San Sebastian is a city that invites you to wander its charming streets, soak up stunning coastal views, and indulge in its renowned culinary scene. What makes it especially appealing for city tours is its compact size—perfect for walking or cycling—and the wealth of stories behind its elegant architecture, lively markets, and world-famous pintxos bars. One standout experience is the private San Sebastian Highlights Private City Tour with Hotel Pick up, which offers a customized, relaxed way to see the city’s main sights without the hassle of navigating yourself. We love this tour for its combination of panoramic viewpoints like Monte Igueldo and cultural sites such as Miramar Palace.
If you’re after a more laid-back introduction, the San Sebastian City Highlights Guided Walking Tour is excellent for exploring the Old Town and Romantic District on foot. For those who want to combine sightseeing with tasting local flavors, the Private Hungry City Walking and Food Tour offers an authentic look at San Sebastian’s food scene, including visits to markets and pintxos bars. Whether you prefer private, group, or self-guided explorations, the list below provides a variety of options tailored to different interests and schedules.
1. San Sebastian Highlights Private City Tour with Hotel Pick up
At number 1, this private half-day tour immerses you in San Sebastian’s culture and regal history while offering the convenience of hotel pickup. The tour includes visits to Monte Igueldo for panoramic city views, the Peine del Viento sculptures, Miramar Palace’s gardens, and Zurriola Beach’s lively surf scene. The guide customizes the experience to your pace, ensuring you see key landmarks without feeling rushed. The itinerary blends scenic viewpoints with cultural highlights and the old town’s vibrant atmosphere. Guests consistently praise the personalized attention and the knowledgeable guides, like Andoni, who shares insights into the city’s history and local secrets. At about 3.5 hours and $150.34 per person, this tour offers excellent value for those wanting a flexible, private introduction to San Sebastian.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers craving a tailored overview with comfort and insider knowledge.
2. San Sebastian: City Highlights Guided Walking Tour
For around $30, the guided walking tour offers a 1.5-hour stroll through the city’s most iconic parts—perfect if you’re short on time or prefer to explore on foot. Starting at the Biblioteca Municipal Central, you’ll wander through La Concha Beach, admire the exterior of Buen Pastor Cathedral, and walk across historic bridges like Maria Cristina. The tour’s focus on landmarks like Plaza de la Constitución and the Old Town makes it a good choice for first-time visitors wanting a quick but rundown. While it’s a shared experience, the small group size ensures some degree of personalization.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers who want a quick, inexpensive overview of San Sebastian’s highlights without sacrificing depth.
3. Private Hungry City Walking and Food Tour from San Sebastian
If your taste buds are as eager as your sightseeing spirit, this food-focused tour stands out. Over 5 to 6 hours, you’ll visit local markets, chat with vendors, and taste regional delicacies in traditional pintxos bars away from tourist traps. It’s a wonderful way to go beyond the typical pintxo crawl and understand the food scene through authentic conversations and hands-on tastings. The tour’s emphasis on visiting markets like Mercado de San Martin and talking to the people behind the counters makes it especially appealing for food lovers who want an insider’s perspective. The guide’s background and focus on regional ingredients mean you’ll leave with a richer understanding of Basque cuisine.
Guests love the deep dive into local flavors, with one noting, “We learned a lot about the food and culture, and ate like locals.”
Bottom Line: Perfect for culinary enthusiasts seeking an immersive, authentic experience.
4. Private San Sebastian City Walking Tour
This private city walk offers a flexible way to explore San Sebastian’s historic center in 2 to 4 hours, depending on your pace and interests. With up to 15 landmarks such as San Vicente Church and the Plaza de la Constitución, your guide will share stories behind each site, combining history, architecture, and local quirks. It concludes with a pintxo and a drink at a traditional bar—an authentic taste of local life. The tour’s personalized nature makes it ideal for small groups or families wanting an intimate experience. Guests note the guide was personable and knowledgeable, making it easy to ask questions.
Bottom Line: Great for those who want a tailored, in-depth walk with a local touch and a tasty ending.
5. Private Transfer from San Sebastian to Bilbao Airport
For a hassle-free departure, this private transfer is worth checking out. A luxury Mercedes Benz will pick you up directly at your hotel and whisk you to Bilbao airport in about an hour. The flat fee, professional driver, and door-to-door service make this a stress-free end to your trip. It’s especially useful if you’re traveling early or have a tight schedule. The reviews highlight promptness and professional service, making it a reliable choice.
Bottom Line: An excellent option for travelers who value comfort, reliability, and convenience on the way to the airport.
6. San Sebastián City Bike Tour
If cycling appeals, this bike tour offers a relaxed way to see the city in just two hours. You’ll pedal along La Concha Bay, passing landmarks like Miramar Palace, Eduardo Chillida’s Peine del Viento sculpture, and the Kursaal Conference Center. The ride covers easy routes suitable for most fitness levels and offers a refreshing perspective on San Sebastian’s scenic spots. The small number of reviews (3) all praise the tour for its friendly guides and beautiful routes, emphasizing the ease of cycling in the city’s wide bike lanes.
