San Sebastian Gastronomy

Gastro Pintxos Tapas Cooking Tour

San Sebastian, also known as Donostia, is not just another picturesque coastal town in Spain's Basque Country; it's a gastronomic mecca that has long captivated food lovers from around the world.

The city has an incredibly rich culinary history that reflects both local Basque influences and international flavours.

The long culinary history has given birth to a food culture that celebrates fresh, high-quality ingredients prepared with both traditional and modern techniques.

One of San Sebastian's most iconic culinary offerings is pintxos, the Basque version of tapas.

These small, flavourful dishes are served at bars all around the city, and locals and tourists alike make an evening of hopping from one establishment to another, sampling the pintxos along with txakoli, the slightly sparkling, very dry white wine native to the region.

San Sebastian is also famous for its seafood, particularly anchovies, hake, and tuna, often prepared a la plancha (grilled on a metal plate) to allow the freshness of the ingredients to shine through.

The city boasts numerous Michelin-starred restaurants, like Arzak and Mugaritz, where chefs elevate Basque cuisine to a fine art.

Yet, you don’t have to dine at a fancy restaurant to experience the city’s high end cooking.

From the fresh produce at La Bretxa Market to the cheesecakes and artisanal chocolates found in local shops, the entire city is filled with a love for food that is hard to resist.

San Sebastian Pintxo Tour

San Sebastian restaurants are a true culinary destination for food lovers as the city boasts an abundance of first-class eateries from Michelin-starred restaurants to busy tapas bars, each one offering a rich gastronomic experience that is unique to the region.

The city is home to many Michelin-starred restaurants such as Arzak, Akelarre, Martin Berasategui, Mugaritz, Amelia, Kokotxa and Elkano, each one run by famous chefs that include Juan Mari Arzak, Pedro Subijana, and Martin Berasategui. These chefs have been instrumental in putting San Sebastian restaurants on the world gastronomic map.

San Sebastian restaurants and bars are well known for the delicious pintxos they serve, these are bite-sized tapas served on a slice of bread and held together with a toothpick. The city is filled with pintxo bars that offer a wide range of flavours and ingredients, from seafood to meats to vegetables, all of which are paired with local wines and ciders.

San Sebastian’s Old Town, or Parte Vieja, is home to many of the city’s best pintxo bars.  Places like Bar Zeruko, Bar La Cepa, and Bar Nestor are popular tapas bars with locals and tourists alike.  Each one serves a unique twist on these famous little plates of food. These bars offer a lively atmosphere, where patrons stand at the bar or huddle around high tables, enjoying the delicious food and company.

San Sebastian's rich culinary culture is unique because of the region's focus on locally sourced ingredients. The city is surrounded by mountains and the sea, providing an abundance of fresh fish, seafood, and quality produce. Basque cuisine is also known for its distinctive flavours and innovative cooking techniques, such as the use of the grill and the wood-fired oven.

The city holds important gastronomic events throughout the year such as the San Sebastian Gastronomika, which brings together top chefs from around the world to showcase their cuisine.

There are also a  number of guided food and wine tours, personalised tapas tours, cooking classes, and wine tastings that offer you a chance to experience the best of Basque gastronomy.

San Sebastian Restaurants

In the late 70's Basque chefs were influenced by the Nouvelle Cuisine of France when they created the New Basque Cuisine ( nueva cocina Vasca ).

Proud of its foundations but solidly Basque in substance with dishes becoming lighter and more rustic.

Michelin-starred Chef Juan Mari Arzak was probably the founding father of this culinary revolution, he runs the renowned Restaurant Arzak aided by his daughter Helena, also a chef of much appraise in her own right.

Throughout the old city and surrounding areas, you can enjoy dining out in countless eateries and remarkable places to eat including Pintxo bars and Sidrerias, from luxury to budget, it's all available in San Sebastian.

Some of the most well-known local dishes served in San Sebastian Restaurants include Marmitako ( a tuna fish stew ), Bacalao a la Vasca ( salt cod with tomatoes ), Txangurro ( hot Spider crab ) and Percebes (gooseneck barnacles ).

Although tapas, were invented in Sevilla in Andalucia they were perfected in San Sebastian Restaurants and a walk around the old part of town is a good place to enjoy them. Here each bar is bursting with tapas and they look and taste amazing.

A tapa crawl ( Tikiteo) allows you to enjoy as many small plates as you want in different bars which is not only a tasty culinary experience but great fun as well.

