16 Best Things to Do and See in Saint Sebastian
Exploring Donostia / San Sebastian on foot is one of the best ways to feel the city’s atmosphere, connect its landmark places and discover its neighbourhoods at a more natural pace.
In this guide, you will find the attractions not to miss when planning a walking route in Donostia / San Sebastian, with simple reference points.
To go further, you can also enjoy a private guided tour in Donostia / San Sebastian. It is a smoother way to connect places, understand details you might miss on your own and enjoy a more human, personal discovery adapted to your trip.
1. Alderdi Eder Gardens
Alderdi Eder Gardens is a pleasant urban park in the heart of San Sebastián, facing La Concha Bay. This wide green space invites visitors to stroll along manicured lawns, shaded paths, and flower beds, with beautiful views of the sea and the city center’s iconic buildings. Popular with both locals and visitors, it offers a peaceful setting to take a break, relax on a bench, or simply enjoy the elegant atmosphere of the waterfront.
2. Peine del Viento XV
Peine del Viento XV is an iconic sculptural ensemble in San Sebastian, set by the sea in a spectacular location facing Atlantic waves. Huge steel pieces are anchored to the rocks and integrated into the coastal landscape, designed to interact with wind, water and the sound of the surf. The site offers a much-loved walk with open views over the bay and a setting that feels both artistic and natural. It is a must-see stop to admire the meeting of contemporary sculpture and the maritime landscape.
3. Mount Igueldo Funicular
The Mount Igueldo Funicular in San Sebastián offers a scenic ride to one of the city’s best-known viewpoints. This small mountain cable railway takes you to the summit of Mount Igueldo, where you’ll find a retro amusement park, pleasant walks and, above all, spectacular views over La Concha Bay, the Cantabrian Sea and the surrounding hills. It’s an ideal stop to enjoy a peaceful setting, take photos and admire San Sebastián from a unique angle.
4. Miramar Palace
Miramar Palace in San Sebastian is an iconic place, appealing for both its setting and its peaceful atmosphere. Set in a large park overlooking the bay, it offers pleasant walks with beautiful views of the sea and the city. The site is popular as a tourist attraction and a place to relax, with its well-kept gardens, shaded paths and elegant buildings. It is ideal for a quiet break, a family stroll or discovering the local landscaped heritage.
5. Good Shepherd Cathedral of San Sebastian
The Good Shepherd Cathedral in San Sebastian, located in the heart of the city, is the main Catholic building in San Sebastian and one of its most visible landmarks. Its neo-Gothic silhouette is defined by a tall spire rising above the surrounding streets, while the interior offers a bright, sober atmosphere ideal for a visit. Inside, visitors discover wide naves, colourful stained-glass windows and a peaceful space appreciated by both worshippers and travellers. It is a worthwhile stop for admiring the city’s religious architecture.
6. Cristina Enea Park
Cristina Enea Park in San Sebastián is a large green space known for its shaded paths, varied vegetation and peaceful atmosphere in the heart of the city. Visitors can enjoy tall trees, lawns, quiet corners for walking and relaxing, and a pleasant setting to observe nature in peace. It is an ideal spot for a break away from the urban bustle, a family stroll or simply a calm moment in a well-kept and welcoming environment.
7. Igeldo Mount Observatory
Igeldo Mount Observatory offers one of the most recognizable viewpoints in San Sebastian, with sweeping views over La Concha Bay and the surrounding coastline. Located on the heights of Igeldo, it lets visitors take in the relationship between the city, the sea, and the hills framing the landscape. The spot combines a viewpoint atmosphere with a park setting, making it a favorite for both sightseeing and enjoying the urban and coastal panorama.
8. San Telmo Museum
Located at the foot of Mount Urgull, San Telmo Museum is one of Saint-Sébastien’s leading museums. Set in a former Dominican convent expanded with contemporary architecture, it showcases diverse collections that illuminate Basque history and culture through art, archaeology, ethnography, and fine arts. Temporary exhibitions also explore artistic and historical themes. The visit is appealing both for the collections and the setting, where historic heritage meets modern spaces.
9. Aiete Park
Aiete Park in San Sebastián is a large city park known for its shaded paths, well-kept lawns and peaceful atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy elegant gardens, pleasant views over the city and several spots perfect for walking, relaxing or having a picnic. It is an ideal place to take a break from the urban buzz, enjoy nature in the city centre and admire a green setting with discreet charm, loved by locals and visitors alike.
10. Paseo de La Concha
Paseo de La Concha is an iconic promenade in San Sebastián, set along the bay of the same name. It combines the beach setting, the curve of the coastline, and open sea views in a landscape that is highly representative of Donostia. Walking along Kontxa Pasealekua, visitors discover a waterfront where the urban space and the maritime setting meet. The site is valued both for its scenic beauty and its place in local heritage.
11. Araba Park
Araba Park is a neighborhood public space in San Sebastián, serving both as a park and a playground. Its address on Gernikako Arbola Pasealekua places it in a residential part of Donostia / San Sebastián, where local amenities shape everyday life. Rather than a monument, the site stands out for its urban function, offering an open, accessible space within the city fabric. It is a simple stop to observe the local scale of San Sebastián's green spaces.
12. Parque Infantil Plaza Cataluña
Parque Infantil Plaza Cataluña is a small urban play area in Saint-Sébastien, on Plaza Cataluña. Discover a neighborhood playground set in a public square, designed mainly for local, everyday use. It is not a monumental site, but a simple place that reflects how the city provides family-friendly spaces. Located in Donostia / San Sebastián, in the province of Gipuzkoa, it belongs to the city’s residential fabric and nearby public spaces.
13. Basque Maritime Museum
The Basque Maritime Museum reveals the maritime world that shaped San Sebastián and its region for centuries. Located on the waterfront, it explores navigation history, port life and the city’s seafaring memory. As you visit, you gain a clearer sense of the link between the city, its coastline and Basque maritime traditions. The museum also highlights the preservation of a heritage that remains essential to understanding Donostia’s identity.
14. Donostiako Planetarium
Donostiako Planetarium is a museum in San Sebastián dedicated to astronomy and science outreach. Visitors can explore a space designed to explain and showcase the sky, with a special focus on stars, planets, and the universe. Located on paseo Mikeletegi, it sits in a modern urban district of Donostia. For travelers, it is a cultural way to discover the cosmos through the city’s scientific heritage.
15. Monte Igeldo Parkea
Monte Igeldo Parkea is a city park set high above San Sebastián. It stands out for its hilltop views over La Concha Bay, the Basque coast, and the districts of Donostia. The main appeal is the meeting point between city and seascape, with open views that give the site a strong role in the local identity. Rather than monumentality, the park is defined by its natural setting, topography, and panoramic view of the city.
Antony M
During my travels, I looked for guides who spoke my language. This search turned out to be long and tedious. That is why I created MYTOGU (My Tourist Guide): a matching site between tourists and professional tourist guides.
