Let's dive into details!

We not only share the most interesting city insides on this page but are also ready to show them to you personally.  Our guides will take you through the most picturesque places in the city explaining who the Basques are, how they glorified their lands and how a small fishing village turned into a royal getaway and then into the gastro-capital of Europe.  We offer a pincho tour for gourmets in which we reflect on the mysterious pinchos, tell you how they appeared and what they are eaten with.  Finally, for nature lovers, hiking tour along the rocky coast of Cantabria overlooking the ocean would be a perfect choice.  It is sure more interesting and quite delicious to discover San Sebastián with us!  BOOK A TOUR HERE!

Pistacho style morning: breakfast masterpieces and coffee treasures

A new café with a flirtatious name Pistacho Coffee & Brunch has perfectly blended into the trendy atmosphere of Zabaleta Street in the heart of Gros. A stylish design of the place sets a tone and prepares visitors for creative servings of gourmet breakfasts. Their signature sugar free carrot and oat pancakes with fresh fruit, slices of almonds and topping of Nutella, honey or agave are truly worth trying!  And adding an Oreo latte garnished with chocolate chips around the rim of the glass — will make your day! Those who like a denser yet healthy breakfast would probably enjoy their toasts. Our favorite is the whole wheat bread with walnuts, mashed avocado and sliced almond. The breakfast becomes especially chic when served Michelin style on a wide platter with a sauce pattern and an elegant fruit bouquet. However, this place will surprise you not only with their stylish breakfasts. It is quite suitable for a brunch with colleagues, a healthy lunch with fitness friends and Sunday family outings. Cozy areas have been created where you can choose a seat either at small tables on the first floor or in privacy on the upper level. Don't miss the opportunity to enjoy the beauty and flavor on their terrace during the sunny weather.
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Seafood from all ports of Spain

Do you love unique places that have long become legends in the city but are not so easy to find because they don’t have neon signs, nor huge posters?  Where, just by chance, you might be seated next to the Michelin star chef. One of the restaurant's friends and regulars is Martin Berasategui, whose restaurants have a total of 12 Michelin stars. He occasionally pops in for a glass of chacoli (txakoli) and an exquisite grilled lobster. Andoni Aduriz can also be seen here enjoying the traditional Donostiarra-style crab (txangurro a la donostiarra) - Lanperna’s specialty. Owner of the establishment — Felix Sagastume also has a fish shop, which is already a legend in San Sebastian because there you can buy the best seafood in town. Therefore, restaurant’s menu has the finest seafood selection like delicious monkfish brocheta, white shrimp from Huelva, carabineers, oysters, crabs, and famous angulas (eel fry).  Felix asserts that his fish shop and, therefore, his restaurant has access to all the ports of Spain from where the freshest seafood is delivered every morning at dawn.  This means that the menu always includes white shrimp from Isla Cristina in Huelva, red shrimp from the Catalan Palamos, clams (almejas), octopus and goose barnacle (percebes) from northern Galicia. The restaurant itself is named after this seafood, which looks like the wrinkled feet of tiny dinosaurs. After all, Lanperna translated from Basque means goose barnacle.  It is amazing how exclusive this place is on the one hand, and yet how accessible it is for everyone.  After all, you can enjoy the best seafood delicacies not only in a restaurant with a white tablecloth but also right next to a pintxo bar with a great accompaniment from the wine list.  Here’s you can choose any wine from the Galician Albariño to the elite Vega Sicilia Único from Ribera del Duero. It's your choice how to enjoy Basque Country - by having a delicious bar snack with a traditional semi-sparkling wine or a full tasting menu with best champagnes.
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Aesthetics of beauty and latest technologies

