San Sebastián is a city designed to be explored on foot, feeling the Cantabrian breeze and admiring the elegant architecture that characterises it. Whilst its famous beaches and historic centre are a must-see, there is a side to the city and its surroundings that connects directly with the essence of Basque culture.
Of course, to enjoy these walks like a true San Sebastián local, the first step is comfort. If you’ve just arrived in the city and can’t check into your accommodation yet, or if you’ve already checked out but want to make the most of your last few hours, don’t lug your suitcases around. You can leave your luggage safely at our Lock Here Now lockers (Calle Marina 6, next to the beach). We want your only worry to be deciding which pintxo bar to pop into and which one to choose from the vast selection before your eyes.
The authentic steak and cider trail
That’s why we’ve put together what we believe is the best itinerary for enjoying a weekend in Donosti, combining a variety of cultural visits with the ultimate culinary experience: savouring a fine ribeye steak accompanied by the finest local cider.
An alternative way to enjoy San Sebastián
As well as the usual spots featured in every guidebook, Reels and various recommendations, at Lock Here Now we’ve picked out some unique spots where you can enjoy some special views of the city.
A must-visit is undoubtedly Mount Igueldo and its funicular. We recommend taking a ride on its historic wooden funicular, dating from 1912; it’s a short journey that will make you feel as though you’re travelling back in time. Once at the top, you’ll be treated to the most iconic panoramic view of La Concha Bay. What’s more, its vintage-style amusement park retains a charm you won’t find anywhere else.
Don’t miss the Tabakalera, the International Centre for Contemporary Culture. Housed in the former tobacco factory building, this space has become the city’s hub for everything to do with art, cinema and design. Its interior architecture is impressive, and the terrace on the fifth floor offers exceptional views over the River Urumea and the city centre.
If you want to experience the power of the sea up close, you must take this walk that winds its way around Mount Urgull. The route culminates in Jorge Oteiza’s imposing sculpture, the ‘Empty Construction’ – a stunning spot, especially when the waves are high, which frames the landscape to create an unforgettable scene.
Just a few minutes’ drive or bus ride from the centre of San Sebastián, the Chillida Leku open-air museum houses the work of the incredible sculptor Eduardo Chillida. The steel and granite sculptures blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings of an old farmhouse set amidst green fields. What’s more, its location is the perfect gateway to the next essential stop on your visit to the Basque Country: the gastronomic trail.
The essence of Basque cuisine
The Basque Country’s culinary excellence is renowned worldwide, but no traditional feast is complete without its most iconic drink: natural cider, or sagardoa. This drink, produced by fermenting apple must using traditional methods, forms part of the region’s historical heritage.
The heart of this production lies a stone’s throw from San Sebastián, centred mainly in the neighbouring towns of Astigarraga, Hernani, Urnieta and Usurbil.
Between mid-January and late April, the people of Gipuzkoa celebrate the eagerly awaited txotx ritual. During these months, cider houses become places of pilgrimage where diners rise from the table to taste the new season’s cider straight from the enormous kupelas (wooden barrels).
Cider houses and steakhouses near San Sebastián
Whether you prefer to stay in the centre of San Sebastián or are looking for a rural experience, there are excellent options for enjoying top-quality meat and an unbeatable atmosphere.
In the centre of San Sebastián:
- Txirrita Sagardotegia: Ideal for those who want to experience the txotx atmosphere without leaving the city centre. It offers an excellent traditional cider house menu with barrels available for customers to use.
- Sidrería Beharri: An urban option that combines rustic charm with a central location, renowned for its perfectly cooked meat.
- Bar Restaurante Txuleta: Located in the heart of the city, it lives up to its name by offering exceptional cuts of meat in a lively atmosphere.
- Narru: For a more sophisticated experience. Although its concept differs from the traditional cider house, its mastery of the grill and the supreme quality of its meat make it a must-visit for the most discerning palates.
On the outskirts of San Sebastián, don’t miss
- Asador Portuetxe: Set in a beautiful century-old farmhouse within the municipality of San Sebastián. Its grill is legendary and the setting offers an unbeatable warmth.
- Barkaiztegi (San Sebastián – Martutene): One of the families with the longest tradition of cider-making. It offers a complete experience with its own cider and carefully selected steaks.
- Araeta (Zubieta): A spacious and elegant venue surrounded by nature. It is perfect for enjoying excellent cuisine with a modern twist, whilst respecting the tradition of the open fire.
- Sidrería Saizar Sagardotegia (Usurbil): An unmissable destination if you are visiting the Usurbil area. Its spacious facilities and the excellent quality of its cider and meat guarantee an authentic immersion in the culture of txotx.
Other must-see stops to discover the best of San Sebastian
If you’re still craving more or looking for something with a slightly different twist, here are some other must-visit spots for steak and cider that you simply can’t miss. Each has its own ‘style’ and personality:
If you fancy a touch of exclusivity, at iBAi by Paulo Airaudo you’ll find a much more sophisticated take on our grill, where the produce is handled with almost obsessive precision. For a more down-to-earth and traditional experience in the city centre, there’s Usarbi, one of those places where the aroma of charcoal grills draws you in the moment you walk through the door, or La Txuleteria del Iraeta, which, as its name suggests, is a cult destination for those seeking the perfect cut of meat.
For those who prefer to get away from the hustle and bustle and enjoy the experience in a more traditional setting, the Bodega de Sidra Aburuza in Aduna is a fantastic stop if you want to see first-hand the respect for traditional cider-making. If you’re looking for something with a more quirky and fun atmosphere, at Iretza you’ll find the visual spectacle of dining inside enormous wooden barrels, something that never fails to surprise. And to round off the tour in style, Saizar guarantees that combination of home-made cider and top-quality steaks that have made our region famous throughout the world.
San Sebastián is much more than just a pretty city; it’s an experience to be savoured through its landscapes, the power of its sea and, above all, its communal dining. Whether you’re strolling along the paths of Mount Urgull at sunset or soaking up the lively atmosphere of a cider house amidst barrels and embers, the important thing is to allow yourself to discover the essence of this land at your own pace.
