Spain · City Guide
San Sebastián
San Sebastián is one of the world's great food cities and one of the most beautiful small cities in Europe, combining a perfect crescent bay, the highest concentration of Michelin starred restaurants per capita anywhere in the world, the extraordinary pintxos culture of the Parte Vieja and a Basque cultural identity that makes it feel entirely distinctive. From La Concha beach and the pintxos bars of Calle Fermin Calbetón to Mount Urgull, San Sebastián is simply outstanding.
Explore San Sebastián →Elect's take
"San Sebastián is the food destination I would choose if I could only visit one city in Spain. The combination of La Concha, the pintxos culture, the extraordinary Michelin starred restaurants and the beauty of the setting creates something that I find consistently magical."
La Concha is one of the most beautiful urban beaches in the world, a perfect crescent of golden sand enclosed by two headlands. The Parte Vieja contains a concentration of pintxos bars representing the absolute pinnacle of Basque snack culture, with elaborate creations displayed along bar tops. Restaurants like Arzak, Mugaritz and Akelarre have placed San Sebastián at the very top of world gastronomy. The cider houses of the surrounding countryside operate a remarkable ritual dining tradition every spring.
Best time to visit
How to get there
What to expect
La Concha Beach
One of the most beautiful urban beaches in the world in a perfect crescent bay.
Pintxos Culture
The most sophisticated and celebrated pintxos bar culture in the Basque Country.
Michelin Starred Dining
The highest concentration of Michelin starred restaurants per capita in the world.
Basque Identity
A proud and distinctive culture of language, food, music and festivals.
Mount Urgull
A beautiful forested headland above the old town with panoramic bay views.
Sagardotegia
Traditional Basque cider houses in the surrounding countryside with a remarkable dining ritual.