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San Sebastián (Donostia) is a compact, walkable Basque coastal city famed for its beaches, pintxos, and film festival. Plan for crowds in summer and weekend pintxo-bar rushes; bring comfortable shoes, a light rain jacket, and an appetite for culinary exploration.
Visa / Entry requirements
- Schengen rules: San Sebastián is in Spain (Schengen Area). Check if your nationality requires a Schengen visa. Short stays (up to 90 days in 180) for visa-exempt nationals only require a valid passport.
- Passport validity: Generally at least 3 months beyond planned departure from Schengen, but check your country’s rules.
- COVID: Post-2022 there are no routine COVID entry restrictions, but confirm current rules before travel.
Best time to visit
- Peak: June–September for warm weather, beach time, and festivals (La Concha busy). Expect higher prices and crowds.
- Shoulder seasons: April–May and September–October offer mild weather, fewer tourists, and good dining availability.
- Winter: December–February is quiet, cooler, and good for lower rates and local life; some restaurants close on holidays.
Safety tips
- San Sebastián is generally very safe; petty theft (pickpockets) can occur in crowded areas and on public transport—secure valuables.
- Stay aware on beaches: swim between lifeguard flags and note reef/rock hazards.
- Nightlife: pintxo bars are lively; watch belongings and avoid unlit side streets late at night.
Local customs & etiquette
- Basque culture: locals are proud of Basque language (Euskera) and traditions—respect local signage and festivals. Learning a few words (kaixo = hello, eskerrik asko = thank you) is appreciated.
- Dining: pintxos are shared standing at bars—pay attention to how each bar handles tabs; some count toothpicks, many now use receipts. Tipping is modest (5–10% in restaurants if service is good).
- Greetings: a handshake is common; friends may kiss on both cheeks. Be polite and punctual for reservations.
Currency & payments
- Currency: Euro (EUR).
- Cards: Widely accepted (chip & contactless). Small bars/markets may prefer cash—carry some euros.
- ATMs: Readily available; use bank ATMs to avoid high fees.
Transportation
- Getting there: Closest airport is San Sebastián (EAS) with limited routes; Bilbao (BIO, ~1h bus) and Biarritz (France) are common alternatives. Trains connect to Bilbao, Vitoria, Pamplona, and Hendaye.
- Local transit: Compact center is very walkable. Bus network covers city and suburbs; single tickets and multi-day passes available. Taxis are plentiful.
- Biking: City has bike lanes and rental options; e-bikes are handy for hills.
- Day trips: Good rail/road access to Bilbao, Pamplona, Biarritz, and Rioja wine region.
Must-know tips & practical advice
- Pintxos culture: Go bar-hopping in Parte Vieja (Old Town). Try anchovy, txangurro, tortilla, and local cheeses. Ask for local cider houses (sagardotegi) in season.
- Reservations: Popular restaurants require booking, sometimes weeks ahead—especially for Michelin-starred spots.
- Peak sights: Visit La Concha beach, Monte Urgull and Monte Igueldo viewpoints, Aquarium, and the Basque Culinary Center. Sunrise/sunset avoid crowds.
- Weather: Oceanic climate—mild but changeable. Bring layers and waterproof jacket year-round.
- Language: Spanish and Basque; tourism staff often speak English and French.
- Money-saving: Eat pintxos at lunchtime (menus del día), use the funicular or hike to viewpoints instead of paid tours, and explore free museum days.
- Festivals: Check calendar—Semana Grande (August) and the San Sebastián Film Festival (September/October) draw big crowds.
- Accessibility: City center and many beaches are accessible; check specific sites for details.
Local insights
- Culinary prestige: San Sebastián has one of the highest concentrations of Michelin stars per capita—balance fine dining with bar hopping to experience the full culinary scene.
- Pace of visit: 2–4 days gives a solid taste (pintxos, beaches, a viewpoint, and a museum). Add day trips for wine or larger Basque exploration.
- Respect space: Locals value relaxed dining and quiet residential streets—keep noise reasonable at night.
Quick checklist before you go
- Check Schengen visa requirements and passport validity.
- Book key restaurants in advance.
- Pack layers, comfortable shoes, and a waterproof jacket.
- Have some euros in cash and an unlocked card for ATMs.
- Plan for busy summers or festivals; consider shoulder seasons for milder crowds.
Enjoy your trip—taste widely, walk the bay, and savor Basque hospitality.