Destination guides > Europe > Spain > Basque Country (Euskadi, País Vasco) & Navarre (Navarra, Nafarroa) > San Sebastián (Donostia)
San Sebastián (Donostia)
San Sebastián (Donostia in Basque) is a popular destination for backpackers. This seaside resort city has a strong Basque culture plus beaches and great atmosphere. Parte Vieja (the old town) is party central with an extremely dense concentration of bars.
Attractions in San Sebastián include the interesting Museo de San Telmo, the usual assortment of churches and spectacular views from Monte Urgull and Monte Igueldo.
Practical information
San Sebastian Tourist Information Centre
Boulevard Reina Regente s/n, San Sebastian
Tel 943 481 166
Coming & going
San Sebastián has good bus and train connections to France and destinations throughout Spain.
Most buses depart from the bus station near Plaza de Pio XII with most bus lines maintaining ticket offices nearby along Avenida de Sancho el Sabio.
San Sebastián is served by both Renfe and EuskoTren rail services. Both companies operate services to Hendaye on the French border where you can change for the French SNCF rail network.
Renfe trains depart from the main train station on Paseo de Francia on the eastern side of the river. You'll use this station if you're travelling with a rail pass or visiting destinations outside the Basque country.
EuskoTren services leave from the station at the southern end of town near the corner of Calle de Easo and Calle de Egana. EuskoTren operates services to Bilbao and Hendaye and may be worth considering if you don't have a rail pass.
Hostel accommodation
Adore Plaza
Plaza de la Constitución 6, 20003 San Sebastián
Tel 943 422 270
Alai-Berri Hostel
Calle del Triunfo 3, 20007 San Sebastián
Albergue Juvenil Olarain
Paseo de Ondarreta 24, 20018 San Sebastián
Tel 943 003 300
Albergue Juvenil Ondarreta - La Sirena
Paseo de Igeldo 25, 20008 San Sebastián
Tel 943 310 268
Albergue Juvenil Ulia-Mendi
Parque de Ulía, Pº de Ulía 299, 20013 Donostia-San Sebastián
Tel 943 320 179
Beach Palace
Paseo de Salamanca s/n, San Sebastian
Beti Anayak Guesthouse
Legazpi 8 - 1º, San Sebastian 20004
Enjoy San Sebastian - Urban House
Alameda del Boulevard 26, 20003 San Sebastián
Tel 943 005 060
Euro Hostel
Calle Salamanca, 20001 San Sebastian
Guesthouse Ongi Etorri
San Juan 8, 3º iz, 20002 San Sebastian
Tel 697 619 132
Gurtxu Hostel
Calle San juan 11, San Sebastian
Hospedaje Kati
Calle de Fermín Calbetón 5, 20003 San Sebastián
Tel 677 066 900
Hostal Olga
Sabaleta 49, San Sebastian
Tel 943 326 725
Hostival
Calzada Vieja De Ategorrieta, Ategorrietako Galtzara Zaharra, San Sebastian
Kaixo Hostel
Calle de San Juan 9, 20003 San Sebastián
Lau Buru
Calle Miramar 5, 5th floor izq, San Sebastian
New Berri Hostal
Prim 18 - 2 izq., San Sebastián
Roger's House
Calle Juan de Bilbao 13 - 3º, San Sebastian
Surf Backpackers
Calle de Narrica 23, 2 dcha, San Sebastian
Uzturre Backpackers
Boulevard 26 Entlo iz., San Sebastian