Get Your Guide organise a gourmet pintxo tour which includes a 2-hour guided tour to some of the top tapas bars in San Sebastian plus 4 gourmet pintxos chosen by the experts, each one being accompanied by a different wine.

Best Michelin Star Restaurants

They say half the reason people travel is for the food, and when dining out in  San Sebastian, the travel is most definitely well worth it.

This famous city in northern Spain is a gastronomic paradise, with more Michelin-star restaurants per square mile than any other in Spain and possibly Europe.

Here you will find a wide array of culinary gems that reflects the wonderful people, region and exquisite culture of this ancient city.

  1. Restaurant Arzak
  2. Mugaritz
  3. Akelarre
  4. Martin Berasategui
  5. Alameda
  6. Amelia
  7. Elkano
  8. Kokotxa
  9. Mirador de Ulia

 

1. Restaurant Arzak

Restaurant Arzak

Juan Mari and his Daughter Elena run the world-renowned  Arzak Restaurant, one of the finest restaurants in Spain.

Eating out at the  Restaurant Arzak is crucial to try at least once. Chef Arzak and his daughter are masters at the best new Basque cooking – Nueva Cocina Vasca.

Easily scoring 3 Michelin stars, Arzak is quite exclusive though and you will need to make reservation months or even longer in advance.

Clients can choose from a very large assembly of foods and tastes prepared by one of the best chefs in Europe.

»  Avda. Alcalde Jose Elosegui, 273 –  Tel: 943278465.

2. Mugaritz

Restaurant Mugaritz
The Restaurant Mugaritz is known as one of the world's most creative eateries and is arguably one of the best San Sebastian Restaurants.

Head Chef Andoni Luis Aduriz is the owner and head chef, he learned his trade under a number of top chefs including Ferran Adria.

There is not a set conventional menu as such, rather Andoni and his brigade prepare creative and astonishing dishes based on the seasonal availability and the tastes of their clientele.

Restaurant Mugaritz has led a culinary revolution with some quite outstanding offerings, try the 24-dish menu which will test your taste buds on so many levels,  not to mention the stunning visual spectacle of the food served.

» Aldura Aldea, 20. 20100 Errenteria. Tel: 943 522 455.

3. Restaurant Akelarre

Restaurante Akelarre
Akelarre, which is situated in the Igueldo district of San Sebastian, offers amazing views of the surrounding countryside and over the Cantabrian Sea.

It is one of the best Basque restaurants in San Sebastian and  includes an excellent wine bodega and its very own vegetable and herb garden.

The seats near the windows are highly sought after although perhaps a more intimate space is in one of the three dining rooms inside.

Dishes at Restaurant Akelarre are meticulously prepared with the menu changing frequently. A popular dining option is the “Menú de Degustación” a special menu consisting of the chef's latest dishes prepared with the freshest seasonal produce.

»  Paseo Padre Orkola, 56 – Tel:  94-321-2052 

4. Restaurant Martín Berastegui


Martin Berastegui is one of the great Spanish chefs with no less than 7 Michelin stars to his name. For fine dining enthusiasts, a visit to his famous restaurant is a must.

This innovative chef uses local ingredients to the full, signature dishes include such delights as crayfish over an aniseed sea-bed and coral mayonnaise, grilled hake loin, coconut, red curry and liquid, and crunchy razor-shells and lightly marinated oyster with iced cucumber slush and K5, and spicy apple.

Booking a table well in advance is a must to avoid disappointment.

»  Loidi Kalea 4. 20160 Lasarte-Oria (Gipuzkoa). Tel:  943366471.

5. Alameda

Restaurant Alameda

The Alameda is a family-run restaurant run by the Txapartegi brothers who are the grandchildren of its creator.  Alameda has boasted a Michelin star continuously for over 20 years.

Brother Mikel is responsible for the dining room whilst head chefs Gorka and Kepa aptly run the kitchen. Their motto is that at least 80% of the fresh ingredients must come from within a radius of 25m.

Basque Nouvelle cuisine of the highest standard is on offer at the Restaurant Alameda using only the best of freshest ingredients such as fresh anchovy, baby squid, local mushroom and Iberian Dewlap.

» Mirasoroeta Kalea 1,20280 Hondarribia. Tel: 943 64 27 89

6. Amelia

Restaurant Amelia

Restaurant Amelia is located in the beautiful Romantic District of San Sebastian just a short walk from the Buen Pasto Cathedral.

