How Much Does San Sebastián Cost? 2026 Budget Guide | Prices & Tips
San Sebastián is widely considered a premier luxury coastal destination, with prices reflecting its reputation as a global culinary capital. For those planning a stay, daily budgets typically range from $88 / €75 for budget-conscious travelers to over $1,118 / €950 for a full luxury experience. Compared to other Spanish coastal cities, costs here are significantly higher, particularly regarding accommodation and fine dining. The city’s unique geography, centered around the iconic La Concha Bay, means that sea-view premiums are standard. Whether visiting for the world-class surfing at Zurriola or the Michelin-starred gastronomy, visitors should prepare for a price point that aligns more with Paris or London than with southern Spain.
Is San Sebastián expensive to visit?
San Sebastián is a premium beach destination where travelers should expect to spend between $88 / €75 and $1,118 / €950 per day depending on their choice of pintxos bars or Michelin-starred dining.
On This Page
Daily Budget
How much to budget per person per day in San Sebastián
$88
per person /day
$365
per person /day
$1,118
per person /day
Trip Costs by Duration
Total estimated costs per person, excluding flights
| Trip Costs by Duration | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Day Trip | $265 | $1,095 | $3,354 |
| 5-Day Trip | $441 | $1,824 | $5,591 |
| 7-Day Trip | $618 | $2,554 | $7,827 |
per person — Excludes international flights
Budget Buffer
Recommended contingency for unexpected expenses
It is recommended to maintain a 15% budget buffer to account for common hidden costs such as the $1.77–$4.12 / €1.5–€3.5 bread charge and the $5.89 / €5 taxi supplements for luggage or late-night travel. This also covers the terrace surcharges which are frequently omitted from menu prices.
How Does It Compare?
See how San Sebastián stacks up against other popular destinations
What Things Cost
Real prices for common tourist expenses in San Sebastián
Food & Drink (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| The Tasting Menu at Arzak Wine pairing is an additional ~$259 / €220 per person. Booking months in advance is mandatory. | $371 €315 |
| Mid-Range Three-Course Dinner for Two Common in the Gros or Antiguo neighborhoods. Old Town (Parte Vieja) prices are often 20% higher. | $59 €50 |
| La Viña Original Cheesecake (Whole) A single slice at the bar costs ~$7.06 / €6 and is large enough to share. | $65 €55 |
Transport (4)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Bus Transfer - Airport (EAS) to City Center Lines E20 and E21. If you have a Mugi card, the price drops to ~$1.59 / €1.35. | $3.24 €2.75 |
| Dbus Single Ticket (Occasional Fare) Standard fare for one trip within the city. Night buses (Gautxori) cost ~$2.59 / €2.2. | $2.3 €1.95 |
| Monte Igueldo Funicular (Round Trip) Provides the iconic view of La Concha Bay. Includes entry to the viewpoint area. | $5.59 €4.75 |
| Taxi Transfer - Airport (EAS) to City Center Includes the standard airport supplement. Rates are ~$5.89 / €5 higher on Sundays and late nights. | $41 €35 |
Accommodation (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Koba Hostel - Dorm (Standard Rate) Base price for a dorm bed in a highly-rated hostel. Prices can rise to ~$53 / €45 during peak summer months. | $32 €27 |
| Hotel Niza - Double Room (Mid-Range) Classic beach-front mid-range hotel. Prices fluctuate based on sea view and season. Expect to pay ~$294 / €250 in August. | $230 €195 |
| Hotel Maria Cristina - Luxury Suite The city's premier luxury hotel. Rates for suites frequently exceed ~$1,412 / €1,200 during the Film Festival in September. | $683 €580 |
Activities (4)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| San Sebastián Aquarium (Adult) One of the best oceanographic museums in Europe. Seniors and students pay ~$12 / €10. | $18 €15 |
| San Telmo Museum (Adult) Free entry on Tuesdays for all visitors. Located in a beautiful Dominican convent. | $7.06 €6 |
| Monte Urgull Hike & Mota Castle The park and the House of History museum at the summit are completely free for all. | $0 €0 |
| San Sebastián Tourist Card (6 Trips) Includes bus trips and discounts at museums and shops. The 12-trip version costs ~$19 / €16. | $11 €9 |
Connectivity (1)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Prepaid eSIM Spain (10GB / 30 Days) Instant activation via QR code. 50GB plans are available for ~$46 / €39. | $16 €14 |
Food & Dining
What to eat and what it costs
The dining landscape is defined by a high density of Michelin stars and the famous pintxos culture, where a tasting menu at Arzak costs $371 / €315 per person. In neighborhoods like Gros or Antiguo, a mid-range three-course dinner for two averages $59 / €50, though prices in the historic Old Town are often 20% higher. For a local staple, the original cheesecake at La Viña costs approximately $7.06 / €6 per slice.
