San Sebastián, Spain
San Sebastián city break: from Bilbao to the pintxos bars
PicoloThere are cities you visit, and cities you long to return to. San Sebastián is the second kind. After a long weekend here you know the bartender at your favourite old-town bar, you know which side of La Concha catches the evening sun, and you have already started planning your next trip.
This guide is about making that happen: how to get from Bilbao airport, when to go, where to stay and how to fill three days with food, beaches and views.
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Getting from Bilbao to San Sebastián
Most international travellers fly into Bilbao. From there it is around a hundred kilometres to San Sebastián, and you have three good options.
Bus from the airport: Direct buses run from Bilbao airport to San Sebastián several times a day. The journey takes just over an hour and stops centrally in the city.
Car hire: By car the trip takes around an hour on the motorway along the coast. A hire car lets you stop in the fishing town of Getaria or the Rioja wine villages on the way, but parking in San Sebastián is expensive.
Train: Euskotren runs between Bilbao and San Sebastián along the coast. It is slower than the bus, but the views are beautiful.
Car hire: See car hire in Bilbao. Read our guide to car hire in Spain.
If you have time, combine your trip with a day in Bilbao. Read our guide to 24 hours in Bilbao.
San Sebastián from the heights. Photo: Picolo
When should you go?
San Sebastián is a city for every season, but each has its own character. Summer brings warm beach evenings and lively streets, but also the biggest crowds and highest prices. May, June and September are local favourites, with pleasant temperatures and room at the bar.
Tamborrada, 20 January: The city celebrates its patron saint with drums for a full day and night.
Jazzaldia in July: One of Europe’s oldest jazz festivals, with concerts on the beach and at the Kursaal.
Film festival in September: Film stars, red carpets and a city in festival mood.
Hotels fill up fast during these events, so book early if you want to experience them.
Where to stay on a long weekend
On a short trip it pays to stay central, so you can walk to both the pintxos bars and the beach. Centro by La Concha is the safest choice, while the Parte Vieja old town puts the food right outside your door. Read our guide to where to stay in San Sebastián, neighbourhood by neighbourhood.
Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra: classic by the beach
Right on the promenade, with views over the bay and five minutes to the old town.
Book your stay: See rooms at Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra
Lasala Plaza Hotel: by the old harbour
An elegant hotel by the old fishing harbour, with a roof terrace over the bay.
Book your stay: See rooms at Lasala Plaza Hotel
Zinema7: boutique in Gros
A boutique hotel by the Kursaal, for those who want a more local feel.
Book your stay: See rooms at Zinema7
Pension La Perla: affordable and central
A simple guesthouse in the centre, for those who would rather spend their budget on food.
Book your stay: See rooms at Pension La Perla
Your long weekend, day by day
Friday: arrival and your first pintxo
Check in, drop your bags and head straight to the old town. The evening is about finding the rhythm: one pintxo and one drink per bar, then on to the next. See our guide to the best pintxos bars to know where to start.
Saturday: beach, views and a long dinner
Start the day with a walk along La Concha towards Ondarreta and the Comb of the Wind. Ride the funicular up Monte Igueldo for the view, and rest on the beach after lunch. In the evening it is time for one of the city’s great restaurants. Read about the must-visit restaurants and the Michelin chefs’ own recommendations.
Sunday: Gros, surfers and a final lunch
Cross the Kursaal bridge to Gros, watch the surfers at Zurriola and enjoy a coffee in one of the local bars. If you have time before your flight, stop in Bilbao and visit the Guggenheim on the way home.
What does a long weekend cost?
San Sebastián can suit most budgets. Pintxos are an affordable way to eat well, while dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant is an investment you plan for. The biggest difference lies in the hotel: from simple guesthouses in the centre to grand hotels by the beach. Book early, especially in summer and during events, for better prices and better rooms.
Frequently asked questions about a San Sebastián city break
How do you get from Bilbao to San Sebastián?
Direct buses run from Bilbao airport to San Sebastián, taking just over an hour. You can also hire a car, which takes around an hour, or take the coastal train.
Is a long weekend enough in San Sebastián?
Three days gives you time for the old town, the beach, the view from Monte Igueldo and a few great dinners. Many come back to explore more.
Where should you stay on a short trip?
Stay central, in Centro by La Concha or in the Parte Vieja old town, so you can walk everywhere.
When is the best time to visit San Sebastián?
May, June and September often bring good weather and fewer crowds than July and August.