Nestled on the northern coast of Spain, the small-ish city of San Sebastián can be considered the heart of Basque Country, a Spanish province with its own cuisine, culture and even its own language. A daytrip from Bilbao should offer enough time to get the most out of this coastal town, but one visit will most likely have you planning a return trip shortly after.
Spend a quiet morning meandering through the pedestrian-only streets of the Old Quarter, eyeing seafood stalls as markets open and feeling the energy of a new day of fresh fish. Just a few blocks from the Old Quarter is Zurriola Beach, one of three urban beaches in San Sebastián. The next beach to the west is La Concha, a slightly cleaner and calmer alternative, followed by Ondarreta Beach, where sunbathing and surfing abound.
In the afternoon, climb to the top of Urgull where a castle, a free museum and expansive views of the coast and the Atlantic Ocean await.
The Basque Country is where pintxos were born: small slices of baguette topped with anything and everything imaginable, like anchovies, blocks of cheese, tortilla (“omelet” in Spanish) and vegetables, most likely sprinkled with olive oil. Pintxos bars are a dime a dozen in San Sebastián, so grab a seat at the bar, make your own plate and save your toothpicks as they serve as evidence of how many you had, and you’ll be charged by the toothpick. Eating out on a terrace often comes with a surcharge, so opting to eat at the bar will save you a few euros.
Read This Next
Under $100: Burlington, Vermont
Under $100 / North America
Jun 14, 2022#TrazeeTravel
Insta FeedFood & Drink
Feb 13, 20255 Valentine’s-Inspired Cocktail Recipes from Hotels
Make your Valentine a romantic cocktail using a recipe from one of these hotels around the country.
Sponsored Content
Seoul: Your Favorite Worldwide City
Seoul is the place for your next bleisure destination.
Airlines
Feb 13, 2025First-Ever Non-Stop Flight from United States to Puglia, Italy
Italian airline Neos Airlines recently announced plans to launch the first-ever non-stop flight between the United States and the region of Puglia in southern Italy. The new route connects New York (JFK) with Bari (BRI), Puglia’s capital city.
Destinations / North America
Feb 12, 2025Concord Celebrates 250th Anniversary of Start of American Revolution
This spring, on April 19, the country recognizes the 250th anniversary of the start of the American Revolution, and visitors are expected to flock to Concord, Massachusetts. Beat the crowds by making a trip to Concord Museum, which welcomes the occasion with a special Whose Revolution exhibition that goes live in March.
Sponsored Content
Discover Greece’s Tower Towns: A Journey Through History
Greece's tower towns offer a captivating blend of history, architecture and stunning landscapes that make them perfect for curious travelers. These towns, particularly found in the Mani region of the Peloponnese, are defined by stone towers built during the medieval period. Constructed for both defense and as symbols of family pride, the towers stand as a testament to the region's turbulent history and its residents’ resilience.
Destinations / North America
Feb 12, 20256 Summer Foodie Festivals in Colorado This Year
Colorado hosts popular events this summer, perfect for foodie travelers. In partnership with Team Player Productions, these events highlight the best the state has to offer.
ShareThis