Nicknamed the European capital of culture, San Sebastián is equally adventurous, romantic, and historic, which is why this city in northern Spain exudes sophistication. Your San Sebastián travel guide reveals the keys to a city known for catering to diverse and discerning explorers.

The Foodie  

The epicurean elite flock to San Sebastián for a dizzying number of Michelin-starred restaurants and local pintxos (Basque-style tapas). The lively Parte Vieja, or Old Town, is home to a cluster of both traditional and modern pintxos bars, including Borda Berri, A Fuego Negro, Bar Sport (known for delicious crab), and La Vina, which serves unforgettable cheesecake. If wanting to test your own culinary ability, sharpen your skills at the Basque Culinary Center, where guests learn the art of making regionally inspired and locally sourced meals. To discover the cultural importance of cider in the Basque Country, take a tour of Sagardoetxea, the Basque Cider Museum located at the foot of an apple orchard in Astigarraga, just a few miles outside the city. Lastly, prepare months in advance to score a reservation at Mugaritz, a gastronomic temple in the Basque countryside.

The Culturist  

Located in Old Town, the San Telmo Museum is set in a former Dominican convent dating back to the 16th century. The ancient church showcases photography, religion, and regional art — the vintage posters are reason enough to explore this city landmark. If fashion is more your style, don’t miss the Balenciaga Museum, dedicated to master couturier Cristóbal Balenciaga (born in nearby Getaria). And any visitor to San Sebastián must experience Tabakalera. This original tobacco factory is now a modern cultural center, with exhibition halls, a movie theater, library, and restaurant. Also of top note: The iconic Guggenheim Museum Bilbao is famous for its titanium-clad architecture and contemporary art collection.

The Adventurist  

Set right on the sea, San Sebastián hugs a sparkling scalloped-shaped bay lined by four miles of golden sands. The city has three main beaches: Playa de la Concha rivals any urban beach in Europe and overlooks Santa Clara Island. Make time to stroll the 1920s-era Nautical Club while there. Playa da Zurriola attracts surfers from around the globe, and Playa de Ondarreta, located on the western end of the city, is nicknamed The Millionaire’s Belt, due to its lavish holiday homes. Want to earn your pintxos-hopping at night? Trek to the summit of Monte Urgull. Your reward is a bird’s-eye view of the Sagrado Corazón statue and the ruins of Castillo de la Mota still. With four differing trail options, the preferred hike begins near the aforementioned San Telmo Museum. Or hike up Calle de Zemoriya in Gros. If you follow the yellow trail markings in reverse it will take you along part of the famous Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage route, past seaside cliffs and through lush forests.

The Family 

Take the littles to Parque de Alderdi Eder. Lined with street performers, it houses city hall and an old-school carousel. Teens can surf with the pros in a beginner's lesson at Pukas Surf Skola, one of the oldest surfing schools in Spain. Revamped in 2008, the San Sebastián Aquarium is known as the most modern oceanographic museum in Europe. And lastly, the Science Museum promises family fun. Discover an F1 car, a Maxflight flight simulator, plus an Orion Spacecraft, a thrilling roller coaster, and vintage carnival rides. All ages will relish in the The Concha fishing boat races, which date back to 1879 and take origin from when the boats raced each other back to port to sell their catch. Today, the competition, known as La Bandera de la Concha, takes place toward the end of summer when visitors can cheer on teams of rowers. 

.