Where to Stay in San Sebastián: Best Areas, Hotels & Airbnbs

After spending a long week in San Sebastián, or Donostia in Basque, the sparkling gem of a city on Spain’s Basque coast, I’m sharing exactly where to stay. With gorgeous beaches, a charming old town, and exceptional food, it’s a city that’s truly easy to love. It’s also quite well-connected with other cities by train, so it’s a straightforward stopover if you’re already in Spain.

Especially if you love food and restaurants, there are few places I’d recommend to base yourself for exploring San Sebastián. It’s famous for having the highest concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants. But even if fine dining isn’t your thing, it’s also well known for having an amazing bar scene with bite-sized pintxos (a Basque specialty) on offer.

And for those who are wondering what’s beyond the food scene, don’t worry, there are plenty of things to do, from sunny beach days, coastal road trips, and incredible history to soak in. I absolutely loved my stay in San Sebastián, and would easily recommend it.

When it comes to deciding where to stay in San Sebastián, know there are a few different neighborhoods, each giving you different access points to the city. Choosing carefully where you stay will play a role in how you visit the city, so I’ve put together this guide to share my recommendations as a long-time traveler for the best hotels in San Sebastián.

Short on Time? Here Are My Top Picks for the Best Areas to Stay in San Sebastián:

For a first trip, I’d stay in Centro for the most central location, or Antiguo for a quieter beach and/or family-friendly stay.

1. Centro (City Center), best overall location for first-timers
   Nobu Hotel ($$$), Villa Favorita ($$$), Hotel Arbaso ($$), Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra ($$), Hotel Catalonia Donosti ($$), Hotel Palacio Bellas Artes ($), or a 1 Bedroom Modern Apartment
2. Parte Vieja (Old Town), best for historic feel and pintxos
   Hotel Maria Cristina, a Luxury Collection Hotel ($$$$), Hotel Lasala Plaza ($$), SANSEbay Boutique Hotel ($$), Hotel Atari ($$), Room Mate Collection Gorka ($$), or a 1 Bedroom Port Views Apartment
3. Antiguo, best for families and beach vacations
   La Galeria ($$), Hotel NH Collection Aranzazu ($$), Letoh Letoh ($), Colectia Hotel Onderreta ($), or a 2 Bedroom Apartment with AC and Parking
4. Gros, best for surfing
   Villa Soro ($$), Leonardo Boutique Hotel ($$), Abba San Sebastián ($$), or a 1 Bedroom Modern Apartment with Self Check-in

Things to Do

1. San Sebastian Old Town Pintxos & Wine Tour Small Group Tour (3 hours)
2. San Sebastian Surf Lesson & Pintxos Food Tour (4 hours)
3. Quick Santa Clara Island Boat Tour (45-90 minutes)
4. Small Group Gipuzkoa Coast (Zarautz, Getaria and Zumaia) Day Trip (4 hours)
5. Boat Tour to Hondarribia, San Juan & San Pedro (4 hours)
6. Basque Farm House and Cider Tour (6 hours)

Helpful Guides to Plan Your Trip

If you’re planning a trip to San Sebastián, don’t miss my San Sebastián city guide and guides to where to eat in San Sebastián and the best day trips from San Sebastián.

If you’re visiting more of Spain, start with my 10-day Spain itinerary and guide to the most beautiful cities in Spain. I also have everything you need for Barcelona (city guide, itinerary, where to stay, things to do, coffee, and restaurants), Madrid (where to stay), Seville (city guide, where to stay), as well as guides to Costa Brava, Granada, Andaluciá, and Córdoba.

Travel Tip: The best way to explore Basque Country is by driving yourself. We use Discover Cars for our rental cars in Europe, choose full coverage insurance, and opt for trusted companies like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt. Renting a car and driving in Spain is quite easy. Book your car with Discover Cars here.

