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A Budget-Friendly Adventure: San Sebastian's 4-Day Delight

Exploring San Sebastián's charm even on a shoestring budget.

14 October 2023

San Sebastián, Spain offers plenty of affordable options for travelers on a limited budget. Start your trip by exploring the picturesque Old Town and its vibrant food scene, where you can indulge in affordable pintxos (traditional Basque tapas) from various local bars. Enjoy the beautiful beaches, hike up to Mount Urgull for stunning views, and relax in the city's numerous parks to make the most of your budget-friendly trip to this charming coastal town.

Travel plan

• Check into the charming Hotel Gudamendi, nestled in the green hills overlooking the city and offering magnificent panoramic views.
• Dive into the pintxos (Basque tapas) wonderland in the Old Town! Head to Bar Zeruko for their inventive creations like foie gras lollipops or try the traditional Gambas a la Plancha at Bar Nestor.
• Walk it off along La Concha Beach, an elegant crescent of sand adorned with glamorous sunbathers and framed by the majestic Mount Urgull.
• Take a funicular up to Monte Igueldo for carnival-style rides and jaw-dropping vistas of the city's red-roofed charms.
• Indulge in Basque culture at the iconic Sagardoetxea Museum to learn about the history and brewing process of the region's apple cider.
• Feast on a hearty dinner at Bar La Cepa, packed with locals savoring their famous txuleta (prime steak) cooked to perfection.

• Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Café Bar Aquarium, boasting marine-themed decor and stunning sea views.
• Explore the vibrant neighborhood of Gros and rent a surfboard to catch some waves at Zurriola Beach, a popular spot among locals and visitors alike.
• Visit the futuristic Kursaal Congress Centre and Auditorium, a stunning architectural masterpiece hosting cultural events and exhibitions.
• Stroll along the fashionable streets of the city center, indulging in some boutique shopping at the glamorous Avenida de la Libertad.
• Treat yourself to a glamorous seafood meal at the renowned Michelin-starred restaurant Arzak, where culinary artistry meets gastronomic perfection.
• End your day with a cocktail at La Vina del Ensanche, a stylish bar with a cozy jazz atmosphere and an extensive collection of spirits.

• Embark on an adventurous hike up Mount Ulia, an untamed paradise boasting breathtaking cliffside views and enchanting hidden coves.
• Visit the eerie remains of the San Sebastián Royal Fortress, a fortress-turned-museum offering a glimpse into the city's military past.
• Enjoy a picnic in the lush surroundings of Miramar Gardens, once the summer residence of Spanish royalty, providing the perfect setting for relaxation.
• Discover the vibrant world of marine life at the San Sebastián Aquarium, home to over 200 species from the Cantabrian Sea.
• Savor traditional Basque cuisine with a modern twist at Bodega Donostiarra, offering delectable pintxos and a warm, friendly atmosphere.
• Catch a film at the historic Tabakalera, a converted tobacco factory-turned-cultural center that hosts film screenings, exhibitions, and workshops.

• Take a scenic day trip to the iconic San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, a striking island crowned with a picturesque chapel and connected to the mainland by a stone bridge.
• Embark on an unforgettable hike to the chapel, tackling the 231 steps while enjoying the stunning coastal views that inspired the fictional Dragonstone in "Game of Thrones."
• Indulge in fresh seafood at Restaurante Etxebarri, a charming spot in nearby Axpe renowned for their mouthwatering grilled delicacies.
• Explore the charming fishing village of Getaria, known for its traditional Basque architecture and revered as the birthplace of world-renowned fashion designer Cristóbal Balenciaga.
• Unwind with a glass of the local Txakoli wine at the charming Txakoli Gaintza vineyard, overlooking the vine-covered hills and the sparkling Cantabrian Sea.