San Sebastián—Donostia if you wanna sound local—straight up feels like it was made for people who love eating, beach-bumming, and pretending they’re in a Wes Anderson movie. The place is tucked in Spain’s Basque Country, with golden sand, pintxos bars on every corner, and enough old-world charm to make your camera weep. You’ve got three days? Here’s how to squeeze the most out of ‘em. Trust me, you’ll be plotting your return before you even leave. San Sebastián Itinerary: How to Spend 3 Perfect Days.
Day 1: Dive Right Into the Good Stuff
Morning – Get Lost in Parte Vieja
Wander aimlessly through the Old Town. It’s honestly the only way. You’ll stumble into Plaza de la Constitución—those windows were old VIP seats for bullfights, wild right? Poke your head into random shops, gawk at the architecture. It’s a weird mash-up of old Basque and modern cool.
Lunch – Pintxos (aka Basque Tapas) Madness
When in San Sebastián, you eat pintxos. It’s the law. Roll into Gandarias, La Cuchara de San Telmo, or Borda Berri. Order whatever looks weird or popular, down it with some Txakoli (that zingy white wine they pour from a mile above your glass). Don’t be shy—just point at stuff.
Afternoon – San Telmo Museoa
Culture time! The San Telmo museum’s inside this moody old convent but it’s got slick modern exhibits. You’ll actually want to read the signs, swear.
Evening – Sunset at La Concha
Drag your stuffed self along La Concha promenade. Snap a billion pics—everyone does it—especially as the sun dips behind Mount Urgull. The water legit sparkles; it’s not just Instagram filters.
Dinner – Michelin-Star Flex
Look, if you’re gonna splurge, do it here. Arzak, Akelarre, Mugaritz—these spots have more stars than a Marvel movie cast. Book ahead or just eat more pintxos if you forgot. No shame.
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Day 2: Beach Mode + Epic Views
Morning – La Concha Beach
Sleep in a bit. Then hit the beach. Swim, sunbathe, rent a kayak—whatever floats your boat. The water’s usually calm unless the Atlantic’s in a mood.
Late Morning – Hike Up Mount Urgull
Get your steps in and hike up Mount Urgull. The city looks like a toy from up there. At the top, there’s Castillo de la Mota, which is just old and cool (and, yeah, more history).
Lunch – Mercado de la Bretxa
The market’s buzzing—grab some fruit, ogle the seafood, and then chow down at one of the nearby cafés. Freshest fish you’ll ever eat, hands down.
Afternoon – Ondarreta & Peine del Viento
Cruise over to Ondarreta Beach for a chill vibe (fewer crowds). Don’t miss Peine del Viento—a bunch of metal sculptures by Chillida where the waves go nuts. It’s way cooler in person than it sounds.
Evening – Sunset from Monte Igueldo
Hop on the old-school funicular and ride up to Monte Igueldo. The view is mind-blowing—like, “I need to put my phone down and just stare for a second” kind of good.
Day 3: Quick Trips & Local Secrets
Morning – Getaria or Hondarribia Day Trip
Can’t decide? Flip a coin. Getaria is tiny, all about grilled seafood and Txakoli wine (yes, more wine). Hondarribia’s got these candy-colored houses and medieval vibes.
Lunch – Seafood Overload
In Getaria, go for the grilled turbot. In Hondarribia, just eat whatever the old guys at the bar are having. It’ll be good, promise.
Afternoon – Surf’s Up at Zurriola
Back in San Sebastián, check out Zurriola Beach. It’s all surfers, students, and people who look way more relaxed than you. Grab a coffee and pretend you could totally surf if you felt like it.
Evening – Pintxos Crawl in Gros
Gros is the cooler, less touristy neighborhood. The pintxos bars here get creative. Try the wild stuff, wash it down with cider or more Txakoli. Repeat as needed.
Final Night – Cheesecake & Chill
Take one last slow walk along La Concha, city lights twinkling, waves doing their thing. Duck into a café and order tarta de queso—Basque cheesecake is a life-changer. Don’t even think about sharing.
Quick Tips Before You Go
- Best time? Late spring to early fall. You want that good weather.
- Getting around: You’ll walk a ton, but buses are solid too.
- Languages: Spanish and Basque rule, but English is easy enough in touristy bits.
- Money: Euros, obviously.
That’s the trip, really. Food, beaches, a little culture, a lotta wine. San Sebastián’s the kinda place you leave already plotting your comeback. Don’t say I didn’t warn you. San Sebastián Itinerary: How to Spend 3 Perfect Days.