We are going to San Sebastian, sans kids, to celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary. My husband has planned the logistics of this trip, and I thought I’d chime in with some sights and restaurants.
He booked a food tour with Devour San Sebastian Food Tours to get a lay of the land. I’m up for pintxos!
There is a walking tour for 20 euros. This might be another good option to get to know the city. Here is another walking tour for 15 euros: San Sebastián Walking Tour listed on Viator.
We also want to see Bilbao, and a tour might be the easiest way to get there.
All this information is from Bea Adventurous.
Chillida Leku – Sculpture, Nature, and Soulful Wandering
“A short trip outside the city, but absolutely worth it if you’re into sculpture, nature, or peaceful art-meets-forest vibes. Chillida Leku is dedicated to the works of Eduardo Chillida, the Basque sculptor behind the iconic Comb of the Wind installation.
His large-scale iron and stone pieces are scattered across the grounds like they had grown there, and the farmhouse museum adds context and a little warmth to the experience. Quiet, meditative, and magical.”
Address: Jauregi Bailara, 66, Hernani (20 min by car or bus from San Sebastián)
Website: museochillidaleku.com
Cost: €12 online / €14 at the door
Open: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00–19:00
Free Sights
Tabakalera – Modern Art and Creative Hub
A former tobacco factory turned contemporary culture center is an absolute gem. Exhibits, film screenings, workshops… and a rooftop terrace with one of the best views in town.
Address: Pl. de las Cigarreras, 1, 20012 Donostia-San Sebastian, Gipuzkoa, Spain
Website: Tabakalera
Cost: free
Hours: Closed on Mondays. Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 – 21:00
Wander the Old Town (Casco Viejo)
Casco Viejo de San Sebastian, or the Old Town, is a vibrant and historic area of Donostia in Spain. It has been around since the 14th century, and visitors can explore its beautiful streets, monuments, buildings, and landmarks. Watch the Sunset from Monte Urgull
To watch the sunset from Monte Urgull in San Sebastian, you can access it from several points, including the Old Town (Parte Vieja), near the Basilica of Saint Mary, or via a staircase next to the San Telmo Museum. The climb can be steep, so allow at least 30 minutes to reach the top, and plan for a couple of hours to explore the summit and viewpoints.
You can begin your ascent from the Old Town, specifically from the end near the port on Mari Street.
Hidden Walking Trails
Forget Google Maps. Some of my favorite moments came from getting lost on purpose. Start with Paseo Nuevo, a coastal path that loops dramatically around Monte Urgull. Beware if walking on a stormy day, the waves crash over the sea wall and splash unsuspecting walkers. It’s basically a free adrenaline rush.
Then, there are the lesser-known hill paths that snake up behind Monte Ulía, starting from the edge of Gros. You’ll pass locals walking their dogs, wild greenery, and lookout points that you’ll have all to yourself. Just you, the sea breeze, and maybe a smug seagull or two.
Quiet Cafe
Kafe Botanika, a leafy riverside spot that’s equal parts café and garden oasis—perfect for journaling, reading, or just pretending you live there.
Restaurants
La Mejillorosa. Best patatas bravas in Old Town!
Sirimiri Gastroleku. Here I recommend the black squid croquettes!
Borda Berdi. A very traditional bar (no English spoken here!). I recommend you order an Idiazabal Cheese Risotto (yummy) and a pork ear pintxo.
Bar La Cepa: An old school traditional Basque Bar serving some of the best Jamon Iberico in the city! But also lovely, was the tortilla de patata (Spanish omelet).
Bar Zabaleta in the Gros neighborhood
La Espiga
Txepetxa
Arzak. Juan Mari Arzak and his daughter Elena Arzak spearhead the restaurant, known for its innovative and acclaimed New Basque cuisine. The restaurant is housed in a century-old building and offers a luxurious dining experience.
I’ll update everyone on our experience when we get back! How about you? Have you been to San Sebastian? What do you recommend? Thank you!
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Barbed Wire Between Us by Mia Wenjen, illustrated by Violeta Encarnación
- ⭐ Starred review from Kirkus
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- ⭐ Starred review from School Library Journal
- Kirkus: The Most Anticipated Children’s Books of Spring 2026
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- California Eureka Non-Fiction Gold Award
- Junior Library Guild Gold Selection
- Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People Winner (from National Council for the Social Studies and Children’s Book Council)
The Traveling Taco:
- California Eureka Non-Fiction Silver Award
- Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People Winner (from National Council for the Social Studies and Children’s Book Council)
- Reading Rockets’ Summer Reading Guide 2025
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Amazon / Signed or Inscribed by Me
We Sing from the Heart: How the Slants® Took Their Fight for Free Speech to the Supreme Court
- ALSC Notable Children’s Book
- 2025 Carter G. Woodson Book Award Middle Level Honoree
- Orbis Pictus Recommended Book for Outstanding Nonfiction for Children
- 2024 Julia Ward Howe Prize for Children’s Literature Winner
- California Eureka Non-Fiction Award Honor Book
- Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People Winner (from National Council for the Social Studies and Children’s Book Council)
- Bank Street Best Children’s Books of the Year 2025
- Recommended Reading for the Social Justice Literature Award 2025 (International Literacy Association)
- Pennsylvania Mountain Laurel Book Award Nominee 2026-27
- Junior Library Guild Gold Selection
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Food for the Future: Sustainable Farms Around the World
- ⭐ Starred review from School Library Journal!
- Junior Library Guild Gold selection
- Massachusetts Book Award Long List
- dPICTUS 100 Outstanding Picture Books of 2023
- Chicago Library’s Best of the Best
- 2023 INDIES Book of the Year Awards Finalist
- Green Earth Book Award Long List
- Nautilus Silver Winner, Nonfiction Children’s Picture Book
- Sunshine State Young Readers Award Orange Blossom List for Nonfiction
- Imagination Soup’s 35 Best Nonfiction Books of 2023 for Kids
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Bank Street College’s The Best Children’s Books of the Year
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Amazon / Signed or Inscribed by Me
