San Sebastián City Walk, San Sebastián

5.0 (1 review)

Enjoy walking through San Sebastián with a private guide, climbing one of the hills, admiring architecture, and trying pintxos.

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Bill F.

Jun 03, 2024
Juan was terrific, one of the great guides in our history of guides. Smart and funny.

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Overview

Embark on a private city walk through San Sebastián, known for its beautiful European architecture and contemporary art. The excursion begins with a hill climb on Mount Igueldo for picturesque views and historical insights, followed by a descent via a century-old wooden funicular. Next, explore the city's surf scene at the beaches of Sagüés and La Zurriola, admire the architectural richness from Belle Epoch to contemporary structures, and wander through charming streets and parks. The walk culminates in the Old Town, the city's gastronomic hub, where you'll navigate its unique "miniature cuisine" with a rewarding pintxo and glass of wine.

Highlights

Traverse San Sebastián with a private guide, discovering its natural beauty, history, architecture, and art
Ascend Mount Igueldo for panoramic views and to learn about the city's cultural and maritime history
Make your way down the hill via a century-old wooden funicular, taking in the famed Wind Comb sculpture
Explore the beaches of Sagüés and La Zurriola and admire iconic sites such as the Miramar Palace
Visit the city's charming squares and streets and view historic sites, like the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd

Know before you go

Duration
3.5 hours

Recommended for
All ages

Group
Private

Food & Drink
Pintxo and drink at a local eatery

What you'll do

Your adventure begins with a walk up to the top of Mount Igueldo, one of the three hills in San Sebastián. Gaze upon the city and learn how San Sebastián's significant role in Spanish, Basque, and maritime history led to the Bay of Biscay's prominence. Discover the wool trading industry that turned locals into affluent citizens and why the 16th-century ships were considered the Ferraris of their time. Descend Igueldo on a wooden funicular that's over 100 years old, an experience in itself.

Upon reaching the bottom, visit one of San Sebastián's most photographed sculptures, the Peine del Viento by Eduardo Chillida. Crafted from corten steel, it has taken on a beautiful rust color due to the elements and is meant to interact with the winds and the crashing waves of the coast. Then, journey across the city to the other side, where you'll find Sagüés and La Zurriola beaches, the heart of the city's surfing scene. Along the way, marvel at iconic sites such as the Miramar Palace, a testament to the city's 19th-century "Belle Epoch."

As you traverse the city, your guide will highlight diverse architectural styles, from buildings that echo Parisian grandeur to those awarded the Mies van der Rohe Prize for Contemporary Architecture. Witness the Basque rationalism inspired by the Bauhaus and European modernism overlooking the river. Visit the works of Kursaal, whose two buildings mimic rocks by the sea.

The exploration continues as your guide leads you to the city's hidden squares and corners, charming streets, and beloved parks. Other must-see sites include Plaza Easo, Plaza Gipuzkoa, the 19th-century Cathedral of the Good Shepherd, Mercado San Martín, the 16th-century San Bizente Eliza Church, and the 12th-century Motako Gaztelua Castle.

Finally, immerse yourself in the cultural heart of San Sebastián's Old Town. This gastronomic epicenter is home to pintxo bars, private eating clubs, and locals enjoying the timeless txikiteo (bar-hopping). Learn how to order a pintxo, when to pay, and master the art of navigating this local cuisine. The excursion concludes in true Basque style: with a pintxo, a glass of wine, and a toast.

Start times

Daily

10:00 am, 4:00 pm

What's included

Professional guide
Transport
One pintxo
One drink

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Traveler reviews

Bill F.

Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Jun 03, 2024

Juan was terrific, one of the great guides in our history of guides. Smart and funny. Read more