San Sebastian

Your Perfect First Day in San Sebastián: Bay Views, Old Streets & Local Rhythm

City Essentials: First Day • 2 hours 5

(94)

Your Perfect First Day in San Sebastián: Bay Views, Old Streets & Local Rhythm

Ease into the city’s rhythm with a flexible, first-day stroll shaped by your questions and mood.

Because of the city's hilly landscape, the weather varies by neighborhood and by the hour so make sure to pack or wear layers

What makes this experience special

This is your invitation into San Sebastián’s pace, with a local who helps you feel part of it. You’ll get grounded in the city’s layout and life, balancing the seaside calm with Old Town texture.

Key highlights

Begin your trip beside La Concha Bay with a relaxed, local welcome
Choose between sea views or backstreet bakeries as your route unfolds
Hear tips on navigating the city’s layout, food culture, and social rhythms
Soak in stories of San Sebastián’s past as you wander between eras
Pause in plazas or climb for a perspective, your host adapts as you go
Get real-time local insight on what to do, eat, and explore next
Leave with confidence, comfort, and a sense of what makes this city tick

What to know before you go

Here’s everything you need to know before your day unfolds.

At a glance What’s included Things to know

2 hours

Fully tailored to your preferences

English Other languages may be requested

Walking experience may use public transport for long distances

What’s included

Tailored itinerary based on your preferences

A knowledgeable host who knows the hidden gems

Flexible start times to fit your day

What’s not included

Food, drinks and shopping expenses

Transport fares or attraction entry fees

Meeting point

Parque Alderdi Eder, De Alderdi Eder Parkea, s/n, 20004 Donostia, Gipuzkoa, Spain

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience

What to bring

How your day could unfold

A flexible, unscripted experience designed entirely around your interests. Your host will adapt the day based on what excites you most

Here’s what your experience could look like

These are just suggestions from our hosts to inspire your day. Your host will tailor the experience to suit your interests and tastes

Meeting point

Parque Alderdi Eder, De Alderdi Eder Parkea, s/n, 20004 Donostia, Gipuzkoa, Spain

First Steps by La Concha Bay

Begin where the breeze invites you in

Your Perfect First Day in San Sebastián: Bay Views, Old Streets & Local Rhythm

You’ll meet at the Alderdi Eder Gardens, where the gentle sweep of La Concha Bay sets a relaxed tone, the day begins at your pace. Your host may offer a choice: continue along the graceful curve toward Miramar’s gardens or follow the scent of bread into the Old Town.

Leafy Boulevards & Historic Thresholds

Where old and new quietly overlap

Alameda Boulevard marks a shift from wide walkways to the city’s intimate core. You might pass corner kiosks or an antique bookshop or veer into the shade of historic lanes. Whether you head toward the cathedral or dive into cobbled streets is up to you.

Constitution Square or a Rooftop Pause

Your view, your mood

In Plaza de la Constitución, every numbered balcony hints at the plaza’s past as a bullring. Laundry flutters above and conversations fill the air. If you’re drawn to quiet, a short climb might take you to a hidden lookout, rooflines, ocean, and calm.

Port Promenade & a Thoughtful End

Fishing boats, stone paths, and a soft close

Finish near the port, where colorful boats bob and Monte Urgull begins to rise. You might end here with local suggestions for your next steps or take one last walk together, skirting the water’s edge toward the city’s more modern side.

Optional Close: Zurriola Bridge

If your energy allows, end where waves and city energy meet

Some guests choose to continue across the bridge toward the Kursaal, where the Atlantic feels wilder and San Sebastián shifts in tone. Your host will guide the moment based on how you’re feeling.

Real Stories, Real Connections

See our hosts and guests creating memories

Sweet Moments on a Spanish Afternoon

History Comes Alive Beneath the Arches

Multigenerational Moments in Spain

Sunshine, Smiles & Spanish Style

Tasting Spain, One Bite at a Time

A Sun-Kissed Day of Discovery

Strolling Through Spain’s Iconic Arches

Warming up with a local coffee break

From epic stories to real-life smiles

Gathered around the table for a feast of flavors, laughter, and Spanish culinary magic

See what happens when you travel unscripted!

17,500+ 5-Star Reviews and Counting

Trusted and recommended by travelers worldwide, including 99% on Google and TripAdvisor.

recommended by 99% of travelers on google

recommended by 99% of travelers on tripadvisor

We don’t make deals with businesses - giving you unbiased and authentic local experiences.

What travelers think of our Spain experiences

Carol Sep 2025

Gabriel our guide was wonderful. He gave us a lot of the history of the area, and good anecdotes along the way.

Robert Sep 2025

Largely focuses on the Gothic Quarter, but provides a great introduction to Barcelona City. It is two hours of constant walking.

Maryanne Sep 2025

Great way to get oriented to a new city and learn fun facts. Patricia was able to answer our many questions.

Maryanne Sep 2025

Patricia was lovely and a wealth of knowledge!

Tracy Sep 2025

Adriana is wonderful! We all enjoyed our tour and she was so helpful even with recommendations for other things to do for the rest of our stay. Would highly recommend her!

Evelyn Sep 2025

We were very happy with our guide Patricia, she was knowledgeable, professional and excellent attitude. Thank you Patricia for this beautiful experience in Madrid.

SEE ALL REVIEWS

FAQs

Your questions, answered

Is this a traditional tour or something different?

This isn’t a traditional tour with a fixed script. It’s a fully personalized day shaped around your interests, whether it’s culture, history, neighborhoods, or hidden local spots. Your host is a knowledgeable local, more like a friend showing you their city. It’s flexible, one-on-one, and tailored entirely to you.

What if I don’t know what I want to explore?

That’s completely fine! Select an experience theme or a flexible discovery experience, and after booking, answer a few questions so your host can design the perfect experience for you.

How does personalization work?

After booking, you’ll receive a short questionnaire where you can share your interests, travel style, and any must-see spots. Based on that, we’ll match you with a local host who’ll reach out to plan your personalized itinerary..

Will I know my itinerary in advance?

Yes, you will have the opportunity to chat with your host directly and agree on a plan for the day. However, there’s always room for spontaneity and local surprises!

Will I see famous landmarks or just hidden gems?

Both! Your host will take you to iconic sights if you want to see them, but they’ll also introduce you to places and stories most travelers miss.

Can I request specific places or types of stops?

Yes! After booking, you will receive a questionnaire where you can highlight must-visit spots and anything else you’d like to include, and your host will craft your experience around them.

Can I change the meeting place?

Yes, you will be in touch with your host before your experience, and you can agree on a different meeting point with them. Your host can meet you anywhere central that’s convenient.

How much walking is involved?

This depends on the experience, but your host can adjust the pace to suit your comfort level.

Can my host meet me at my accommodation?

Hotel meet-ups are available upon request in central areas. If you're staying outside the city, your host will recommend the best meeting spot and guide you with directions.