San Sebastián with Kids: Things to Do, Monte Igueldo & Pintxos

We spent one day in San Sebastián with kids at the end of December 2019. Damian was 6 and Marc was 3. We drove in from our apartment in Hendaye, about 25 km away, parked by the seafront and walked. One day showed us the old town, La Concha and the view from Monte Igueldo, and it convinced me that two days is the right amount with children.

Here’s how we did the day, what it costs now, and where to stay without paying San Sebastián hotel prices.

Quick answers

• How long? One day works. Two is better with kids.
• Don’t miss: the Monte Igueldo funicular. It costs €5.50 adults / €2.50 children return (2026), plus €3 per person to enter the summit park.
• Best beach for kids: La Concha (calm) or Ondarreta at its western end. Zurriola is for surfers.
• Best months: September–October: mild, fewer people. We went in December and the weather was better than we expected.

Things to do in San Sebastián with kids

1. Walk the old town (Parte Vieja)

Start here, because it’s small, flat and pushchair-friendly. The narrow streets are lined with pintxo bars, and the Basilica of Santa María del Coro sits at the end of one of them: a baroque façade squeezed between houses. It stopped all of us, not just the adults. Walk out through Plaza Gipuzkoa and the Boulevard, where there was a carousel. My boys rode it twice, and it’s the thing they talked about that night.

2. La Concha beach

La Concha is the shell-shaped bay that San Sebastián is famous for. It has soft sand, calm water, and a promenade with white railings that runs from the city hall to Pico del Loro. With small children it’s the beach to choose, because the bay protects it from the Atlantic swell. In winter it’s a walk, not a swim, and still beautiful.

3. Monte Igueldo funicular

This is the classic view: red roofs, the bay, and Santa Clara island in the middle. The wooden funicular has been running since 1912, and kids love it. At the top there’s an old-fashioned amusement park. It was closed for the holidays when we went, so check the calendar if that’s what your kids are coming for, and note that rides close on rainy days.

2026 prices (official site): funicular return €5.50 adults / €2.50 children, single €4 / €1.50, plus €3 per person to enter the summit enclosure. Rides are paid individually on top. In 2019 we paid €3.75 return.

Up, look, back down: less than 45 minutes. Only half of us went up (me, my mother, my sister and Marc) while the others stayed in town. You don’t have to move a group of eight everywhere.

4. Pintxos (yes, with kids)

A pintxo is a small bite on bread, lined up on the bar so you point at what you want. It’s the easiest way to feed children in Spain: no menu, no waiting, and they choose. Bars in the old town are packed with locals at lunchtime. Go at 1 pm, before the Spanish 2 pm rush, and you’ll get space at the counter with a pushchair.

5. Zurriola beach for surf-watching

On the other side of the river, Zurriola is the surfers’ beach. With older kids or teens, this is where to book a first surf lesson. With little ones, just sit on the wall and watch.

What we didn’t do (and would next time)

• The Aquarium by the port: the obvious rainy-day plan.
• Monte Urgull: a free walk up from the old town to the castle and the big statue.
• A boat to Santa Clara island in summer.

That’s the second day I’d add.

Where to stay in San Sebastián with kids

San Sebastián hotels are among the most expensive in Spain, and I say that as someone who spent 14 years on the hotel side of the business. Family rooms are rare and sell first. You have three honest options:

• Pay for a real family room: NH Collection San Sebastián Aránzazu sells family interconnecting rooms (two 23 m² rooms for up to six), near Ondarreta beach.
• Pay for the view: Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra, right on the La Concha promenade.
• Do what we did: stay in Hendaye, just across the French border. Our apartment was 1 km from San Sebastián airport and cheaper than the city. The catch is that you drive in and pay for parking every day.

Parking in San Sebastián

We used an underground car park right by the seafront. Even in late December it was busy, so arrive before 10 am. Street parking in the centre is regulated and short-stay. For a full day, underground is the stress-free choice.

Good to know before you go

San Sebastián is one day of a longer route. See our Basque Country with kids road trip, and pair it with Zumaia in the afternoon, like we did, or Hondarribia the next morning.

Signs and menus are in Euskara first. The Basque name for the city is Donostia.

September–October is the sweet spot. May is lovely but wetter. July–August is busy and expensive.

San Sebastián with kids: FAQ

Is San Sebastián good for kids?

Yes. The old town is compact and flat, La Concha is a calm city beach, and the Monte Igueldo funicular and amusement park are made for children. Pintxo bars also make eating out with kids easy.

How many days do you need in San Sebastián with kids?

One day covers the old town, La Concha and Monte Igueldo. Two days lets you add the Aquarium, Monte Urgull and a slower beach day, which suits younger children better.

How much is the Monte Igueldo funicular?

In 2026 a return ticket costs €5.50 for adults and €2.50 for children, plus €3 per person to enter the summit park. Amusement park rides are paid separately.

Which is the best beach in San Sebastián for children?

La Concha, and Ondarreta at its western end. Both sit inside the sheltered bay and are much calmer than Zurriola, which is the surf beach.

Where should families stay in San Sebastián?

Near La Concha or Ondarreta if your budget allows; NH Collection Aránzazu has family rooms for up to six. To save money, stay in Hendaye just over the French border and drive in, which is what we did.