San Sebastian History & Highlights Walking Tour | Small Group
Description
Discover the History, Highlights & Hidden Stories of San Sebastián. Perfect for first-time visitors, this small-group walking tour helps you understand San Sebastián, not just see it. We'll explore the historic heart of the city, uncovering the people and events that shaped the city you see today. Along the way I'll bring its past to life with historic photographs and old postcards. I focus on engaging, memorable history rather than long lists of dates and names. As a Brit who's called the Basque Country home for over 20 years, I love helping English-speaking visitors discover the streets, stories and hidden corners that make this city so special. Whether it's your first day or your only day here, you'll leave with a deeper understanding of San Sebastián and ideas for what to explore next. There's plenty of time for questions, plus recommendations for pintxo bars, restaurants and places to visit afterwards. Join me for an engaging introduction to this wonderful Basque city!
Tour Options
Itinerary
We'll start the tour by discovering the origins of the city while overlooking the fabulous bay of La Concha.
Discover the origins of the iconic city hall (outside visit)
We'll move on to the old town via the port, learning about how it was in medieval times. We'll also discover the disaster of 1813, learn about the Basque language and local sports and customs.
Leaving the old town, we'll make our way to see the Kursaal convention centre (outside visit) and discover the secrets of the east of the city.
Discover the secrets of the International Film Festival with an outside visit to the Victoria Eugenia Theatre and the luxurious Maria Cristina Hotel
Experience the stunning first public park in Donostia, and discover its hidden stories.
Experience this amazing park overlooking the bay
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(29)
I’d highly recommend this walking tour as a great understanding of San Sebastián Donestia. Dave had put so much detailed preparation into the tour that it was very interesting but also full of useful Information about where to eat and how to get the best out of your time. Thanks Dave!
Thank you so much for your kind review! It was a pleasure to meet you and show you around. Thank you again for choosing my tour! Happy travels, Dave
We booked a tour on 8th August to understand more about the history and culture of San Sebastián & it did not disappoint. Dave was an exceptional guide who was very passionate and knowledgeable about his adopted home town of San Sebastián. His tour was a highlight of our stay and we would thoroughly recommend it!!!
Thank you so much for your really kind words Steve! It was a pleasure to meet you all and show you around. Thank you again for choosing my tour! Happy travels, Dave
Dave was amazing! He was so informative and knowledgeable of San Sebastián in general. He welcomed questions and explained everything in detail. The kids kept engaged as well and even had umbrellas for us when it started raining. The tour felt like we were hanging with a friend. He did not walk too fast either. Definitely recommend a tour with Dave! We left knowing so much of the beautiful city.
Thank you so much for your kind words Karen! It was a pleasure to meet your lovely family and show you all around (even in the rain!). Thank you again for choosing my tour! Happy travels, Dave
There were just two of us but our guide was not only incredibly knowledgable about his City but was also really engaging and a pleasure to be with
Thank you so much for your kind words Jack! It was a pleasure to meet you both and show you around. Thank you again for choosing my tour! Happy travels, Dave
Dave was an amazing guide for the tour covering all of the highlights. We started and ended near city hall and he was easy to find. He covered history and current events as well and was very engaging. I would highly recommend!!
Thank you so much for your kind review Shannon! It was a pleasure to meet you and show you around. Thank you again for choosing my tour! Happy travels, Dave
Great tour guide - very knowledgeable about the area and local history. Highly recommend, all of us enjoyed the experience
Thank you so much for your kind review Jack! It was a pleasure to meet you all and show you around. Thank you again for choosing my tour! Happy travels, Dave
David’s Walking Tour was one of the best ways we could have started our visit to San Sebastián. He brought the city’s history to life with fascinating stories, clear explanations, and a wonderful collection of old photographs and maps that helped us understand how Donostia has changed over time. David was friendly, engaging, and extremely knowledgeable. He answered all our questions without ever making the tour feel rushed or overloaded with information. The small-group format made the experience relaxed and personal, more like exploring the city with a knowledgeable local than attending a formal tour. We also appreciated his recommendations for pintxos, local desserts, ice cream, and places to visit afterward. They helped us make much more of the rest of our stay. We highly recommend taking this tour near the beginning of your visit. It gives you a much deeper appreciation of this beautiful city and the stories behind the streets, buildings, and landmarks you might otherwise simply walk past. Thank you, David, for a memorable and thoroughly enjoyable experience!
Thank you so much for your really kind words and detailed review! I really appreciate the feedback. It was a pleasure to share the city with you! Thank you again for choosing my tour! Happy travels, Dave
Dave provides an entertaining and detailed account of the history of San Sebastián, woven into an enjoyable 2 hour stroll around the town. Dave was excellent company, had prepared well and ensured we made the most of the time. We would heartily recommend him.
Thank you so much for your kind review Gregor! It was lovely to meet you both and show you around. Thank you again for choosing my tour! Happy travels, Dave
Dave was fantastic! Thoroughly recommend this tour - it was a great way to learn about the City and area - we would never have been able to gather all the insights that he provided on our own. Dave was friendly and extremely knowledgeable- helpful in answering all our questions. A fabulous way to get to know about San Sebastian’s rich history & culture. A must do!
Thank you so much for your kind review Nadine! It was lovely to meet you both and share the city with you. Thank you again for choosing my tour! Happy travels, Dave
An excellent tour, Dave knows a lot about the history of the area
Thank you so much for your kind review Elizabeth! It was a pleasure to meet you both and show you around (even in the rain!). Thank you again for choosing my tour! Happy travels, Dave
