Are you thinking about visiting San Sebastian, Spain? Here's what you need to know before planning your trip.
Is San Sebastian worth visiting?
San Sebastian is worth visiting for two to three days so that you can explore everything that the city has to offer. San Sebastian is loved by visitors for many reasons, and is routinely on national "best of" lists, including Forbes Best Places to Travel in 2024. San Sebastián is a resort vacation destination that has beautiful beaches and wonderful seaside promenades. The city is also considered to be a culinary capital of the world with award winning restaurants and some of Spain's best cuisine.
San Sebastian, Spain
Reasons to Visit San Sebastian
Food
It is a famed culinary capital of not just Spain, but the entire world. The city has many Michelin-starred restaurants where you can experience modern or traditional recipes prepared by world class chefs. There are also pintxo bars, food markets, and gourmet food shops, that sell local ingredients and dishes. Much of the cuisine includes seafood, but you'll also find a local twist on traditional tapas. Dining is a true experience in this town.
Nightlife
You can expect a lively nightlife scene around town with many bars and places to hang out. Some of the best nightlife is found in and around Parte Vieja, Centro, Reyes Católicos and Gros.
Beaches
The city has three urban beaches that are a huge attraction during the summer months. For surfing and a lively atmosphere, head to the Playa de la Zurriola. The playa de la Concha is the most photographed and famous beach in town and Ondarreta is another beautiful option.
Shopping
A mix of familiar brands and locally made items make shopping a fun activity. You'll also find many artisan food shops around town where you can take home some local wine or other culinary treats.
Museums
Head to Castillo de la Mota for nice views and walks. Museo San Telmo offers an overview of Basque culture and Palacio de Miramar is another interesting place to visit.
Resorts
It's both a city and a resort vacation destination with many beachside resorts that are popular during the summer months.
The Costs
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, San Sebastian might be a very affordable destination for you. Check out the travel costs for San Sebastian here or see if San Sebastian is expensive here.
Is San Sebastian worth visiting in the Summer?
The warm weather in summer is one of the reasons people visit at this time of year. Temperatures average around 20°C (68°F) with daily high temperatures often more than 22°C (72°F).
The peak season for travel is summer in San Sebastian, so expect to see more tourists than usual. This destination is quite popular with tourists, and in the high season it's even busier than usual as this is when most people like to visit. Expect crowds to be large, and prices to be a bit higher than normal. However, there's plenty to do here this time of year, too.
With the warmer weather this time of year, the beach is the main attraction. Spend time enjoying the waves and sand during your trip. You'll also find it quite easy to get around on foot, because this is a very walkable city, especially in the nice weather. This is a great time of year to relax at the beach, wander through the museums, and enjoy the amenities of a resort. Also, you can dance the night away.
Summer Weather in San Sebastian
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| July | 20°C (68°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| August | 20°C (68°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) |
| September | 18°C (65°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) |
Is San Sebastian worth visiting in the Autumn?
Autumn is the shoulder season for travel in San Sebastian. This destination is quite touristy, so in the shoulder season you can still find plenty of crowds, but better prices.
Keep in mind that it can be fairly rainy during autumn, and temperatures hover around 16°C (60°F).
You'll find plenty to do during autumn, as you'll be able to browse through museums.
Autumn Weather in San Sebastian
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| October | 16°C (60°F) | 155 mm (6.1 in) |
| November | 11°C (52°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
| December | 9°C (49°F) | 184 mm (7.2 in) |
Is San Sebastian worth visiting in the Winter?
This is the low season for travel in San Sebastian. This destination is quite touristy, but in the low season you'll see fewer crowds and much better prices.
The weather in San Sebastian can be quite cold during winter, and averages around 8°C (47°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
During this season it's fun to experience the famous sights and museums, the cuisine, and the nightlife scene.
Winter Weather in San Sebastian
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| January | 8°C (47°F) | 183 mm (7.2 in) |
| February | 9°C (49°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) |
| March | 10°C (51°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
Is San Sebastian worth visiting in the Spring?
Keep in mind that it can be fairly rainy during spring, and temperatures hover around 12°C (54°F).
Spring is the shoulder season for travel in San Sebastian, which means slightly less visitors than in the peak season. This destination is quite touristy, so in the shoulder season you can still find plenty of crowds, but better prices.
This is a great time of year to browse the shops, browse the museums, and enjoy an evening out.
Spring Weather in San Sebastian
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| April | 12°C (54°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) |
| May | 15°C (59°F) | 139 mm (5.5 in) |
| June | 18°C (64°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
Related
What is San Sebastian most famous for?
San Sebastian is most famous for its many Michelin-starred restaurants, its world class beaches, and its beautiful buildings. The city is very popular for its food. It's also known for nightlife, beaches, and shopping. And many travelers come for the museums and resorts, as well. It is often described as fun-filled, beautiful, splendid, and outdoorsy.
What is the most famous sight in San Sebastian?
The most popular sight in San Sebastian is La Concha Bay. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in San Sebastian on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for La Concha Bay and other attractions here.
How touristy is San Sebastian? Is it a popular city to visit?
San Sebastian is a popular city for tourists and travelers. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- San Sebastian Top Pintxos Private Tour: $195
- Pintxos in San Sebastian Private Gastronomic & Cultural Adventure: $209
- San Sebastian Unique Pintxo-Tapas Tour with Lunch: $190
- San Sebastián Private Food-Historical tour & meal at a Gastronomy Club: $293
- Chef-Led Walking Pintxo Tour of San Sebastián: $270
- Sunrise SUP tour & breakfast - Private stand up paddle boarding experience: $136
- San Sebastian Private Sailing Tour: $270
- Pintxos tour through the Old Town: $130
How long should I spend in San Sebastian?
The ideal length of time for a trip to San Sebastian is two to three days. Since San Sebastian has a variety of activities such as dining, most people need this much time to see and do everything here.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in San Sebastian?, Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in San Sebastian?, and Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in San Sebastian?.
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