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

August 12, 2021 Harland Bartelt

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. 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.

2. San Sebastian Market Visit and Private Gastronomic Club Lunch Experience

Okendo Kalea, 3P, 20004 Donostia, Gipuzkoa, Spain Basque Tours
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5.0 based on 9 reviews

Shop in the market, taste it in a Private Gastronomic Club. Get introduced to the world known Basque Cuisine as the Basques do it, shop seasonal products in the local market to prepare and taste them with friends in a Private Gastronomic Club.

Inclusions: Local guide, Private tour, Market visit, Gastronomic club visit, Lunch, Beverages

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By L4869AQedwardl

My wife and I went on this tour in Spring 2019 and we just realized we never wrote a review! Better late than never. This tour was exactly what we were looking for to see Rioja region, visit some boutique and legitimate family owned winereis, visit some of the larger big name wineries, and have a perfect & authentic lunch in Laguardia! We couldn't have asked for a better day (although we should have started the day a little less hungover...woops). That'll happen when you're starting the day from San Sebastian! We ended up purchasing wine from each of the wineries that we visited - Gomez Cruzado, Roda, and Ostatu. Such an awesome day tasting full pours of several wines at each winery! We quickly got back on the horse. The tour guide we had was a lovely woman, knew her wine and history extremely well and was super nice and fun to be around for the day! Our driver was hilarious as well and made the day so pleasant. If you are looking for a Rioja full day tour - stop researching - book this tour! Cannot recommend this tour enough and I hope that anyone reading this review will take our advice and BOOK THIS TOUR!!

3. Private Pintxo Tour in San Sebastian

Kursaal, Zurriola Hiribidea, 1, 20002 Donostia, Gipuzkoa, Spain Baskme
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

In San Sebastian you can eat big flavours in very small portions. Savor the best of San Sebastian on a private gourmet tour that will take you to the best off the beaten path bars. Come along and enjoy our cuisine in a very informal way doing a culinary stroll that will take you to 3 different bars, from the most traditional to the most sophisticated. In each of them we will enjoy some of their best specialties and your favorite drink: wine, txakoli, cider, beer, soda,… A delicious selection awaits you!

Inclusions: We will visit 3 bars and in each bar we will taste their best specialties and your favorite drink: wine, txakoli, cider, beer,, We will enjoy the best pintxos in 3 different bars

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Reviewed By davidsG4736KD

Can’t say enough great things about our day-tour with Andoni. As big GOT fans, it was an absolute blast to visit the filming locations for Dragonstone (Yes, you visit more than one!). The hotel pick-up from San Sebastian was a huge plus, as the locations we visited were around an hour west of San Sebastian. Andoni was as professional as they come and ensured we were completely comfortable and relaxed the entire day. He showed us the best kept secrets throughout the area and truly got to know us. We would have never had seen anything close to what we did without his guidance. My wife and I both agree that this was the highlight of our entire vacation. Would reccomend 10/10.

4. Private Pintxo Tour! Indulge the vibe in the heart of San Sebastian tapas bars.

Donostia-San Sebastian, Gipuzkoa, Spain Allan Davis Cycling
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Allan Davis hales from (Bundaberg), Australia, Allan has lived in the San Sebastian since 2003 & has lived in Europe since 1997. Allan was a successful professional cyclist for 13 years, hence the time in Europe. Allan´s knowledge & experience is second to none, the proof is in the pudding! You work really hard. It goes with out saying when you travel you want nothing but the best. That’s why Allan and his professional team built his premium Private Pintxo tour with sophisticated fine cuisine, culture seeking enthusiasts like you in mind. Details: Private Group Native English speaking Local Guide 5 pintxos + 5 drinks in up to 5 different Bars START TIME : 13:30 - 19:30PM DURATION: 2,5 - 3HOURS THE TOUR WILL START AND FINISH IN YOUR HOTEL Our tours are private, so we could add / remove / change anything on them to meet your preferences.

