San Sebastian: Walking tour with local guide

Summary

Wandering San Sebastian’s Old Town & pintxo streets with a local

You’ll wander San Sebastian’s Old Town with a local guide, tasting pintxo culture on lively streets and hearing stories behind Belle Époque buildings. Pause at markets, admire churches from outside, and feel the city’s rhythm at your own pace — it’s a walk you’ll remember long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

“You see that balcony?” our guide Maialen asked, pointing up at some faded ironwork above Constitución Square. “That one was for the judges during bullfights.” I’d never have guessed — the square just looked like a place for kids to kick footballs and old men to argue about politics. The air smelled faintly of coffee and sea salt, and I kept getting distracted by the way sunlight bounced off the yellow facades. We’d started our San Sebastian city walking tour right where Old Town meets the newer part, and honestly, I was already lost in those winding streets after five minutes (in a good way).

I liked how Maialen didn’t rush us — she let us pause at Bretxa Market so we could watch a fishmonger slap down an octopus, then laugh when I tried to pronounce “txangurro” (I still don’t know if I got close). She told stories about Queen Maria Cristina as we passed the grand Hotel de Londres, and there was this moment outside Buen Pastor Cathedral where everything went quiet except for church bells echoing off the stone. It felt like time slowed down for a second — or maybe that’s just what happens when you’re not checking your phone every two minutes.

The private walking tour covered more ground than I expected. We saw Victoria Eugenia Theatre’s Belle Époque details from outside (I tried to imagine it full of dancers), then wandered past Tabakalera’s old tobacco factory walls — now all modern glass and art posters. If you book the longer option, you get Miramar Palace too; we didn’t go inside but stood on the grass looking out over La Concha Bay while gulls argued overhead. There was something about that view that made me wish I could stay longer, or maybe just come back in another season.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — San Sebastian City Walking Tour

• Meeting and introduction
• View City Hall exterior
• Admire Church of Buen Pastor outside
• See Victoria Eugenia Theatre exterior
• Walk through San Sebastian Old Town
• Stop by Bretxa Market
• Explore Fermín Calbetón Street and Constitución Square
• View churches of San Vicente and Santa María outside
• Visit Miramar Palace exterior (4-hour option)
• See Tabakalera cultural center outside (4-hour option)
• Visit Peine del Viento sculpture (4-hour option)
• End of tour

Top questions

How long is the San Sebastian city walking tour?

You can choose between 2-hour or 4-hour options for this walking tour.

Does the tour include entry to any attractions?

No, all visits are external only; you’ll admire buildings like Buen Pastor Cathedral and Miramar Palace from outside.

Is this private walking tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces on this San Sebastian city tour are wheelchair accessible.

Where does the walking tour start?

The tour starts at the border of San Sebastian’s Old Town and New Town, near where the old city walls stood.

Are food or drinks included on this walking tour?

No food or drinks are included; however, you’ll pass through famous pintxo streets where you can buy snacks if you wish.

What languages does the local guide speak?

The guide speaks English (and likely Spanish/Basque); check when booking if you need another language.

Is pickup included in this San Sebastian walking tour?

No hotel pickup is included; you meet your guide at the designated starting point in central San Sebastian.

What sites are covered on the 4-hour version?

The 4-hour option includes Miramar Palace, Tabakalera Museum exterior/rooftop, Peine del Viento sculpture, plus all sites from the shorter route.

What’s included

Your day includes a private local guide who shares stories and answers questions as you walk through San Sebastian’s historic center, Belle Époque landmarks, pintxo streets, markets, and more — with flexible start times so you can explore at your own pace before heading off on your next adventure.