The Complete Guide on Where to Stay in San Sebastián, Spain

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What to Know Before Visiting San Sebastián

What to Expect of Accommodations in San Sebastián

You can expect boutique hotels, apartment rentals, and small guesthouses in San Sebastián, instead of big-box hotels. As a city, rooms are usually smaller than average, especially in the Parte Vieja. Many older buildings don’t have air conditioning (important to keep in mind if you’re visiting in the summer). There are also many Airbnbs available, all similarly priced to the hotels but offering more space and kitchens.

What to Consider When Choosing San Sebastián Accommodations

• Location — San Sebastián is highly walkable, but it’s still best to base yourself where makes the most sense for you. Think about restaurants, beach access, and more — if you stay in Antiguo, for instance, you could be a near 45-minute walk into the center of pintxo bars.
• Room Size — As mentioned, keep in mind that room sizes are smaller here, so be sure to grab a larger room if you need one.
• Air Conditioning — Older buildings, especially in the Parte Vieja, don’t tend to have air conditioning. This is key to keep in mind if you visit in the summer and worth double-checking, especially on private vacation rentals.
• Parking — Parking is known for being especially difficult in San Sebastián and isn’t usually included in hotel stays. If you’re driving, be sure to stay at a hotel near a car park, or that has available parking if you have a rental car.
• Accessibility — Certain San Sebastián hotels do offer accessible rooms, including ADA-compliant rooms. If this is something you’re seeking, be sure to look at the specific hotel room offerings to find the best option for you.

Getting to San Sebastián

• Driving — Driving is a great way to reach San Sebastián, as it opens up the whole coastline to be explored. That being said, the city is highly walkable, and parking is extremely difficult. I recommend only having a car if you’re looking to do day trips from San Sebastián. Otherwise, it’s best to avoid it or to plan for parking.
• Flying — A popular way of arriving in San Sebastián is flying into nearby Bilbao. Another option is flying into Biarritz, on the French side of the Basque Country.
• By Train — High-speed trains connect San Sebastián with Madrid and Barcelona, but you can also reach it through France by connecting in Hendaye.

Rental Car Tip: We use Discover Cars for our rental cars in Europe, choose full coverage insurance, and opt for trusted companies like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt. Renting a car and driving in Spain is quite easy. Book your car with Discover Cars here.

Getting Around San Sebastián

San Sebastián is the perfect city for walking and exploring. Strolling around the city is the perfect way to get around! That being said, if you’re looking for another option, taxis are also incredibly common (you’ll just need to go to a taxi stand or call a taxi). San Sebastián also has Uber, but it isn’t as established as traditional taxis and often has long wait times.

Buses are also a great way to get around, with plenty running through the city and to the towns in the area. We took local buses a handful of times and found it easier than taxis (our daughter loved riding the buses too!). A car can also be a great way to explore if you’re looking to do lots of day trips from San Sebastián. But keep in mind that parking can be notoriously difficult in San Sebastián, as I mentioned before, so be sure to have a parking plan. We had a rental car the whole time in San Sebastián, and made sure our apartment included a parking spot.

What is the Best Area of San Sebastián to Stay In?

If you’re spending just a short time in San Sebastián, I’d recommend staying in the Centro neighborhood for ease and convenience. Or, if you’re looking for a more beach-focused stay and have a bit more time, I love Antiguo. It’s the oldest neighborhood, and right by the beautiful Ondarreta Beach. Below, I’ve outlined some of the best places to stay in San Sebastián and my recommendations.

Best Time to Visit and Weather in San Sebastián

• Winter — Winters in San Sebastián are rainy but not overly cold, making it a great option if you’re looking for a cozy getaway without many tourists.
• Spring — I think this is one of the most perfect times to be in San Sebastián. Mild temperatures, sun (some rain is possible!), and fewer crowds than the summer season.
• Summer — The summer months are often much more crowded, hot, and expensive. But there are some incredible summer events like the San Sebastián Jazz Festival that make it worth a visit.
• Fall — Even though you can expect rainy days in the fall, it’s still an amazing time to visit San Sebastián. Crowds are fewer, and temperatures are still mild. Plus, you can spend rainy days hopping between restaurants or pintxo bars.

