San Sebastian
Picolo helps you discover the best destinations and experiences in San Sebastian and the rest of the world.
La Concha-bukten i San Sebastián, Spania
There's something about San Sebastián that stays with you. Not just the flavours, although they are impossible to forget, but the whole place. The crescent-shaped La Concha beach with calm waters and golden sand. The narrow streets of the old town where jamón hams hang from the ceilings and the smell of good food seeps from the bars. And the sounds: the humming of conversations, the familiar clinking of glasses, and the constant sound of someone ordering another round.
San Sebastián, or Donostia as the city is called in Basque, is small enough to feel intimate, yet rich enough to keep you busy for days. With around 200,000 inhabitants, it has one of Europe's densest concentrations of MICHELIN stars per capita; nowhere else in the world has as much incredible food per square kilometre. Nowehere.
Classic Basque pintxos with olives, marinated peppers and anchovies on wooden toothpicks, served with beer in San Sebastián.
To say that San Sebastián is a culinary city is like saying that Paris is quaint. Although that's true, it doesn't capture the breadth of the place. The city is a gastronomic phenomenon, and it is felt on the street as much as in the finest restaurants in the city.
Pintxos are at the heart of it all. These delights on a stick are served in bars all over the old town, and there alone you will find over 200 places from which to choose. The idea is simple: you go from bar to bar, pick up one or two pintxos at each place and take a sip of Txakoli, the local and light sparkling white wine. No reservation, no plans. Just food and flow. We have put together a guide tol the very best pintxos bars in San Sebastián. If you want to make your own food, then a cooking course in San Sebastián is one of the best ways to experience the culinary powerhouse and make sure you bring some of its flavours home with you.
Cooking Classes in San Sebastián: The Best Way to Learn About Spanish Culinary Culture
Throughout the course, there is plenty of laughter among both instructor and participants.
More than pintxos: A city full of MICHELIN stars
San Sebastián is also the place for those who dream of world-class fine dining. The city is known for restaurants such as Arzak and Akelarre in the town itself, as well as Mugaritz 20 minutes outside it, all of which have MICHELIN stars and waiting lists stretching months into the future. Here, it is not just about food, but about experiences that last a long time.
One of the most exciting chefs in the city at the moment is Argentinian Paulo Airaudo, who runs the restaurant Amelia, named after his daughter. With two MICHELIN stars in the bag he is now chasing a third, and his food bears the mark of a chef with something to prove. Not sure which restaurants to prioritise? We have collected a list of restaurants you need to experience in San Sebastián, and an article where a MICHELIN-starred chef in San Sebastián shares his favourite restaurants with us.
How to reach San Sebastian
The easiest way to get to San Sebastián for most Europeans is to fly to Bilbao. From there, it is a 40 to 50-minute drive by taxi or direct bus to the city centre. If you have the time, it's well worth spending 24 hours in Bilbao on the way and visiting the Guggenheim museum and the lively pintxos scene in the old town.
If you want to save money, the bus is a good and affordable alternative. If you're wondering what to see while you're there, we've put together a suggestion for what you should do during 48 hours in San Sebastián.
San Sebastián itself is a city you experience best on foot. Everything is within walking distance, and the city has in recent years made good arrangements for cycling if you want to cover a little more ground.
When should you go?
The summer months are beautiful and full of tourists. If you want to experience city life in more of a local Basque way, May, June and September are ideal months. The temperature is pleasant, the terraces are open and it is easier to find a table in the best restaurants.
View of the seafront and La Concha beach in San Sebastián.
Don't miss the beach
La Concha is one of Europe's most beautiful urban beaches, and that's no exaggeration. The crescent-shaped bay with its calm, turquoise water is a perfect opening to the day, whether you're looking for an early morning dip or just want to sip a coffee and people-watch. Surfing enthusiasts prefer to head to Zurriola beach in the Gros neighbourhood, which is known for better waves and a more casual vibe.
Surfers at Zurriola beach in San Sebastián.
Where to stay in San Sebastián
The city has is accommodation in every price range. If you want to stay centrally and in style, the venerable Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra, over 150 years old, is a classic choice with a direct view of La Concha beach. We have collected the best options in our hotel guide to San Sebastián. And if you're travelling as a couple, you'll find recommendations in our guide to the best hotels for a romantic weekend.
Hotel Maria Cristina in San Sebastián with classic architecture and a central riverside location.
Practical information
Your budget varies a lot depending on what you prioritise. Pintxos are surprisingly affordable: expect to pay 2 to 4 euros per piece and 2 to 3 euros for a glass of wine or Txakoli. A MICHELIN-starred dinner, on the other hand, usually costs 150 to 300 euros per person. The good thing is that you can have an absolutely fantastic dining experience in San Sebastián even on a modest budget, just by mastering the art of pinxtos well!
FAQs about San Sebastián
What is San Sebastián famous for? San Sebastián is known as one of the world's best culinary cities and has the most MICHELIN-starred restaurants per capita in the world. The city is especially known for pintxos, the Basque variety of tapas.
How can you get to San Sebastián? The easiest route is a direct flight to Bilbao, followed by a 40 to 50-minute bus ride or taxi ride to San Sebastián city centre.
What are pintxos? Pintxos are Basque small dishes, often served on bread with a toothpick through them. Hence the name, from the Basque word for "to sting". They are the very soul of San Sebastián's food scene and are served in hundreds of bars in the old town.
What is the best season to visit San Sebastián? May, June and September bring the best conditions with pleasant temperatures, open terraces and slightly fewer tourists than in July and August.
Is San Sebastián expensive? Your budget depends a lot on what you prioritise. Pintxos and local wine are affordable, while fine dining and central hotels can cost a lot. With proper planning, you can have an amazing experience at any price range.