06 Jul Off the Beaten Path: 15 San Sebastián Secret Spots
Occupying a glorious location on the Bay of Biscay, San Sebastián is an elegant city, backed by lush mountains and fringed by golden sands. Known by locals as Donostia, this Basque city is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, exquisite food scene, and San Sebastián hidden gems.
Since being named European Capital of Culture in 2016, its reputation has soared. Foodies flock here to dine in Michelin-starred restaurants and savour the city’s world-class pintxos scene. Art and architecture enthusiasts are wowed by belle époque buildings and cutting-edge museums and galleries, and beach lovers bask on sun-kissed sands.
While icons such as La Concha beach and the Old Town’s lively pintxos bars are unmissable, the city’s most enchanting experiences await those willing to wander off the main trail. Here’s our insider’s guide to San Sebastián hidden gems and secret spots.
San Sebastian Hidden Gems
Urgulleko Polboriña (El Polvorin Bar), Mount Urgull
Perched atop Mount Urgull, El Polvorin is a rustic bar set within the walls of an ancient fortress. A welcome stop after an hour-long uphill hike from the Old Town, weary walkers can refuel from a selection of pintxos, snacks and drinks while gazing at mesmerising views across La Concha Bay and Santa Clara Island. Sunsets are breathtaking while live music enhances the magic.
Sala Kubo-Kutxa
Located in the Kursaal building next to Zurriola beach, Sala Kubo-Kutxa is a spacious exhibition hall showcasing avant-garde art. Exhibitions focus on plastic arts from the beginning of the 20th century to the present day, as well as cinema, architecture and design. With a rotating selection of local and international artists, this cultural hotspot entices travellers seeking cutting-edge creativity beyond the traditional sights.
La Peña del Ballenero, Mount Ulía
The third and least visited of San Sebastián’s coastal mountains, Mount Ulía is a dream for hiking enthusiasts with a network of trails offering peace and tranquillity moments from the city centre. Soak up the natural beauty of the region while stopping to appreciate a range of spectacular viewpoints. Pick of the bunch is the historic whale-watching lookout, Peña del Ballenero, with panoramic views over the coastline and Bay of Biscay.
San Telmo Museum Cloister
The Basque Country’s oldest museum, San Telmo is set within a magnificent 16th century building and former Dominican convent. A celebration of Basque society, its exhibitions cover Basque history and culture from prehistory to the present day, along with art from the 15th to 19th centuries. At its heart is a Renaissance cloister often overlooked by visitors. This San Sebastián secret spot has graceful arches and a peaceful courtyard, offering a quiet beauty and serene escape from the city.
Playa de Ondarreta
Located at the western end of the iconic Playa de la Concha, Playa de Ondarreta offers a laidback alternative to its famous neighbour. Sandwiched between the Miramar Palace and Mount Igeldo, escape the crowds and enjoy a family-friendly beach day. Stroll along the scenic coast path to see the landmark Peine del Viento sculpture by renowned Basque artist Eduardo Chillida.
Amara Neighbourhood
A pintxos bar crawl is a must-do when visiting San Sebastián. For a more authentic experience, escape the tourist-filled bars of the Old Town and head to the vibrant Amara district. This comfortable, modern neighbourhood boasts an array of taverns where residents gather for traditional, unpretentious Basque pintxos. Mingle with locals while tucking into classics like Bar Augustin’s famous acorn-fed pig cheeks.
Bar La Viña
Caramelised on top and gooey in the centre, the Basque burnt cheesecake is one of the must-try dishes when visiting San Sebastián. Made from just five simple ingredients, taste this internationally acclaimed dessert in the place where it originated, Bar La Viña, a modest bar in the Old Town. Although one of the worst-kept of San Sebastián secret spots, it’s a delicious way to round off a pintxos tour.
English Cemetery, Mount Urgull
While most people hike Mount Urgull for the views, its slopes are home to a magical San Sebastián secret spot. Tucked away in a quiet, evocative corner is an English Cemetery. Founded in 1924, its moss-covered gravestones and sculptures pay homage to English soldiers who lost their lives in the First Carlist War during the Spanish Civil Wars. Its shady paths offer a mystical atmosphere and a reflective glimpse at the region’s turbulent history.
Palacio de Miramar Gardens
This San Sebastián hidden gem set on a small hillock between Playas de la Concha and de Ondarreta, the Palacio de Miramar is a former royal summer retreat with impressive views of the beaches, bay and Santa Clara Island. However, it’s the English-inspired gardens that are a real gem. Pack up a picnic or simply take a stroll around lush lawns, ornamental trees and floral displays, soaking up the tranquil atmosphere and stunning views.
Mercado Itinerante de Productores
As a foodie paradise, San Sebastián has some amazing markets. For a more authentic experience, skip the crowds at La Bretxa and San Martín and head to the Mercado Itinerante de Productores. Held at different plazas around the city every Saturday morning, it connects visitors with small, family-run producers. Stock up on seasonal fruits and veggies, artisanal cheeses, honey and traditional Basque products in a lively, community-focused environment.
Tabakalera Cultural Centre
Set in a beautifully refurbished tobacco factory from 1913, Tabakalera is an international centre for contemporary culture. This light-filled, industrial building is a dynamic hub of creativity and innovation, offering rotating exhibitions, creative workshops, a cutting-edge media lab, a cinema-theatre and a rooftop terrace with sublime city views. Blending history and modernity, this under-the-radar treasure attracts artsy travellers seeking unique cultural experiences.
Iglesia de San Vicente
Believed to be the oldest building in San Sebastián, the Iglesia de San Vicente dates back to the 12th century. Rebuilt in its current Gothic form in the early 1500s, this underappreciated gem is often overlooked but is well worth a visit. Located in the Old Town, it’s home to a stunning Romanesque altarpiece, intricate rose windows and pointed arches, and it exudes a sense of peace and calmness.
Museo Chillida Leku
A beguiling blend of art and nature, Museo Chillida Leku is a unique open-air museum located in Hernani, just outside the city. This San Sebastián secret spot is dedicated to Basque artist, Eduardo Chillida, whose monumental steel and granite sculptures are woven amid the gardens. Visitors can also explore the restored 16th century farmhouse to discover exhibitions about the artist’s life and work.
Bar Txepetxa
Partial to anchovies? Then head to Bar Txepetxa in the Old Town. This family-run pintxos bar is the go-to destination for all things anchovy. Marinaded according to a closely guarded family recipe, these fishy delights are presented in a number of combinations including sea urchin roe, creamy spider crab, and black olive pate. An institution amongst locals – and somewhat of a badly kept secret – this bar is essential for lovers of these salty little fish.
Museo del Whisky
Dive into a whisky lover’s paradise with a trip to Museo del Whisky in the Old Town. Home to over 3,400 bottles spread across two floors with a piano bar on the ground floor, this is the place to come for a wee dram or two! Whether you prefer yours neat, on the rocks or in a whisky-based cocktail, this is a whisky bar for grown-ups with a refined atmosphere and a shared love of liquid gold!
Discover San Sebastián Secret Spots with Just Explore
Uncover the heart and soul of the Basque gem, San Sebastián, on a Just Explore boutique tour. Whether joining our small group tour of Northern Spain and Bordeaux or would like us to arrange a tailor-made trip to the Basque Country, we’ll help you find every San Sebastián secret spot and hidden gem for a true taste of the city. Contact Just Explore to book your holiday in Spain today.
