Travel tips · San Sebastián · Spain
San Sebastián travel tips: what to know before you go
The etiquette, money and practical details that make the first day easier.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Quick answer
San Sebastián is a bilingual Basque and Spanish city with a strong local identity: street signs are in both languages, and Basque (Euskara) is widely spoken. Food is central to social life, from gastronomic societies to evening bar-hopping, and the city takes its festivals, rowing regattas and Real Sociedad football seriously.
Key facts
- Language
- Spanish and Basque
- Currency
- EUR
- Plugs
- Type C and F sockets, 230 V, 50 Hz
- Tap water
- Tap water is safe and good to drink.
- Emergency
- 112 (European emergency number)
Things to know
- Greet bar staff with 'kaixo' or 'hola' and order at the counter; there is rarely table service in pintxo bars.
- Take one or two pintxos at a time rather than piling a plate; it is polite to order hot ones and move on.
- Do not refer to the Basque Country as just 'Spain' in conversation about local identity; many people identify strongly as Basque.
- Cover up when leaving the beach; walking around town in swimwear is frowned upon.
- Keep voices down in residential streets late at night; many old-town flats are directly above the bars.
- Hotels are most expensive in July, August and film-festival week; stay in Amara, Egia or Gros, or visit in spring or late autumn, to cut costs.
Tipping
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.
Language
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Kaixo | Hello (Basque) |
| Eskerrik asko | Thank you (Basque) |
| Agur | Goodbye (Basque) |
| Topa! | Cheers! (Basque) |
| Un zurito, por favor | A small beer, please |
| La cuenta, por favor | The bill, please |
What to wear
Casual and practical: a light rain jacket is useful in any month, and smart-casual clothes suit the better restaurants.
Practical details
- Plugs and voltage
- Type C and F sockets, 230 V, 50 Hz
- Drinking water
- Tap water is safe and good to drink.
- Emergency number
- 112 (European emergency number)
- Phone and internet
- Mobile coverage is good throughout the city; EU roaming applies to European SIMs, and many bars, cafés and hotels offer free Wi-Fi.
- Time zone
- Europe/Madrid
San Sebastián is generally low-risk for visitors, but pickpockets and bag thieves work the crowded Parte Vieja bars and the beaches in summer. At Zurriola and other open beaches, rip currents can be strong; swim between the flags and respect red flags.
Entry requirements
Visa and passport rules depend on your nationality and change often. Check Spain's official government guidance and your own government's travel advice before booking.
Plan the trip
Questions travellers ask
+Do you tip in San Sebastián?
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.
+Can you drink the tap water in San Sebastián?
Tap water is safe and good to drink.
+What plugs are used in San Sebastián?
Type C and F sockets, 230 V, 50 Hz
+What language is spoken in San Sebastián?
Spanish and Basque.