Things to do in San Sebastian - Donostia, Basque Country: The Best Cultural Tours

June 27, 2021 Marianna Hollaway

While many visitors come for the beaches, arts celebrations and fiestas, San Sebastian-Donostia is serious about its food and drink. The Old Quarter’s narrow, winding streets are full of bars and restaurants, and in the modern city, sidewalk cafes are all around. The city specializes in seafood. Just make sure you know not to expect dinner at 6 or 7 p.m.—that’s much too early in Spain. Instead, tide yourself over with tapas, and enjoy eating and drinking late into the night.
Restaurants in San Sebastian - Donostia

1. Customised Basque Country and Rioja Private Tour

Basque Guides
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5.0 based on 9 reviews

Taylor made tour to set your own route, this is a special and unique way to see the basque country with great value! Choose from one of the featured tours or let us know what, where, how and when would you like it, and we'll make your dreamed trip become true.

Inclusions: All activities, Driver/guide, Professional guide, Private tour, Transport by private vehicle, Fuel surcharge, Local taxes

Exclusions: Food and drinks

Reviewed By schorschi21

Iker gave a virtual presentation via Internet of his Bilbao and Guggenheim Museum Private tour. It was very interesting to get to know this amazing city and Iker showed a lot of impressing photos so that everybody could perfectly imagine the tour. At the same time, he answered a lot of individual questions, showing a very good knowledge of art, the city's history, food etc. All in all, we got a vivid image of Bilbao and will book him as soon as we will be able to visit this city for real.

2. Idiazabal Cheese Farm Tour from San Sebastian

Go Basque
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

Become a Basque shepherd for half a day on this 3-hour Idiazabal Cheese Farm trip from San Sebastian. We will visit an Idiazabal Designation of Origin cheese farm and factory to learn how the region’s most famous cheese is made. At the farm, we visit the stable and milking parlor, and watch the farm's sheepdog in action. We will finish the visit at the farm with a delicious cheese tasting. Hotel pickup and drop-off is included.

Inclusions: Local guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Private transportation, Entrance & guided tour of cheese farm, Tasting of farm products, All Fees and Taxes

Exclusions: Other food and drinks, unless specified

Reviewed By couchman70

I cannot recommend this day trip highly enough. Ander provided the most amazing day - hotel pickup, beautiful sights, history, cultural information, and treats along the way. The stop at each town was incredibly memorable. We also had a great stop at the Spanish-French border for a coffee and incredible views. If you're looking for a special day that will take you away frm the tourist-heavy sites in Donostia-San Sebastian, this is the tour for you. Ander, thank you so much for your warmth and for a day that we will never forget. If we visit again your beautiful country, you will see us for a repeat tour! Brian Couch and Flo Couch

3. PINTXOS in San Sebastian - Private Gastronomic and Cultural Adventure

Plaza Sarriegi, San Juan Kalea, 26, 20003 Donostia, Gipuzkoa, Spain Ikusnahi Tours
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5.0 based on 22 reviews

You will switch from traditional and family-run to modern, award-winning bars. From seafood delicacies through elaborated meat pintxos, to finish with one of the best desserts in town. You will enjoy textures and flavours of the highest quality, seasonal ingredients turned into artsy creations recognised as haute cuisine ‘in miniature’. You will indulge yourself in San Sebastian social life hopping from bar to bar, laughing, chatting with vendors and making friends with locals. This is what we call ‘txikiteo’! During the evening you will not only taste excellent dishes but also try a selection of our local, favorite drinks: beloved by Basques apple cider, crisp and sparkling ‘Txakoli’ and wines from Rioja. Moreover, the guide will give you a complete course on how to choose, order and eat pintxos. Pintxo night out is a delicious and entertaining experience that leaves you with handful of practical information and tips to make the most out of your stay in our beautiful city!

