Discover Donostia: A 5-Day Budget Adventure

Discover the charm of Donostia without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

A trip to Donostia, Spain, on a limited budget can still be enjoyed with plenty to see and do. Take a stroll around the charming Old Town and explore the picturesque architecture. Enjoy the sun, sea, and sand at Playa de la Concha, one of the most beautiful urban beaches in Europe.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Exploring the Old City

  • Check into Hotel Avenida, a cozy budget-friendly hotel in the city center
  • Take a stroll through the bustling streets of the Old City, admiring the charming architecture and narrow alleys
  • Visit the Mercado de la Bretxa for a taste of local cuisine, from pintxos to fresh seafood
  • Explore the Gothic-style Santa Maria del Coro church, with its impressive altarpiece and stunning stained glass windows
  • Marvel at the panoramic views from atop Mount Urgull, where a medieval castle and a statue of Jesus Christ await
  • End the day with a drink at one of the many bars in the Old City, where pintxos and local wine flow freely
Day 2

Sun, Sea and Sand

  • Spend the day at La Concha Beach, one of Europe's most beautiful urban beaches, with its soft sand and turquoise waters
  • Take a dip in the ocean or rent a kayak or paddleboard to explore the bay
  • Walk along the promenade and take in the lively atmosphere, with street performers and musicians
  • Have lunch at La Perla, a beachfront restaurant famous for its grilled fish and seafood
  • Visit the Aquarium, where you can see a variety of marine life, including sharks and sea turtles
  • Watch the sunset from one of the beachside bars, with a cold beer in hand
Day 3

Art and Culture

  • Visit the San Telmo Museum, housed in a former Dominican convent and showcasing Basque culture and history
  • Admire the contemporary art at the Koldo Mitxelena Cultural Centre, located in a beautiful Art Nouveau building
  • Take a stroll through the beautiful Buen Pastor Park, where you can see the Good Shepherd statue and enjoy the lush gardens
  • Check out the impressive Miramar Palace, a former royal residence with stunning views of La Concha Bay
  • Have dinner at Txuleta, a traditional Basque steakhouse serving mouthwatering grilled meats and local wine
  • Take in a movie at the Teatro Victoria Eugenia, an ornate Belle Époque theatre with a rich cultural history
Day 4

A Taste of the Basque Country

  • Start the day with breakfast at Bar Goiz Argi, a charming café that serves the best churros in town
  • Take a day trip to the nearby town of Getaria, known for its fresh seafood and charming old town
  • Visit the Balenciaga Museum, dedicated to the life and work of legendary fashion designer Cristóbal Balenciaga
  • Have lunch at one of the many seafood restaurants lining the harbor, such as Elkano or Kaia-Kaipe
  • Visit the Txakoli wineries, where you can taste the local white wine and learn about its production
  • Return to Donostia for dinner at Gandarias, a popular pintxos bar known for its grilled meats and Basque cider
Day 5

Farewell Donostia

  • Make a stop at La Bretxa Market for some last-minute souvenirs and snacks
  • Take a relaxing stroll through the Parque de Cristina Enea, a tranquil green space in the city center
  • Have a farewell lunch at Bodega Donostiarra, a local institution serving classic pintxos and Basque cuisine
  • Spend the afternoon at the Chillida-Leku Museum, dedicated to the impressive sculptures and artwork of Basque artist Eduardo Chillida
  • End the trip with a sunset drink at the rooftop bar of Hotel Maria Cristina, one of the most luxurious hotels in the city
  • Depart from Donostia, feeling refreshed and rejuvenated after a wonderful five days in this charming Basque coastal city.

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Donostia by plane is to fly into San Sebastian Airport, which is located approximately 22 kilometers from the city center.

Car

Driving to Donostia is a good option if you're traveling from within Spain or France. The A-8 motorway connects San Sebastian with Bilbao, Santander, and Bordeaux. However, be aware that parking in the city center can be difficult and expensive.

Train

There is a train station in Donostia, called Estación de San Sebastián. The best way to get there is to take a train from any major Spanish city, such as Madrid or Barcelona.

Boat

There isn't a direct way to get to Donostia by boat, but you can take a ferry from the UK to Bilbao or Santander and then take a bus or train to Donostia.

Bus

A convenient way to get to Donostia is by bus. The best option is to take a bus from Bilbao, as there are several daily services that run between the two cities. The bus station in Donostia is called Estación de Autobuses de Donostia.

Destination

Donostia

Welcome to a magical city where the pintxos are as delicious as the language is unpronounceable. Donostia, also known as San Sebastián, awaits your curious taste buds and adventurous spirit.

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Number of days

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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