San Sebastián (Donostia) is an elegant Basque resort on the scallop-shaped La Concha bay, famous for its beaches, belle-époque promenade and the pintxos bars of the old town. It is compact and in high demand, so hotels are pricey in summer — booking early or staying a little out of the centre is the way to find cheap rooms.
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The pintxos-bar heartland between the harbour and the river — lively and central, with many guesthouses.
The grand 19th-century streets and the bay promenade — classic but among the priciest places to stay.
Across the river by Zurriola surf beach — a local feel, good bars and often better value.
The quieter western end of the bay near Ondarreta beach and the funicular to Monte Igueldo.
A grand hotel from 1912 by the river, long associated with the city’s film festival.
Check rates at Hotel María CristinaZoom and pan the map to compare hotel prices by neighborhood; rates come live from the booking sites.
June–September is the high season and the most expensive. Spring and autumn are quieter and cheaper, though rates rise again during the film festival in September.
Gros and the areas a little inland from the centre usually cost less than the bay front, and guesthouses (pensiones) in the old town can be good value.
For July and August, as early as possible — the city is small and the best-value rooms go quickly.
Yes. Buses run between the two cities, so a day trip to Bilbao and the Guggenheim is easy.