Leave it to the patron saint of foodies, Anthony Bourdain, to sum up what it’s like to eat in San Sebastian: “You could make the argument,” he said, “that there is no better place to eat in Europe than the city of San Sebastian.” Simply put, simply true. 

San Sebastian, located on the Bay of Biscayne in the Basque Country, has a population of under 200,000 denizens and over 400 bars serving pintxos (the Basque version of tapas). In fact, in the Parte Vieja, there are nearly 200 bars serving up small-portioned deliciousness on a plate. 

Add to that, pristine beaches, excellent museums, and friendly people and you’ve got one enjoyable place to spend some time in. If you’re only going to have one day in San Sebastian, your work—or, rather, your fun—is cut out for you: this one day in San Sebastian could be your best day of your entire trip. And most certainly its most delicious. 

Suggested 1 day itinerary

Morning 

Take a hike!

Before the heat bakes into the landscape of San Sebastian for the day, trudge up Monte Urgull. Overlooking the Parte Vieja, or Old Town, Monte Urgull has played a crucial part as protector to San Sebastian since the Middle Ages. If the hill looks steep, have no fear: there’s a 2.5-mile path that gently ascends the hill in a circular manner. Once at the top, you can enjoy the stunning views of the city from the medieval Castillo de la Mota. 

Take a stroll!

If heading uphill for your one day in San Sebastian is too much, here’s an alternative. Ambling is a popular activity in San Sebastian. After all, one has to do something to burn off all those pintxos calories. The most classic walk in town is to amble along La Concha, the iconic seashell-shaped beach.

The entire walk is about two miles and there are outdoor cafes along the way to take a breather. Ultimately, you’ll get to the southern end when you reach the Peine del Vento sculptures by artist Eduardo Chillida—three steel sculptures weighing over nine tons. 

Take a walk (and a bite)!

If you’re in town during the weekend, consider taking a three-hour guided walking tour through San Sebastian’s historic part of town where a local insider will guide you to various pintxo bars to sample up to eight different edible delights and five different beverages—all while getting a deeper sense of the culinary culture of this city. The tours start at 11:30am on Saturday and Sunday; there are also evening tours every night of the week. 

Afternoon

Pintxo Crawl

If you didn’t take a three-hour guided walking tour, you can do a DIY version. One known secret to eating in San Sebastian is that you can randomly pop into pretty much any pintxo bar and you’re going to be satisfied. 

But if you have just 1 day in San Sebastian, here’s a cheat sheet, all within the Parte Vieja: at Bar Sport, devour the grilled foie gras and the mini hamburguesa, a small patty of ground txuleton (or ribeye). Just down the street from Bar Sport is Casa Urola: since 1956, the family has been making flavor-popping seasonal pintxos. 

At Bar Nestor, get a slice of the tortilla de patata, arguably the best in town; the trick, though, is that you have to be there at noon to put in your order and return about 45 minutes later to pick it up. Finally, do not leave San Sebastian before you try the grilled pintxo of seared foie gras wading in a white chocolate and corn sauce at Atari. 

From Tobacco to Art

For 90 years until 2003, Tabakalera produced cigarettes and other tobacco products at this multi-level spot behind the main railway station. In 2015, Tabakalera re-opened as a center of Basque culture and art. Exhibitions change frequently but whatever is on display is worth a look. 

Evening

Learn to cook like a Basque 

For a true taste of authentic Basque fare, take an early-evening class in Basque cooking. Inside the kitchen of a Basque family restaurant, you’ll learn how to build your own Gilda (the very first pintxo), master how to properly flip an egg-and-potato tortilla, and you’ll gain valuable Basque cooking techniques that will prove to be the ultimate souvenir that you bring home. 

Have a sweet finish

Don’t finish your 1 day in San Sebastian without trying the city’s famed burnt cheesecake. It’s offered all over town, but the one place to get it is at La Viña, the Parte Vieja bar that claims to have invented it. 

FAQs

What is the best time of year to go to San Sebastian? 

Head to San Sebastian in July and August for the warmest and liveliest time. But to beat the heat and the crowds, April to mid-June and September-October are an ideal balance between a nice climate and fewer crowds. 

What are the must-do things to include in my San Sebastian itinerary if I only have 1 day?

To maximize your 1 day in San Sebastian, start with a morning hike up Monte Urgull or a stroll along La Concha, savor the best pintxos San Sebastian is famous for during an afternoon crawl, explore cultural spots like Tabakalera, and end your day with a Basque cooking class in San Sebastian to learn local culinary secrets.

Why should I take a cooking class? 

Let us count the ways: get such an upclose, insider’s look at Basque cuisine that you’re going to get your hands dirty—in the best way possible. You’ll learn how to make Basque specialties (and can wow your friends and family back home) and you’ll gain insights into Basque culture via the local culinary masters that are teaching by your side. And then there’s the social aspect: have fun meeting fellow food enthusiasts and travelers as you learn along with them in this small-group setting. This Basque cooking class is the best way to top off your one day in San Sebastian. 

What time does the cooking class begin and how long does it last? 

The 2.5-hour long class starts at 6pm and finishes at 8:30pm. 

Make your 1 day in San Sebastian unforgettable—book a Basque cooking class now and savor authentic flavors!