Arrival & Mobility

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• San Sebastián Airport (EAS) – 20 km; Lurraldebus E21 connects terminal ↔ city center (Plaza Gipuzkoa / Renfe) all day.

• Alternatives: flights via Bilbao (BIO) and Biarritz (BIQ) with direct coach transfers.

• Dbus urban network (lines every 5–25 min) and Euskotren to move between neighborhoods and coastal towns.

• BiziDonosti e-bike sharing and e-scooters; coastal cycle lane between Ondarreta and Zurriola.

• LEZ in Old Town and City Center: restricted access for vehicles without environmental badge.

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Must-Visit Beaches

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• La Concha – urban gem, ranked among Europe’s best beaches 2025.

• Ondarreta – extension of La Concha, perfect for morning paddleboarding.

• Zurriola – surf mecca; surf school and youthful vibe year-round.

• Santa Clara Island – small beach accessible by water taxi in summer.

• Local tip: at high tide part of the sand “disappears”; check tide tables before settling in.

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Gastronomy

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• Fine dining (book weeks ahead)

• Arzak, Akelarre, Martín Berasategui – the three local triple-Michelin-starred icons.

• Mugaritz, Amelia, Kokotxa, Smoked Room (inside Hotel Nobu), and iBai by Paulo Airaudo complete the local Michelin elite.

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New Openings 2025

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• Fishølogy Donostia – marine charcuterie with cured bluefin tuna.

• Alboka (Gros district) – young project focused on refined Basque grilling.

• GOe Gastronomy Open Ecosystem – Basque Culinary Center’s new R&D campus, opening to the public in October with gastro-labs and pop-ups.

 

Basque Classics & Pintxo Bars

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• Gandarias, La Cuchara de San Telmo, Borda Berri, Bar Néstor, Atari, and Ganbara – legendary pintxos.

• Rekondo – traditional cuisine and one of the best wine cellars in the world.

• Casa Urola, Astelena, and Bar Martínez – txuleta steak, bacalao al pil-pil, and kokotxas.

 

Nightlife & Cultural Scene

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• Bataplán and GU San Sebastián – clubs with views over La Concha.

• Dabadaba – indie-electronic venue with 50+ concerts scheduled for 2025–26.

• Jazzaldia 60th anniversary, July 19–27 2025 – Jamie Cullum, The Beach Boys, and 70+ concerts (many free on Zurriola Beach).

• Zinemaldia – International Film Festival, Sept 19–27 2025, Donostia Award to producer Esther García.

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Culture & Heritage

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• Old Town – Basilica of Santa María, Plaza de la Constitución, and hike up Monte Urgull for the castle and Chillida’s “Peine del Viento”.

• San Telmo Museum – Basque art and temporary exhibitions.

• Aquarium & Paseo Nuevo – 360° tunnel and waves crashing over the breakwater.

• Kursaal – Moneo’s conference center and home to Gastronomika (Oct 6–8).

 

Shopping & Markets

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• San Martín Market – local produce and gourmet boutiques.

• La Bretxa – undergoing renovation; farmers’ stalls on Saturdays.

• Avenida de la Libertad and Calle Getaria – discreet luxury: Max Mara, Isabel Marant, Loreak.

• Nature, Sport & Wellness

• Monte Igueldo – historic funicular and 360° bay viewpoint.

• Monte Ulia & Camino del Norte – 7 km coastal path to Pasai Donibane, spectacular cliffs.

• “Vuelta a Donostia” trail – 50 km loop around the city.

• La Perla Thalasso-Sport – thalassotherapy circuit facing La Concha.

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Excursions (< 1 h)

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• Getaria – Cristóbal Balenciaga Museum (“The Subtleties of a Dialogue” May 23 2025–Jan 11 2026) and turbot grills.

• Hondarribia – walled old town and pintxo crawl at Gran Sol and Ardoka.

• Pasajes San Juan / San Pedro – seaside promenade + boat between shores.

• Zumaia – Flysch Geopark and Game of Thrones viewpoints.

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Suggested Itineraries

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3-day express

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• Day 1 – Pintxo crawl in Old Town → La Concha sunset walk → cocktails at GU.

• Day 2 – Surf lesson at Zurriola → lunch at Arzak → afternoon at La Perla spa → Jazzaldia beach concert.

• Day 3 – Sunrise funicular to Igueldo → Getaria + Balenciaga Museum → return for omakase dinner at Nintai.

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7 days as a resident

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• Mon – San Martín Market + Basque cooking class → tapas in Gros.

• Tue – Hike Monte Ulia to Pasai → dinner at Rekondo.

• Wed – San Telmo Museum + Libertad shopping → jazz in Egia (Dabadaba).

• Thu – Excursion to Hondarribia + Jaizkibel route → sunset at Peine del Viento.

• Fri – Ondarreta beach day → Mugaritz tasting menu → drinks at Bataplán.

• Sat – GOe Culinary pop-ups + GastroLab tour → open-air cinema at Zinemaldia (Sept).

• Sun – Brunch at Hotel Villa Favorita → chill walk to Santa Clara Island → traditional cider house in Astigarraga.

 

Tips

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• Online booking essential for Michelin restaurants and private pintxo tours; many require prepayment.

• Tips: round up or add ~5%; not expected at the bar.

• Tap water is safe and excellent-tasting; bring a bottle for public fountains.

• Hours: lunch 1–3 pm, dinner 8–10:30 pm; pintxos after 12:30 pm and 7 pm.

• Atlantic climate: bring a light rain jacket even in summer; morning mist is common.

• High safety level, but watch bags in Old Town and busy terraces.