A modern eatery which sits just 22 diners at a time, serving quality tasting menus which showcase the local gastronomy to perfection creating an unforgettable and unique dining experience.

Head chef Paulo Airaudo is from Argentina and the only foreign chef in San Sebastian to currently hold a Michelin Star.  He learned his trade in legendary restaurants including  Arzak and the Fat Duck, amongst others. Chef Paulo uses seasonal and sustainable raw materials as well as a range of forgotten products.

» Calle Prim 34, 20006, San Sebastian. Tel: 943 84 56 47.

7. Elkano

Restaurant Elkano

The Elkano was opened in 1964 by Pedro Arregui and his wife Maria Jose Artano under the watchful eye of Pedro's mother and mentor Joxepa. Restaurant Elkano is located in the picturesque coastal town of Getaria, some 25 kilometres from the center of San Sebastian.

Here you will find fish and seafood dishes of the highest quality and mostly cooked over charcoal grills on the front patio. The smells of cooking seafood are simply one of the best to test your gastronomic senses. It is known for its grilled fish, which is cooked over an open fire in a traditional wood-fired oven.

This fine restaurant has been awarded two Michelin stars and is consistently ranked among the best restaurants in the world.

The grilled fish and the txuleta (a thick-cut rib steak) are Elkano's signature meals. The local Basque fishing fleet provides the seafood, which is then expertly cooked. The txuleta is grilled to a delicious medium rare after being matured for 30 days.

In addition to the grilled fish and txuleta, Elkano provides a wide range of different foods, including appetisers, soups, salads, and desserts. A large variety of quality Spanish wines are also available.

Elkano offers an extremely courteous and high-quality service. The service team are always on hand to assist you in you’re your food and wine choice.

At Elkano, the food is unquestionably amazing and the service is excellent. Elkano is the place to go if you want a dining experience that will stay with you forever.

»  Herrerieta Kalea, 2, 20808 Getaria, Gipuzkoa. Tel: 943 14 00 24

8. Kokotxa

Restaurant Kokotxa

The Kokotxa Restaurant is located in the Romantic District of San Sebastian next to the Basicila of Saint Mary. Head chef Dani Lopez is one of San Sebastian's finest and he runs the Kokotxa with his wife and Maitre'D, Estela Velasco.

The restaurant has a capacity for 30 dinners plus a sought-after chef's table.

You will be treated to some of the best food you will find anywhere in the Basque Country.

Chef Dani uses only the freshest local seasonal ingredients, he has an incredible pallet so be prepared for a unique dining experience.

» Calle del Campanario, 11, 20003 Donostia-San Sebastian. Tel: 943 42 19 04

9. Mirador de Ulia

Mirador de Eulia

The Mirador de Ulia is located in the Gross district of the city and enjoys the most amazing views over San Sebastian and along the Atlantic coastline.

This award-winning restaurant was opened back in 1966 by renowned chef Faustina Zaldua.

The decor is modern, bright and minimalistic although here it's all about the spectacular views from the surrounding patio windows.

There are various menus to choose from top dishes including,  Lackard Duck, Tataki of Aged Beef, Monk Fish Over Charcoal and Salted Prawns with Fruit Drops.

»   Paseo de Ulía, 193, 20013 - San Sebastián. Tel: 943 272 707

San Sebastian Pintxo Bars

San Sebastian Restaurants & Pintxo Bars

Tapas, or pintxos as they are called in the Basque Country, have given this special coastal resort the unofficial title of the European food Mecca.

Indeed these finger foods, canapes, and snacks are served with almost every meal and in certain instances even given out for free with some meals.

They have given the city and the Basque region the highest number of Michelin-starred restaurants compared to any region in the world.

These restaurants and the indigenous tapas bars form the building block of San Sebastian’s world-recognised foodie culture. Some of the best tapas spots in this coastal paradise are.

Although tapas, were said to be invented in Sevilla they were probably perfected in San Sebastian and a walk around the old part of town is a great place to enjoy them.

Here each bar is bursting with tapas and they are well prepared, imaginative and delicate, not to mention super tasty.

Pintxos are generally enjoyed together with a glass of wine or a small beer, and the Spanish tradition is to enjoy a pintxo in one bar and move on to the next.

A Tapa Crawl ( Tikiteo) allows you to enjoy as many plates as you want in different bars around the city, subsequently enjoying a more varied culinary experience.

