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Where to stay in San Sebastian
Let’s start with the best places to stay in San Sebastian. These are:
- Old Town.
- City Center.
- Gros.
- La Concha.
- Amara.
- Egia.
Here’s a bit more information about each area, along with some hotel recommendations.
1. Old Town, the most beautiful area in the city
The Old Town is the most emblematic and visited place in San Sebastian. It is also one of the best areas to stay in San Sebastian.
The old town is located at the foot of Mount Urgull, between the Concha Bay and the Urumea River mouth. During your visit you’ll get closer to the history and culture of the city. Not to mention its exclusive pintxos, which you can find on every corner.
Enjoy a walk through its pedestrian streets while you discover some of the most iconic places in Donostia (San Sebastian). Do not miss the Church of San Vicente, Constitution Plaza and the Basilica of Santa María del Coro. The San Telmo Museum is also located in this neighborhood.
On my last trip, I stayed in this area of the city and I really enjoyed my stay. I chose Hotel Sansebay, a place I really recommend since it is very beautiful and has amazing views.
I recommend you do this free tour of San Sebastian, in which you will be able to visit, together with a guide, the attractions located in this area. Take a look at the best free tours in San Sebastian.
Best hotels in the Old Town
Here are some hotels located in this part of the city for different budgets:
- $: Pension San Jerónimo. A standard hotel that offers double and triple rooms with shared bathrooms. It is a wonderful and cheap option if you want to stay in this part of the city.
- $$: Pension Basic Confort. 2 star hotel with double rooms with private bathroom. It is very simple but you will enjoy a comfortable stay.
- $$$: Hotel Sansebay. Very nice hotel with double and family rooms, suites and apartments. Some have sea views. There is parking, bar and breakfast is served.
- $$$$: Lasala Plaza Hotel. Incredible 4-star hotel for adults only with double rooms and suites. There is a bar, restaurant, breakfast service and a terrace with beautiful views.
2. City Center, best area to stay in San Sebastian
The city center is another one of the best areas to stay in San Sebastian due to its perfect location.
If you stay in the city center, you will be surrounded by the Old Town, Gros and Playa de la Concha, which means that you can visit any of these places in just a few minutes on foot. In addition, the center is much more peaceful than the historic center.
Some of the main places to visit in San Sebastian, such as Plaza de Gipuzkoa, the Donostia City Hall, the Buen Pastor Cathedral and buildings such as the Hotel María Cristina and the Victoria Eugenia Theatre are located in the city center.
The center is also a main shopping area. In streets like Urbieta, Fuenterrabia or Getaria you will find boutiques and international brand stores.
Best hotels in the City Center
These hotels in the center of San Sebastian look very good:
- $: Regil Pension. 2-star hotel with single and double rooms with private bathrooms. It is very close to the beach. Breakfast is served.
- $$: Boulevard Donostia. Charming hotel with very nice decoration thanks to the murals in the rooms. You can choose between double rooms and studios.
- $$$: Room Mate Gorka. 4-star hotel offering double rooms and featuring a fitness center, bar, and restaurant. Breakfast is served.
- $$$: Maria Cristina a Luxury Collection Hotel. Mythical 5-star hotel on the República Argentina promenade. It offers double rooms, family rooms, and suites. There is a bar, gym, several restaurants, and private parking. Breakfast is served.
3. Gros, one of the trendiest areas
Gros is one of the most youthful and lively neighborhoods of San Sebastian. Here you can enjoy pintxos and terraces, quiet walks through Sagués, charming stores, and a great atmosphere.
Also, if you like surfing, this is definitely the best place to stay in San Sebastian for you, as here you will find the best beach in the city to practice it: Zurriola Beach.
Other places you can’t miss in Gros are Mount Ulia, the sculpture of the Dove of Peace, Plaza Cataluña, the church of San Ignacio, and a walk along Ramon María Lilí.
Best hotels in Gros
Here are hotel recommendations in Gros:
- $: Surfing Etxea. This hostel has shared dormitories and private rooms. There is also a bar and terrace. It is a great option if you are traveling alone or with friends.
