Basilica of Saint Mary of the Chorus
Place of Worship, History Landmark
Start in the old town at the basilica’s carved Baroque facade. The lanes leading towards Plaza de la Constitución give you an easy introduction to the neighbourhood.
San Sebastián Long Weekend: Beaches, Pintxos and Views
Destination: Donostia / San Sebastián, SpainCreated by: Moo_The_TrotterLast updated: 4th October 20264 Oct 2026
San Sebastián is a good choice if your weekend revolves around the sea and long lunches. Walk La Concha, climb above the old town and explore Gros over three days, leaving room for pintxos and a slower beach afternoon.
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Day 1 — Old Town & La Concha
Day 1 — Old Town & La Concha
Plaza de la Constitucion
Public Plaza
Look at the numbered balconies around the former bullring, then explore the surrounding pintxos streets. Make the old town your lunch base before the afternoon hill walk.
San Telmo Museum
Museum, Art Museum
Choose this as the day’s main museum for Basque history and art in a former convent. Its position at the foot of Urgull makes the hill walk a natural next stop.
Monte Urgull
Recreational Trail Or Path, Hiking Trail
Follow the paths up from the old town to the fortifications and viewpoints over La Concha. Come back down towards the harbour for a gentler waterfront finish.
La Concha Beach
Beach
Finish the day along the bay’s promenade and beach, with the hills framing the water. The centre is close by for dinner after the walk.
Day 2 — Monte Igueldo & Ondarreta
Day 2 — Monte Igueldo & Ondarreta
Mount Igueldo Amusement Park
Theme Park, Sports Entertainment
Take the old funicular up from the Ondarreta end of the bay for the classic view over La Concha. The small amusement park is part of the setting; the viewpoint is the main reason to come.
Peine del Viento
Historic Site
Return to sea level for Eduardo Chillida’s steel sculptures set into the rocks. This is a short art stop at the western end of the bay before walking back along Ondarreta.
Ondarreta Beach
Beach
Keep the middle of the day slow with a beach break and lunch in the Antiguo neighbourhood. Continue east towards Miramar afterwards.
Miramar Palace
Monument
Walk through the palace grounds above the point between Ondarreta and La Concha. The gardens and bay views are the focus, with no palace-interior visit needed.
Day 3 — Gros & Central Donostia
Day 3 — Gros & Central Donostia
Zurriola Beach
Beach
Start the final day on Gros’s broad beach, watching the surfers or walking the promenade. The neighbourhood behind it is a good place for a coffee and a later pintxos lunch.
Kursaal Congress Centre
Public, Core Attraction
Walk past the two glass concert-hall buildings beside the river mouth. Cross into the centre afterwards; treat the building as an architectural stop unless you have a performance ticket.
Cathedral of the Good Shepherd
Place of Worship, History Landmark
Visit the Buen Pastor cathedral area on the way through the centre. Its streets and squares give this part of the day a different feel from the old town.
Tabakalera
Arts Centre, Performance Culture
Finish at the former tobacco factory turned contemporary culture centre. Choose an exhibition, browse the shared spaces or use it as a quieter indoor break near the station.
Optional extras
Optional extras
Cristina Enea Park
Park
Choose this park for a leafy walk near Tabakalera and the river. It fits into the final afternoon if you prefer gardens to another exhibition.
Chillida Leku
Museum, Museum Gallery
Travel to Hernani for Chillida’s sculptures spread across meadows and around the historic farmhouse. Make this a separate half-day outing, in place of part of the city route.
Aquarium Donostia-San Sebastian
Aquarium
Choose the aquarium for an indoor alternative beside the harbour. Pair it with the old town and waterfront, rather than adding another cross-city journey.