Enjoy a pintxo Crawl in the Old Town

Pintxo Tour San Sebastian

There is nothing more enjoyable than going from one pintxo bar to another, eating one tapa in each, that way you get to taste a lot of different types of tapa in one evening's night out. Here is a map of the old town where you will find lots of Pintxo bars in one place.

A great way to find out all about these famous little dishes is to join one of the many Tapas Tours in Spain that are run by local experts who offer a world of knowledge plus they know where to find the best tapas bars in each city.

Top Pintxo Bars in San Sebastian

  1. Bodegon Alejandro
  2. Bar Txepetxa
  3. Borda Berri
  4. La Cepa Bar
  5. Restaurant Anastasio
  6. La Muralla
  7. Juanito Kojua

1. Bodegon Alejandro

Bodegon Alejandro

Bodegon Alejandro is a renowned restaurant bar located in the heart of the Old Town in San Sebastian, Spain. This family-run establishment has been serving locals and tourists alike for over 70 years, offering a warm and welcoming atmosphere that invites visitors to sit down, relax and enjoy their delicious pintxos and drinks.

The bar is famous for its traditional Basque pintxos, made with fresh, high-quality ingredients sourced from local markets and suppliers. The menu features a wide variety of pintxos, ranging from classic options like tortilla de patatas and jamón ibérico to more innovative creations like Spider crab stew Donostia style and pil-pil sauce, and Cod fillet confit with pil pil sauce and spider crab in Donostia style.

Bar Alejandro also offers a great selection of wines, vermouths and spirits, perfect to pair with their pintxos or to enjoy on their own. The friendly staff is always ready to provide recommendations and help visitors find their perfect drink.

Overall, Bodegon Alejandro is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the authentic flavours of San Sebastian's gastronomy in a cosy and friendly atmosphere.

» Fermín Calbetón, 4, San Sebastián. Tel:  94-342-7158

2. Bar Txepetxa

Bar Txepetxa, is one of the most popular tapas bars in San Sebastian, it opened its doors in 1973 and has been on the receiving end of many gastronomic awards over the years.

They serve some of the best homemade pintxos prepared with love and dedication.

You can enjoy a large variety of local ingredients including crabs, octopus, anchovies, mussels and shrimp.

All of these are served with a flair that whets the appetite the minute you walk enter the bar whilst enjoying the artistic display of its famous patrons from the past.

»  5 Calle de la Pescadería, Donostia-San Sebastián Tel:  943 42 22 27

3. Borda Berri

Located in Fermin Calbetton 12, Borda Berri is famous for its Veal Cheeks, Idiazabal and Hongos.

Their pintxos have also been lauded as some of the best in the area. If you’re a fan of meat dishes then Borda Berri is for you.

Speciality dishes include local bread beef rib eye and amazingly succulent spare ribs. Other delicacies include risotto and bomba rice with squid.

Although the available space is a bit small, patrons flock to the Borda Berri thanks to their delicious food.

» Fermin Calbeton Kalea, 12, 20003 Donostia, Bizkaia. Tel:  34 943 43 03 42.

4. La Cepa Bar

Bar La Cepa

Bar La Cepa is a fine local culinary institution famous for serving up the finest Spanish cured Jabugo, known for its unique taste and quality.

Other typical dishes on offer include Galician Octopus, meatballs, and homemade sausages.

La Cepa Bar offers a fine wine collection from the best wineries in the Rioja and Ribera del Duero.

This unique eatery has been operating for more than 70 years and is highly recommended by the locals.

With more than half a decade in the business, La Cepa has managed to perfect their pintxos and serve them in sizes obviously larger than other bars.

»  Calle 31 de Agosto Kalea, 7.   Tel:  943 42 63 94.

5. Restaurante Anastasio

Restaurant Anastasio, located in the heart of San Sebastian, Spain, is a must-visit for any food enthusiast. The restaurant has been delighting its customers with its delectable Basque cuisine for over 80 years. With a menu that focuses on traditional flavours and fresh ingredients, Restaurant Anastasio is a perfect place to indulge in a truly authentic gastronomic experience.

The restaurant's menu features a variety of dishes, including grilled meats, fresh seafood, and seasonal vegetables, all expertly prepared by talented chefs.  Some of the outstanding dishes on offer include grilled prawns with black garlic and avocado oil, Beef cheeks with creamy polenta and truffle oil and Iberian pork sirloin with foie gras, apple puree, and Pedro Ximénez reduction.

