From the first sight of the Atlantic splashing up onto its beaches and cliffs, it is clear that San Sebastian, called Donostia in Basque, is a special place. It is known for its surfing, considered some of the best in Europe, and vibrant local culture. One of the most tourist-friendly cities of the Basque country, San Sebastian has diverse neighborhoods with hotels, hostels, and other accommodations for any budget and any schedule of activities. Book in advance to stay during summer, especially on the beachfront, where hotels can fill up months in advance.
Where to stay
in San Sebastián
Best Locations for Food and Drink
Visitors to San Sebastian often come with one Basque culinary experience in mind: the pintxos bar. Stay close to all of the city's best pintxos by booking a hotel in San Sebastian Centro, which is especially convenient when returning late to accommodations after an evening going from bar to bar. A little bit farther out is the younger, trendier neighborhood of Antiguo. Accommodations here are near beaches and a wide array of places serving innovative as well as traditional Basque food and drink. Travel a few minutes into the hinterland to a hotel in Astigarraga, famous for its distinctive hard cider.
![Maria Cristina Bridge featuring a river or creek, a bridge and a city](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/259000/259765-San-Sebastian-Centro.jpg)
San Sebastián Centro
San Sebastián Centro is known for its stunning beaches, and with sights like Cathedral of the Good Shepherd and Concha Beach, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of San Sebastián.
Recommended hotels in San Sebastián Centro
Antiguo
Antiguo is known for its beaches, and you can plan a trip to Ondarreta Beach and Royal Palace of Miramar while you're in town.
![Miramar Palace showing general coastal views, flowers and a coastal town](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/259000/259689-Miramar-Palace.jpg)
Recommended hotels in Antiguo
Astigarraga
Restaurants and museums are just a few things travelers like about Astigarraga. A stop by Sagardoetxea is also recommended if you've got time to explore the area.
Recommended hotels in Astigarraga
Best Neighborhoods for Culture
As any Basque person will tell you, the region has a culture, history, and language very distinct from the rest of Spain. Get an introduction to Basque culture by booking a hotel in the Old Town, which combines classic European charm with Basque museums and views from Mount Urgull. Discover authentic Basque lifestyle with accommodation in residential Amara, also good for families. The newly revitalized Egia neighborhood, a 20-minute walk from the city center, has recently repurposed several beautiful old factories into cultural centers.
![Old Town which includes street scenes as well as a small group of people](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/259000/259751-Old-Town-Basque.jpg)
Old Town San Sebastian
Unique features of Old Town San Sebastian include the historic sites and bars. Make a stop by Basilica of Saint Mary of the Chorus or Plaza de La Constitucion while you're exploring the area.
Recommended hotels in Old Town San Sebastian
Egia
Bars, river views, and historic sites are some highlights of Egia. Make a stop by Tabakalera Donostia or Cristina Enea Park while you're exploring.
![Photo "Egia" by Tommie Hansen (CC BY) / Cropped from original](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/3/1db0dcc022d8e4d0cd705f2273f7e4f3.jpg)
Recommended hotels in Egia
Where to Stay near the Beach
San Sebastian is renowned both for its waves and its beach culture. The center of it all is in Gros, a laid-back neighborhood renowned for its surfing conditions as well as its arts and food. If basking on a beach is more appealing than riding the waves, stay in a hotel in La Concha, the area near the city's most famous fine sand beach, with a promenade perfect for people-watching. Combine history and beaches by getting a hotel in Hondarribia, about 30 minutes' drive from San Sebastian, where the old town is steps from the sea.
![San Ignacio Church which includes a church or cathedral and heritage architecture](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/259000/259743-Gros.jpg)
Gros
Travelers come to Gros for its beaches, and you can see top attractions like Kursaal Congress Centre and Auditorium and Zurriola Beach while you're in town.
Recommended hotels in Gros
Hondarribia
Historic sites, bars, and waterfront views highlight some of the noteworthy features of Hondarribia. Make a stop by Plaza Gipuzkoa or Hondarribia Beach while you're exploring the neighborhood.
![Plaza Gipuzkoa which includes flowers, heritage architecture and a park](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/259000/259387-Hondarribia.jpg)
Recommended hotels in Hondarribia
The most popular accommodation types
More Hotel Options in San Sebastián
- Beach Hotels (195)
- Non-Smoking Hotels (151)
- Family Hotels (113)
- Hotels with Restaurants (107)
- Hotels with Balconies (103)
- Hotels with Laundry Facilities (84)
- Hotels with Air Conditioning (82)
- Historic Hotels (80)
- Hotels & Resorts for Couples (70)
- Hotels with Bars (65)
- Hotels with Free Parking (52)
- Business Hotels (45)
- Casinos (44)
- Hotels on the Lake (44)
- Hotels with a View (37)
- Cheap Hotels (30)
- Romantic Hotels (28)
- Pet-friendly Hotels (27)
- Boutique Hotels (14)
- Hotels with a Pool (14)