When it comes to self-care, it is important to find a competent specialist, who could be trusted to solve any problem — from mild rashes on the face to deep wrinkles, cellulite or surgical scars. If you are looking for such person in San Sebastian, then you have found him. His name is Eduardo Álvarez. He has been gifting beauty and youth to his clients for over 25 years. Ever since his studies at the Aesthetic Medicine division in University of the Balearic Islands his passion has been lasers, which became basis of his treatments and care at Clínica Álvarez, located in the city center.  According to Eduardo, it is important not only to provide a service but also to maintain harmony and aesthetics of the appearance, because beauty should not look artificial. Therefore, in Clínica Álvarez for the correction of wrinkles and age spots, healing of post-acne scars and stimulation of the production of natural collagen, you will be offered ultra-pulse fractional CO2 laser procedures. A series of IPL treatment procedures will help against photoaging. You can tidy up your entire body at the clinic with BODYTITE radiofrequency liposuction complex, which gives effect comparable to a full-fledged fat removal operation. A reduction in the volume of the abdomen, hips, shoulders or buttocks will be noticeable after the first procedure. However, the most effective device and complex of procedures will be selected for you based on your request. Among other services, you will find an innovative method of epidermal rejuvenation Carboxytherapy as well as electromagnetic waves INDIBA ELITE, which activate biostimulation and have a thermal effect.  Clínica Álvarez also offers shock wave therapy devices to combat fat deposits and the beloved LPG device for eliminating excess fluid, removing toxins and restoring cells.  And, of course, Eduardo is a true virtuoso when it comes to vitamin treatments, biorevitalization, Botox or fillers injections.  His clinic is preservation of your youth with traditional and innovative procedures.
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An oasis of Basque cuisine next to Ondarreta beach

Kapela is exactly a traditional Basque restaurant that tourists look for in guidebooks, and foodies from different parts of the world, hunt for. It is located near the Ondarreta beach and welcomes guests both with pleasant coolness in the bar/restaurant area and gentle sunshine on the spacious terrace. People who come here understand gastronomy and appreciate the quality of the product and tradition. Locals return here with enviable regularity because Kapela’s menu is always supplemented with seasonal specials.  These are found off the menu (fuera de la carta) and offer dishes like asparagus from Navarra, Basque porcini mushrooms with liquid yolk, artichokes, tender snap peas and, of course, fish and seafood from the Bay of Biscay. Try Basque classics like stuffed crab (changurro), baby calamari (chipirones), cod, Cantabrian anchovies (boquerones). And always, always, always ask for today's catch. You might be lucky enough to enjoy anchovies, turbot, bonito tuna belly or a black sole. It's also important to note that fish is also available at bar.  No wonder that Kapela’s fish pincho has been recognized by the Pincho Institute of San Sebastian as it is consist of a tuna tartare with mango and banana in a sauce of olive and sesame oils, soy sauce, ginger, lime and hot guindia peppers. If you prefer meat, you will definitely be delighted with a selection of Iberico by Joselito, charcoal-grilled tardigrade steak on the bone (chuleta) and roasted milk lamb. Such gastronomic delight will be appropriately paired by wines selected with love by the owner of the establishment. The best tastes from Burgundy and Champagne to Rioja and Ribera Sacra await you. Kapela will definitely leave you feeling satisfied.
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Cider all year-around

An elegant cidroteca El Vaskito is a place where tradition and modernity merge in one space. This establishment was founded by a graduate of the famous Basque culinary center Iñaki Azcué and has already won the hearts of locals and tourists. The very name "cidroteca" is a witty wordplay combining the elegance of enoteca with a traditional experience of cidreria. El Vaskito building once hosted a restaurant of a Michelin-starred chef Martin Berasategui, who added style and sophistication to the establishment's design. This place is located within San Sebastian in the Errotaburu neighborhood, which is easy to get to. Unlike classic sidrerias that are only open during the cider season (January through April), at El Vaskito you can enjoy the best cider all year-around. Besides traditional sidreria course sets, you could also order a la carte in the restaurant area. Noteworthy is the San Sebastian-style stuffed crab (Txangurro donostiarra) in the chef's modern interpretation. Besides this, El Vaskito offers unique gastronomic delights and novelties that change seasonally.  The establishment pays close attention to details, from interior design to serving dishes, which makes every visit special. For those who like a more relaxed atmosphere, El Vaskito offers separate areas for private events and cozy corners, where you can spend time with friends or family.
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Over 50 years of unrivaled desserts