Cheap Eats
Where locals eat — real places, real prices
La Mejillonera
$5.3–$14 / €4.5–€12Parte Vieja · Local chain
The Patatas Bravas are a local legend and cost only ~$5.3 / €4.5.
Borda Berri
$4.71–$18 / €4–€15Parte Vieja · Street food area
Try the 'Risotto de Idiazabal' (sheep cheese risotto) for ~$5.3 / €4.5.
Bar Nestor
$5.89–$41 / €5–€35Parte Vieja · Local chain
Arrive at 11:30 or 18:30 to put your name on the list for a ~$5.89 / €5 slice of their legendary tortilla.
Va Bene
$7.06–$18 / €6–€15Centro/Antiguo · Local chain
A favorite for locals when they want a break from pintxos; very consistent quality.
The Loaf
$3.53–$12 / €3–€10Gros · Bakery
The 'Breakfast Special' with coffee and a croissant is great value at ~$6.47 / €5.5.
Getting Around
Transport costs and the smartest ways to move
Navigating the coastal stretch is best done via the Dbus system, which charges $2.3 / €1.95 for a single ticket, or on foot along the scenic promenades. Airport transfers from EAS are efficient, costing $3.24 / €2.75 by bus or approximately $41 / €35 by taxi. To reach the best vantage points overlooking the bay, the Monte Igueldo Funicular offers round-trip access for $5.59 / €4.75.
Accommodation Overview
Accommodation prices fluctuate heavily based on the season, with a dorm bed at Koba Hostel starting at $32 / €27 while a room at the beachfront Hotel Niza averages $230 / €195. Luxury stays at the Hotel Maria Cristina begin around $683 / €580 but can surge to over $1,412 / €1,200 during major city events. For the best value, travelers often look toward the Amara or Antiguo districts away from the direct beachfront.
Accommodation Budget in San Sebastián
Budget
Hostels, budget hotels, shared facilities
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, boutique stays, great locations
Luxury
5-star hotels, suites, premium amenities
💡 Prices vary by season. Book 2-3 months ahead for best rates.
Money-Saving Tips
Insider tricks to stretch your budget further
- 1 Visit the San Telmo Museum on Tuesdays when the standard $7.06 / €6 entry fee is waived for all visitors.
- 2 Purchase a San Sebastián Tourist Card for $11 / €9 to cover 6 bus trips and receive discounts at various shops and attractions.
- 3 Opt for the 'Menú del Día' at lunch in the Gros neighborhood to find three-course meals that are significantly cheaper than dinner prices.
- 4 Avoid the 10–15% terrace surcharge by eating your pintxos standing at the bar rather than at an outdoor table.
- 5 Hike up Monte Urgull for free views of the bay instead of paying $5.59 / €4.75 for the funicular at Monte Igueldo.
- 6 Fill water bottles at the many ornate public stone fountains; the local tap water is of excellent quality and free.
- 7 Share a slice of the famous La Viña cheesecake ($7.06 / €6), as the portions are traditionally large enough for two people.
- 8 Use the Mugi card for public transport to lower the airport bus fare from $3.24 / €2.75 down to approximately $1.59 / €1.35.