How Long Should You Stay in San Sebastián?

How long you’re looking to stay in San Sebastián depends entirely on what kind of trip you want to have. But, I typically recommend 2-3 nights to properly experience the city. If you’re looking to explore the Basque Coast generally, it’s worthwhile extending your trip and using San Sebastián as a base to visit the coast and smaller towns nearby.

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1. Centro (City Center)
Best Overall Location for First-Timers

I’d definitely recommend staying in the Centro neighborhood if it’s your first time visiting San Sebastián. You’ll get convenient access to the rest of the city and a walkable neighborhood. Centro is a taste of what makes San Sebastián so incredible: a beautiful, refined city at the edge of the water.

Walking around Centro, it’s easy to see why it’s known as the Romantic area. With its elegant streets and Belle Époque architecture, it’s a beautiful place to simply spend an afternoon wandering around. The neighborhood borders La Concha Beach and has exceptional shopping and dining. If luxury hotels in San Sebastián are what you’re after, you’ll find some amazing options in Centro as well.

Where to Stay in Centro

Best Hotels in Centro

1. Nobu Hotel ($$$) — San Sebastián is known for its gastronomy, so it feels only fitting that the city is home to a Nobu Hotel. Along La Concha Beach, you can expect exceptional interiors and a luxurious stay. Not surprisingly, the hotel has a Nobu Restaurant on-site with a menu that incorporates Basque influences and ingredients.
2. Villa Favorita ($$$) — For a luxurious option, I’d definitely suggest looking at Villa Favorita. This adults-only hotel is Michelin-recommended, and housed in a stunning 19th-century villa on La Concha Beach.
3. Hotel Arbaso ($$) — I love the amazing design and beautiful interiors here! Arbaso is perfect if you’re looking for a boutique option in the center. With a great location and a fantastic traditional Basque restaurant, it’s a great one to check out.
4. Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra ($$) — Another historic luxury option near La Concha Beach. Many rooms have beautiful views of the bay. The design is traditional and elegant, and the hotel itself dates back over 150 years.
5. Hotel Catalonia Donosti ($$) — This upscale boutique hotel has contemporary interiors and a rooftop pool perfect for warm days. If you’re looking to indulge in some spa treatments during your stay, there’s also an extensive spa with a Finnish sauna and steam room.
6. Hotel Palacio Bellas Artes ($) — Another luxurious option in San Sebastián, Hotel Palacio Bellas Artes sits within a renovated historic theater. In a luxurious building, the hotel also features two restaurants.

Best Airbnbs in Centro

1. Studio Bright, Cheery Apartment with Self Check-In, for the best designed stay
2. 1 Bedroom Modern Apartment with Elevator Access, for a newly renovated stay
3. 1 Bedroom Cozy Apartment, for an architectural stay
4. 2 Bedroom Chic Apartment Near La Concha Beach, for an elegant, family-friendly stay

Highlights of Things to Do in Centro

One of the first things I’d do in Centro is take a walk along La Concha Bay. It’s an iconic stretch of coastline in San Sebastián, and an incredible way to start your trip! Even though San Sebastián is known for surfing, La Concha is more of a swimming beach, so it’s a popular place to take a dip (we had a couple family beach days here, and it was wonderful!). You’ll also be in proximity to all of the best pintxo bars, so plan on evenings out to go from one bar to another.

Read: See my San Sebastián guide for all my favorite pintxo spots!

Another key thing to do is to visit the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd, an enormous Neo-Gothic cathedral with beautiful architecture. I’d also recommend visiting the San Martín Market, either to pick up lunch or a few groceries for a lunch on the beach.

