San Sebastian

Secret San Sebastián: Backstreets, Bookshops & Quiet Parks

Hidden Gems • 3 hours 5

(33)

Secret San Sebastián: Backstreets, Bookshops & Quiet Parks

Follow quiet streets and hidden corners of San Sebastián on a walk tailored to your pace, mood, and curiosity by a local host.

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 walk is shaped around your curiosity. Your host tailors the route as you explore San Sebastián’s creative corners, hidden streets, and calm places most travelers miss.

Key highlights

Start in a quiet plaza locals use to step out of the crowds
Follow artisan backstreets filled with stories and soft textures
Cross into Egia’s layered creative spaces and slow cafés
Drift through parks and paths that few visitors ever notice
Choose your pace, pause at bookshops, murals, or quiet corners
Let the day shift based on what draws your attention
Leave with a personal map of spaces most people pass by

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

3 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

Plaza Sarriegi, San Juan Kalea, 26, 20003 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

Plaza Sarriegi, San Juan Kalea, 26, 20003 Donostia, Gipuzkoa, Spain

Plaza Sarriegi: A Quiet Start in Parte Vieja

Where locals slip away from the crowds

Secret San Sebastián: Backstreets, Bookshops & Quiet Parks

Meet your host by the playful PASTA sculpture and step into slower San Sebastián. This small plaza is where many locals begin their day, less a landmark, more a mood. From here, you’ll veer into a side of the Old Quarter few travelers see.

Time-Soaked Workshops Behind Calle 31 de Agosto

Old trades and new textures tucked in tiny spaces

Step off the main street and into quieter alleyways where time moves differently. You might pass a tiny workshop filled with clocks or catch the scent of wax from a nearby studio. Some guests linger at a window; others follow the mood, letting the moment guide the way.

Crossing to Egia: Painted Steps & Pages

A neighborhood where protest meets poetry

Egia’s mood is different, textured and layered. Street art climbs stairwells, books appear in quiet corners, and slow cafés edge creative courtyards. You might pause at a pop-up library or follow painted steps into a tucked-away artist-run space.

Cristina Enea Park: Enter Through the Back Gate

Moss, birdsong, and the still side of the city

Rather than the grand entrance, you’ll slip in quietly from a back gate where city sounds soften. Some guests pause here, sketching, journaling, or simply breathing. Others follow winding paths to find hidden sculptures or forgotten grottos.

Optional Close: Puente de Mundaiz Riverbank

Soft light and slow reflections away from the world

If time and mood allow, end along the riverbank near Puente de Mundaiz. With the Egia skyline reflected in the water and no crowds in sight, it’s a quiet way to say goodbye to a city that only revealed itself because you knew where to look.

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!

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What travelers think of our Spain experiences

Deborah May 2025

Cloti is an excellent tour guide. She made my husband and I feel very welcomed to Seville. We had a wonderful walking tour full of interesting and unexpected bits of history and culture. We love the personal touch and being able to have a conversation instead of listening to a rote script. It was very special to be introduced to Seville this way - we highly recommend!

Natashia May 2025

Cloti was very knowledgeable about the history of Seville as well as the history of important cities that were related to our tour such as Cadiz, Granada, Cordoba to name a few She was very professional and patient giving us time to enjoy the places of interest and taking pictures, She was very helpful, she pointed out restaurants, extra places to visit and distance from Seville On top of that, It stated raining during our excursion and she went out of her way and bought us some umbrellas I definitely would recommend this wonderful lady as a tourist guide

Eric Nov 2024

Tina was awesome and, of course, being a native of Seville, showed us the real city. As the locals enjoy it. We sampled good cuisine, Spanish beer and olives. This was one of the most enjoyable ways to experience Seville. Best 3 hours we spent. Thanks Tina!

Michael Sep 2024

City Unscripted continues to deliver. Pablo was the perfect guide: Seville-born and passionate about his city, he also studied history and so has an exceptionally deep knowledge about Seville and Spain, with a smart sense of humour. Our tour was well paced and varied, which gave us an excellent sense of the city that helped us in the days that followed. Add that Pablo gave us superb recommendations, and we feel that a big part of why we loved our visit to Seville, was thanks to him!

Michael Oct 2024

Michael May 2024

We had such a great time with Adriana, as she showed us her Seville. Friendly, personable and very knowledgeable.

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..

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.

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 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.

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.