San Sebastián Centro Travel Guide

San Sebastián
Concha Beach showing a coastal town, a sandy beach and general coastal views
Wander along the charming streets of this district to see some of the oldest buildings in the city, famous landmarks, exceptional restaurants and green areas.

The Centro de San Sebastián (City Center, or Erdialdea in Basque language) is one of the 18 neighborhoods of San Sebastián, capital of Gipuzkoa Province in Spain’s Basque Country. Discover the many interesting sites scattered around the district and enjoy delicious pintxos (pinchos in Spanish), small snacks spiked with toothpicks and served in local taverns and bars.

Parts of this famous district of San Sebastián were built after the ancient fortified walls that protected the city were knocked down in 1863. Look carefully to see remaining pieces of these walls around the port area.

The Spanish architect Antonio Cortázar Gorria was responsible for a large number of the designs of the new areas built in the city. Wander around the Centro to explore the interesting neighborhood that meets the sea to the north, the river Río Urumea to the east, the gorgeous Bahía de la Concha to the west and the area of Amara to the south.

Stroll along the popular Boulevard Street, a bustling pedestrian street. Nearby, notice the City Hall, an elegant construction built in 1887. Opposite this impressive building, enter the Jardines Alderdi Eder, a green area with flowers and tamarinds and a big carousel for the youngest members of the family to enjoy. See other important sites in the area, including the Plaza Gipuzkoa (Gipuzkoa Square) and the Teatro Victoria Eugenia.

The popular Centro also includes the old quarter, known as Parte Vieja. Explore this area to see beautiful buildings and enjoy the liveliest social life in the city. Wander along the street 31 de Agosto to taste some of the best pintxos of San Sebastián. Visit the churches Basilica de Santa María del Coro and Iglesia de San Vicente. Find the Plaza de la Constitución, one of the most famous squares in the city. See El Ensanche, another area that forms part of the center, and its wide Avenida de la Libertad (Freedom Avenue).

Tour the charming El Centro de San Sebastián and enjoy its numerous interesting and fun sites.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Top hotels in San Sebastián Centro

Axel Hotel San Sebastián - Adults Only
Axel Hotel San Sebastián - Adults Only
4 out of 5
Calle Amara 26, San Sebastián
The price is ฿4,253 per night from 23 Jun to 24 Jun
฿4,253
per night
23 Jun - 24 Jun
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in San Sebastián. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (351 reviews)
"Great gym"

Reviewed on 20 May 2024

Axel Hotel San Sebastián - Adults Only
Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra
Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra
4 out of 5
Zubieta Kalea, 2, San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa
The price is ฿7,703 per night from 27 May to 28 May
฿7,703
per night
27 May - 28 May
Stay at this 4-star luxury hotel in San Sebastián. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a beach locale and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the bathrooms ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,001 reviews)
"Loved the hotel. Beautiful antique look and feel but with very modern touches as well. In an excellent area between the old and new section of San Sebastián. Very walkable to everywhere you want to go/see. Highly recommend this location. Also faces La Concha Beach. Get a room with a balcony, so worth ..."

Reviewed on 21 May 2024

Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra
Catalonia Donosti
Catalonia Donosti
4 out of 5
Alto San Bartolome Kalea 9, San Sebastián
The price is ฿7,919 per night from 27 May to 28 May
฿7,919
per night
27 May - 28 May
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in San Sebastián. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (338 reviews)
Definitely stay here
"Great place and people! The restaurant is excellent!"

Reviewed on 23 May 2024

Catalonia Donosti
Barceló Costa Vasca
Barceló Costa Vasca
4 out of 5
Avenida Pio Baroja 15, San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa
The price is ฿4,499 per night from 26 May to 27 May
฿4,499
per night
26 May - 27 May
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in San Sebastián. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Concha Beach and ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (989 reviews)
"10 mins from beach. Very convenient"

Reviewed on 19 May 2024

Barceló Costa Vasca
Hotel Maria Cristina, a Luxury Collection Hotel
Hotel Maria Cristina, a Luxury Collection Hotel
5 out of 5
Paseo Republica Argentina, 4, San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ฿24,063 per night from 14 Jun to 15 Jun
฿24,063
per night
14 Jun - 15 Jun
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in San Sebastián. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), 24-hour room service and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (701 reviews)
"Maria Cristina is undoubtedly a beautiful, characterful hotel. The Basque welcome from reception was really appreciated. We received a lovely glass of the local wine and the person who checked us in was so pleasant and helpful and that theme continued throughout. The reception and door staff couldn’t ..."

Reviewed on 12 May 2024

Hotel Maria Cristina, a Luxury Collection Hotel
Hotel Zenit San Sebastián
Hotel Zenit San Sebastián
4 out of 5
C/ Antonio Mª Labaien nº 1, San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa
The price is ฿4,270 per night from 28 May to 29 May
฿4,270
per night
28 May - 29 May
Stay at this 4-star boutique hotel in San Sebastián. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a rooftop terrace and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (850 reviews)
Awesome hotel
"Lovely hotel, kind helpful staff, comfortable lounge, bar area for drinks. Restaurant food very good!"

Reviewed on 18 May 2024

Hotel Zenit San Sebastián
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around San Sebastián Centro

Old Town showing street scenes as well as a small group of people

Old Town San Sebastian

5/5(24 area reviews)

Unique features of Old Town San Sebastian include the historical sites and bars. Make a stop by Basilica of Saint Mary of the Chorus or Plaza de La Constitucion while you're exploring the area.

Old Town San Sebastian
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Amara

While there might not be top attractions in Amara, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Reale Arena and Tabakalera Donostia.

Amara
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Aiete-Miramon

While Aiete-Miramon may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Reale Arena and Concha Promenade.

Aiete-Miramon
San Ignacio Church showing a church or cathedral and heritage architecture

Gros

4.5/5(14 area reviews)

Gros is known for its beaches, and you can plan a trip to Kursaal Congress Centre and Auditorium and Zurriola Beach while you're in town.

Gros

Egia

4/5(10 area reviews)

Bars, river views and historical sites highlight some of the noteworthy features of Egia. Make a stop by Tabakalera Donostia or Cristina Enea Park while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Egia
Miramar Palace featuring a coastal town, flowers and general coastal views

Antiguo

4.5/5(16 area reviews)

Antiguo is known for its beaches, and you can plan a trip to Ondarreta Beach and Royal Palace of Miramar while you're in town.

Antiguo

San Sebastián Centro Travel Guide