San Sebastián Centro Travel Guide

San Sebastián

Maria Cristina Bridge featuring a bridge, a city and a river or creek
Concha Beach showing a coastal town, a sandy beach and general coastal views
Maria Cristina Bridge which includes heritage architecture and a city
Concha Beach which includes a coastal town, a sandy beach and general coastal views
Maria Cristina Bridge showing a river or creek and a city

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

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 ฿18,125 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
฿18,125
฿19,938 total
31 Aug - 1 Sept
includes taxes & fees
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! (778 reviews)
"great room setup for the kids, overall great hotel"

Reviewed on 6 Aug 2025

Hotel Maria Cristina, a Luxury Collection Hotel
Axel Hotel San Sebastián - Adults Only

Axel Hotel San Sebastián - Adults Only

4 out of 5
Calle Amara 26, San Sebastián
The price is ฿6,781 per night from 8 Sept to 9 Sept
฿6,781
฿7,459 total
8 Sept - 9 Sept
includes taxes & fees
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 helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (559 reviews)
"Great wellness center with whirlpool, sauna, and steam room!"

Reviewed on 6 Aug 2025

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 ฿9,240 per night from 3 Sept to 4 Sept
฿9,240
฿10,164 total
3 Sept - 4 Sept
includes taxes & fees
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 ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,001 reviews)
"Perfect location, lovely public areas. First room we were given was a 1st floor accessible room (and neither of us need such a room); the AC seemed to not work well here either. When we asked for a new room the lady on front desk seemed quite dismissive and said our room wasn’t accessible (room 120, ..."

Reviewed on 29 Jul 2025

Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra
Catalonia Donosti

Catalonia Donosti

4 out of 5
Alto San Bartolome Kalea 9, San Sebastián
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ฿10,267 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
฿10,267
฿11,293 total
31 Aug - 1 Sept
includes taxes & fees
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 helpful staff and the property ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (632 reviews)
Bueno y no tan bueno
"Siento que le falta ese toque especial hacia los huéspedes. Teniendo en cuenta lo que pagamos el hotel se siente frío y el personal no es cálido. El hotel tiene muchas facilidades pero le falta atención hacia detalles. La habitación cómoda pero la cama dura y muy finito la colcha. El baño excelente. ..."

Reviewed on 7 Aug 2025

Catalonia Donosti
Hotel Zenit Convento San Martín

Hotel Zenit Convento San Martín

4.5 out of 5
Calle San Martín, 45, San Sebastián
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ฿10,917 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
฿10,917
฿12,008 total
31 Aug - 1 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in San Sebastián. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (540 reviews)
"Nice but twin bed was hard for my taste and sheets were a bit rough. Gym is small and not that clean. Overall great building, room nice cool and dark via exterior shade. Breakfast was good."

Reviewed on 1 Aug 2025

Hotel Zenit Convento San Martín
Sercotel Hotel Europa

Sercotel Hotel Europa

3 out of 5
San Martin, 52, San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa
The price is ฿6,776 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
฿6,776
฿7,453 total
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in San Sebastián. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (891 reviews)
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Reviewed on 6 Aug 2025

Sercotel Hotel Europa
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 Sebastián

5/5(24 area reviews)

Unique features of Old Town San Sebastián include the historical sites and bars. Make a stop by Plaza de La Constitucion or Monte Urgull while you're exploring the area.

Old Town San Sebastián
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Aiete

If you're spending some time in Aiete, Concha Promenade and Parque Aiete are top sights worth seeing.

Aiete
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Amara

If you're spending some time in Amara, Reale Arena and Parque Aiete are top sights worth seeing.

Amara
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 notable features of Egia. Make a stop by Tabakalera Donostia while you're exploring.

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 Concha Promenade while you're in town.

Antiguo

San Sebastián Centro Travel Guide