Shopping · San Sebastián · Spain
Shopping in San Sebastián
Shopping streets, markets and souvenirs worth the suitcase space.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Spike, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
Shopping is concentrated in the flat streets of Centro, with Spanish and international chains alongside long-standing local shops, while the Parte Vieja has delicatessens and Basque food and craft stores. Best souvenirs: Preserved anchovies and tuna, Idiazabal cheese and Txakoli.
Key facts
- Shopping areas
- 3
- Markets
- 2
- Top souvenir
- Preserved anchovies and tuna
Where to shop
Centro (Calle San Martín, Avenida de la Libertad, Calle Loiola)
The main shopping grid behind La Concha, with fashion chains, bookshops and the San Martín market.
Parte Vieja
Delicatessens selling preserved anchovies, Idiazabal cheese and txakoli, plus shops selling Basque textiles and souvenirs.
Gros
Surf shops, independent boutiques and design stores close to Zurriola beach.
Markets
La Bretxa
The old-town market with fish, meat, cheese and vegetable stalls in the lower level and produce sellers outside.
San Martín market
A modern market building in Centro with fishmongers, butchers, cheese stalls and a supermarket.
What to buy
Preserved anchovies and tuna
Cantabrian anchovies and bonito ventresca in oil, sold in tins and jars at delicatessens and markets.
Idiazabal cheese
Vacuum-packed wedges of the smoky Basque sheep's cheese travel well.
Txakoli
Bottles from Getaria producers, sold in wine shops and delicatessens.
Txapela
The traditional Basque beret, still made by local hatters.
Pastel vasco
Basque custard or cherry-filled cake, sold in bakeries and pastry shops.
Food and drink to take home
Edible souvenirs travel best when they are dry or sealed: consider Gilda, Burnt Basque cheesecake, Txakoli and Basque cider. On the counter of almost every Parte Vieja bar; old-school bars on Calle 31 de Agosto and Calle Fermín Calbetón keep the classic version. Check your home country's rules on bringing food and drink back.
Shopping by neighbourhood
| Area | Price level | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Parte Vieja | $$$ | Old-town grid of pintxo bars, churches and the Bretxa market under Monte Urgull |
| Centro | $$$$ | Belle-époque blocks, the Buen Pastor cathedral and shopping streets behind La Concha |
| Gros | $$$ | Surf beach, local pintxo bars and the Kursaal cubes across the Urumea |
| Amara | $$ | Modern residential district by the Urumea, the bus station and Anoeta stadium |
| Egia | $$ | Former working district around Tabakalera, the train station and Cristina Enea park |
Paying and bargaining
Prices are in EUR. Tipping is not expected in pintxo bars; locals may leave small change. In sit-down restaurants, rounding up or leaving about 5–10% for good service is appreciated but optional.
- Use a Mugi card or contactless payment rather than buying single cash fares on buses.
When to shop
Shops and markets are quietest in November–March; the busiest months are July–August.
- July: Jazzaldia — international jazz festival with free open-air concerts (usually late July)
- August: Semana Grande (Aste Nagusia) — city festival with an international fireworks contest (usually mid-August)
- August: Quincena Musical — classical music festival (August)
- September: San Sebastián International Film Festival (usually late September)
- December: Santo Tomás fair — farmers' market with txistorra sausage stalls (21 December)
Staying near the shops
$$$$ · Best for first-timers, shopping, families and luxury
Centro
Belle-époque blocks, the Buen Pastor cathedral and shopping streets behind La Concha
Questions travellers ask
+What should I buy in San Sebastián?
Preserved anchovies and tuna, Idiazabal cheese, Txakoli and Txapela.
+Where is the best shopping in San Sebastián?
Centro (Calle San Martín, Avenida de la Libertad, Calle Loiola): The main shopping grid behind La Concha, with fashion chains, bookshops and the San Martín market.
+What are the best markets in San Sebastián?
La Bretxa and San Martín market.