Highlights of San Sebastian: Small Group Tour Including Old Town Visit and Traditional Basque Talo

Get a taste of San Sebastián’s past, present, and future on a walking tour that celebrates the city’s many faces. 

Your walking tour will begin at Portaletas, one of the most characteristic (and okay, we’ll admit it, one of our favourite) places in San Sebastián, located at the crossroads of the old town and the fishing district. A visit here is your first lesson in understanding San Sebastián’s past and present and its transformation from fishing port to buzzing summer resort. 

We’ll head along the port and below the battlefield of Monte Urgull where we’ll enjoy the most amazing views of La Concha Bay, a favourite spot for the nobility of Europe’s past to visit during their summer vacation, a tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation. 

After that, we will explore the Old Town, where you’ll feel a connection to the past as well as the future of San Sebastián. You’ll see Constitution Square, where San Sebastián day is celebrated each year; your guide will fill you in on its fascinating history.

We’ll walk down one of the Old Town’s main streets, admiring all the pintxo bars, soaking up the Basque Country atmosphere and scouting potential lunch and dinner spots for the rest of your trip.

We will also visit the Bretxa market, the perfect place to get a flavour for the local produce. There wil be an opportunity to try talos, the local snack that consists of flat bread filled with different toppings (chorizo, cheese, chocolate, the list goes on). Talos are steeped in Basque culture; they are usually only enjoyed during local festivals and holidays, so this is a very special chance to try one, out of season! 

Our tour will finish in the modern part of the city, where glamour and new world architecture meet. We’ll stroll along the Urumea River and check out the Gros district, crossing a bridge that’s got some stories to tell, from the European aristocracy who crossed it to visit the casino, to the Hollywood stars that have crossed it on their way to movie festivals, some famous feet have walked this path before you! 

We hope you enjoyed your introduction to San Sebastián’s history, culture and culinary secrets. Before you go, don’t forget to ask your guide for more tips on what else to see, do and eat during your stay.