San Sebastian SIGHTSEEING and PINTXOS - Private Cultural & Gastronomic Adventure

San Sebastian , Spain

San Sebastian SIGHTSEEING and PINTXOS - Private Cultural & Gastronomic Adventure

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(35 reviews)

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About this experience

A trip through San Sebastián from East to West, climbing a mountain, crossing a river, getting to know its architecture, its geography, the secrets of its history and ‘cool,’ as well as its authenticity. There will be pintxos and an in-depth course on how to roll like a local in the beloved Basque bars.

Available options

San Sebastian SIGHTSEEING and PINTXOS - Private Cultural & Gastronomic Adventure

Pickup included

What's included

Private tour

Driver/guide

Five drinks to choose from: wine, beer, cider or soft drinks

Hotel pickup

Five pintxos

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

They say that God made a model of paradise and that once it was built, he kept the model… thus, San Sebastián was born. To understand (and enjoy) the natural beauty of San Sebastián, we’ll start at the top of Mount Igueldo where you’ll find the most amazing views of the city. There we’ll learn about the history of the Basque Country, the Bay of Biscay and the role of San Sebastián in all this. Can you get rich trading wool? Were boats of a quality and reputation similar to that of Ferraris and Porsches manufactured in sixteenth century Euskadi? Yes, and yes.

The best way to descend Igueldo is aboard its wooden funicular, which is more than 100 years old. We get off next to the most photographed sculpture in the city: the Peine del Viento by Eduardo Chillida, made of corten steel (hence its deliberate rust color.) To scratch the winds and frequent waves of this place.

We’ll head over to the other 'Finis Terrae' of the city, Sagüés and La Zurriola, the epicenter of the surfing scene in San Sebastián. But first we’ll check out the main hallmarks of the city: its 'posh' side, its romantic nooks, the palace built for royal summers at the end of the 19th century (Miramar Palace), the French-influenced, modernist and rationalist buildings (with the odd nod to the Bauhaus), or more recent architecture such as the Kursaal, two buildings that seem to be beached rocks by the sea.

Stop 4

The Old Town is the gastronomic epicenter of San Sebastián (yes, here are the pintxo bars, the gastronomic sociedades ‘ [think private eating clubs], seasoned locals enjoying the timeless 'txikiteo' [a sort of uptempo bar-hopping] – ordering 'zuritos' or 'cañas'. Here is the gluttonous, indulgent San Sebastián you’ve heard tell of), and the site of the city’s oldest buildings. You’ll come away with a Master's Degree in navigating “miniature cuisine” (how do you order a pintxo? When do you pay?), and High Honors in Basque bars.

Okay. Let's talk about serious things. Everything we’ve told you about pintxos wouldn’t make sense if we didn’t visit the most iconic bars to try their most famous pintxos accompanied by cider, wine or beer. The snack will end with the sweet dessert that locals love to eat while walking down the street: a creamy, sweet and stunning artisanal ice cream. Now you can go to bed satisfied.

What's not included

Food and drinks, unless specified

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

33 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Specialized infant seats are available

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Wheelchair accessibility is extra paid - contact for details

Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking

About San Sebastian

San Sebastian is a picturesque coastal city in the Basque Country known for its stunning beaches, world-renowned gastronomy, and rich cultural heritage. Nestled between the Pyrenees and the Cantabrian Sea, it offers a unique blend of natural beauty, historic charm, and modern sophistication.

Top Attractions

La Concha Beach

La Concha Beach is one of the most famous beaches in San Sebastian, known for its beautiful shell-shaped bay and calm waters. It's a great place for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.

Beach 2-3 hours Free

Parte Vieja (Old Town)

The Parte Vieja is the historic heart of San Sebastian, filled with narrow streets, charming plazas, and traditional pintxo bars. It's a great place to soak up the city's atmosphere and enjoy local cuisine.

Historical 2-3 hours Free to explore

Monte Igueldo

Monte Igueldo offers panoramic views of San Sebastian and the surrounding coastline. The hill is accessible by a historic funicular and is a great spot for hiking and enjoying the natural beauty of the area.

Nature 2-3 hours €3.50 for the funicular ride

Must-Try Local Dishes

Pintxos

Small, savory bites typically served on bread, featuring a variety of ingredients like seafood, meats, and cheeses.

Snack Vegetarian and vegan options available

Bacalao al Pil Pil

Codfish cooked in olive oil with garlic and parsley, a classic Basque dish.

Main Course Contains fish

Popular Activities

Surfing Hiking in the surrounding hills Sunbathing on the beaches Strolling along the promenade Visiting museums and galleries Exploring the historic old town Swimming Kayaking

Best Time to Visit

June to September

This is the best time to visit San Sebastian for its warm weather and vibrant atmosphere. The beaches are at their most inviting, and the city hosts numerous festivals and events.

18°C to 25°C 64°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Basque, Spanish
Widely spoken: English, French
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST during daylight saving time)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

San Sebastian is generally a safe city for tourists, with low crime rates. However, as with any tourist destination, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings in crowded areas
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps to avoid overcharging
• Be cautious when using ATMs, especially at night

Getting there

By air

San Sebastian Airport • 20 km from city center
Bilbao Airport • 100 km from city center

By train

San Sebastian Station

By bus

San Sebastian Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The bus system in San Sebastian is efficient and covers most of the city. Buses are a convenient way to get around, especially for tourists.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Cabify, MyTaxi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Gros Antiguo

Day trips

Hondarribia

25 km • Half day

A charming coastal town with a historic old quarter, beautiful views, and a relaxed atmosphere. It's a great place to explore Basque culture and history.

Biarritz

50 km • Full day

A glamorous coastal town in France known for its beautiful beaches, surfing spots, and upscale atmosphere. It's a great destination for a day trip from San Sebastian.