One of the most beautiful and famous summer cities in the Basque Autonomous Region of Spain welcomes its visitors with a wide offer of cultural activities, views, architecture, and gastronomy. The city of San Sebastián, or its full name in Euskara, Donostia-San Sebastián, is a renowned coastal city located in the north of Spain, in the Basque Country just 20km from the border with France. San Sebastían is a city with a strong personality. A stay here is a multicultural experience. It’s famous for its beautiful beaches, language, excellent local gastronomy, gothic, baroque, and belle epoque architecture, jazz music, and film festivals with amazing views and rich history.
Our recommendations on which areas to stay in
- For a luxury stay, we recommend the areas in the city’s Central district, close to Playa de la Concha, where you will be close to the city’s best spots, accompanied by fantastic views of the bay and its unforgettable sunsets.
- Are you looking for family accommodation? Please stay within the city’s Old Town, where you can have a great time visiting its museums and historical places and being close to all the amenities and services you need for a pleasant stay.
- If you’re looking for cheap accommodation, the whole city offers affordable stays, but to enjoy the most out of San Sebastián, we recommend the areas close to Mercado San Martin.
These are our recommendations on accommodations in San Sebastián, Spain, in 3 categories:
Luxury trip
Room with a view
Family accommodation
Budget stay
Hotels
The jewel of the Basque Country – Celebrate with the locals.
Between the Urgull and Igueldo hills is Donostia-San Sebastián, a worth-visiting cultural spot in the Basque region. Besides its natural scenery of mountains and beaches, the city is a great place to enjoy the region’s festivals, art, and music. You will find several reasons to come to San Sebastián and celebrate throughout the year. Join the locals in the Fantasy and Terror Film Festival by the end of October, and enjoy several art performances, comic exhibitions, concerts, and awards for different categories. Stay in the city during September to experience the San Sebastián International Film Festival, a festival celebrated since 1953 uninterruptedly. During one week, the city dresses in glamor as the streets gather together great characters from the cinema world.
A stay in San Sebastián is an immersive experience. This city is welcoming and ready to make you feel part of everything. During the third week of July is the San Sebastián Jazz Festival, one of the most famous and oldest festivals of this genre in Europe. In August, the city has a week of local celebration, Semana Grande. There are fireworks during the weeknights, theater, live music, and other activities you can experience. And celebrate the region’s culture during Basque Week or Euskal Jaiak, with cider tastings, the best of basque gastronomy, stone lifting, dance contests, and many other traditional activities to celebrate the local identity.
Luxury stays in front of the sea.
The city of San Sebastián is located on the southeastern coast of the Bay of Biscay and has a privileged location with beautiful beaches to explore and enjoy. Look for accommodation in front of Paseo Marítimo San Sebastián, and enjoy the Cantabrian sunsets. There is plenty of luxury accommodation near this beautiful area of the city, close to the city’s best offer of activities and food.
Enjoy the sea with a walk through the Beach of La Concha. Discover the views from the lookout Loretopea in front of the Miramar Jauregia, a former palace and summer home of the Queen of Spain. Discover all the offers of restaurants in the area, some of them awarded with a Michelin Star. Have a meal at La Brasserie Mari Galant in Bajos de La Concha and enjoy its classic cuisine, discover the basque seafood and meat in Anastasio in Arrasate Kalea, or enjoy the Michelin Starred Amelia by Paulo Airaudo in front of Paseo Marítimo San Sebastián, all of them close to your accommodation. Or walk to the city’s historical areas and discover another Michelin Star restaurant, Kokotxa, with its inventive cuisine just behind the Basilica of Saint Mary of Coro, a beautiful landmark of the city.
Enjoy the San Sebastián International Film Festival in the Victoria Eugenia Theater, in front of the Urumea River. End your evening by drinking a glass of wine or a cocktail at Urgulleko Polboriña on top of Urgull Hill. Enjoy the view and the historical landmarks at a walkable distance from your luxury accommodation.
Old Town San Sebastián for the whole family
San Sebastián is a family-friendly destination prepared to make you live the best vacations. Enjoy a stay within the Old Town and have everything you need for a pleasant trip to this city.
- You will be close to the Zurriola Beach and the Beach of La Concha to have a perfect family day around these beautiful areas.
- You will have several pharmacies around your accommodations, such as Álvaro Cremades and Botika. Also, health centers such as Joseba Arrieta Genua Health Center and Alde Zaharra Public Medical Center.
- You will have grocery stores a short walk from your accommodation, such as Lidl in Bretxa Plaza and El Espigón in San Juan Kalea.
- Enjoy a visit to the San Telmo Museum in Zuloaga Plaza and learn about the history of San Sebastián or walk to Baluarte del Mirador and enjoy a scenic view of the city with your family.
- There is an Aquarium nearby, so you and your family can discover and learn about the sea life of this coastal city and the region.
- Have a family dinner in La Cuchara de San Telmo near the museum or a pizza at Italianfood at Iñigo Kalea, both at a short distance from your accommodation and other great food options.
Stay near Plaza Constitución to have everything you need at a walkable distance from your accommodation.
Budget stay in San Sebastián
This city offers options for every budget. There are affordable accommodation options in the whole town. We recommend the areas close to Mercado San Martin because it is a central area of the city, and in the market, you will find an excellent option for eating local at a fair price.
Remember to visit the Old Town and walk its historic streets. Enjoy the beach and city views from its numerous lookouts on the coastline. Walk through Gipuzkoa Plaza and get lost on the historic streets of this neighborhood at a short walkable distance to your accommodation.