There are some things in San Sebastian that stay the same for decades. This stability is very much appreciated by the locals. While taking a stroll along the boulevard, you can always count on a sweet finale to your walk at the Oiartzun pastry cafe. On a cozy terrace with several tables you can have a coffee and choose a dessert of your taste from specialty croissants and Basque cake to original truffles and eclairs. Second-generation pastry chef David Martin, who continues his father's tradition, believes that the secret of his establishment is making everything from the best products and with love. For example, he uses premium French chocolate Valrhona from the Rhone Valley for the cakes. His specialty dessert Izaga with hazelnut filling and crunchy crust is sprinkled with this chocolate. This chocolate can be fully enjoyed if you try Oiartzun’s legendary white or dark chocolate truffles with cream, Baileys, coffee or rum with raisins. However, many Donostiarrians come here just for the signature croissant, which recipe David adjusted to his own taste reducing the amount of butter and sugar. This pastry chef is always open to everything new and ready to experiment.  Our recommendation is a lemon tart, which perfectly combines the sourness of a lemon with the sweetness of a classic tart, and has a secret ingredient — lemons from Murcia. Every year during Christmas holidays, people line up in front of the pastry shop for the Roscones de Reyes, which David bakes according to a recipe inherited from his father. Traditional holiday round pies are made daily, decorated with marzipan, almonds and sugar and filled with cream or whip cream. And, of course, you should definitely try turrón- a traditional New Year’s delight. To suit your taste, you can choose turrón with truffle, tostado yolk, hazelnuts, pistachios, Cadiz bread with marzipan and candied fruits, or Russian turron made with chocolate and almonds. And this is only a small part of the incredible variety of pleasures for people with a sweet tooth. In total, the confectionery has more than 100 items, which you can try on the spot or order a home delivery.
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The richest selection of wines for tasting by the glass.

How to discover the whole variety of flavors of Spanish wines in a single visit to San Sebastian? It's not an easy task, unless you visit El Almacén bar in the heart of San Sebastián's Antiguo neighborhood. There are over 120 wines to try by the glass. You can order a tasting in a separate room or just sit down at the bar and make an order based on your preferences or the bartender's advice. This is a first establishment with such a concept in the city. In one evening you can travel from the north to the south or from the east to the west of Spain: appreciate wines with a slight mineral tinge made from grapes grown on the volcanic soil of the Canaries, enjoy the oceanic flavor of Basque chacoli (txakoli) and taste Mediterranean varieties from hot Andalusia. Choose your route - from albariño to cava, from listan negro to paraded, from Rioja to Somontano. You won't be bored, that's for sure. You can even visit neighboring countries because El Almacen also offers wines from France and Italy. And to make sure your journey doesn't end in oblivion, accompany it with snacks from the bar. On the one hand, they are simple enough not to draw attention away from the wine, but on the other hand, they can be a gastronomic surprise. Who would turn down rice with black trompette mushrooms, a pan bao with pan-seared brisket, or a delicious steak tartare. This is exactly the kind of gastro-enological adventure that you were searching for in San Sebastián.
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The art of details: a gastronomic boutique bar in the city center

This boutique bar not only gives a pleasure from food but also creates a mood. Decorated in emerald colors, it sets a calm and peaceful state of mind. Here visitors can relax from the city hassle and immerse themselves in the world of traditional flavors that are served using best mestizaje techniques. The owner of the place Pablo Aguilar is not just a chef, he is an artist; therefore, not only colors, tastes and smells are important in his artistic kitchen but also the mood. To create such complete picture, he brings the best products from abroad and farthest corners of Spain without limiting himself to the zero mile marker concept. Pablo calls it a cuisine without borders. Just imagine one of his discoveries like black caviar of Adriatic sturgeons brought from an organic farm in the Guadalquivir basin near Granada.
You could spend an evening at the bar or on the terrace, if you choose having just light appetizers and a glass of wine.  Be sure to try 5J Iberian jamon and Altuna's signature pincho. This appetizer will excite your imagination and taste receptors. It consists of a sphere stuffed with mozzarella, basil and roasted tomato and is garnished with a petal of papada iberico in an olive and tomato sauce. If you decide to stay for dinner, share the evening with a friend or your other half as all hot dishes are meant to be shared with someone. Although, to be honest, you probably wouldn’t want to share… Take a note of the crab ravioli in an American sauce with almonds, cherry tomatoes and mussels. And what a marvel is this Italian fregola with a rum-marinated French duck flavored with turmeric and coconut, and topped with sumptuous foie gras. Truly, a boutique of delights.
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Street food gourmet style

