Settle into your centrally located hotel near La Concha or the Parte Vieja. Enjoy a café-and-tostada breakfast at a nearby café — most cafés open around 8:00–9:00am and offer good coffee and simple Basque breakfast items.
Stroll the iconic bay promenade to get your bearings and stretch after travel — the walk shows why San Sebastián is famed for its shell-shaped beach and harbour views.
Explore the covered market to see fresh seafood, Txistorra and local produce; markets typically open mornings (approx 8:00–14:00). Great spot to learn ingredients that feature in local cuisine.
A classic pintxo-to-plate lunch spot famous for creative small dishes; arrive early or expect a short queue — typically serves lunch from around 12:30pm to mid-afternoon and again in the evening.
Walk up Monte Urgull to the old castle and scenic viewpoints over the Bay of Biscay; the park and viewpoints are usually open during daylight hours and are free to enter.
Return to the hotel to freshen up and scout a couple of classic Parte Vieja bars to plan your evening crawl. Many pintxo bars are quieter late-afternoon before the evening rush.
Start a guided or self-led crawl through bars such as Gandarias, Txepetxa (anchovies), and Borda Berri to sample a variety of pintxos; most bars are busiest from 8:00pm and stay open late (many until 23:00–01:00).
Ganbara offers refined seafood and mushrooms in the Parte Vieja; Bodegón Alejandro is a traditional Basque restaurant with robust local dishes — both require reservations for evening service and typically serve dinner from 8:00pm onward.
Enjoy a hearty breakfast in San Sebastián (coffee, bocadillo or tortilla) then drive or take the coastal Euskotren/road west to Getaria — typical drive/train time is 35–45 minutes.
Visit the Balenciaga Museoa to see exhibits on the legendary designer — museum hours are commonly around 10:00–18:00 but check the current schedule and book ahead when possible.
Elkano is world-famous for its parrilla (charcoal grill) fish, especially whole turbot; lunch service usually starts around 1:30pm and strong advance reservation is essential.
Visit a nearby txakolí producer for a tasting and short vineyard walk — tastings typically last 45–60 minutes and cost around EUR15–25; confirm opening and booking in advance.
Back in Donostia for dinner at Bodegón Alejandro or Casa Urola for traditional Basque cuisine — both are good evening options and require reservation on busy nights.
Wander the cobbled streets, the historic walls and the marina; the old town is charming and shops/cafés open mid-morning — ideal for photos and tasting local seafood snacks.
Enjoy a seafood-focused lunch (mariscos, grilled fish or arroz) in this fishing town — most sit-down restaurants open around 1:00–2:00pm for the main lunch service.
Head to nearby Pasaia to visit Albaola (the Sea Factory of the Basques) and the picturesque port; Albaola usually operates daytime hours (check seasonal opening times) and focuses on maritime heritage.
Take the funicular up Monte Igueldo for sweeping sunset views over La Concha. The funicular typically runs during daylight/evening hours; ticket prices are modest (check current times and seasonal closing times).
Akelarre offers a top-tier tasting menu with sea views; dinner service is by reservation only and often starts around 8:00–9:00pm — book well in advance. If full, try Akelarre’s more casual brasserie or another Michelin-starred local restaurant.
Relax with a final breakfast and sample San Sebastián’s famous cheesecake at La Viña or try fresh pastries at a neighbourhood bakery; most bakeries open early (from 8:00am).
If time allows, visit the aquarium (opens around 10:00am) or return to Mercado de la Bretxa for last-minute food products and souvenirs; check current opening times before you go.
Take a last, leisurely walk along the beach and the seashell promenade to close out your trip — perfect for a final coffee and photos before checkout and onward travel.
Return to your hotel, check out and continue your onward journey. If you have a late flight/train, consider storing luggage and enjoying one more pintxo crawl.