San Sebastian is one of Spain’s most walkable cities, with its compact Old Town, stunning beaches, and lively pintxo bars. Unlike many touristy spots, this city rewards curious explorers willing to stroll its streets and sample authentic experiences. We love tours that go beyond the typical guidebook highlights—like the San Sebastian Walking Food Tour with Secret Food Tours, which combines delicious bites with local stories, and the Coastal “Winery Camino Trail” Walking Tour, that offers a scenic hike with wine tastings. Whether you’re after a quick overview or a full-day adventure, San Sebastian’s walking tours deliver authentic flavor and unforgettable sights right in the city’s heart.
This list features a mix of culinary walks, historical explorations, scenic hikes, private experiences, and even quick neighborhood strolls. Some tours focus on food, like pintxos and local markets, while others highlight architecture, cultural landmarks, or natural vistas. Each offers something different—whether you want a 90-minute introduction or a full-day deep dive. Now, let’s step into the details of each top-rated San Sebastian walking tour.
1. San Sebastian Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours
At number 1, this small-group San Sebastian Walking Food Tour takes you to hidden pintxos bars and restaurants, often missed by travelers. Over approximately 3.5 hours, your guide introduces you to the city’s best flavors—think Iberian acorn ham, oysters, croquettes, olives, and Spanish omelets. The tour is perfect for food lovers who want a local’s perspective, with stops at historic pintxos bars and a lesson on pouring Basque cider. Guests rave about Javier and Maider, who create a lively, intimate experience, sharing not just food but stories. Expect a mix of savory and sweet, from torrija with ice cream to foie gras. With a price of $117.04, it’s a great value for a comprehensive taste of San Sebastian’s culinary scene.
Bottom Line: An ideal choice for foodies who want to explore San Sebastian’s gastronomy with a knowledgeable guide in a relaxed setting.
2. Coastal “Winery Camino Trail” Walking Tour from San Sebastian
Number 2 on our list is the Coastal “Winery Camino Trail” Walking Tour, which combines a scenic hike with wine tasting. Starting with a train ride to Zarautz, you’ll follow the Roman path of the Camino de Santiago, walking through charming villages and along the coast. The 9 km walk includes a visit to a local txakoli winery, where you’ll taste two types of the regional white wine. The tour also explores Getaria, with its lively streets and seafood grills, and includes a market visit (except Sundays). The tour is about 5.5 hours, making it an immersive experience for those who enjoy nature, history, and wine—plus, the views are spectacular.
Guests praise guide Telmo’s passion and knowledge, calling the hike “not too challenging” with “stunning scenery.” For $190.15, it’s a well-rounded adventure suited for active travelers who want a taste of Basque landscapes and local flavors.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those seeking a longer, scenic escape that combines light hiking with wine and cultural discoveries.
3. San Sebastian Walking Tour with Pintxo and Drink
Number 3 features a San Sebastian Walking Tour with Pintxo and Drink, which lasts about two hours in the historic Old Town. For just $17.44, this intimate tour takes you through the narrow streets and past key sights, including the Cathedral of Buen Pastor and Victoria Eugenia Theatre. The highlight is stopping at a beloved local bar for a pintxo and a glass of wine, giving you a taste of Basque cuisine and culture. The guide provides lively commentary on San Sebastian’s architecture, history, and culinary traditions, making it a compact but rich introduction to the city.
Guests appreciate the small group size and personalized attention, mentioning how the tour helped them discover must-try pintxos spots. Ideal if you’re short on time but want authentic local flavor.
Bottom Line: An affordable, quick intro for travelers eager to taste San Sebastian’s culinary culture in a friendly group.
4. San Sebastian: Guided Walking Tour with Pintxo and Drink
Number 4 offers a Guided Walking Tour with Pintxo and Drink, lasting around 1.5 to 2 hours. Starting from the Oficina de Turismo, it takes you through the Old and New Towns, with stops at landmarks like the Hotel Maria Cristina and the Basilica of Saint Mary of Coro. The tour combines sights with tastings—your guide shares insights into San Sebastian’s history and architecture, finishing with a pintxo in a local bar. It’s ideal for travelers looking for a quick, engaging tour with local stories and food.
Reviews highlight the knowledgeable guides and the combination of sightseeing with a pintxo experience. It’s an excellent choice if you want a balanced mix of culture and cuisine in a short period.
Bottom Line: A compact tour ideal for first-time visitors wanting a taste of San Sebastian’s sights and bites.
5. San Sebastian: City Highlights Guided Walking Tour
Number 5 is the City Highlights Guided Walking Tour, lasting 1.5 hours and costing $30. It covers the core sights: La Concha Beach, Plaza de la Constitución, and the Romantic Quarter. The guide shares stories behind landmarks like the Maria Cristina Bridge and the Victoria Eugenia Theatre, with plenty of photo stops. This tour is a solid overview for those who want a quick but comprehensive orientation of San Sebastian’s top attractions.
Guests note that it’s a lively, well-paced introduction, especially helpful for planning your days ahead. It’s best suited for travelers with limited time wanting a broad sense of the city’s character.
Bottom Line: An efficient way to get oriented with the main sights and learn their stories in just 90 minutes.
6. San Sebastian Walking Dinner Tour with Basque Bites
Number 6 is the Walking Dinner Tour with Basque Bites, priced at $287.95 per person and lasting about 4-5 hours. Led by a professional chef, you’ll visit five bars in the Old Town, sampling pintxos paired with local drinks like cider and Txakoli. This tour is perfect if you want an immersive culinary experience, with engaging explanations about Basque food culture and the chance to learn tips from a chef. Guests rave about the fun atmosphere and the quality of food and drinks.