- 9 Browse the local markets like Mercado de la Bretxa for fresh Basque cider and cheese to enjoy a picnic at the Miramar Palace gardens.
- 10 Watch the sunset from the Paseo Nuevo coastal wall, which provides a free and dramatic view of the Atlantic waves.
Seasonal Pricing
When prices rise and fall throughout the year
Jul, Aug, Sep
+40-60%
Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb
-30-50%
May, Jun, Oct
Winter is significantly cheaper, with hotel rates dropping below ~$118 / €100, but many smaller beach-focused venues may close or have limited hours.
Events to Watch
- ● Semana Grande (mid-August): Hotels +100%
- ● Film Festival (late Sept): City fully booked, prices peak
Free Things to Do
The best experiences that cost absolutely nothing
- 1 Hiking the trails of Monte Urgull for panoramic city views.
- 2 Visiting the Castillo de la Mota and the House of History at the summit of Monte Urgull.
- 3 Viewing the Peine del Viento (Comb of the Wind) sculptures at the end of Ondarreta Beach.
- 4 Sunbathing and swimming at the world-famous La Concha Beach.
- 5 Exploring the Miramar Palace Gardens, which offer views over the bay.
- 6 Walking the Paseo Nuevo, a coastal promenade known for dramatic crashing waves.
- 7 Visiting the Buen Pastor Cathedral (Cathedral of the Good Shepherd).
- 8 Watching the surfers at Zurriola Beach in the Gros district.
- 9 Exploring the public exhibitions and rooftop terrace at the Tabakalera Cultural Center.
- 10 Strolling through Cristina Enea Park to see the resident peacocks.
- 11 Attending the Tuesday free entry sessions at the San Telmo Museum.
- 12 Walking across the Maria Cristina Bridge to admire its Belle Époque architecture.
Worth the Splurge
Premium experiences that justify the price tag
Michelin-Starred Lunch at Akelaŕe
Unbeatable views over the Bay of Biscay from a 3-star Michelin dining room. Lunch offers the best visibility.
Private Sailboat Charter around the Bay
Escape the crowded beaches for a private sunset swim and view of the city skyline from the water.
Guided Gourmet Pintxos Tour
A local expert bypasses the tourist traps to find the best seasonal specialties and pairs them with local ciders/wines.
Popular Activities
Top-rated tours and experiences in San Sebastián
Day Trip Costs
Popular day trips from San Sebastián and what they cost
Bilbao
$15 / €13 by train (Euskotren)
$18 / €15
$77 / €65
Biarritz, France
$26 / €22 by bus (Flixbus/Alsa)
Free
$94 / €80
Payment & Money
How to pay and what to know about money
Euro (EUR)
1 € ≈ 1.18 $
Yes
Widely accepted in hotels and shops, but some older pintxos bars in Parte Vieja prefer cash for small tabs (~$12 / €10 or less).
Not mandatory. In pintxos bars, leave small change or round up to the nearest ~$1.18 / €1. In restaurants, ~5-10% is generous for exceptional service.
Use bank-affiliated ATMs (Kutxabank, Santander). Avoid Euronet machines which charge ~$4.71–$8.24 / €4–€7 fees and use poor exchange rates.
Connectivity
eSIM: $10–$16 for 5-10GB (opens in new tab)
Local SIM: $18–$24 / €15–€20 for 40GB (local shops)
WiFi: Excellent in the city center, hotels, and most pintxos bars.
Use an eSIM like Airalo for convenience, but for heavy data, a local Movistar SIM from the city center is better value.
Why you can trust this guide
35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
- All neighborhoods verified by walking them
- Curated locations based on walkability & safety
- Real-time availability via live partner maps
- Prices based on Booking.com & Numbeo averages
Methodology: This guide combines on-the-ground neighborhood research, current hotel pricing data, and real traveler feedback to provide honest, actionable accommodation recommendations for San Sebastián.
Updated: February 16, 2026
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