We’re not going to go into why you’re coming to visit us for just one day, but what do you mean, 24 hours? We’re going to focus on the positive side: at least you’ll be able to see one of the most beautiful cities in all of Europe.
If time isn’t enough, then we’ll get down to business, giving you the keys to enjoying a comprehensive route and discovering all the beauty and charm of San Sebastián.
Visit, see, and enjoy San Sebastián in one day
We begin our fantastic day in San Sebastián from what could be your home when you visit Donostia: CATS Hostel San Sebastián, located at Paseo Heriz 38. Yes, we know, you’re coming for just one day, but you’ll still be in the habit of sleeping in, right? Well, you’ll give it your all on your one-day route through San Sebastián, then rest up and continue the adventure tomorrow.
Paseo Heriz is in the heart of the Old Town, so in about a fifteen-minute walk, you’ll reach the Pico del Loro viewpoint. The first reason is to make you aware of the beauty of La Concha Bay and the city you’re about to discover. Little by little, you’ll see that San Sebastián is truly amazing.
Pico del Loro is the viewpoint that separates Ondarreta Beach, on the left if you look out to sea, from La Concha Beach, on the right. If you have time, it would be a fantastic idea to take a boat to the island right in front of you, Santa Clara Island. For now, we’ll leave that in the “good ideas” section and continue on our way.
Let’s walk along Ondarreta Beach, looking at the end of it for one of San Sebastián’s most recognizable monuments and its creator, the world-renowned Eduardo Chillida. The Peine del Viento, as his work is called, is at the end of the beach and at the foot of Mount Igueldo. And, man, while we’re here, did you know there’s an amusement park at its top? And a viewpoint that’s unbelievable. If you want to check it out, we won’t be the ones to stop you. Spoiler alert: don’t panic, there’s a funicular to take you all the way to the top.
Back at sea level, we hit the road again, retracing our steps. You’ve probably noticed that before reaching Pico del Loro, you’ve passed a gigantic palace. That’s the Miramar Palace. It’s an English-style palace with stunning gardens and privileged views of the beach and the bay.
We continue along the La Concha promenade, a work of art, with its Belle Époque buildings and streetlights. This area is begging for photos; it’s a beach, a walk, and incredible views. The promenade ends at San Sebastián City Hall, although before reaching it, we make a short detour to visit Plaza Gipuzkoa, possibly the most beautiful square in all of San Sebastián.
We wander around a bit; this should be a national sport because there’s no better way to enjoy a city than wandering around and getting a little lost, looking for the fantastic Calle Mayor. Once you’ve soaked up the atmosphere of this area of the city, it’s time to visit the Basilica of Santa María del Coro. On the right, Plaza de la Trinidad awaits you, next to the Basilica, and a few steps further towards the river, Plaza de la Constitución.
Here we come to a key moment of the day. You should check your hunger levels, because we’re in a perfect area for eating the best of traditional Basque cuisine. Areas like Calle de Fermín Calbetón, with Bar Sport, or Calle 31 de Agosto, packed with fantastic taverns and bars. So you decide: eat now and then walk down to lunch, or let’s go to Monte Urgull now. Oh yes, by the way, that’s Monte Urgull right there, and we’re going to climb it.
Whichever decision you make; it’ll be the right one. Just above the Monte Urgull viewpoint is the imposing La Mota Castle, which is also a museum. But hey, enough with all the chatter and photos, let’s head down, we still have San Sebastián to see, and the day is slipping away.
We head down to Paseo Nuevo, another one of those places full of charm and beauty in San Sebastián. Yes, another one. Enjoy the atmosphere and the views, as we head inland without losing sight of the sea, as Paseo Nuevo connects with Paseo de Salamanca, which takes us to the city’s first bridge, seen from the sea.
Before crossing it, leave it behind to enjoy the majestic Hotel María Cristina. From here, Paseo de Francia begins. After taking your photos, go back a few steps and, now, cross the bridge. The first thing we see upon crossing the bridge is the Kursaal Auditorium, home to the San Sebastián Film Festival, one of the city’s most important global events. The auditorium is located next to Zurriola Beach, a temple for surfers and photography enthusiasts. Are you among them?
Now return along the riverbed and cross the river again via the María Cristina Bridge, possibly the most beautiful of all. Hint: it’s the third one starting from the sea. You’ve already crossed the first one, leave the second one behind, and the next one. You can’t miss it. Once back, you’re just a few steps away from the Buen Pastor Cathedral, a true jewel of San Sebastián.
And with that, you’ve visited the most important and beautiful spots in San Sebastián. Now it’s time to relax, or enjoy the nightlife in the Old Town. Or both. Who says you can’t? The city is all yours.
