Perhaps the most famous foodie city in the world, San Sebastian is nothing short of spectacular. From its dramatic coastal setting to its atmospheric old town, the city has a storybook charm, and its culinary scene is second to none. San Sebastian boasts more Michelin stars per capita than almost anywhere else, but you don’t have to splurge to find an excellent meal. Our small group food tour allows you to delve into San Sebastian’s legendary food culture with a local guide, taking you on a journey through some of its most interesting eateries and giving you a feel for what makes Basque cuisine so special.
On your 3-hour small-group food tour, you will:
- Eat your way around San Sebastian with a local guide;
- Explore the lively, modern Gros neighbourhood and the beautiful, historic Old Town;
- Try a variety of pintxos while you hear about their origins and how San Sebastian led the way in coming up with the most creative and exciting flavours;
- Get a crash course in txikiteo, the Basque art of bar hopping;
- Sample sumptuous dishes like foie gras, creamy Basque cheese and juicy Txuleta steak;
- Sip lovely local wines along the way, including Txakoli, a delightful, lightly sparkling white;
- Visit an authentic Basque cider house and taste crisp local cider straight from the barrel;
- Conclude your tour with a sweet treat at a renowned Basque bakery.
Get the low down on San Sebastian’s extraordinary food culture on a delectable walking tour that takes you from the laid-back Gros district to the enchanting streets of the Old Town. In the company of a local guide with oodles of insider knowledge, you’ll experience the city as Basques do: moving from bar to bar, savouring small bites, and raising a glass with new friends in the time-honoured ritual of txikiteo.
The evening begins in Gros, where you’ll be welcomed into lively local haunts known for inventive pintxos and a warm atmosphere. Then, once you cross the river into the historic Parte Vieja, the culinary magic only deepens. Here, beneath the elegant balconies and stone archways, you’ll discover why San Sebastian is considered one of the world’s great gastronomic capitals. From tender foie gras with mushrooms to creamy Basque cheese, delicate croquetas, and even perfectly grilled Txuleta steak, each stop brings a new highlight. Depending on the season, you might taste fantastic fresh produce or perfectly prepared local seafood, a nod to the Basque Country’s strong seafaring tradition.
Along the way, you’ll sip Txakoli, an irresistibly crisp and lightly sparkling white wine, make short work of mini glasses of beer called Zuritos, and step into a traditional sagardotegi (cider house) to taste tart Basque cider drawn straight from the barrel. The experience captures not just the bold flavours of the Basque Country but also reveals the fascinating history and culture behind it, helping you see what sets the region apart and contributes to its unique cuisine.
The tour ends on a sweet note at one of San Sebastian’s oldest bakeries, where you’ll indulge in a beloved Basque pastry, the perfect end to your voyage of discovery. More than a food tour, this is an invitation to uncover the hidden gems of San Sebastian’s culinary scene, the places visitors rarely find on their own, and to experience firsthand why this small city on the Bay of Biscay has earned such a prestigious place on the world’s gastronomic map.
Please note this activity requires a minimum of 2 guests. Should this not be met, we will contact you directly to help you get rescheduled.
