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 Local San Sebastián: What to Do Around Mercure San Sebastián
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?
San Sebastián in 5 picks
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.
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.
Where to sleep
See Mercure hotels in San Sebastián, all within reach of these picks.