Any food product that finds its way to San Sebastian sooner or later becomes gourmet. This fate also befell the street food classic burger. Chef Jon Dávila's tireless research and passion for innovation has translated into the city's most creative burgers at Kai Street Food & Drinks. The place offers both: good old classics and unusual flavor combinations. For example, what do you think could come out of the collaboration with a renowned pastry chef Daniel Luque? - A selected patty of prime meat between delicate buns made of croissant dough! That's how a burger of the month was created.
You can never guess what the next creation could be because Jon often goes on trips to get inspired and find new ideas for the most demanding customers. One of the most recent places he visited was New York, where Kai's burgers were advertised right in Times Square. And before that, he visited Brazil, where another collaboration with the winner of that country's MasterChef cooking show was born.  However, Lotus hamburger is still a hit of sales. It combines sweet and salty in an amazing way: the juicy meat is drowned in Lotus cookie cream, and the top bun is crowned with a crispy galette. This is, indeed, a gourmet version. It is also quite pleasant that you can have a delicious breakfast here since the bar opens on weekdays at 9 a.m.
In case you don’t want to venture into avant-garde flavor adventures just yet, stop by here on a Thursday night with friends for a pincho pote. You can indulge on a budget in street food classics like mini burgers, chicken wings, hot dogs, and nachos. And a nice bonus could be a basic kubata cocktail for only 5 euros!
Address (Antiguo) | Address (Gros) | Website

Gastronomic Journey Around the World

People from all over the world gather in San Sebastián and bring something new to the city's vibe and gastronomic diversity. There are also Basques who embark on journeys around the world and want to share their experiences with the locals upon their return. That's how a new restaurant Aitana was created in the city center. Its owners infused it with the cosmopolitanism of Miami, Mexican passion with zest for life and certainly Basque traditions. Here you'll find cuisine from around the world: from Japanese sashimi to Basque chuletón. Make sure to try the crispy cone with fresh tuna, sushi-style rice and guacamole. Fans of Mexican cuisine will appreciate tacos with crispy duck bits and tamarind sauce or with suckling pig meat. The venue also respects local traditions, so you can try San Sebastian classics such as freshly caught fish from the Cantabrian Sea cooked on charcoal and a traditional bone-in steak. You can dine in the elegant restaurant area on the -1 floor or enjoy appetizers at the stylish bar accompanied by modern music. If you want some seclusion to celebrate a private event, Aitana has a quiet corner for that purpose: a cozy patio-style area. Original cocktails are offered at venue's terrace making it a great way to start or end the evening. You won’t miss this place as it is located on the liveliest street in the city center. It's convenient to visit after the beach, shopping or before a night out in the Old Town.
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Enjoy most spectacular views from the top of the mountain

Let rare meat melt in your mouth

Many San Sebastian tourists are interested in the question: what, if not pintxos? Tired of sandwiches and snacks at the end of the third day in the city, they start planning a real dinner. Perhaps the most popular option here, if you don’t choose fresh fish and seafood, is chuleta. The most common version is the beefsteak on the bone prepared on charcoals. Traditionally chuleta is served rare. Of course, it is possible to order it well-done, but the chef (and the waiter) would be skeptical of this idea and immediately guess that you are ordering chuleta for the third time in your life and haven’t had a chance to really taste it.
How do you make sure that rare meat is delicious and melts in your mouth? The owner of Nestor Bar said that it is important to have two components: meat quality and the way it must be hung for several days to develop a deep red color and juicy texture. Many restaurants in the Old Part work mainly with local produce. For the Basques it is a question of prestige and quality. Nestor Bar on Pescaderia Street in the old town is a truly unique place. In the menu: unbeatable tortilla, traditional tomato salad with sea salt flakes and olive oil, chuleta, and fried green peppers of Gipuzkoa. There's only one table in the bar - people are ready to eat standing up.  The secret here is quality and, in some sense,  the quantity: tortilla is prepared twice a day and sold only to those who made a reservation one hour prior to serving.  Fashionable French writer Begbedder and Olsen twins stand in line here for chuleta. Come and see for yourself.
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Attend an internationally renowned jazz festival

San Sebastian is not only a great vacation city but also a place for meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions.  View this video for more details: