San Sebastian is a city that practically invites exploration on foot. Its compact Old Town, elegant seaside promenade, and lively food scene make walking tours a fantastic way to get under the skin of this Basque jewel. Whether you’re interested in tasting pintxos, learning about architecture, or discovering hidden corners, San Sebastian offers options that balance culture, cuisine, and scenery. We especially love tours that combine food and local stories, like the San Sebastian Walking Food Tour with Secret Food Tours, which takes you to restaurants you might never find on your own and introduces you to Basque cider pouring traditions. The city’s walkable size and lively ambiance make it perfect for wandering with a knowledgeable guide.
If you’re short on time, a quick highlights tour of the Old Town or the city’s key sights can give a great overview, while those with a deeper interest in food or wine might prefer specialized experiences, like a Coastal Winery Camino Trail or a Walking Dinner with Basque Bites. No matter your interests, there’s a San Sebastian walking tour designed just for you.
Quick Overview of San Sebastian Walking Tours
This list includes a variety of food-focused tours, such as pintxo and wine tastings, as well as historic city walks exploring landmarks like La Concha Beach and the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd. There are private options, family-friendly options, and group adventures, all with small groups and local guides. Now, let’s dive into each one, so you can pick the perfect tour for your trip.
1. San Sebastian Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours
At number 1, this San Sebastian Walking Food Tour stands out for its small-group format and authentic food experiences. Over roughly 3.5 hours, your guide takes you to hidden pintxos bars and historic eateries that locals love, not just the tourist spots. Expect to sample Iberian acorn ham, oysters, Spanish omelets, olives, and even sweet treats like torrija with ice cream. Plus, you’ll learn to pour Basque cider in a traditional family-owned bar.
Guests praise Javier’s engaging storytelling and the chance to try foods they might skip on their own. The tour’s highlights include walking through the San Sebastian Cathedral, exploring Larramendi Kalea, and tasting premium Iberian ham in a historic pintxos bar. The combination of delicious bites and local insights makes this a top choice for foodies. The price of around $117 offers a comprehensive taste of the city’s culinary scene and small-group intimacy that elevates the experience.
Bottom Line: Perfect for food lovers who want insider access to San Sebastian’s best pintxos bars and a guided introduction to Basque cuisine.
2. Coastal “Winery Camino Trail” Walking Tour from San Sebastian
Number 2 on our list is the Coastal Winery Camino Trail, a scenic 5.5-hour trek that combines stunning landscapes, local wine, and charming fishing villages. Starting with a train ride from San Sebastian to Zarautz, you’ll walk part of the Camino de Santiago, passing Roman roads and Mediterranean-inspired scenery. The walk includes a stop at a txakoli winery where you taste at least two types of this local, slightly sparkling white wine.
The tour also features visits to a local market (except Sundays) to sample bread, cheese, and cider, plus a walk through Getaria’s picturesque streets. With only 70 minutes of uphill walking, the route is accessible for most fitness levels. Guests love guide Telmo’s enthusiasm and depth of local knowledge, describing the hike as a “delightful adventure” with breathtaking views. The price of about $190 reflects the full experience, including tastings and scenic train rides.
Bottom Line: Ideal for active travelers who want to enjoy vineyards, coastal scenery, and a taste of authentic Basque wine and food.
3. San Sebastian Walking Tour with Pintxo and Drink
Number 3 offers a more casual but equally engaging experience. This San Sebastian Walking Tour with Pintxo and Drink is great for those who want to explore the Old Town’s highlights while enjoying a pintxo and a drink at a local bar. Over about 2 hours, you’ll see landmarks like La Concha Beach, the Cathedral of Buen Pastor, and the Victoria Eugenia Theatre, all with a small group of no more than 10 people.
The tour is priced affordably at around $17, making it accessible for travelers on a budget. Reviewers appreciate the personalized attention and the chance to ask questions about San Sebastian’s culture and architecture. The highlight is the pintxo tasting combined with cultural insights, making it a perfect introduction for first-time visitors.
Bottom Line: For a brief, lively overview of San Sebastian’s main sights paired with local bites, this tour hits the mark.
4. San Sebastian: Guided Walking Tour with Pintxo and Drink
Coming in at number 4, this Guided Walking Tour with Pintxo and Drink offers a 1.5-2 hour deep dive into the city’s highlights, including the Old Town and New Town. The tour covers the iconic Hotel de Londres, the Maria Cristina Hotel, and finishes with a pintxo and wine tasting in a local bar.
This experience balances sightseeing with culinary stops, making it perfect if you want both culture and cuisine without a huge time commitment. Reviews highlight the knowledgeable guides and enjoyable pace, especially for travelers who want a taste of San Sebastian’s architectural and historic gems with a food bonus.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers who want a quick, comprehensive city intro paired with a relaxed pintxo tasting.
5. San Sebastian: City Highlights Guided Walking Tour
Number 5 is a 1.5-hour overview of San Sebastian’s top sights, including La Concha Beach, Plaza de la Constitución, and the Romantic Quarter. The City Highlights Tour is perfect for newcomers wanting a quick orientation that hits the essential landmarks.
It’s a well-priced option at $30, with highly positive reviews praising the friendly guides and the scenic views of La Concha Bay. It’s an efficient way to understand the city’s layout and history without overloading your day.
Bottom Line: Excellent for first-timers wanting a quick but informative introduction to San Sebastian.
6. San Sebastian Walking Dinner Tour with Basque Bites
Number 6 combines food, drink, and walking into one immersive experience. The Walking Dinner with Basque Bites is a 4- to 5-hour journey through five different bars, sampling pintxos and pairing them with local wines and ciders. Led by a professional chef, this tour offers insight into Basque food culture alongside delicious bites.
Guests note the intimacy of small groups and the depth of knowledge from the chef-guide. For $287, it’s a high-value experience for serious foodies who want to explore the city’s culinary scene in depth, learning about traditional food preparation and regional drinks.
Bottom Line: Ideal for food connoisseurs seeking an interactive and comprehensive culinary tour.
7. San Sebastian Historic Walking Tour in Small Group
Number 7 offers an in-depth exploration of San Sebastian’s historic core. In about 1.5 hours, you’ll walk through landmarks like Ayuntamiento, La Concha, and the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd with a small group—up to 10 people. The Historic Walking Tour is praised for its detailed storytelling and personalized approach.
Guests rave about the knowledgeable guides who share the city’s stories and secrets. It’s especially good for travelers wanting a detailed yet manageable overview, with a focus on architecture and local culture.
Bottom Line: Perfect for history buffs or those who enjoy a relaxed pace with plenty of storytelling.
8. Private Walking Tour of Essential Spots of San Sebastian
Number 8 offers a tailored experience perfect for those wanting a personalized touch. This Private Tour includes a 1.5-hour walk through key landmarks like Gipuzkoa Plaza, Old Town, and the Romantic District, with a private guide sharing insights along the way.
Rated highly for its flexibility and intimacy, this tour is great for couples, families, or small groups who want to customize their sightseeing. The price of just over $296 per group makes it a premium option, but the personalized experience can be worth it for those seeking exclusivity.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers wanting a customized, private introduction to San Sebastian’s highlights.
9. San Sebastián: Cultural Walking Tour
Number 9 is a 2-hour Cultural Walking Tour led by a native guide. It covers the city’s evolution from its founding to today, focusing on cultural aspects, landmarks, and local life. The tour’s honest storytelling makes it appealing to those interested in understanding San Sebastian’s identity beyond just sights.
Reviewers appreciate the lively conversation and personalized tips, while the moderate cost and easy pace appeal to a broad range of travelers. If you love engaging guides who provide context and insight, this is a good pick.
Bottom Line: For cultural explorers eager to connect with San Sebastian’s soul, this tour offers a balanced experience.
10. Private Hungry City Walking and Food Tour
Number 10 is a comprehensive, private food-centered tour that goes beyond pintxos. Starting with a history talk, the tour visits local markets like Mercado de San Martin and La Bretxa, where you meet vendors and taste regional cheeses and charcuterie. Walking through the city, you’ll explore lesser-known spots and learn about daily Basque food traditions.
This tour is ideal for those who want an authentic experience and local interaction. At around 5-6 hours, it suits travelers with a full day to spend exploring both food and culture. Reviewers highlight the quality of the food and the friendly guide as major positives.
Bottom Line: Excellent for food lovers who want an in-depth, personalized taste of San Sebastian’s culinary scene.
11. Private San Sebastian City Walking Tour
Number 11 offers a flexible, private experience focusing on San Sebastian’s landmark sights. Over 2 to 4 hours, you’ll visit at least 15 sites, from San Vicente Church to Plaza de la Constitución. The guide’s personalized approach and the opportunity to customize the route make it popular.
Rated highly for knowledge and friendliness, this tour is suitable for small groups or families seeking a private, relaxed way to see the city’s highlights. The cost per group is reasonable, making it accessible for various budgets.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those who want a private, customizable overview of San Sebastian’s top sights.
12. San Sebastian Walking and Food Tour
Rounding out our list at number 12, this Walking and Food Tour combines cultural sights with culinary delights. Over approximately 2.5 hours, you’ll visit famous pintxo spots and learn about Basque eating customs, tasting local wines and small plates.
Ideal for travelers on a budget, with reviews noting the friendly guide and the chance to explore both the food and sights in one go. It’s especially suited for those wanting an affordable, social experience.
Bottom Line: Great for casual travelers who want a taste of San Sebastian’s food and culture without a lengthy commitment.
How to Choose Your Perfect San Sebastian Walking Tour
Picking the right tour depends on your interests, budget, and time. If you’re a food enthusiast, the San Sebastian Walking Food Tour with Secret Food Tours offers a broad culinary experience in just over three hours. For those wanting to combine wine and scenic walks, the Coastal Winery Camino Trail provides a memorable day with tastings and gorgeous views. Budget travelers might prefer the Pintxo and Drink Tour, which packs in sights and bites for under $20.
For a private, customizable experience, options like the Private San Sebastian City Walking Tour or Private Walking Tour of Essential Spots are excellent choices. If you want to cover a lot of ground quickly, the City Highlights Guided Tour provides a quick but rich overview.
Book early, especially during peak travel months, to secure your preferred date and group size. Consider your fitness level—most tours are manageable, but some, like the Coastal Winery Trail, involve some walking uphill.
San Sebastian’s charm lies in its small streets, delicious pintxos, and stunning seaside views. Whether you’re here to learn about its architecture, taste its wines, or simply soak in the atmosphere, these walking tours give you the flexibility and insight to make the most of your visit. From the intimate pintxo tastings to scenic hikes, your ideal tour is waiting — just book early and get ready to explore this wonderful city on foot.