San Sebastian: Evening Pintxo & Wine Tour in Old Town

Summary

San Sebastian evening pintxo tour with wine small groups

You’ll wander San Sebastian’s Old Town with a local guide who knows every pintxo bar worth its salt (and anchovies). Expect laughter over cider pours, five or six stops packed with Basque flavors and stories, and that feeling of being let in on something special — plus all food and drinks are included.

What’s the experience like?

We were already two pintxos in when our guide, Ane, waved us down a side street in Parte Vieja — the old town really hums after sunset, voices bouncing off the stone. I’d barely finished my first glass of txakoli (it’s that tart white wine they pour from high up — I nearly flinched) when she pointed out how locals always toss their napkins on the floor. Apparently it’s a compliment to the bar? It felt strange at first but by stop three I was doing it too, just going with it.

The best part wasn’t even the food — though the anchovy-gilda combo at that tiny spot near Plaza de la Constitución still makes my mouth water. It was hearing Ane chat with the bartenders in Basque, then switching to Spanish for us, then English when someone asked about cider. The cider is poured almost horizontally into your glass, which I absolutely failed at (she laughed and did it for me). There was this moment outside one bar where we just stood there, plates balanced on windowsills, watching people drift past with their own little plates and glasses. Felt like we were part of something bigger than just a day trip to San Sebastian.

I didn’t expect to feel so full so quickly — five bars in and I was already plotting how to walk home without rolling. But there’s something about hopping from place to place that keeps you going. The last stop had these grilled mushrooms with egg yolk that I still think about sometimes. The group got quieter as we ate, maybe just soaking it all in or maybe because everyone was busy trying not to drop sauce on their shirts. Either way, it was one of those nights where you don’t check your phone much.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Evening pintxo tour in San Sebastian

• Meet guide in Old Town
• Visit six pintxo bars
• Taste pintxos and local wine
• Enjoy small-group dining experience

Top questions

How long does the San Sebastian evening pintxo tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 3 hours in total.

Are all food and drinks included on this pintxo tour?

Yes, all pintxos and paired drinks at each bar are included in the price.

Is the tour suitable for vegetarians or people with allergies?

The tour can be adapted for vegetarians and some dietary requirements; just let them know ahead of time.

How many bars do you visit during the evening pintxo tour?

You’ll visit around five or six different pintxo bars during the tour.

Is this a private or small-group experience?

This is a small-group tour limited to 10 people for an intimate experience.

Does the San Sebastian pintxo tour include wine tasting?

Yes, each stop includes a glass of local wine or cider paired with your pintxos.

Where does the San Sebastian evening pintxo tour take place?

The tour takes place mainly in San Sebastian’s Old Town (Parte Vieja).

Is hotel pickup included for this food tour?

No hotel pickup is included; you meet your guide directly in town.

What’s included

Your evening includes visits to five or six top pintxo bars around San Sebastian’s Parte Vieja, guided by a local expert who shares stories along the way. At each stop you’ll get 1–2 pintxos paired with local wines or cider (all covered), plus plenty of tips for more places to try during your stay.