With the arrival of autumn, Donostia’s markets fill with a wide variety of mushrooms, while its hills, parks and gardens are transformed by leaves in warm ochre tones, making the city even more beautiful and charming. It is the perfect time of year to enjoy an endless variety of things to do in San Sebastian. Are you in?
1. Routes to lose yourself in nature and breathe…
Would you like to breathe in some fresh air and enjoy a little peace and quiet? Donostia is surrounded by nature, and we suggest a wide range of walking routes or cycling routes, both within the city itself and just a short distance away: a magical route through Cristina Enea Park, the St James Way, the San Sebastian coastline by e-bike, a route along the river Urumea on foot or by canoe, and the unbeatable views from our hills…
2. Discover our forests, parks and palaces
Fancy a walk among the trees? Would you like to discover places that don’t usually appear on tourist maps? Set off on a route through San Sebastian’s forests, parks and palaces … and do it with a local guide who can reveal all their secrets.
3. You’re in a foodie paradise… treat yourself!
Our city brings together some of the world’s top chefs, combining the finest local produce with the most innovative techniques… This year, treat yourself to an unforgettable gastronomic experience: Michelin-starred restaurants, traditional markets, the best pintxos…
4. Shopping made in Donostia
Discover a compact open-air shopping district with plenty to offer: independent shops and major brands in San Sebastian’s romantic area! Local designers, unique boutiques, traditional shops with more than a century of history… Discover all the options for shopping!
5. Immerse yourself in culture at the city’s museums and art galleries
There’s nothing better on a cloudy or rainy day than immersing yourself in contemporary Basque culture at Tabakalera, the San Telmo Museum, Chillida Leku or Albaola… Discover San Sebastian’s many museums and art galleries!
6. Learn and have fun… as a family
Have fun learning among the Aquarium’s more than 200 species of fish, marvel at the impressive planetarium and children’s science experiments at Eureka! Zientzia Museoa, or enjoy the vintage Monte Igueldo amusement park. We have plenty of family-friendly activities to enjoy with children!
7. Open-air contemporary art museum
Walk from one end of San Sebastian to the other and admire the many open-air sculptures you’ll come across along the way: from Néstor Basterretxea’s Paloma de la Paz (Dove of Peace), to Jorge Oteiza’s Construcción Vacía (Empty Construction), and Eduardo Chillida’s Peine del Viento (Comb of the Wind).
8. Donostia from the sea
If the weather and sea conditions are favourable, autumn is also a great time to enjoy Donostia from the water. Whether by sailboat, yacht, catamaran or through sustainable fishing, you’ll be able to see the city from a whole new perspective. Would you like to explore our maritime activities? And to round off the day, we recommend some of the best places to watch the sunset.
9. Pamper yourself… at a spa overlooking the sea
What could be better than a thalassotherapy circuit overlooking the sea, a beauty treatment or a relaxing massage at La Perla Talaso Sport? Discover a spa with more than a century of history, a true symbol of San Sebastian’s Belle Époque.
10. Spectacular waves!
Did you know that when storms hit San Sebastian, waves can reach between 5 and 10 metres high, and sometimes even up to 20 metres? You can watch the spectacle or capture the moment from Paseo Nuevo, Monte Urgull or the Comb of the Wind… but be careful and don’t get too close!
11. Discover the city’s most authentic corners: San Sebastian’s neighbourhoods
Avoid the main tourist areas and discover more alternative, authentic places in San Sebastian’s neighbourhoods, through our interactive routes or on a guided e-bike tour.
12. A route to admire the city’s architecture
Admire the city’s architecture and take a closer look at its impressive romantic, rationalist and contemporary buildings, as well as its religious and historic landmarks, such as San Vicente Church, the Basilica of Santa María and the Good Shepherd Cathedral.
13. Discover the essence of San Sebastian
In addition to the places mentioned above, there are many other corners of San Sebastian that are not to be missed. Would you like to discover some of the city’s hidden gems? Set off on a route where you can enjoy some of its most beautiful spots and uncover its secrets, history, traditions and culture… while gaining a deeper understanding of the Basque Country in all its richness. Discover our guided city tours!
14. Festivals and events for every taste
Donostia stays lively throughout autumn. With the arrival of the season, we welcome events from a wide range of artistic disciplines: gastronomy – San Sebastián Gastronomika; film – Horror and Fantasy Film Festival, Donosskino and the International Underwater Film Festival; and electronic music – DKluba.
15. Day trips from San Sebastian
Just a short distance from Donostia, you’ll find a wide range of must-do day trips, such as visiting Bilbao’s Guggenheim Museum, exploring the green heart of Gipuzkoa, travelling along the Basque and/or French coast, or enjoying a wine tasting at the wineries of Rioja Alavesa.