- $$: Pension del Mar. Simple but very well-located lodging, near the center, offering double rooms with shared bathrooms or private bathrooms.
- $$$: Pension Ondarra. Hotel with single and double rooms with private bathrooms (no daily cleaning). There is a terrace and a small common area with a refrigerator and microwave.
- $$$$: Hotel Villa Soro. 4-star hotel with double and family rooms. There is a bar, gym, private parking, and breakfast service. It is located in a quiet, somewhat secluded area.
4. La Concha, in front of San Sebastian’s best beach
f you’re planning to spend a few days relaxing and enjoying San Sebastián, I recommend staying near Playa de la Concha, one of the best urban beaches in the world.
You can enjoy hours of sunshine, stroll along the Paseo de la Concha, and head to the Old Town for some delicious pintxos. The area is also home to plenty of green spaces just around the corner.
Even if you’re not visiting during the summer months, this is still a great area to choose for your hotel. You’ll have beautiful sea views and be close to many of the city’s top attractions.
Best hotels in La Concha
These hotels in La Concha can be a great option:
- $$: Pensión Alemana. 2-star hotel on San Martín Street with single and double rooms (with the possibility of adding extra beds).
- $$: Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra. 4-star hotel located right in front of La Concha Beach. There are double rooms, suites, and penthouses. Some have sea views. It has a bar, restaurant, private parking, and breakfast service.
- $$$: Villa Favorita Boutique Hotel. A 4-star hotel is also located in front of this famous beach in San Sebastian. They offer double rooms and suites, most of them with sea views. There is private parking, a bar, a restaurant, and breakfast is served.
5. Amara, where to stay in San Sebastian on a budget
Amara is an ideal option for those who are looking for cheap accommodation in San Sebastian.
As you already know, the city is quite expensive but by staying a little further from the center, you can save some money. It is a very quiet and not very touristy area, so it is possible to find cheaper hotels.
There aren’t many tourist attractions in this neighborhood but you will be able to enjoy many green areas and establishments frequented by locals, therefore, you will have the opportunity to experience the city in a more authentic way. To get to the center, you will only have to walk about 15 minutes.
Staying here, you will also be closer to other places, such as the Aiete Palace.
Best hotels in Amara
These are the hotels in Amara that you can consider:
- $: Pensión Amara. A standard and affordable hotel offering double, triple, and quadruple rooms. Some rooms come with private bathrooms, while others have shared bathrooms outside the room.
- $: Talo Urban Rooms. Very nice hotel with spaces decorated in a very cozy way. There are double, triple, and family rooms. It has private parking and a good terrace.
- $$: Hotel Zinema7. 4-star hotel offering single, double, and family rooms. There is a gym, bar, private parking, and breakfast service.
6. Egia, a comfortable place to stay in San Sebastian
We wrap up with the Egia neighborhood, located just behind Gros. This area offers a great mix of art, culture, leisure, and nature. You can explore Cristina Enea Park, visit the Tabakalera cultural center, and enjoy the local food at traditional bars.
One of the advantages of staying in Egia is its proximity to both the train and bus stations, making it a convenient base if you’re traveling by public transport.
Additionally, getting to the center of San Sebastián is quick and easy from Egia, just by crossing the iconic Maria Cristina Bridge.
Best hotels in Egia
These are the hotels to consider in this area of the city:
- $$: One Shot Tabakalera House. A 4-star hotel offering double rooms in various categories. The hotel features appealing decor, a fitness area, a sauna, and a breakfast service.
- $$$: Abba San Sebastián Hotel. A charming 4-star hotel with relaxing spaces, including a garden and terrace. The hotel also offers a common lounge, bar, and restaurant.
Map of the best areas to stay in San Sebastian
To make your search for accommodation in San Sebastian even easier, I have created this map where I have marked the areas and hotels (and their respective links to Booking) that I recommend:
Don’t miss my itineraries for San Sebastian in 2 days and San Sebastian in 3 days. Also, make sure to visit some of these places to see near San Sebastian.
I hope that this post on where to stay in San Sebastian has been informative and very useful when planning your trip to this Basque city.
If you have any questions, I encourage you to leave a comment or email me. Until next time, travelers!