The restaurant's cosy and elegant interior creates a welcoming and comfortable ambience, making it an ideal spot for a romantic dinner or a family gathering.

Whether you're a local or a visitor, Restaurant Anastasio is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the best of Basque cuisine in San Sebastian.

» Calle Easo, 19, San Sebastián-Guipúzcoa. Tel:  94-342-6320

6. La Muralla

The heart of San Sebastian's historic district is where you'll find the quaint Pintxo Bar La Muralla. The bar has been open since 1952 and is well-known for its pintxos, regional wines and traditional Basque food. It is a well-liked hangout for both residents and visitors, who gather here to savour delectable cuisine and beverages in a pleasant and inviting environment.

Traditional wooden beams and stone walls give La Muralla's interior a rustic and genuine appearance. On a nice day, the bar's lovely outdoor patio is the ideal spot to enjoy a meal or a drink.

The menu at Bar La Muralla features a wide range of pintxos, tapas, and traditional Basque dishes, all made with fresh and locally sourced ingredients. Some of the most popular dishes include the grilled octopus, the beef cheeks in red wine sauce, and the cod omelette.

If you're looking for an authentic Basque culinary experience, then Bar La Muralla is definitely worth a visit. The bar's friendly staff, cosy atmosphere, and delicious food make it a true gem in the heart of San Sebastian's old town.

Embeltrán 3, 20003 Donostia-San Sebastián, Donostia / San Sebastián, Spain

7. Juanito Kojua

The Restaurant Juanito Kojua is situated in the old part of San Sebastian and has been warmly decorated in a rustic style.

Reportedly the oldest restaurant in San Sebastian it is undoubtedly one of the most consolidated gastronomic establishments in San Sebastian.

It is efficiently managed by a family that over the years has earned a loyal and fixed client base.

You will find all kinds of typical local dishes and super fresh fish and seafood. Signature dishes include crab a la Donostiarra,  clams and line-caught groper.

» Calle Puerto, 14, 20003 San Sebastián Tlf: 943420180.

Foodie Things To Do In San Sebastian

 

Try the best tortilla in town

Bar Nestor San Sebastian

Photo By Alexa Clark – Flickr

Bar Nestor is located in the Old Town of San Sebastian and is the holey grail when it comes to Spanish Omelettes.

Owner Nestor Morais serves up his legendary tortilla each day, preparing just two a day, one for midday and the other for the evening.

If you are thinking of calling by his bar on the off chance to try some, forget it.  You will need to call be the bar beforehand to reserve your slice, no phone orders are taken.

Its well worth it though as Nestor creates arguably the best tortilla in Spain, cooked with local Padron peppers, potatoes and caramelised onions. The tortilla has a slight crust with an ever-so-slightly runny inside.

And it's not just limited to a delicious tortilla, at Bar Nestor they also serve up some of the best steaks in town.

Go Cider Tasting

Sideria - Cider House San Sebastian

Photo by Tatterdemalion99 – Flickr

One of the most popular local drinks by far is the delicious cider and a cider experience is a must-try at one of the many quaint cider houses around San Sebastian.

Made from fermented apples only it is much smoother than cider from around Europe with no added preservatives, sugars or gas.

The pouring technique is where the fun is, a bottle is held high above the head as the drink is poured into a glass, a technique that gives the cider a few bubbles. Not to mention its great fun to watch.

There are lots of cider houses ( Sidrerias ) to choose from around the city, a pick of the best for quality and atmosphere include Intxaurrondo Sidreria and the Sidreria Lizeaga

Eat an incredible Txuleta  ( T-bone steak )

Txuleta Casa Julian

Photo by Gastro Genuino - Flickr

The preparation, provenance, cooking and eating of the delicious Txuleta is taken to a whole new level in San Sebastian.

Restaurants serving Txuleta ( T-Bone steak ) can be found all across the city, our pick of the best include Txirrita Sagardotegia, Txokolo, Txuleta and the Asador Portu Etx.

For a real treat though, head off to Casa Julian, arguably the best steak house in the region.

The family-run Restaurant Casa Julian is located in Calle de Santa Klara, 6 in the town of Tolosa, about 30 minutes drive from San Sebastian.

Aptly run by Matías Gorrochategui and his two sons, this is where other Michelin star chefs come to hang out. Matias took over the bar in 1954 from a friend on the promise that he kept the décor the same as it was, it has remained unchanged since.

Blackened walls and dusty bottles adorn the interior with the centrepiece being a charcoal oven which is the heart and soul of the restaurant.