Pros of Staying in Centro

• Easy to explore on foot
• Centro has beautiful architecture, and the streets are beautiful and tree-lined.
• Proximity to pintxo bars and fantastic shopping

Cons of Staying in Centro

• Not car-friendly. If you aren’t traveling with a car, it’ll be perfect. But if you are, it may be worth staying in a different part of town or having a reserved spot
• Higher costs on accommodations
• Can feel very busy as it’s the center

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2. Parte Vieja (Old Town)
Best for Historic Feel and Pintxos

One of the most scenic parts of the city, the Parte Vieja (or Old Town) is famous for pintxos. These tiny bar snacks originate in the Basque Country, and are perfect for bar hopping. So, a great thing to do is wander through the historic streets of the Parte Vieja and stop in any pintxo bars that catch your eye!

Read: See my San Sebastián guide for all my favorite pintxo spots!

Parte Vieja is where you’ll get a good sense of the history of San Sebastián, with small streets intersecting. It’s a very defined area within the city, and a pedestrian zone only, which has a lovely feel to it.

Where to Stay in the Parte Vieja

Best Hotels in the Parte Vieja

1. Hotel Maria Cristina, a Luxury Collection Hotel ($$$$) — Overlooking the river, this luxurious hotel is elegant and historic. While there isn’t a pool or spa, the hotel makes up for it with amazing service and an overall glamorous experience.
2. Hotel Lasala Plaza ($$) — This super charming adults-only boutique hotel has views of the beach and a rooftop pool. It’s a good option if you’re looking for something with a modern feel in the Old Town.
3. SANSEbay Boutique Hotel ($$) — A contemporary, mid-range boutique option. There’s no pool or on-site restaurant, but it’s in a perfect location.
4. Hotel Atari ($$) — Atari is a super popular boutique stay, with nicely designed rooms in the middle of the Parte Vieja.
5. Room Mate Collection Gorka ($$) — Another great boutique option in a prime location in the Parte Vieja, with excellent reviews (many of them mentioning it’s quiet and more soundproof than other hotels).

Best Airbnbs in the Parte Vieja

1. 1 Bedroom Port Views Apartment, for a simple, modern stay
2. 1 Bedroom Apartment in the Heart of the Old Town, for the best located stay
3. 1 Bedroom Penthouse Apartment with Terrace, for the best Old Town views
4. 2 Bedroom Affordable Stay, for a modern family-friendly stay

Highlights of Things to Do in the Parte Vieja

Again, a pintxo bar crawl is the top thing I’d recommend in Parte Vieja. During the day, I’d explore the neighborhood and shops before stopping for a long lunch. While you’re here, I’d also suggest seeing the 16th-century Church of San Vicente, the oldest church in San Sebastián, and hiking up Monte Urgull for the best views of the city and beach. The hike to the top takes about 30 minutes and is super lush and green, so it’s a perfect break from the city.

Pros of Staying in the Parte Vieja

• Highest concentration of food
• Stunning architecture and history
• Vibrant and energetic all day long

Cons of Staying in the Parte Vieja

• Very busy at night
• Often has late-night noise (read reviews well or choose quieter streets)

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3. Antiguo
Best for Families and Beach Vacations

We stayed in Antiguo for our long week in San Sebastián, and the quieter, more relaxed vibe was perfect for traveling as a family. It’s the oldest neighborhood in San Sebastián, and I’d recommend staying here if you’re looking for a more genuine, local feel and don’t mind being slightly less central.

Our apartment was two blocks from the beach, and the walk along Promenade (Paseo de La Concha) to the Centro took about 20-30 minutes, so we were still able to experience the pintxo scene. Staying here also put us a short walk from the Funicular Monte Igueldo, which takes you up to Parque de Atracciones Monte Igueldo. We spent an afternoon here and had so much fun with our daughter!

