Things to Do in San Sebastián: Curated Luxury Experiences

San Sebastián is where Spanish elegance meets Basque tradition—an enclave of golden beaches, belle époque architecture, and some of Europe’s most celebrated cuisine. Located in the heart of the Basque Country in northern Spain, this coastal city offers a refined rhythm of experiences shaped by tradition and elevated by exclusivity. For travelers who value taste, craftsmanship, and meaningful indulgence, San Sebastián delivers a distinctive blend of culture, food, and design.

Whether you're strolling past neoclassical façades or savoring a curated tasting menu, each moment here is layered with local nuance and thoughtful detail. Below, we’ve curated a selection of elevated experiences for your luxury trip to San Sebastián—each one crafted with insider access and deep regional roots.

Use this guide alongside our full San Sebastián Travel Guide and curated San Sebastián Experiences for essential insights on where to stay, eat, and explore.

Exclusive VIP Experiences in San Sebastián

Close-up of gourmet pintxos with cheese and vegetables at a traditional bar in San Sebastián

Private Pintxos Crawl with a Local Gastronomic Expert

Estimated Duration: 3 hours

Explore San Sebastián’s old town with a local culinary insider who knows which pintxo bars are worth the hype—and which are still off the tourist radar. Enjoy curated pairings of small bites and local txakoli wine, with personal introductions to chefs and bar owners along the way.

Explore more in our San Sebastián Cuisine Guide.

Artistic dish served at Arzak, a three-star Michelin restaurant in San Sebastián

Chef’s Table Dining at a Michelin-Starred Restaurant

Estimated Duration: 3–4 hours

San Sebastián holds one of the highest concentrations of Michelin stars per square mile in the world. Avelia can secure preferred reservations—or private dining arrangements—at exclusive spots like Arzak, Akelarre, or Martín Berasategui. Expect intricate tasting menus, seasonal local ingredients, and elevated hospitality in intimate settings.

White sailboat in front of Santa Clara Island in La Concha Bay, San Sebastián

Private Sailing Excursion along La Concha Bay

Estimated Duration: 2–3 hours

Charter a luxury sailboat or motor yacht to explore the coast from a privileged vantage point. Cruise past the Urgull and Igueldo hills, toast with champagne near Santa Clara Island, or anchor for a bespoke onboard picnic. Ideal for honeymooners or small groups looking to elevate a sunny afternoon with style.

Colorful display of fruits and vegetables at a local market in San Sebastián

Market Tour & Cooking Class in a Private Villa

Estimated Duration: 4–5 hours

Start with a guided visit to the Mercado de la Bretxa, where top chefs shop daily. Then head to a private villa in the countryside for a hands-on Basque cooking session—anchovies in vinegar, bacalao pil-pil, or seasonal marmitako. Finish with a relaxed lunch on a sun-soaked terrace, wine pairings included.

View of Miramar Palace and manicured lawns in San Sebastián

Exclusive Architecture Tour with a Local Historian

Estimated Duration: 2.5 hours

Take a closer look at San Sebastián’s elegant belle époque architecture, with insights into the city’s transformation from royal retreat to cultural capital. This private walking tour covers iconic spots like the Miramar Palace, the Victoria Eugenia Theatre, and the ornate façades of the Avenida de la Libertad—with access to private courtyards and lesser-known interiors along the way.

Tranquil spa setting at Hotel María Cristina in San Sebastián

Spa & Wellness Afternoon at a Five-Star Hotel

Estimated Duration: 2–3 hours

Unwind with thermal circuits, sea-view jacuzzis, and signature treatments using locally sourced botanicals. Avelia guests can enjoy preferred access to spa facilities at select luxury hotels like Hotel María Cristina or Lasala Plaza Hotel. We can also arrange in-suite massages or private wellness sessions overlooking La Concha Bay.

Explore top accommodations in our San Sebastián Hotel Reviews.

Coastal view of Getaria with harbor and historic townscape in the background

Day Trip to Getaria: Wine, Fishing Heritage & Balenciaga

Estimated Duration: 5–6 hours

A short coastal drive leads to Getaria—home to txakoli vineyards, grilled seafood, and the Cristóbal Balenciaga Museum. Visit a family-run bodega for a tasting and tour, walk the harbor where fishing boats still land the daily catch, and enjoy lunch overlooking the Atlantic.

Interested in wine travel? Discover more through our curated experiences our page Spain’s most iconic wine regions.

Nighttime view of La Concha Bay with fireworks and concert crowd during San Sebastián festival

Day Trip to La Rioja: Vineyards, Wine Tasting & Medieval Villages

Estimated Duration: Full Day (8–10 hours)

Venture from San Sebastián into La Rioja, Spain’s premier wine region. Explore rolling vineyards, enjoy private tastings at top Rioja wineries, and stroll through charming towns like Laguardia or Haro. Ideal for wine lovers seeking world-class Tempranillo, architectural wineries, and local gastronomy.

Planning a wine-focused trip? Explore our curated guides to the La Rioja Wine Region and Wine Tasting in Rioja.

Guests toasting during a red wine tasting in La Rioja, Spain

Seasonal Insider Events (Festivals, Cinema, Music)

Estimated Duration: Varies

From VIP access to San Sebastián International Film Festival screenings to private boxes during classical concerts, Avelia provides custom access to cultural events throughout the year. Our on-the-ground partners keep you in the loop on seasonal highlights worth weaving into your travel dates.

Plan your timing with our Best Time to Visit Spain guide.

More Guides to San Sebastián

Enhance your trip planning with our full set of San Sebastián travel resources:

Premium VIP Things to Do in Spain

Known for its cuisine and coastal charm, San Sebastián is the ideal base for exclusive Spanish travel experiences.

Start Planning Your Luxury San Sebastián Experience

From private pintxos tours and chef’s table dining to coastal sailing and exclusive architecture walks, Avelia will design your San Sebastián trip around your passions—culinary, cultural, or coastal. Fill out the form below, and a dedicated travel specialist will reach out within 24 hours to begin crafting your personalized itinerary.