Where to Stay in San Sebastián 2026 | Best Areas + Hotel Map
San Sebastián (Donostia in Basque) offers possibly the world's best food-to-size ratio, with more Michelin stars per capita than anywhere else. The compact city hugs a perfect shell-shaped bay, with the pintxos-packed Old Town, belle époque beach promenade, and surf-friendly Gros all within walking distance. Stay central to maximize the legendary bar-hopping.
Editor's Pick for First-Timers
Parte Vieja (Old Town)
Immerse yourself in the legendary pintxos scene with dozens of bars within steps. Walk to La Concha beach in 5 minutes, stumble home after the bar crawl, and wake up in the historic heart of the city.
Parte Vieja (Old Town)
Centro / La Concha
Gros
Antiguo
Amara
Quick Guide: Best Areas
Things to Know
- • Old Town streets can be very noisy until 2-3am on weekends - request quiet rooms
- • Some 'San Sebastián' hotels are in distant suburbs - verify distance to La Concha
- • July/August extremely crowded - book restaurants months ahead for Michelin spots
- • Film Festival (September) and Semana Grande (August) book out fast
Understanding San Sebastián Geography
San Sebastián wraps around La Concha bay, with Monte Urgull (east) and Monte Igueldo (west) as bookends. The Old Town clusters beneath Urgull, the grand promenade curves along La Concha beach, and Gros extends east beyond the river with Zurriola surf beach. Everything is walkable in 30 minutes or less.
Accommodation Map
Check availability and prices across Booking.com, Vrbo, and more.
Best Neighborhoods in San Sebastián
Parte Vieja (Old Town)
Best for: Pintxos bars, nightlife, historic streets, La Concha access
"Narrow medieval streets packed with the world's greatest pintxos bars"
Pros
- Best food scene
- Historic atmosphere
- Beach access
- Nightlife
Cons
- Noisy at night
- Crowded
- Limited parking
Centro / La Concha
Best for: La Concha beach, belle époque elegance, promenade strolls, upscale hotels
"Belle époque elegance with the world's most beautiful urban beach"
Pros
- Iconic beach views
- Grand hotels
- Scenic promenade
Cons
- Expensive
- Tourist-heavy
- Summer crowds
Gros
Best for: Zurriola surf beach, hip cafés, local food scene, young vibe
"Laid-back surf neighborhood with excellent local dining"
Pros
- Best surfing
- Local atmosphere
- Great restaurants
- Less crowded
Cons
- Rougher beach
- Walk to Old Town
- Less charming
Antiguo
Best for: Ondarreta beach, Peine del Viento sculptures, quiet residential, families
"Quiet western end with sculptures, park, and family-friendly beach"
Pros
- Quieter beach
- Chillida sculptures
- Family-friendly
- Scenic
Cons
- Far from Old Town
- Fewer restaurants
- Residential
Amara
Best for: Train station area, budget options, local shopping, transit hub
"Practical neighborhood behind the beach with good transport links"
Pros
- Most affordable
- Train access
- Local shops
- Parking
Cons
- No beach views
- Less charming
- Walk to sights
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.
Our Top Hotel Picks
€ Best Budget Hotels
A Room in the City
Parte Vieja
Design-forward hostel in the heart of Old Town with boutique private rooms and excellent common spaces. Best hostel in northern Spain.
Pensión Aldamar
Parte Vieja
Charming guesthouse above the port with simple rooms, some with sea views. Steps from the best pintxos bars.
€€ Best Mid-Range Hotels
Hotel Parma
Centro
Elegant 3-star on the La Concha promenade with sea-view rooms, classic decor, and unbeatable beach location.
Hotel Astoria 7
Centro
Cinema-themed boutique hotel with movie memorabilia, rooftop bar, and La Concha views. Popular during Film Festival.
€€€ Best Luxury Hotels
Hotel Maria Cristina
Centro
Grand 1912 belle époque palace on the river, home to Film Festival stars. Marble lobby, Michelin restaurant, and royal heritage.
Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra
Centro
Historic seafront hotel with panoramic La Concha views, elegant rooms, and century of welcoming royalty and artists.
Villa Soro
Gros
Intimate villa-style boutique with contemporary design, garden, and personalized service. Quiet alternative to beachfront.
✦ Unique & Boutique Stays
Akelarre
Monte Igueldo
Three-Michelin-star restaurant with rooms, perched on the cliffs above the bay. Ultimate gastronomic pilgrimage.
Smart Booking Tips for San Sebastián
- 1 Book 3-4 months ahead for July-August and September Film Festival
- 2 Michelin-starred restaurants need reservations 2-3 months ahead
- 3 Winter offers 40-50% savings and quieter pintxos bars (but some closures)
- 4 Many hotels lack AC - important for August heat
- 5 Ask about parking - essential if road-tripping through Basque Country
- 6 Semana Grande (mid-August) sees fireworks nightly - book waterfront if possible
Why you can trust this guide
We built this guide using recent climate data, hotel price trends, and our own trips, so you can pick the right month without guesswork.
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Overview
Complete travel guide for San Sebastián: top things to do, itineraries, and typical costs.