Where to Stay in Antiguo

Best Hotels in Antiguo

1. La Galeria ($$) — This is one of my favorite beachfront hotels in Antiguo. Each room is unique, taking inspiration from artists like Dali or Picasso, and the 19th-century building is also gorgeous.
2. Hotel NH Collection Aranzazu ($$) — This hotel might not have the historic charm of the other options, but the location is excellent, and it has a restaurant serving Basque dishes and pintxos.
3. Letoh Letoh ($) — This small, stylish hotel close to the beach has soundproofed rooms (perfect for getting a good night’s sleep after bar hopping) and great modern design.
4. Colectia Hotel Onderreta ($) — A slightly more basic, mid-range option with a modern feel, but still a great location.

Best Airbnbs in Antiguo

1. 2 Bedroom Apartment with AC and Parking (Where We Stayed), for a spacious stay close to the beach
2. 1 Bedroom Sea View Apartment, for incredible views of the bay
3. 1 Bedroom Apartment Near the Beach, for a charming serviced apartment
4. 2 Bedroom Stunning Penthouse with Terrace and Parking, for Old World vibes and views of town
5. 3 Bedroom Penthouse with Stunning Views, for the best family-friendly and large group stay

Highlights of Things to Do in Antiguo

Antiguo is more residential and less things to do than other neighborhoods in San Sebastián, but that’s what makes it a calmer place to stay. That said, in addition to Ondarreta Beach, there are still a number of good restaurants, grocery stores, coffee shops, and playgrounds here. So we definitely had enough amenities within a few blocks of our apartment for our week there.

In terms of specific things to do, I’d check out the views from Miramar Palace and its gardens or take the Funicular Monte Igueldo up to Parque de Atracciones Monte Igueldo.

Pros of Staying in Antiguo

• Very close location to Ondarreta Beach
• Quieter, more residential feel
• More apartments with parking spots

Cons of Staying in Antiguo

• Less central location
• Fewer things happening at night
• Fewer hotel choices

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4. Gros
Best for Surfing

Laid-back Gros is right next to Zurriola Beach, the main surfing beach in the city. Gros has a lot of creative energy and we spent a long afternoon here exploring the boutiques, surf shops, and restaurants. It also has an amazing pintxos scene that’s less crowded than the Parte Vieja. If you’re looking for a lively and trending neighborhood with amazing surfing, Gros is an amazing option.

Where to Stay in Gros

Best Hotels in Gros

1. Villa Soro ($$) — My favorite luxury option in Gros. Villa Soro is located in a historic mansion with gorgeous gardens, making you feel like you’re staying at a countryside retreat instead of in the city. Perfect if you’re looking for an elegant, quiet, and unique place to stay.
2. Leonardo Boutique Hotel ($$) — A good option for a price-conscious contemporary stay. Well located and has a pool, too.
3. Abba San Sebastián ($$) — A gorgeous boutique hotel. The hotel has a charming outdoor terrace and scenic location by the river, and a great location with lots to do within walking distance.

Best Airbnbs in Gros

1. 1 Bedroom Modern Apartment with Self Check-in, for the best designed stay
2. 2 Bedroom Chic Apartment, for the best luxury stay
3. 2 Bedroom Affordable Apartment with Terrace, for beautiful view of the church

Highlights of Things to Do in Gros

Whether you’re already a surfer or just curious to try a lesson, Gros is a great place to do it. Zurriola Beach is one o the top surfing spots in the Basque Country. There are quite a few surf shops here for renting boards or taking a lesson.

Gros is also great for exploring the pintxo bars (get the burger at Bar Desy!). The Kursaal Conference Centre and Auditorium, is also worth seeing if you’re into architecture. Lastly, if you’re up for a hike, the 30-minute walk up to the top of Monte Ulía is worth it for some of the best views of the city.

Pros of Staying in Gros

• Access to Zurriola Beach for surfing
• More laidback and fewer tourists visit
• Lots of pintxo bars on the riverside

Cons of Staying in Gros

• Can be loud at night
• A few seedy streets

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