Nov 299 min read

The Tailor-Made Guide to Things to Do in San Sebastian - Old Town

Updated: 7 hours ago

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Author: Barry Pickard

The Old Town Streets

San Telmo Museum

San Bizente Eliza

Koruko Andre Mariaren basilika

Mount Urgull

Euskal Itsas Museoa

Aquarium San Sebastian

Eraikin Hutsa

Plaza de la Constitucion

Pintxos

Conclusion

Where to stay in San Sebastian

Things to Do in San Sebastian - Old Town

San Sebastian (also known as Donostia San Sebastian, with the ‘Donostia’ being Basque for Saint Sebastian), is a picturesque coastal city in the Basque Country of Spain, renowned for its stunning beaches, vibrant cultural scene, and world-class cuisine. However, the city's charm is epitomized by its Old Town, or "Parte Vieja," where narrow, cobblestone streets are lined with historic buildings, lively pintxo bars, and bustling markets.

Walk the Old Town Streets

Your first contact with San Sebastian Old Town will be the streets themselves. Constructed in a grid pattern around 200 years ago, following its part destruction by the Duke of Wellington’s troops during the Napoleonic War, this settlement actually dates to the 12th century. Hemmed in by the River Urumea on one side and La Concha Bay on the other, the peninsula terminates at the imposing Mount Urgull, which ensures that the Old Town is compact and cosy. The Old Town is crammed with small, stylish bars and delicious eateries, as well as the obligatory gift shops that you would expect a popular resort to have.

Tailor-Made Top Tip:

Make sure to walk the streets of San Sebastian Old Town both during the day and at night. Both times are busy, but they have their own feeling and atmosphere, with both being equally worth experiencing.

San Telmo Museum

Housed in a former Dominican Monastery, the San Telmo Museum is the oldest museum in the Basque Country. Nestled into the slopes of Mount Urgull, the museum has a pleasing blend of old and contemporary architecture. Inside, the museum showcases the culture, arts and history of the Basque Country.

Tailor-Made Top Tip:

Make sure you take in the church within the museum. The large canvases of Jose Maria Sert that adorn the walls of the sanctuary are very impressive.

San Bizente Eliza (Church of Saint Vicent)

The San Bizente Eliza is just few meters from the museum, and it is believed to be the oldest building in the city. Built in 1507 in the Basque Gothic style under the direction of master quarrymen Miguel de Santa Celay and Juan de Urrutia, the building replaced an even older Romanesque church from the 12th century.

The highlight of this church is its altarpiece, a masterpiece created by sculptor Ambrosio de Bengoechea in 1568. The other minor altarpieces either side of the altar are also very striking. This is one of the hidden attractions in San Sebastian, but it should not be missed.

Koruko Andre Mariaren basilika (the Basilica of Saint Mary of the Chorus)

This stunning Roman Catholic church, which blends Gothic and Neo-classical styles, was completed in 1774, with its imposing entrance on Nagusia Street. The main altar is dedicated to the Lady of the Choir, while you will also see references to Saint Sebasitian, the city’s patron saint, throughout the sanctuary, making this sanctuary one of the best things to see in San Sebastian.

Tailor-Made Top Tip:

The church also has a small art gallery and exhibition space which is easily missed. On entering the building, go to the far wall and turn left.

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Mount Urgull

Mount Urgull dominates San Sebastian Old Town and rises 123 meters above sea level. There is a network of foot paths that wind around the hill, offering a gentle way to ascend to the top and is one of the things to do in San Sebastian that is a must. Fortified in the 12th century, the hill still boasts of a set of imposing walls near the summit, which offer breathtaking views of the city below. There are also a number of cannon and a small museum, as well as the Monumento al Sagrado Corazón de Jesús, which is perched on top of the castle making it one of the most obvious of San Sebastian attractions.

Tailor-Made Top Tip:

The English Cemetery (coordinates: 43.32593, -1.98850) can be found on the northern slope of the hill. Weather beaten and overgrown, this small area of gravestones and memorials is very atmospheric and worth seeking out as one of the hidden San Sebastian attractions.

When walking along the mount’s paths, aim to take in the Baluarte del Mirador on the eastern slopes. From there, you will get some of the best views of Zurriola Beach and the district of Gros.

Read on to find out about San Sebastian’s maritime heritage and local sea life.

