del Viento”, an impressive sculpture by Eduardo Chillida. Carry on through the gardens of the Miramar Palace, the former summer residence of the Spanish royal family.
For lunch, the Antiguo neighbourhood offers an excellent selection of pintxos bars. In the afternoon, a walk along the La Concha promenade takes you to the Aquarium. Continue along the coast, past Oteiza’s “La Construcción Vacía” sculpture, until you reach the Gros district and Zurriola Beach, the surfers’ favourite. The sunset seen from the Sagües wall is a spectacle not to miss.
Day 3: Architecture and culture
On the last day, explore the city’s architecture. Follow the course of the Urumea River and admire its bridges. From the Zurriola Bridge, you can see the modern Kursaal Conference Hall, the Victoria Eugenia Theatre and the luxurious María Cristina Hotel. Cross over to the Gros district and visit Tabakalera, a former tobacco factory turned contemporary culture centre.
After lunch, visit the imposing Cathedral of the Good Shepherd and take the chance to do some shopping in the romantic area. The San Martín Market is a great place to feel the city’s pulse. End your trip with one last walk through the Parte Vieja, saying goodbye to the unique flavours and atmosphere of San Sebastián.
What you should know before you go
- Best time to visit: Spring and summer are the most popular times, with mild temperatures and many events. That said, autumn also offers a special light and fewer crowds.
- Getting around: San Sebastián is a very easy city to explore on foot. For longer distances, there’s a good bus network.
- Pintxos: The tradition is to go from bar to bar, trying one or two pintxos at each, paired with a glass of wine (txakoli) or beer (zurito).
Where Multipark fits in
We know that planning a trip can be tricky, especially when it comes to parking. With Multipark, you can book your parking space in advance and make sure your car is safe while you explore San Sebastián. That way, you have more time for what really matters: enjoying your trip.
Conclusion
San Sebastián is a city that offers a bit of everything: stunning beaches, exceptional food, culture and a relaxing atmosphere. This 3-day itinerary is just a starting point. Let yourself be carried by the city’s rhythm and discover your own favourite corners. Safe travels!