Inclusions: Lunch, Dinner, Alcoholic Beverages, Soda/Pop, Bottled water

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5. San Sebastian Unique Pintxo-Tapas Tour with Lunch

Alameda del Blvd., 27, 20003 San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa, Spain Discover San Sebastian
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5.0 based on 30 reviews

N#1 on Tripadvisor 2018, Luxury Travel Guide Awards 2019 as Culinary Tour Operator of the Year- San Sebastian-Donostia-Spain, Honorary member of the “Les Clefs D´Or”. Would you like to know the difference between pintxos and tapas? Do you want to feel as if you where local? Our unrivaled experience in the world of gastronomy and our worldwide culinary expertise makes us the perfect guide to show visitors the unique Basque city of San Sebastian, a city loved by its inhabitants and a location without compare for food lovers from all over the world. Discover with us the flavors of the best pintxos in San Sebastian. We will teach you how to get around the streets of our city like a Donostiarra (inhabitant of San Sebastian) so that you feel one more among us.

Inclusions: Five pre-selected pintxos and drinks in different bars that represent the very best gastronomy of San Sebastian. Learn some more about out city and our Culture. Expert Culinary tour guide

Exclusions: Gratuities, Hotel pickup and drop-off

Reviewed By 966benjaminp

Eske was my guide and she was excellent - the best tour guide I've ever had! Since we did our tour during COVID times, many of places that usually are open and bustling were unfortunately closed. Despite this, Eske was prepared and brought me to 5 different pintxos places in the old town area - each of which did not disappoint! My favorite pintxo was surprisingly the dish with setas (mushrooms). I did not expect it to be my favorite (especially because everything else was so good), but Eske convinced me to try it, and I am glad that I did. Not only was Eske extremely knowledgeable, a great conversationalist, and answered all of my questions, but she was very flexible in her tour, and gave me options of at each pintxos place. In addition to the food, I learned a lot about the history and geography of San Sebastián. I'm very lucky to have had the experience. Make sure you take her tour!

6. Coffee, Pastries & Dessert Route in San Sebastian

Zurriola Hiribidea, 1, 20002 Donostia, Gipuzkoa, Spain Eat One Feed One
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

This sweet tour is unique because it aims to create a positive social impact in the city. You will get to discover the the history and culture of San Sebastian as you visit three neighbourhoods, meet the vendors and taste what the best pastry chefs and local patisseries are making in San Sebastian! For every person that joins this tour we donate a meal to a refugee camp through Zaporeak, a local association that cooks wholesome meals for refugees. You Eat One, you Feed One.

Inclusions: Six stops that include coffee, water, a glass of wine and more than ten tastings such as pastries, desserts, cheese and caramels.

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Reviewed By triambaksaxena

The Eat One Feed One tour with Cristina was an amazing experience! I've visited Donostia a few times, but it was not until I did this tour, that I learned about the history behind pintxos or figured out some of the intrincacies of navigating the tapas scene. I recommend that this is the first thing you do when you get to San Sebastian. You'll get a taste of both classic and modern pintxos and once you've learned the tricks that Cristina shares, you will feel comfortable jumping from bar to bar on your own. All of this while a part of the proceeds go on to support charity work in the city.

7. Social Impact Small-Group Food Tour in San Sebastian

Good Shepherd of San Sebastián Cathedral, Urdaneta Kalea, 12, 20006 Donostia, Gipuzkoa, Spain Eat One Feed One
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5.0 based on 25 reviews

This is a foodie immersion in real, ordinary San Sebastian to get a real sense of community, understand how locals live and eat as you learn about local history and culture. With every person that joins the tour, I help a person in need by donating a meal to the city's soup kitchen, you eat one you feed one! It's a 3h walking, where there's mostly eating and less than 10 mins-walk between each stop. We’ll go to 5 specially selected stops within two different neighbourhoods. You'll indulge and learn all about the unique culinary tradition of going out for pintxos! Pintxos pronounced 'pin-choss', these are different from tapas and imbedded in Basque culture. I'm going to show you how to navigate the local food scene and eat the best that this city has to offer. This experience is the kind of tour for people who hate the word 'tour' and genuinely travel for food and really want to get immersed in the culture and have fun.

