San Sebastian: Old Town Pintxos & Wine Small Group Tour

Summary

Evening pintxos crawl through San Sebastian’s lively Old Town bars

You’ll wander San Sebastian’s Old Town with a local guide, tasting pintxos from family-run bars and sipping Basque wines in lively company. Pour cider like a pro, learn why locals love anchovies (really), and end on something sweet only found here. This tour is about more than food — it’s about feeling part of the city for an evening.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest — I didn’t expect to feel nervous about eating anchovies. But there I was, in the middle of San Sebastian’s Old Town, with Manu grinning at me from behind the bar and our guide Maialen promising I’d be converted. The place smelled like grilled seafood and cider, and people were packed shoulder to shoulder, laughing over plates that looked way too small for how much flavor they held. When I finally tried that anchovy (with a splash of txakoli), I actually liked it. Still surprised by that.

The night started at a spot Maialen said her parents used to go to — apparently nothing’s changed since the 70s except maybe the music. She showed us how to pour Basque cider from above our heads (“higher!” she kept saying), which made more sense after my second try. Then we squeezed into another tiny bar where Sylvain sliced Iberian ham so thin it almost melted on my tongue. He explained the difference between jamón ibérico de bellota and cebo — honestly, I still mix them up but one tasted nuttier and I wish I’d asked for seconds.

Somewhere between Plaza de la Constitución (which used to host bullfights — wild) and a steak pintxo with Navarra wine, I stopped trying to keep track of where we were going. It was just one glowing doorway after another, each with its own regulars and their own way of doing things. At one point Li from our group tried to order in Basque; everyone laughed, including the bartender who poured her an extra splash for effort. The steak was so tender it barely needed chewing, but what really stuck with me was how everyone seemed to know each other — or at least acted like it.

We ended with a dessert you can only get here (I forgot the name but it tasted like caramelized custard) paired with something sweet and golden in a little glass. Walking back through Parte Vieja felt different after all that — warmer somehow, even though the night air had turned chilly by then.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — San Sebastian Old Town Pintxos Tour

• Start at local favorite bar since 1970s
• Try mussels with dry Basque cider
• Learn traditional TXOTX cider pouring
• Taste cured Iberian ham at family shop
• Visit Constitution Square historic site
• Try home-marinated anchovies and sparkling wine
• Visit famous pintxo bar with innovative dishes
• Enjoy grilled sirloin steak pintxo and Navarra wine
• Try local dessert with sweet wine
• Explore bustling streets of Parte Vieja

Top questions

How long does the San Sebastian pintxos & wine tour last?

The tour covers an evening meal and lasts several hours as you visit multiple bars in Old Town.

Is this food tour suitable for vegetarians or gluten free diets?

The tour can adapt for vegetarians, pescatarians, gluten free (not celiac), dairy free, non-alcoholic options, and pregnant women—though not every stop may have replacements.

Are drinks included on this San Sebastian pintxos tour?

Yes, five glasses of local wine or drinks are included along with food tastings at each stop.

Is hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup is included; you meet your guide in San Sebastian Old Town.

How many people are on this small group food tour?

The group size is limited to a maximum of 8 guests for a more personal experience.

Can children join this evening pintxos & wine tour?

This tour isn’t recommended for children under 15 due to crowded bars and alcohol focus; young children or strollers may be refused participation.

Will we sit down during the food tour?

No—like true Basque style, you’ll stand in all the bars while eating and drinking.

Does this tour cover enough food for dinner?

Yes—the tastings together make up a full meal by the end of the evening.

What’s included

Your evening includes guided visits to several iconic Old Town pintxo bars, all food tastings (enough for dinner), five glasses of local wine or drinks, taxes and fees covered, plus stories and tips from your expert local culinary guide before finishing up in central San Sebastian.