Bottom Line: Ideal for active travelers wanting a quick, scenic overview of San Sebastian by bike.
7. Bilbao City Tour from San Sebastian
For a full-day exploration, this Bilbao tour takes you through the city’s highlights, including the Mirador de Artxanda and the historic Old Town. The 6.5-hour experience features guided walks through the Guggenheim Museum’s surroundings, a stroll through La Ribera Market, and free time for lunch. The guide brings Bilbao’s modern art, architecture, and lively streets to life, making it perfect for those wanting a rundown of this Basque city. It’s a value at about $109.97 per person, including transportation and guided commentary.
Guests say it’s “a deep dive into Bilbao’s culture and sights,” suitable for active explorers.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers eager to see the highlights without the stress of planning logistics.
8. Private City Tour of San Sebastian with Introduction to Pintxos Culture
This private gourmet tour combines sightseeing with culinary discovery. Starting with panoramic views from Monte Igueldo, then strolling La Concha Beach and the Old Town, it culminates in a guided tasting session of San Sebastian’s famed pintxos and local wines. The focus on personalized experiences, including the option to customize the route, makes it ideal for food lovers wanting an intimate look at Basque gastronomy. The guide, Esther, is praised for her tailored approach and engaging storytelling. The tour costs $594.60 per person, reflecting its exclusive, private format.
Guests mention it’s “a fantastic way to combine culture and cuisine,” making it perfect for those wanting a deep dive into local flavors.
Bottom Line: Best suited for gourmets and travelers seeking a personalized, high-end culinary experience.
9. Private Transfer from San Sebastian Airport to Biarritz City
Travel smoothly from San Sebastian Airport to Biarritz with this private transfer service. The meet-and-greet in the arrivals hall ensures a warm welcome, and the luxury Mercedes Benz guarantees comfort. The ride takes about 30-45 minutes and is great if you’re heading to Biarritz for a beach day or further adventures. The reviews confirm punctuality and professionalism, making it a stress-free start or end to your trip.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers needing reliable, comfortable transport between two popular Basque coast destinations.
10. San Sebastián–Bilbao City or Airport Private Transfer
This transfer offers door-to-door service between San Sebastian and Bilbao, either to the city’s center or the airport. It’s a straightforward, comfortable option for those with tight schedules or multiple destinations. The driver’s professionalism and the vehicle’s comfort make it a reliable choice, with reviews highlighting the driver’s helpfulness and punctuality.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those who prioritize convenience and a private, personalized ride.
11. Pamplona City Tour from San Sebastian
For a day trip, this Pamplona tour takes you through the city’s iconic spots like the Plaza del Castillo, the Town Hall, and the Citadel. The 6-hour excursion includes a guided walk through the historic streets and free time for exploring or lunch. It’s perfect for travelers interested in combining a bit of Basque culture with the thrill of the San Fermín festivities if timed right. The tour’s detailed itinerary and reviews praising the guide’s knowledge make it a worthwhile addition for history lovers.
Bottom Line: Best for those wanting a comprehensive day trip combined with cultural insights.
$103.12 per person
12. e-Scavenger hunt San Sebastián: Explore the city at your own pace
If you prefer a flexible, interactive way to discover San Sebastian, this self-guided e-Scavenger hunt is a fun option. Using your smartphone, you answer questions and complete search tasks as you explore at your own pace. The tour covers key sites like the María Cristina Bridge and the Basilica of Saint Mary of Coro, with some reviews calling it “a fun, family-friendly game” that provides interesting facts. It’s affordable at just $35.92 and ideal for groups who like a mix of exploration and entertainment.
Bottom Line: Perfect for budget-conscious travelers and families seeking an engaging, self-directed adventure.
$35.92 per group (up to 6)
How to Choose the Right San Sebastian Tour for You
When selecting a tour, consider your interests, budget, and schedule. If you want a personalized experience with flexibility, the private San Sebastian Highlights Private City Tour is hard to beat. For a quick overview, the guided walking tour offers an excellent introduction. Food lovers should explore the Hungry City Tour, while active travelers might enjoy cycling with the bike tour. If you’re heading to Bilbao or Biarritz, consider the private transfer options. For a deeper cultural dive, the private pintxos experience is unbeatable—though it comes at a premium price.
Booking early is wise, especially in peak summer months or during events like San Fermín, to ensure availability. Think about how much time you have, what you want to experience most—whether it’s scenic viewpoints, culinary delights, or historical sights—and pick the tour that best fits your style and schedule.
Final Thoughts
San Sebastian offers a broad selection of city tours that cater to a wide range of interests. Whether you prefer a private, relaxed exploration, a quick guided walk, or an immersive food adventure, there’s something for all. For a truly personalized experience, the private Highlights Tour and the Pintxos Culture Tour stand out. If you’re on a budget or short on time, the guided walking tour or the self-guided scavenger hunt can give you a taste of the city’s charms at a fraction of the cost.
No matter which tour you choose, San Sebastian’s lively streets, stunning bays, and delicious pintxos await. Planning ahead and booking early will make sure you don’t miss out on the best experiences this Basque city has to offer.