Discover San Sebastian

Essential Sights

San Sebastián aquarium

Inaugurated in 1928, San Sebastian Aquarium was the first natural science museum in Spain and now is deemed as one of the best oceanariums in Europe. It’s divided into three sections, the oceanario, thematic aquariums, and tactile aquariums. Whilst aquariums can sometimes be deemed more suitable for children, the oceanario will prove otherwise. With a 360° view offered by a tunnel running through a pool measuring 30 by 16 metres, it’s a truly stunning sight no matter your age!Thematic aquariums focus on individual species and their habitats, while the tactile aquariums are exactly as they sound - perfect for the little ones to interact with creatures of the sea, such as starfish and sea urchins. With the aim of trying to increase awareness on environmental issues, San Sebastian aquarium hopes to do more than just provide a pretty day out for its visitors.

San Telmo Museoa

The San Telmo Museoa is the oldest in the Basque Country, with a great focus on preserving, completing, and increasing collections to help protect the heritage of the area. It plays host to a variety of permanent and temporary exhibitions which are well worth a visit, including paintings by El Greco, Alonso Cano, and Rubens. Its permanent exhibits covers the history, social changes, technology, and art about the area, while its temporary displays touch on broader topics such as language and wildlife. General entry ticket prices are 6,00€ and a range of discounts are available which are worth checking before your visit. So if you enjoy getting absorbed in local culture, then this should definitely be on your list of places to visit!

Guggenheim Bilbao

If nothing else, the Guggenheim Bilbao in an amazing sight in itself. Its entrancing swooping design could rival that of the Sydney Opera House, and come night or day, its structure adds something spectacular to the skyline over the Ria de Bilbao. The collections within the museum are constantly refreshing to display contemporary works of art including paintings, sculptures and other unusual exhibits. Whilst this attraction is a must for anyone artistically inclined, it makes an interesting day out for pretty much anyone due to the number of curiosities that can be found here.

With prices around 10€ (this can change depending on how many of you there are), it’s a pretty reasonably priced day out considering how much there is to see. It’s also worth checking the current temporary exhibitions and what’s coming up so you can time your visit with your interests. If you’ve got little ones who might just zoom their way through the exhibits, there are also a wide variety of activities including workshops for them to get involved with, which you can check out here. You may even find the next Picasso among you!

Monte Igueldo

Whilst there are many different places to go walking in San Sebastian, especially when it comes to mountains, there isn’t anything quite like Monte Igueldo. Not only does it offer an impressive view of Donostia-San Sebastian with a serving of pintxos to boot, but it has a whole amusement park to explore. Yes, an amusement park, on top of a mountain, whatever next! Ride up Monte Igueldo in the wooden carriages of the Funicular (steps are available for the more energetic of you) and get stuck into a range of activities that are fun for the whole family. Experience the mini roller coasters, terror house, labyrinth, and fairground rides such as a carousel and bumper cars, to name a few. A return ticket on the Funicular is 3,75€ per adult, 2,50€ per child, and then attractions vary in price. So whether you fancy trying your hand in the arcades or taking in the view, it can provide anyone with a day’s worth of fun!