Travel Guide of San Sebastián in Spain by Influencers and Travelers
San Sebastián de los Reyes is a municipality in the Community of Madrid, Spain. Founded in 1492, it is located 20 km north of Madrid.
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The Best Things to Do and Visit in San Sebastián
TRAVELERS TOP 10 :
1 - Madrid
Madrid is the capital and most populous city of Spain. The city has almost 3.3 million inhabitants and a metropolitan area population of approximately 6.5 million.
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2 - Plaza Mayor
The Plaza Mayor is a major public space in the heart of Madrid, the capital of Spain. It was once the centre of Old Madrid. It was first built during the reign of Philip III. Only a few blocks away is another famous plaza, the Puerta del Sol.
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3 - Paragliding in San Sebastian
Explore the San Sebastian coastline on this tandem paragliding from near Zarautz. ¡Fly as a bird! The cliffs of the San Sebastian region, in the north of Spain, are one of the most popular and interesting paragliding sites not only in...
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4 - Museo Nacional del Prado
The Prado Museum, officially known as Museo Nacional del Prado, is the main Spanish national art museum, located in central Madrid.
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5 - Royal Palace of Madrid
The Royal Palace of Madrid is the official residence of the Spanish royal family at the city of Madrid, although now only used for state ceremonies. The palace has 135,000 square metres of floor space and contains 3,418 rooms. It is the largest functioning royal palace and the largest by floor area in Europe.
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6 - Surfing in San Sebastian
Join us for unforgettable group surfing lessons in Donostia - San Sebastian. Our instructors will teach you all the tricks to become an expert in just one day. San Sebastian has always been a benchmark of surfing and many fans have traditionally appr...
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7 - Temple of Debod
The Temple of Debod is an ancient Egyptian temple that was dismantled and rebuilt in Madrid, Spain.
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8 - Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía
The Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía is Spain's national museum of 20th-century art. The museum was officially inaugurated on September 10, 1992, and is named for Queen Sofía.
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9 - Parapente in San Sebastian
Explore the San Sebastian coastline on this tandem paragliding from near Zarautz. ¡Fly as a bird! The cliffs of the San Sebastian region, in the north of Spain, are one of the most popular and interesting paragliding sites not only in...
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10 - Palacio de Cristal
The Palacio de Cristal is a conservatory located in Madrid's Buen Retiro Park. It was built in 1887 on the occasion of the Exposition of the Philippines, held in the same year, then a Spanish colonial possession. The architect was Ricardo Velázquez Bosco.
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11 - Puerta del Sol
The Puerta del Sol is a public square in Madrid, one of the best known and busiest places in the city. This is the centre of the radial network of Spanish roads.
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12 - Tours & Sightseeing | Basque Nomads Meeting Point
Want to know the secret side of San Sebastián? Witness huge trees, a hidden cave and a palace in Aiete Park, where Spanish celebrities and royals stayed during their holidays. At Miramar, learn about the Spanish queen who made San Sebastián famous in La Belle Époque, and find out which animals are unique to San Sebastián's parks. At the end of your walking tour, sip on a hot or cold drink in a tavern or café, depending on the weather!
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13 - El Rastro
El Rastro de Madrid or simply el Rastro is the most popular open air flea market in Madrid. It is held every Sunday and public holiday during the year and is located along Plaza de Cascorro and Ribera de Curtidores, between Calle Embajadores and the Ronda de Toledo.
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14 - Puerta de Alcalá
The Puerta de Alcalá is a Neo-classical monument in the Plaza de la Independencia in Madrid, Spain. It is regarded as the first modern post-Roman triumphal arch built in Europe, older than the similar monuments Arc de Triomphe in Paris and Brandenburg Gate in Berlin.
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15 - Boat Tours in Hendaye
Meet the cetaceans during an expedition in the Bay of Biscay and experience an unforgettable moment from Hendaye! The Bay of Biscay is an area extremely rich in biodiversity: many species of underwater mammals such as dolphins, sperm whales, whales a...
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16 - Plaza de Cibeles
The Plaza de Cibeles is a square with a neo-classical complex of marble sculptures with fountains that has become an iconic symbol for the city of Madrid. It sits at the intersection of Calle de Alcalá, Paseo de Recoletos and Paseo del Prado.