Most restaurants will use the T-Bone from beef aged around 3 years old, not Casa Julian, their Txuletas ( Chuletons ) come from milk cows around 7 years old, a reason perhaps why their steaks are considered some of the best in the world.

Try the delicious Sebastian cheesecake

San Sebastian Cheesecake
San Sebastian Cheesecake

The San Sebastian cheesecake, also known as "Basque burnt cheesecake", is a delicious dessert that originated in the Basque and is a firm favourite in San Sebastian.

This creamy cheesecake has a caramelised top and a soft interior, with a slightly burnt flavour that adds depth to its taste.

The recipe is simple, made with just a few ingredients like cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and flour.

The cake is typically served cold and can be found in many restaurants and bakeries in San Sebastian and beyond.

Enjoy the Txakoli Wine Experience

Txakoli Wine Tasting

Txakoli is a slightly sparkling, dry white wine that is an important part of San Sebastian's cultural heritage. This wine has been produced for centuries in the region and is known for its crisp, refreshing taste.

The name "Txakoli" comes from the Basque language and means "choke," which refers to the wine's acidity.

Historically, Txakoli was made by farmers for their own consumption and was only available locally. However, in recent years, wine has gained international recognition, and several wineries now produce it for export.

In San Sebastian, Txakoli is often served in traditional cider houses and pintxo bars. It is typically poured from a height, which gives it a slightly effervescent quality. This unique pouring method also adds a theatrical element to the wine's presentation, making it a fun and memorable part of any visit to San Sebastian.

FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions

San Sebastian is renowned for its culinary scene, most notably its pintxos, which are small tapas-like dishes served in bars. The most popular dishes include Marmitako, Kokotxas, Gildas, Bacaloa al Pili Pil, Piperade, Idiazabel Cheese, Txangurro, and Angulas The city is also famous for its fresh seafood, traditional Basque cuisine, and Michelin-starred restaurants. Don't miss out on trying the local speciality, 'tarta de queso,' a creamy Basque cheesecake.

Absolutely, San Sebastian is a food lover's paradise, often considered one of the world's great culinary destinations. The city boasts numerous Michelin-starred restaurants and is famous for its pintxos bars, where you can sample a variety of small, flavorful dishes. Fresh seafood and traditional Basque cuisine are must-tries.

The San Sebastian Festival, also known as the "Tamborrada," is a culinary affair to remember. Traditional foods like "talo," a corn tortilla often filled with chistorra sausage or cheese, are widely enjoyed. Seafood dishes, given the city's coastal location, are also prominent. Of course, no celebration would be complete without local wines and ciders.

Dining in San Sebastián can vary in cost, depending on your choices. The city is known for its high-end Michelin-starred restaurants, which can be expensive. However, you can also find more budget-friendly options like pintxos bars, where small plates can be enjoyed for a few euros each. Expect to pay a premium for seafood and fine wines. If you plan to eat reasonably well you should allow at least 5O euros and very well to high end at least 120 euros a day.

The exceptional quality of food in San Sebastián is a result of a rich culinary tradition combined with fresh, local ingredients. The city is a gastronomic hub where chefs are highly skilled, often trained in Michelin-starred kitchens. From pintxos to fine dining, the focus is on flavor, innovation, and the best produce from land and sea.

Recommended accommodation San Sebastian

Luxury High-End

For a luxury stay the Maria Cristina a Luxury Collection Hotel is a must place to stay. The hotel enjoys an ideal location in the cities centre  surrounded by local bars and restaurants. There are 136 luxury rooms at the Maria Cristina, each providing all the essentials to ensure a comfortable stay. Honeymoon suites are also available. Reviewer Rating: 9.2

Mid Range

The superb 4 star Hotel Villa Soro offers outstanding 4 star accommodation in a tranquil setting just a few minute's drive or a 20-minute walk to the city center. Villa Soro offers first-class amenities such as a nearby golf course, limousine service, free bicycle rental and a variety of breakfast options. The hotel is a short walk from one of the cities top restaurants, Arzak. Reviewer Rating: 9.4

Budget Accommodation

The popular 1 star Pension Del Mar is located in the city centre within the Gros District. The guest house offers 6 modern and bright rooms, filled with a variety of amenities to ensure a comfortable stay.  It is situated n the heart of San Sebastian’s entertainment district with restaurants, cafés and nightlife on the doorstep. Reviewer Rating: 10.0