Euskal Itsas Museoa (Basque Maritime Museum)

Housed in a 18th century building which had been a former consulate, overlooking the harbour, the Euskal Itasa Museoa tells the story of the Basque Country’s ties to the sea. The collection includes engravings, paintings, photographs, nautical maps, navigation tools and models.

Aquarium San Sebastian

The Aquarium San Sebastián is handily located next to maritime museum and boasts two floors dedicated to the maritime and marine heritage of Gipuzkoa, the region of the Basque Country in which San Sebastian resides.

The highlight of the aquarium is the shark tunnel, which offers a 360-degree view, and this is complimented with a number of smaller exhibits which are home to a variety of species including jellyfish, seahorses, and a wide variety of fish. There are also historic nautical exhibits, which I thought was a welcome addition and unique touch for an aquarium.

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Eraikin Hutsa (Jorge Oteiza, 1957)

Continuing along the shore of Mount Urgull, from the aquarium towards the Bay of Biscay, you will find the Eraikin Hutsa, also known as Empty Construction. This striking sculpture was created by the renowned artist Jorge Oteiza Embil, who was born in the nearby town of Orio.

The sculpture, made of Corten steel, stands at a height of 600 cm and was part of a series presented at the Sao Paolo Bienniale in 1957, where Oteiza received the International Sculpture Prize. The sculpture was acquired by the City Council in 2001 and installed on the Paseo Nuevo in October 2002.

Tailor-Made Top Tip:

If you are interested in monumental sculptures, make sure to check out Eduardo Chillida’s Comb of the Wind, which is on the opposite side of La Concha Bay, under the shadow of Monte Iguelo.

Read on to discover the beating Heart of San Sebastian Old Town and the delicacies that await the visitor.

Plaza de la Constitucion

The Plaza de la Constitución was constructed in 1817 by architect Ugartemendia, who was heavily involved in the rebuilding of San Sebastián after the devastating fire in 1813. The square is surrounded by balconied apartments, which are numbered. These numbers are a reminder of the time when bullfights were held in the square, and the balconies were used as boxes.

Tailor-Made Top Tip:

Today, the square is a vibrant place filled with shops and terraced bars. The former town hall, which now houses the city’s public library, is also located in this square.

Pinxos San Sebastian

To be honest, until I arrived in San Sebastian, I did not know what Pinxos was, but I did know that the city had the highest reputation for its culinary scene. It turns out that Pinxos (also known as pinchos or pintxos) were traditionally a type of snack similar to tapas, but usually ‘spiked’ with a skewer or toothpick, often to a piece of bread.

Today, pintxos are not just pieces of bread, they can be all kinds of various savoury treats on sticks, or even in mini bowls and have become a cornerstone of local culture and society in San Sebastian and the Old Town in particular. Every bar here that is serious about attracting customers, makes sure to offer these tempting treats and makes a visit to the Old Town delightful.

Tailor-Made Top Tip:

I sampled the pinxos in many bars and cafes and never failed to have an excellent tasty experience, but if I were to narrow down my favourites of the best pintxos in San Sebastian, I’d suggest visiting Bare Bare, Jose Mari, Beharri, and Gandarias.

Conclusion

Old Town San Sebastian is more than just a destination - it’s a sensory experience that stays with you long after you’ve left. From the tantalizing tastes of pintxos to the echoes of history in its narrow streets, San Sebastian offers a unique blend of culture, history, and beauty that’s hard to better anywhere else. So, whether you’re planning your first visit or your fiftieth, there’s always something new to discover in the Old Town San Sebastian. Here’s to the memories I’ve made, and the adventures yet to come!

Where to stay in San Sebastian

San Sebastian is a very popular, if not a somewhat pricey resort. If you wish to experience the life of one of the Hollywood stars that descend on the San Sebastian International Film Festival, book your room at the Hotel Maria Cristina. Alternatively, the Nobu Hotel San Sebastián and the Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra will also keep you in the lap of luxury and are some of the very best San Sebastian hotels.

Small pensions and apartments can be found throughout San Sebastian, especially in the Old Town. I chose a budget option for my stay, having a very comfortable time at the Pension Aussie Guesthouse and found it perfectly located, right in the very heart of the Old Town.

But if you are looking for a hotel in San Sebastian Old Town, there are few option and it would be easier to stay in the Centro district. As the name suggests, a stay in this area puts you with an easy walking distance of most of the city’s attractions. Consider staying at the likes of the Loaldia or the Hotel Arrizul Catedral. As for budget options, there are hostels available, like The City Hostel.