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17 - Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando
The Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando, located on the Calle de Alcalá in the heart of Madrid, currently functions as a museum and gallery. The academy was established by royal decree in 1744.
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18 - Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum
The Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum, or simply the Thyssen, is an art museum in Madrid, Spain, located near the Prado Museum on one of city's main boulevards.
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19 - Paseo del Prado
The Paseo del Prado is one of the main boulevards in Madrid, Spain. The Paseo del Prado is the oldest historical city street in Madrid and was declared Bien de Interés Cultural.
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20 - Metropolis Building
The Metropolis Building or Edificio Metrópolis is an office building in Madrid, Spain, at the corner of the Calle de Alcalá and Gran Vía. Inaugurated in 1911, it was designed by Jules and Raymond Février for the insurance company La Unión y el Fénix. It is currently owned by Metrópolis Seguros.
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21 - Parque del Oeste
The Parque del Oeste is a park of the city of Madrid situated between the Autovía A-6, the Ciudad Universitaria de Madrid and the district of Moncloa. Before the 20th century, the land that the park currently occupies was the main landfill of the city.
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22 - Zarautz
Zarautz is a coastal town located in central Gipuzkoa, in Spain. It is bordered by Aia to the east and the south and Getaria to the west. It has four enclaves limiting the aforementioned municipalities: Alkortiaga, Ekano, Sola, and Arbestain. It's located about 15 kilometres west of San Sebastián. As of 2014, Zarautz has a population of 22,890, which usually swells to about 60,000 in the summer.
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23 - Teatro Real
Teatro Real or simply El Real, as it is known colloquially, is a major opera house located in Madrid. Founded in 1818 and inaugurated on 19 November 1850, it closed in 1925 and reopened in 1966.
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24 - Santiago Bernabéu Stadium
The Santiago Bernabéu Stadium is a football stadium in Madrid, Spain. With a current seating capacity of 81,044, it has been the home stadium of Real Madrid since its completion in 1947.
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25 - Campo del Moro
Campo del Moro is a park in Madrid, Spain.
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Pictures and Stories of San Sebastián from Influencers
17 pictures of San Sebastián from Callum Shaw, Ines Álvarez Fdez, Lior Shapira and other travelers
- Man with a dog in San Sebastian, Spain ...click to read more
- Experienced by @Lucian Alexe | ©Unsplash
- love this one! interesting to watch this group of teens learning the basic of surfing. ...click to read more
- Experienced by @Lior Shapira | ©Unsplash
- A couple years ago, San Sebastian beach was brave, and it was beautiful ! ...click to read more
- Experienced by @Ines Álvarez Fdez | ©Unsplash
- White Spanish lighthouse against the sea. ...click to read more
- Experienced by @Mark Neal | ©Unsplash
- One of the last summer days ...click to read more
- Experienced by @Eneko Uruñuela | ©Unsplash
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Why should you visit San Sebastián ?
Travel to San Sebastián if you like:
🏖️ Ocean 🏖️ Surfing 🐾 Wildlife 🏖️ Shore 🏖️ Headland 🏘️ TownHow to visit San Sebastián ?
Getting to San Sebastián is relatively easy. The nearest airport is San Sebastián Airport (EAS), which has connecting flights from major European cities like Madrid and Barcelona. Alternatively, travelers can fly into Bilbao Airport (BIO), which is about 100 kilometers away, and take a bus or train to San Sebastián. The city is also well-connected by train to other Spanish cities and neighboring France.
Booking in advance is recommended, especially during the summer months, as San Sebastián is a popular tourist destination. Reserve accommodations, restaurant tables, and tickets to popular attractions like the San Telmo Museum or the Aquarium to ensure a smooth trip.
The costs for visiting San Sebastián can vary depending on your travel style. Budget travelers can expect to spend around €50 per day, while mid-range and luxury travelers can spend anywhere from €100 to €300 per day. This includes accommodations, meals, transportation, and entrance fees to attractions.
Some of the best things to do in San Sebastián include strolling along La Concha beach, exploring the Old Town (Parte Vieja), and visiting the iconic Peine del Viento sculptures. For a panoramic view of the city, take a funicular ride up to Monte Igueldo. History buffs should visit the San Telmo Museum, while food enthusiasts can indulge in the city's famous pintxos.