It’s a pricier option but offers a full evening of food, drink, and insights, suited for serious food lovers or those celebrating a special occasion.
Bottom Line: An excellent, insider foodie experience for those who want to combine eating with expert guidance.
7. San Sebastian Historic Walking Tour in Small Group
Number 7 provides a Historic Walking Tour lasting about 1.5 hours. It explores the city’s main landmarks, including the Ayuntamiento and Old Town streets. The small group size (up to 10) ensures personalized attention as your guide shares stories about San Sebastian’s evolution. Guests love the detailed narration and the chance to ask questions, making this a good option for history buffs and curious travelers.
Guests mention how the tour helped them appreciate San Sebastian’s architecture and culture. It’s best suited for those who want a deeper understanding of the city’s roots without a lengthy commitment.
Bottom Line: A detailed, engaging overview ideal for travelers interested in culture and history.
8. Private Walking Tour of Essential Spots of San Sebastian
Number 8 is the Private Walking Tour of Essential Spots, with a focus on personalized experience. For $296.71, up to 10 people can enjoy a 1.5-hour tour starting from the main sights like La Concha, Plaza de Gipuzkoa, and key historic neighborhoods. Your guide shares insights into San Sebastian’s architecture and history, with flexibility to customize the itinerary based on your interests. Guests appreciate the private format for a more relaxed, tailored experience.
Suitable for travelers who want to avoid crowds and tailor their visit, this tour offers flexibility and a more intimate connection with the city.
Bottom Line: The best choice for couples, families, or small groups wanting a personalized San Sebastian experience.
9. San Sebastián: Cultural Walking Tour
Number 9 focuses on San Sebastián’s culture, priced at $49 and lasting 2 hours. It’s led by a native guide who explains San Sebastian’s evolution from its origins to today, covering local traditions and customs. The tour includes stops at key cultural sites and conversations about Basque identity. Guests enjoy the spontaneous, conversational style of the guide, learning the city’s stories in a relaxed atmosphere.
Ideal for travelers interested in understanding the local way of life and cultural nuances beyond the sights.
Bottom Line: A cultural deep dive suited for those curious about Basque traditions and San Sebastian’s character.
10. Private Hungry City Walking and Food Tour from San Sebastian
Number 10 is the Private Hungry City Food Tour, a 5 to 6-hour experience limited to small groups. It goes beyond typical pintxos, visiting markets, delis, and local food shops, talking directly with the vendors. You’ll taste regional cheeses, charcuterie, and more, in authentic settings. The tour covers San Sebastian’s food scene from historic markets to secret spots, giving you a true local taste.
Guests love how the guide shares stories about the city’s culinary roots and the variety of flavors. This is suited for serious foodies with plenty of time to explore the city’s food culture.
Bottom Line: A comprehensive, in-depth exploration for those wanting to eat like a local.
11. Private San Sebastian City Walking Tour
Number 11 offers a Private City Tour, perfect for up to four people. In 2 hours, your guide will show you at least 15 landmarks, from San Vicente Church to Plaza de la Constitución, sharing personalized stories along the way. The tour ends with a pintxo and a drink, blending sightseeing with local flavor. Guests mention how the private format makes the experience more relaxed and tailored.
Ideal if you prefer a flexible schedule and a more intimate exploration of San Sebastian’s main sights.
Bottom Line: Excellent for small groups or couples seeking a custom, private introduction.
12. San Sebastian Walking and Food Tour
Number 12 is a Walking and Food Tour, offering a 2.5-hour stroll through the Old Town. For $109.86, you’ll visit famous pintxos bars and try regional wines, with stops at local markets and eateries. The guide explains Basque food culture as you taste some of its best dishes. Reviewers mention how this tour is a fun and tasty way to understand San Sebastian’s culinary side, with a balance of sightseeing and sampling.
Best suited for travelers wanting a relaxed pace with multiple tastings and insights into local food traditions.
Bottom Line: An enjoyable, flavorful experience for food lovers with limited time.
13. San Sebastian : Private Custom Walking Tour With A Guide
Number 13 is the Private Custom Walking Tour, which allows you to tailor your itinerary. For $51 per person, up to 8 can customize the route, visiting landmarks, neighborhoods, and eateries of your choice. Your guide shares tips on hidden corners and local favorites, making it ideal for repeat visitors or those with specific interests.
Guests praise the flexibility and personalized approach, making this a great way to explore San Sebastian on your terms.
Bottom Line: The best fit if you want a highly personalized, flexible tour tailored to your specific interests.
How to Choose the Best Walking Tour in San Sebastian
When selecting a tour, consider your budget, time availability, and interests. Food lovers might prefer the Food and Pintxo Tours, while history buffs could opt for the Small Group Historic Tour. If you’re pressed for time, the Express Walk offers a quick overview, whereas the Full Day Scenic Hike immerses you in nature, wine, and local culture. For families or couples, the private options provide tailored experiences, while group tours often deliver richer social interaction.
Booking early ensures you secure your spot, especially in high season, and always check the tour duration and starting points to match your schedule and walking pace.
Final Thoughts
San Sebastian offers a wide range of walking tours that cater to every interest—whether you want to tickle your taste buds, learn about architecture, or explore scenic landscapes. For a quick intro, the Pintxo and Drink Tour is perfect, while the Scenic Coastal Hike suits active travelers eager for adventure. Foodies will find the Walking Dinner with Basque Bites an unforgettable experience.
No matter your style, booking early and choosing a tour aligned with your interests will ensure a memorable San Sebastian visit. Each option offers a chance to see the city through local eyes—so lace up your shoes and get ready for a memorable exploration.
