Royals, Stars, and Surfers San Sebastián walking tour

Get a taste of San Sebastián’s past, present, and future on a walking tour that will show you the city’s many faces. Explore the areas that have helped to shape the evolution of the city and learn why this destination has always been a favourite spot for socialites and surf seekers alike.

Your tour will start at Portaletas, one of the most characteristic places in San Sebastián, located at the crossroads of the old town and fishing district. A visit here is your 101 lesson to understanding San Sebastián’s past and present, and its transformation from fishing port to summer resort.

You’ll head from the port and through the battlefield of Monte Urgull before moving to the modern part of the city, where glamour and new world architecture meet. You’ll explore along the Urumea river and visit 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 crossed it on their way to movie fesitvals, to modern-day vacationers heading to the shore to admire intrepid surfers.

The tour will next lead you to the residential ensanche, the city expansion that was built when the old city walls where demolished, and that is today a fascinating commercial area for fashionistas and those who want to understand everyday life in a Basque city. You’ll see the cathedral before heading to La Concha Bay, a favourite spot for European summer vacations.

You’ll see firsthand how San Sebastián has changed via old photographs compared with real-life tour stops (and with the help of some modern tablet technology).