When it comes to dining, San Sebastián boasts some of the best restaurants in Spain. For a taste of traditional Basque cuisine, visit La Cuchara de San Telmo or Borda Berri. For a more upscale dining experience, Akelarre and Arzak are two Michelin-starred restaurants that are worth splurging on.
Accommodation options in San Sebastián cater to all budgets. For a budget-friendly stay, consider Green Nest Hostel Uba Aterpetxea or A Room in the City. Mid-range travelers can opt for Hotel Astoria7 or Hotel Zenit Convento San Martín. For a luxury experience, book a room at Hotel Maria Cristina or Akelarre Relais & Châteaux.
Off the beaten path:
One unusual travel experience in San Sebastián involves visiting the Albaola Maritime Factory, a shipbuilding museum that showcases the city's maritime heritage. Here, you can witness the construction of historical wooden ships and learn about the fascinating history of Basque whalers. Another off-the-beaten-path activity is hiking in the nearby Aiako Harria Natural Park, which offers stunning views of the Basque countryside and a chance to explore its unique geological formations.
Learn More about San Sebastián
Located in the Basque Autonomous Community, San Sebastian is an excellent destination for discovering Northern Spain. Caressed by the Cantabrian Sea, it is only a short distance from the French border, a great opportunity if you are looking forward to enjoying the superb Spanish climate.
The sun, the beaches, the music, the shopping, everything that makes Spain famous is here. And to make your holiday complete, we have selected for you some top hotels at exclusive prices, located near the famous bay of La Concha.
This beautiful shell-shaped cove is surrounded by the Igeldo and Urgull mountains, from the top of which the view of the whole city is breathtaking. Along the bay there are 2 kilometres of beaches.
You will fall under the spell of La Concha beach, located at the mouth of the river Urumea. Close to the city centre, this magnificent stretch of sandy beach is the perfect place to relax. Nearby, you can treat yourself to a moment of well-being at the La Perla spa.
The smaller, but equally friendly, Ondorreta beach is well equipped with sun loungers, changing rooms and showers, and is a great place to enjoy water sports and water activities.
In addition to the pleasures of the beach, you will discover an incredibly rich heritage. Still lulled by the gentle murmur of the waves washing up on the beach, enter the San Telmo Municipal Museum to admire a superb collection of paintings and carved stone.
As you stroll through the streets of the city, you can't miss the splendid Basilica of Santa Maria del Coro either. The exuberance of its portal, which dates from the end of the 18th century, is an invitation to enter a real architectural gem. Other surprises await you at the Palace of the Sea, a must-see if you come with your family. This is one of the largest aquariums in Europe, with a variety of marine species, a wonderful journey into the mysteries of the ocean.
At the end of the day, you will certainly appreciate the comfort and tranquillity of your hotel, or a nice walk along the Boulevard de la Concha, which connects the city hall to the Miramar park.
World famous for its magnificent Concha Bay, framed by two natural promontories and offering an exceptional setting for those who like to relax, San Sebastian is much more than a seaside destination. At the heart of Basque culture, the city boasts countless historical and artistic attractions. Throughout the year, the international events that mark the calendar are opportunities to visit San Sebastian. And throughout the year, visits to the city's museums and majestic monuments promise moments of discovery and wonder. And for sports enthusiasts, the region is a true paradise where cyclists, surfers, sailors and hikers will all find something to do.
Frequently Asked Questions by Travelers planning a trip to San Sebastián
In San Sebastian, as in the whole Basque Autonomous Community, the official languages are Basque and Castilian.
In San Sebastián, you can go to :
-The old town of San Sebastian.
-San Sebastian's museums. ...
-Mount Igeldo and Mount Urgull. ...
-La Concha Bay. ...
-The open-air sculptures. ...
-The famous pintxos. ...
-A boat trip. ...
-Surfing in Zurriola.
...
Where to Stay in San Sebastián
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More Travel spots to explore around San Sebastián
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Discover more travel spots to explore around San Sebastián
🏄 Surfing spots ⛰️ Cliff spots 🏖️ Headland spots 🏖️ Beach spots 🌊 Ocean spots 🐾 Wildlife spots 🏖️ Shore spots Skimboarding spots 🌉 Bridge spots 🏘️ Town spots 🚢 Lighthouse spotsTravel map of San Sebastián
Explore popular touristic places around San Sebastián
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