The Basque version of tapas — small bites, often served on a slice of bread, that you order one at a time while moving between bars in the Old Town.
Discover Authentic San Sebastián: A Local Travel Guide by Mercure
At Mercure, we believe you shouldn't need a guidebook to feel like you belong somewhere. That's the idea behind Discover Local: since 1973, every Mercure hotel has been built around its neighbourhood, not just dropped into it — from the décor on the walls to the flavours on the menu. Step into any Mercure and our teams are on hand with the kind of tips you won't find in a guidebook: the market stall locals queue for, the bar where nobody speaks English, the walk that skips the crowds. They live here. They know. Discover Local isn't a generic city guide — it's a short, honest list of the restaurants, markets and neighbourhoods our own hotel teams actually recommend to guests, updated as the city changes around us. Below, you'll find our picks for San Sebastián, an interactive map to help you find your way, and answers to the questions travellers ask us most. So — where will Discover Local take you?
Our map pins local favourites such as Monte Igueldo, the Bretxa market and the Albaola shipyard, alongside our Mercure hotel.
Top 5 Things to Do in San Sebastián
Parte Vieja (Old Town)
Narrow streets packed with pintxo bars, and Calle 31 de Agosto — the one street that survived the 1813 siege. Order a pintxo and a small glass of txakoli, then move to the next bar. The floor covered in napkins is a good sign, not a bad one.
La Concha Beach
Shaped like a shell and consistently rated among the best urban beaches in Spain. It gets crowded fast in summer, so an early morning walk along the promenade is the better way to see it without fighting for sand.
Monte Igueldo Funicular
A century-old funicular railway that climbs to Monte Igueldo in about two minutes, opening onto panoramic views over the Bay of La Concha and a vintage amusement park at the top. It's one of the city's genuine tourist attractions, not a manufactured one.
Playa de Ondarreta
Quieter than La Concha and just next to it, backed by Miramar Palace gardens. A good pick if you want the same bay without quite as many people.
San Telmo Museum
Set in a former Dominican monastery, this museum covers Basque history and art in a building that's worth seeing on its own. A solid option if the weather turns.
Explore San Sebastián's Best Local Spots with Our Interactive Map
What's on the map in San Sebastián
We've mapped local spots in San Sebastián, from Basque pelota to the best view over La Concha.
Views & hidden corners
Monte Igueldo funicular and amusement park
Ride the funicular, running since 1912, up Monte Igueldo to the Basque Country's oldest amusement park. Climb the old lighthouse tower for one of the best views over La Concha Bay.
Monte Igueldo · Viewpoint and amusement park · Perfect for views and families
Miramar Palace and its tunnel
Miramar Palace, an English-style royal summer residence from 1893, overlooks La Concha Bay. On the beach below, walk through a tunnel decorated with a colourful sea mural.
La Concha Bay · Palace and gardens · Great for a walk
Zubimusu Park
Below street level near Ondarreta beach, a park of bronze sculptures. Wait for the hour: a small figure in traditional dress rises from a pyramid to dance.
Near Ondarreta beach · Park · Made for children
Ametzagaina Park and fort
A hilltop park around a 19th-century fort, with bike paths, picnic tables, a playground and views over San Sebastián. Pack lunch and make a day of it.
Loiola · Park · Ideal for a day outdoors
Campanario Street bridge
Campanario is the only street in the Old Town that's higher at one end – so it crosses a bridge you can walk beneath. Can you find it?
Parte Vieja · Curiosity · Perfect for hidden corners
Donostitruk second-hand market
Books, toys, clothes and collectables get a second life at this friendly market, held on the third Saturday of the month in Plaza Easo, from 10:00 to 14:00.
Plaza Easo · Monthly flea market · Great for bargain hunters
Basque traditions & food
Bretxa Market
For 150 years, the 'pantry of Donostia' – you might spot Michelin-starred chefs doing their shopping. Open Monday to Saturday, 8am to 8pm.
Old Town · Food market · Made for foodies
Albaola Itsas Kultur Faktoria
In the bay of Pasaia, the only shipyard where you can watch a 16th-century galleon, the San Juan, being rebuilt with traditional techniques. Allow about an hour.
Pasaia · Shipyard and museum · Perfect for maritime history
Galarreta fronton, Hernani
Watch remonte, a form of Basque pelota where the ball hits 210 km/h, at the 54-metre Galarreta fronton. The 90-minute visit explains the sport and its baskets; matches run on Saturdays.
Hernani · Basque pelota · Ideal for local sport
Staaf
Drinks, pintxos and music – and a themed flea market on the first Sunday of the month.
Bar · Great for a Sunday
Egia
A few minutes from the centre, Egia is all pintxo-pote evenings, avant-garde bars and the peacocks of Cristina Enea park.
Egia · Neighbourhood · Perfect for local bars
FAQ
The historic Monte Igueldo funicular connects the hotel directly to the city in about two minutes.
Summer months are when the outdoor pool and La Concha beach are at their busiest and most swimmable — expect crowds if you go in July or August.
Take the funicular up Monte Igueldo, in service since 1912, and climb the old lighthouse tower for views over La Concha Bay.
The Bretxa market, the city's 'pantry' for 150 years, is open Monday to Saturday from 8am to 8pm.
At the Galarreta fronton in Hernani, where remonte matches are held on Saturdays. Book a couple of days ahead.
Where to Sleep in San Sebastián
This Mercure hotel appears on our map:
- Mercure San Sebastián Monte Igueldo