Inclusions: Five food stops with one pintxo (local Basque food) and one drink in each place (local drinks and wine).

Exclusions: The tour is designed so you have a full meal, but if you have a larger appetite you can choose to purchase extra food and drink if you'd like.

Reviewed By 833natalies

Cristina put together a fascinating and incredibly delicious wine and chocolate tasting for my colleagues and I. I had been looking for something to really cheer people up and bring our team together whilst we WFH and the EatOneFeedOne team did a phenomenal job of engaging everyone even over Zoom. Really can't thank you enough - what a special experience.

8. 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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9. Walk and Taste San Sebastian

Kursaal, Zurriola Hiribidea, 1, 20002 Donostia, Gipuzkoa, Spain Baskme
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

See the city and enjoy its food. This tour starts as a city tour but once we get into the Old Town turns into a "Pintxo" tasting tour. Enjoy our cuisine in a very informal way doing a culinary stroll that will take you to 2 different bars, from the most traditional to the most sophisticated. In each of them we will enjoy some of their best specialties and your favorite drink: wine, txakoli, cider, beer, soda, For this tour we have selected the city's best spots.

Inclusions: 2 drinks in 2 off the beaten path bars, Visit 2 different Pintxo Bars to try de their best specialties

Exclusions: Lunch, Dinner, Private transportation

Reviewed By davidsG4736KD

Can’t say enough great things about our day-tour with Andoni. As big GOT fans, it was an absolute blast to visit the filming locations for Dragonstone (Yes, you visit more than one!). The hotel pick-up from San Sebastian was a huge plus, as the locations we visited were around an hour west of San Sebastian. Andoni was as professional as they come and ensured we were completely comfortable and relaxed the entire day. He showed us the best kept secrets throughout the area and truly got to know us. We would have never had seen anything close to what we did without his guidance. My wife and I both agree that this was the highlight of our entire vacation. Would reccomend 10/10.

10. Ultimate San Sebastian Pintxos & Wine Tour (Evening)

Alameda del Blvd., 8, 20003 San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa, Spain Devour San Sebastian
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5.0 based on 301 reviews

In a food mecca like San Sebastian, there are some places you just can’t leave without trying—and we’re going to visit them all tonight. Come with us to San Sebastian’s pintxos headquarters, the Old Town, where we’ve carefully chosen the best bites the city has to offer for you. As we go, we’ll teach you what to do—and what not to do!—so you can successfully navigate the pintxos scene during the rest of your trip. - Don't miss a thing in a city known for its food—we've selected the best for you! - Squeeze into a bar that's a San Sebastian institution for locally-caught seafood. - Learn the unwritten rules of pintxos so you can eat like a pro during the rest of your stay. - Enjoy classic pintxos in the classic style: standing elbow to elbow in bars packed with locals! - Conquer all of San Sebastian's must-visit bars in one night.

Inclusions: Small group tour (maximum 8 guests), Food tastings (enough for dinner), Wine tastings (5 glasses of local wine and drinks), Expert local culinary guide, Our Devouring San Sebastian guide, packed with all our favorite places to eat and drink in the city, All taxes, fees and handling charges

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By booptraveler

We loved our trip to Basque Country in 2019 and enjoyed returning virtually with Claudia. The chef was great at explaining and demonstrating how to make each Pixto and which drink to pair it with. She also gave some background do’s and don’t on Pixto bars (that we had to learn on our own during our trip). We made 3 of the four pixtos, all were yummy. We’ll make the 4th tonight. Below are photos of the mushroom with baby shrimp and the shrimp, bacon, with vinaigrette. (Our photos don’t look like the chefs because we decided to remove the food from the skewers since we were home & not in a bar.) Highly recommend Devour, Claudia, and this class. Highly recommend the food.

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