A Guide to San Sebastian

As a resident of the Basque Country for about a year and a half now, I have collected quite a few favorite spots around the area. Not far from Biarritz is the Northern Spanish/Basque city of San Sebastian, or as the locals call it, Donostia. Throughout my time in the Basque Country I have gotten to take several day-trips to this very special city in Spain.

Here is my guide to the city where I share some of my favorite spots – from pintxos and cheesecake to design showrooms and beaches. Let’s dive in!

Antonio’s Bar

Possibly the best Spanish Tortilla I’ve ever had – perfectly gooey and filled with extra ingredients like red and green peppers. I always try to stop here whenever I make my way through San Sebastian!

Motx Café

I didn’t really become a coffee snob until I moved to Europe (and I’m still not, I swear!), but I definitely do appreciate a really great tasting coffee bean. Motx is one of the best specialty coffee espresso bars I have visited in this city and it is right in the Old Town – take yours to go (as they do not have seating) and drink it on the steps of the Basilica de Nuestra Señora del Coro.

La Cuchara de San Telmo

If you aren’t looking for it, you’ll miss it – hidden in an unassuming corner of the Old Town, La Cuchara de San Telmo stands ready to become your new favorite spot. Since the first time I visited this place in 2023 after moving to the Basque Country, this restaurant has become the place I can’t stop talking about. Serving small plates of everything from octopus to squid-ink risotto to beef tongue, it is certainly the place to go for an exciting culinary experience. There is some outdoor seating but my favorite thing to do is stand at the bar as the dishes come out and chat with the people around me.

La Viña

Part dessert, part show: La Viña is the place to go for Burnt Basque Cheesecake. Some might disagree, but I think a good cheesecake should be practically melting off the plate from being so liquid. I am not even a fan of cheesecake – but this is the one cheesecake that I will go out of my way for. And if you’re wondering what I mean by show, you’ll have to go there yourself and order a glass of Txakoli (Basque wine).

Santo Remedio (Mexican Street Food)

I know what you’re thinking – Mexican food? In the Old Town? But hey – sometimes you can get tired of eating just pintxos! This taverna opened last summer, and I must say – it was a delicious alternative to tapas when you’re simply in the mood for something else. The fish tacos were to die for! My Mexican friend was visiting me at the time, and she remarked that they were comparable to the ones in Mexico City.

Veluto

A beautiful interior design shop by the designer Iñigo Iriarte. I stumbled upon this showroom on a visit last fall and had a great time touring the inside. For lovers of design, this is a unique stop along the way as you wander the city.

Nomada Kilims and Rugs

A store showcasing a beautifully curated collection of rugs from all around the world. Even if you’re not buying anything (I didn’t), it is still so nice to go in and admire and appreciate the eclectic selection of rugs.

East Crema

A specialty coffee chain found in many parts of Spain. Perfect for a delicious cortado and tostada.

Santander Bank

I had no idea until I stumbled upon Santander Bank in the city one day while looking for wifi that they actually offer a free coworking space! I was so pleasantly surprised at the caliber of this free space, and ended up staying for a few hours to work and take some calls. It’s an excellent resource for anyone who works or takes classes remotely and needs a place to cowork for the day!

Playa de La Concha

A gorgeous beach that I like to spend hours at in the summer alternating between lying out in the sun and cooling off in the water. It is very protected so it’s a nice beach to swim at (whereas the nearby beach, Playa Zurriola, is better for surfing).

Constitución Plaza

Once used as an arena for bullfighting, the individual viewing boxes can still be seen with numbering on the balconies. Currently the square is used for the city's major celebrations, such as the first and last events of St. Sebastian's Festival, and St. Thomas' Farm Produce. There are several restaurants and cafes on the perimeter of the square to sit at and enjoy people watching.

Just the Beginning

Being able to work and study remotely has brought so many opportunities to discover new places like San Sebastian. I look forward to continue exploring what this region of France (and beyond!) has to offer.