Is San Sebastian Worth Visiting?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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So, is San Sebastian worth visiting?

YES

, and you'll need several days, we suggest 3 days in San Sebastian! San Sebastian is one of our favorite Spanish cities! It features one of the most beautiful urban beaches in Europe, an incredibly unique culture, and well… the best pintxos in the world!

Why should I visit San Sebastian?

It's got beautiful churches and buildings and a wide sandy beach described as one of the best in-city beaches in Europe. But what San Sebastian is most famous for, is its food. It's

renowned for its Basque cuisine

and boasts the second most Michelin stars per capita in the world, behind only Kyoto.

Is San Sebastian touristy?

The Old Town of San Sebastián is tucked between the base of Monte Urgull and the Alameda del Boulevard. This bustling area is one of the most popular places to see and be seen for both tourists and locals alike.

What is special about San Sebastian?

San Sebastian is famed for

its beaches, quaint Old Town and first-class

. … The Old Town hosts a great scene of local eateries, markets and shops, as well as many landmarks around an impressive cathedral. From La Concha Beach to the Aquarium, there are plenty to see and do in San Sebastian.

How many days do you need in San Sebastian?

Although San Sebastian is best enjoyed leisurely in

three to four days

, but you can get the essence with this 2 days itinerary.

Why is San Sebastian expensive?

For 12 years, San Sebastián in Spain's northern Basque Country region has been the city with

the highest property prices in Spain

. … Politicians and real estate experts agree that tourism is the main factor driving up the cost of property.

Is San Sebastian Spain expensive?

San Sebastián, or Donostia as it is called in the Basque Country, is

surprisingly pricier than Spain's two ‘capital' cities

: Madrid and Barcelona. Price comparison website Kelisto.com found the classy Basque city to be 29.3 percent more expensive than the average taken from 50 provincial capitals across Spain.

Do people speak English in San Sebastian?

You will find

people in bars, restaurants and hotels will generally speak English

. You will also hear a lot of Basque being spoken.

Is it safe to visit San Sebastian?

Being aware and respectful of the region's dramatic recent past is incredibly important when visiting San Sebastian in a responsible way. Today,

the charming streets of San Sebastian are peaceful and safe

.

What language do they speak in San Sebastian?


The Basque language

is spoken on both sides of the Western Pyrenees, i.e. in different parts of France and Spain. Basque and Spanish are the official languages in Donostia/San Sebastian and in the Basque Autonomous Community as a whole.

Is it better to stay in Bilbao or San Sebastian?

If you like a larger city with modern architecture and numerous museums and historic monuments,

Bilbao may be your

choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a smaller and prettier town with a scenic beach and pleasant historic quarters, choose San Sebastian – you can still visit Bilbao as a day trip.

Can you drink water in San Sebastian?

In 2018, the best water could be found in places like Burgos, San Sebastian, and Madrid. The worst tap water could be found in Palma de Mallorca, Barcelona and Huelva. However, all in all,

the water is perfectly safe to drink in

most places in Spain, although not everyone might like the taste.

What food is San Sebastian known for?

  1. Anchovies and the “Gilda” pintxo. The nearby Cantabrian Sea is home to some of the world's best anchovies, and San Sebastian knows exactly what to do with them. …
  2. Fresh foie gras. …
  3. Salt cod. …
  4. Txuleta. …
  5. Kokotxas de merluza. …
  6. Whole roasted hake, sole, or turbot. …
  7. Idiazabal cheese.

Where is the best area to stay in San Sebastian Spain?

The best area to stay in San Sebastian is

the city centre encompassing the Parte Vieja (or historic quarter), Centro Romantico and La Concha Beach

. This exuberant area is the hub of local life in San Sebastian and features many of San Sebastian's main sights, as well as numerous bars, restaurants and boutiques.

Where should I live in San Sebastian Spain?

  1. Monte Urgull & the Port. …
  2. Mercado de la Bretxa & Plaza de la Constitución. …
  3. Playa Zurriaga. …
  4. Playa de la Concha. …
  5. Playa de Ondarreta & Monte Igueldo.

How far is it from Santander to San Sebastian?

Journey time From 9h 1m Distance

93 miles (149 km)
Frequency 4 trains per day First train 07:05 Last train 19:00
Timothy Chehowski
Author
Timothy Chehowski
Timothy Chehowski is a travel writer and photographer with over 10 years of experience exploring the world. He has visited over 50 countries and has a passion for discovering off-the-beaten-path destinations and hidden gems. Juan's writing and photography have been featured in various travel publications.