7-day Shoestring Budget Itinerary for San Sebastián

  • Day 1: Monte Urgull
    20 minutes (1.5 miles) from La Concha Beach

    Start your day with a hike up Monte Urgull, a hill that offers wonderful views of San Sebastián. There are several landmarks along the way, including a fortress and a statue of Jesus at the summit.

  • Day 2: La Concha Beach
    5 minutes (0.3 miles) from Monte Urgull

    Relax and enjoy the sun at La Concha Beach, one of the most beautiful urban beaches in Europe. You can walk along the promenade, rent a bike, or paddle out in a kayak.

  • Day 3: Old Town
    25 minutes (1.3 miles) from La Concha Beach

    Stroll around the charming streets of San Sebastián’s Old Town, or Parte Vieja. Explore the Gothic-style Basilica of Saint Mary of the Chorus, and try some pintxos, the local version of tapas.

  • Day 4: Aquarium Donostia-San Sebastián
    20 minutes (1.2 miles) from Old Town

    Discover the marine life of the Bay of Biscay at the Aquarium Donostia-San Sebastián. You can see sharks, rays, and sea turtles, among others. The aquarium also has a seal rescue and rehabilitation center.

  • Day 5: Miramar Palace
    20 minutes (1.2 miles) from Aquarium Donostia-San Sebastián

    Visit the Miramar Palace, a neoclassical building constructed in the 19th century that was the summer residence of the Spanish royal family. The palace's vast gardens offer a stunning view of the sea.

  • Day 6: Igeldo Amusement Park
    50 minutes (2.7 miles) from Miramar Palace

    Have some fun at the Igeldo Amusement Park, which has attractions for all ages, including a rollercoaster and a labyrinth. The park's location atop Mount Igeldo provides an excellent view of San Sebastián.

  • Day 7: San Telmo Museum
    20 minutes (0.8 miles) from Igeldo Amusement Park

    Explore the history and culture of the Basque Country at the San Telmo Museum. The museum's collections range from prehistoric artifacts to contemporary art, and there are also temporary exhibitions.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Monte Urgull (2 hours, free)
  • La Concha Beach (4 hours, free)
  • Old Town (3 hours, €10 for pintxos)
  • Aquarium Donostia-San Sebastián (2 hours, €12)
  • Miramar Palace (2 hours, free)
  • Igeldo Amusement Park (4 hours, €20)
  • San Telmo Museum (3 hours, €6)
  • Total Estimated Costs: €48

Transportation

San Sebastián is a walkable city, so you won't need to spend much on transportation. You can also rent a bicycle, which costs around €10 per day. If you need to take public transportation, a single bus ride is €1.70, and a taxi ride starts at €4.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider taking a day trip to the fishing village of Getaria or visiting the Zurriola Beach, which is popular among surfers. On the other hand, if you have less time, skip the Igeldo Amusement Park and/or the San Telmo Museum.

Airports

The San Sebastián Airport (EAS) is located in Hondarribia, around 21 km northeast of San Sebastián. It mostly serves domestic flights and some European destinations, such as London and Paris.

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