Inclusions: Private guide, Private group, Hotel pick up, 5 pintxos y 5 drinks - enough for a full meal

Exclusions: Meals, drinks and tickets that are not listed, Gratuities

Reviewed By Agnieszka_Filipowicz

Can, getting to know the city, its architecture, history and traditions, be interesting and not boring at all? Well, difficult, specially if we talk about San Sebastian (Basque Country, Spain) so beautiful city, that just see it leaves breathless. When I came to live to San Sebastian in 2006 I was totally impressed by the beauty of this town, however I did not discovered the soul of the city until I experienced the unrivalled city tour with Ikusnahi this summer. We have been walking around the city with Ania, who explained everything in such amazing and interesting way, natural and very funny at the same time! She left space for open discussion for you to begin to discover for yourself, in an imperceptible way, that you know the city more deeply, understanding the local culture and people much better.

4. French Basque Countryside Tour from San Sebastian

Go Basque
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5.0 based on 18 reviews

A wonderful way to take a day off from exploring San Sebastian and head into the peaceful countryside of the French Basque region. You will cross the border into France through a mountain pass used by smugglers in the past and visit the typical villages of the French Basque Countryside. During the journey, you will learn about the way of life of local farmers and the importance of this charming area to the Basque Country, all while encountering beautiful mountainous and countryside scenery. You will travel as part of a small group with a minimum of 2 guests and a maximum of 6. Hotel pickup and drop-off is included.

Inclusions: Driver/guide, Local guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Private transportation, All Fees and Taxes

Exclusions: Lunch

Reviewed By rickst418

Thought I completed this review before. Our guides were excellent. Great cultural knowledge. Friendly and went out of their way to make the trip great!

5. San Sebastian City Bicycle Tour

Del Buen Pastor Plaza, 22, 20005 Donostia, Gipuzkoa, Spain Local Experts Tours by Donostyle
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5.0 based on 12 reviews

San Sebastian is the perfect city to move around on a bike. Visiting the city's hot-spots while riding a bike is a must-do that should not be skipped. Join this 2.5-hour guided tour to discover San Sebastian's most spectacular corners that otherwise would be missed while touring its three beaches .

Inclusions: All activities, Local guide

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Hotel pickup and drop-off

Reviewed By 289saniaa

The explanations provided during all the tour were accurate and very extensive but at the same time funny. The tour guide was fantastic. He was a local young guy full of energy and good vibes. I would definitely recommend this tour if you are visiting San Sebastian.

6. Three Temple Tour The Ignatian Way

Local Experts Tours by Donostyle
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5.0 based on 5 reviews

This tour is focused on the path of St. Ignatius from his birth to the founding of the Society of Jesus. We will visit the spectacular  Basilica of Loiola (built in the 18th century)  and Saint Ignatius' family house and birthplace (in Loiola, Azpeitia), the hermitage of La Antigua in Zumarraga (where Saint Ignatius made a stop during his pilgrimage) and the Sanctuary of Arantzazu (located in a spectacular spot in a gorge, rebuilt in the 1950's and a showcase of modern religious art at its finest, awarded with several international prizes). A day full of spirituality that will leave the faithful tourist as well as the not religious one awed by the sheer beauty of the sights. **Note: Between November 1 and April 16 La Antigua hermitage will only open during weekends. If booked in a weekday during that period, the tour will go to San Telmo hermitage in Zumaia instead.**

Inclusions: Lunch, Driver/guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Local guide

Exclusions: Infant lunch or dinner is not included

Reviewed By 289saniaa

The explanations provided during all the tour were accurate and very extensive but at the same time funny. The tour guide was fantastic. He was a local young guy full of energy and good vibes. I would definitely recommend this tour if you are visiting San Sebastian.

