San Sebastián is without doubt one of the most-loved cities in the world. It’s not simply the editors of Condé Nast Traveler who’ve fallen for this diminutive oceanfront metropolis in the Basque Country, however our readers too—you voted it the best city in Europe in our 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards.
And it checks out. San Sebastian has a number of the most interesting eating places in the world (there are extra Michelin stars per sq. foot than any metropolis on the planet), a wealthy historical past, plus some glorious locations to keep. But what do you have to do when you arrive? Below, we have rounded up the very best issues to do in San Sebastián to encourage your subsequent journey to this people-pleasing metropolis.
Go pintxos bar-hopping
(*13*) is extra synonymous with Spanish tradition—however that is the Basque Country, actually, and pintxos are the order of the day right here. A pintxo is a small snack served in tavernas or bars and is most frequently (though not at all times) served on prime of a slice of bread, speared with a cocktail stick to preserve the toppings (anchovies, maybe, or goat cheese and ham, or tortilla) in place. Pintxos are sufficiently small to whet your urge for food over a glass of wine or beer pre-supper—however in San Sebastián, we suggest foregoing a sit-down dinner altogether, as an alternative embarking on a pintxos hopping tour. One fashionable route begins at Borda Berri (order the confusingly named “kebab,” which is definitely a melty pork rib) earlier than wandering down the road for pitstops at Bar Sport (order the txangurro, or crab) and Txepetxa, the place all of the pintxos include an anchovy and your alternative of further toppings. Whichever route you are taking, ensure to end the crawl at La Viña, the birthplace of the burnt Basque cheesecake.
Sunbathe at La Concha
San Sebastián has a main place in the Basque Country, set proper on the ocean. The metropolis skyline curves round the primary, crescent-shaped seaside La Concha, which itself melts into gin-clear water overlooking Santa Clara island, which rises from the ocean a number of hundred ft from the shore. A promenade edges the seaside, for individuals who aren’t in the temper for sandy sneakers—comply with the railings to the correct, as you have a look at the water, and you may attain the Twenties-built Nautical Club and the City Hall. Or head onto the beach and into the ocean—the water is normally shallow, however the waves can come thick and quick.