Old Town San Sebastián

San Sebastián

Old Town featuring street scenes as well as a small group of people
Old Town which includes street scenes and night scenes as well as a small group of people
Monte Urgull featuring a bay or harbour, a city and a coastal town
Old Town San Sebastián
Old Town which includes a bar, interior views and food

Piece together intriguing Basque stories from the museums and religious treasures and enjoy scenic views of headlands and islands in this historic neighbourhood.

The Old Town district of San Sebastian comprises a hub of intriguing and historical sights at the foot of Mount Urgull. The district’s many museums and churches shed light on the art, culture and history of the Basque region. Stroll through narrow alleys in the historic centre and choose from three urban beaches in this eclectic area.

Walk along the stone-lined banks of the picturesque Urumea River that divides Old Town in two. Relax in some of the many bars that you’ll find along the avenues. Restaurants here specialize in Basque tapas and pintxos, which are bite-sized culinary treats.

Gaze up at impressive buildings dotted around the historic centre. Among the highlights is the 18th-century Basilica of Saint Mary of the Chorus. Detailed carvings and statues are engraved on its intricate façade. Admire the 19th-century neoclassical frontage of the Goikoa Palace.

Snap photos of the iconic twin towers of the San Sebastian City Hall, which was formerly a casino. Reach the historic Plaza de la Constitución and notice the numbers on the balconies that once marked old bullfighting boxes.

For a change of theme, place your bets at the upmarket Casino Kursaal, which has a range of betting machines, poker sets and a restaurant with a charming terrace. Bring your kids to the San Sebastian Aquarium and learn about all things Basque in the exceptional buildings of the San Telmo Museum.

Lay down a blanket for a picnic or sunbathing on Zurriola Beach or Concha Beach. Visit the bars and clubs of the latter’s famous promenade.

This historic centre lies at the bottom of the verdant hills of Mount Urgull in central San Sebastian. Ride the train to Gros Station and get around this charming area on foot. Drive east from the base of Monte Igueldo for 2.5 miles (4 kilometres) to get here in about 15 minutes.

San Sebastian’s Old Town is a window into the fascinating and proud Basque traditions and history.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Old Town San Sebastián Hotel Deals

Hotel Atari

Hotel Atari

2 out of 5
C. Mayor 18, San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa
The price is CA $435 per night from Aug 25 to Aug 26
CA $435
CA $478 total
Aug 25 - Aug 26
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in San Sebastián. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (241 reviews)
"Fantastic position in the old town, opposite the basilica, really buzzing area but hotel totally quiet."

Reviewed on Aug. 22, 2025

Hotel Atari
Lasala Plaza Hotel - Adults only

Lasala Plaza Hotel - Adults only

4 out of 5
Plaza Lasala, 2, San Sebastián, Guipuzcoa
The price is CA $530 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
CA $530
CA $583 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in San Sebastián. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (666 reviews)
"Beautiful hotel with amazing rooftop, outstanding location, friendly staff, great breakfast. Our room was noisy due to festivities outside our window. Otherwise, it was great!"

Reviewed on Jul. 26, 2025

Lasala Plaza Hotel - Adults only
Pension Anne

Pension Anne

1 out of 5
Esterlines Kalea 15, San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa
The price is CA $209 per night from Sep 16 to Sep 17
CA $209
CA $230 total
Sep 16 - Sep 17
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hostel in San Sebastián. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Concha Beach and Casino Kursaal are located ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (134 reviews)
Perfect for a weekend in San Seb!
"The host was very welcoming and friendly. Room very clean and the location was perfect. I would stay again."

Reviewed on Aug. 15, 2025

Pension Anne
Casa Nicolasa

Casa Nicolasa

2 out of 5
Calle Aldamar, 4, San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa
The price is CA $249 per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
CA $249
CA $274 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this pension in San Sebastián. Enjoy free WiFi, daily housekeeping, and minibars. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (366 reviews)
"Great location in a cool city. Staff was first rate. Kid friendly. Value for money was quite good."

Reviewed on Aug. 9, 2025

Casa Nicolasa
Hotel SANSEbay

Hotel SANSEbay

3.5 out of 5
Calle mari 21, San Sebastián
The price is CA $367 per night from Sep 15 to Sep 16
CA $367
CA $404 total
Sep 15 - Sep 16
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star beach hotel in San Sebastián. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (415 reviews)
"The staff were incredibly welcoming and helpful. The location is unsurpassable I think and lots going on nearby."

Reviewed on Aug. 17, 2025

Hotel SANSEbay
Aldamar

Aldamar

2 out of 5
Calle Aldamar 2, San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa
The price is CA $266 per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
CA $266
CA $293 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this pension in San Sebastián. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9/10 Wonderful! (291 reviews)
"This hotel provides you as best they can. Free coffee and tea station, AC, clean linens, staff welcomes you warmly. The only thing I would point out is cleanness especially underneath of the bed, wall and AC UNIT… I saw very dark color and lots of dusts at where air in and out. I am not sure how ..."

Reviewed on Aug. 19, 2025

Aldamar
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Old Town San Sebastián

Maria Cristina Bridge featuring a bridge, a river or creek and a city

San Sebastián Centro

4.5/5(43 area reviews)

San Sebastián Centro is known for its stunning beaches, and with sights like Cathedral of the Good Shepherd and Concha Beach, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of San Sebastián.

San Sebastián Centro
San Ignacio Church showing heritage architecture and a church or cathedral

Gros

4.5/5(13 area reviews)

Travelers come to Gros for its beaches, and you can see top attractions like Kursaal Congress Centre and Auditorium and Zurriola Beach while you're in town.

Gros
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Manteo

While there might not be top attractions in Manteo, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Kursaal Congress Centre and Auditorium and Zurriola Beach.

Manteo

Egia

4.5/5(3 area reviews)

Bars, river views, and historic sites highlight some of the notable features of Egia. Make a stop by Tabakalera Donostia while you're exploring.

Egia
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Ulia

Ulia might not have many top sights, but Kursaal Congress Centre and Auditorium and Zurriola Beach are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Ulia
Miramar Palace featuring flowers, a coastal town and general coastal views

Antiguo

4.5/5(2 area reviews)

Antiguo is known for its beaches, and you can plan a trip to Ondarreta Beach and Concha Promenade while you're in town.

Antiguo

Old Town San Sebastián

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