7. Private Gipuzkoa coast tour from San Sebastian with lunch

Local Experts Tours by Donostyle
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

The delights of the coast of Guipuzcoa can be found much further than the astonishing beaches of San Sebastian. Tiny and lovely fishing villages like Orio can be discovered, where time seems to have stopped long time ago, or nice villages on the beach such as Zarautz where people from all around the world spend their summer enjoying the Basque culture, gastronomy and surf in the same town. Blow your mind in Getaria where Juan Sebastian de Elcano, the first man who went around the world was born, where Txakoli mostly is produced and where the Balenciaga Museum is located. Finally visit Zumaia, the town chosen by many film makers to record sitcoms like the last season of Game of Thrones or "Spanish Affair", a very famous Spanish movie. Do not lose the opportunity to visit the fantastic towns of Guipuzcoa shore.

Inclusions: Lunch, Hotel pickup, Hotel drop-off, Transport by private vehicle, Local guide, Bottled water, Alcoholic Beverages

Exclusions: WiFi on board

Reviewed By 289saniaa

The explanations provided during all the tour were accurate and very extensive but at the same time funny. The tour guide was fantastic. He was a local young guy full of energy and good vibes. I would definitely recommend this tour if you are visiting San Sebastian.

8. Game of Thrones Basque Coast Locations Tour from San Sebastian

Go Basque
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5.0 based on 4 reviews

Retrace the footsteps of Jon Snow, Tyrion Lannister, and Daenerys Targaryen by visiting the magnificent filming sites of “Game of Thrones Season 7” on this Basque Coast tour from San Sebastian by the hand of a local. You will enjoy a day away from the city surrounded by spectacular natural landscapes. This tour is also a wonderful way to include a bit of leisurely exercise during your stay in the Basque Country. You will travel as part of a small group with a minimum of 2 guests and a maximum of 7. Hotel pickup and drop-off is included.

Inclusions: Local guide, Driver/guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Transport by private vehicle, Bottled water, Light refreshments: 1 pintxo (Basque tapa) & 1 drink

Exclusions: Lunch

Reviewed By couchman70

I cannot recommend this day trip highly enough. Ander provided the most amazing day - hotel pickup, beautiful sights, history, cultural information, and treats along the way. The stop at each town was incredibly memorable. We also had a great stop at the Spanish-French border for a coffee and incredible views. If you're looking for a special day that will take you away frm the tourist-heavy sites in Donostia-San Sebastian, this is the tour for you. Ander, thank you so much for your warmth and for a day that we will never forget. If we visit again your beautiful country, you will see us for a repeat tour! Brian Couch and Flo Couch

9. Walking Tour Old town

Portu Kalea, 15, 20003 Donostia, Gipuzkoa, Spain Francisco Jimenez Avolio
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

I love what I do and people can perceive that enthusiasm. I prefer small groups for a better atmosphere and a more exclusive experience.

Inclusions: Maps of the city, Pintxo Guide & Suggestions

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10. Bilbao, Guggenheim and Gaztelugatxe Small Group Tour with lunch

Local Experts Tours by Donostyle
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4.9 based on 16 reviews

Discover the Basque region that surrounds Bilbao called Biscay ( Bizkaia in Basque language) during a full-day trip from San Sebastian. Fall in love with the charming 10th century hermitage of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe and climb its 241 stairs to get to the top and enjoy its magnificent views. Then head to Bilbao (the financial capital of the Basque Country) and get a glimpse of the architectural and traditional beauties of this wonderful city, including Guggenheim Museum (entrance ticket included). All this in one day, and with the convenience of private transportation (pick up and drop off at your hotel) & lunch included in the tour price!

Inclusions: Lunch, Hotel pickup, Hotel drop-off, Transport by private vehicle, Local guide, Bottled water, Alcoholic Beverages

Exclusions: Souvenir photos (available to purchase)

Reviewed By 289saniaa

The explanations provided during all the tour were accurate and very extensive but at the same time funny. The tour guide was fantastic. He was a local young guy full of energy and good vibes. I would definitely recommend this tour if you are visiting San Sebastian.

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