Top Things to do in San Sebastian - Donostia
Top Restaurants in San Sebastian - Donostia
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What to do and see in San Sebastian - Donostia, Spain: The Best Places and Tips
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. La Concha Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By OzGronk - Brisbane, Australia
We spent two weeks in Donastia and almost every day depending upon the tides and rain, would take a walk along the beach.
The sand is fine , the water clear and there is always some hardy souls swimming.
Of course the setting, a long curved beach with an island just off the middle and soaring hills at either end are a sight to behold.
2. Monte Urgull
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By Zucoto - Christchurch, New Zealand
What a great place this is to get out of the city. You hardly have to climb the hill at all to be rewarded with fabulous views. There is a cute little bar serving drinks and coffee which overlooks the sea.
3. La Gintoneria Donostiarra
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 245 reviews
Reviewed By Trisha C - Mumbai
Found this place because a food guide recommended it and boy was she right...I have never seen G&T made like this..it's the art of science mixed with the love of drink...just WOW!!! Anyone that visits San Sebastián and loves G&T needs to come here..best bar...MoreMany thanks from the team La Gintoneria
4. Parte Vieja
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By Alex W - Singapore, Singapore
It’s a good place to just wander around the narrow streets, though there is nothing exceptional about San Sebastian’s old town. Like so many other old towns, this one is largely left to tourists, thus the many souvenir shops. One of the nicer surprises is when you turn a corner an get a glimpse of the sea.
However, since I was there during Carnaval, the town did come alive with local colour (and music) on that Sunday.
It does not seem to be a fully pedestrianised district however. Every now and then, a car would come through.
Restaurants are mostly along two streets: Calle San Jeronimo and Calle de 31 de Agosto. Those along San Jeronimo appear a little more touristy, while Calle 31 de Agosto has a few places that look more down-to-earth.
St Vincent’s, at the eastern end of Calle de 31 de Agosto is reputed to be the oldest church in San Sebastian, with origins as far back as the 12th century. There is nothing impressive about its exterior, and it appeared to be locked each time I came by. I don’t know if it is ever open to the public except on Sundays.
5. Paseo Nuevo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 149 reviews
Reviewed By johnhouston2 - Knaresborough, United Kingdom
We have just enjoyed a perfect morning stroll along this splendid walkway. The September Sunshine is just perfect and the views of the sea lovely, and ever changing as you go round the corner towards town, and the bay of La Concha opens up before you.
6. San Telmo Museoa
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 582 reviews
Reviewed By Judy S - Sydney, Australia
This museum has an extensive collection of Basque cultural items
going back to prehistoric times. It also has a surprisingly good painting collection. The museum itself is a contemporary addition in an old cloister and integrates the two very well. You will not be disappointed. It's worth spending at least two hours. Go on Tuesday when it's free. It's closed on Monday
7. Cristina Enea Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 206 reviews
Reviewed By Angelo G
Located close to the Estación del Norte train station, this 94,960 m² park was a gift to his wife, Cristina Brunetti de los Cobos, by the Duke of Mandas.
It was designed by Pierre Ducasse, who also designed Miramar Mansion Gardens and the Plaza de Gipuzkoa, and today is home to peacoks, ducks and turtles.
We enjoyed wandering along its extensive network of footpaths. There is not much in the way of unique vegetation, but the green oasis in the middle of the city offered a pleasant hour or so relaxation. The antics of the baby ducklings and the tortoises in the pond had us giggling and entertained.
The bicycle path all the way there and back was most welcome and useful.
8. Ondarreta Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 548 reviews
Reviewed By DP49 - Edmonds, WA
We chose Ondarreta Beach due to its proximity to our hotel and were not disappointed. On this sunny Tuesday morning, already crowded with families and people of all ages, the beach’s appeal was not diminished. While our hotel had provided us with large towels, there is a beachfront service that rents Cabanas, umbrellas and folding chairs. They do not offer lounge chairs or recliners. Other stands rent kayaks and paddle boards and there are a few cafes offering light meals, ice cream and alcohol and non-alcoholic beverages. If you are staying on the west side of the bay, your sand and water needs will be easily met at this beach.
9. Parque Aiete
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 129 reviews
Reviewed By JK_Donostia_77 - San Sebastian - Donostia, Spain
Worth the bus ride to the park. There's a magnificent public library. The architecture is modern and very respecting of the natural surrounding. In the park there are also 3 or 4 SEQUIOA trees!!!! Not sure how they got there, but they are majestic. The ponds and the waterfall are worth the trip. Very peaceful and relaxing place. A must!!!!
10. Castillo de la Mota
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 165 reviews
Reviewed By waiake1 - Auckland Central, New Zealand
I stopped here on the way down from the top of the mountain. One could stop on the way up if not wanting to complete the climb. There are great views of the other side of San Sebastian. There is also a great breeze to cool down if coming from the top.
