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Explore the Old Town (Parte Vieja)
Getting lost in the old town is one of the most immersive ways to experience the city's vibrant culture, rich history, and world-class cuisine. Nestled between Monte Urgull and the bustling harbor, this compact and walkable neighborhood is a maze of narrow stone streets filled with life. During the day, you’ll find locals shopping at the traditional Mercado de la Bretxa, where stalls overflow with fresh seafood, seasonal produce, and regional delicacies. Historic churches like the Baroque-style Basilica of Santa María del Coro add a sense of grandeur and tradition to the winding streets.
At the heart of the Old Town lies Plaza de la Constitución, once the city’s main square and bullfighting arena. If you look closely at the balconies of the buildings surrounding the square, you’ll notice numbers painted above each one - these date back to its time as a bullring, when each balcony was rented as a viewing box for the fights.
The plaza was also rebuilt after the fire of 1813 and has since become a central meeting place for civic life and local celebrations, such as Tamborrada, the city's most famous festival held every January 20th.
Calle 31 de Agosto is the only street in the old town that survived the devastating fire of August 31, 1813. During the Napoleonic Wars, British and Portuguese troops fighting against the French laid siege to San Sebastián, which was occupied by Napoleon’s forces.
After the French surrendered, the allied forces entered the city and chaos erupted. Drunken soldiers looted and set fire to the city, destroying most of it in a single night.
Calle 31 de Agosto was miraculously spared, and today it stands as a living memorial to that tragic day. Its name commemorates the event, and the street is home to many popular pintxo bars, but also a deep sense of heritage. Every year on August 31st, the city holds a candlelit procession to honor those who suffered in the fire and to remember the near-total destruction of the Old Town.
The San Telmo Museum is another point of interest in the old town. A beautifully designed museum that explores Basque history and culture. Set in a former convent with a modern wing, it blends tradition and innovation in both content and architecture.
The Boulevard is a lively avenue that separates the Old Town from the modern city center, lined with trees, cafés, and shops. It’s a popular spot for strolling and eating ice cream. It often hosts markets, parades, and street performances.