Eating San Sebastian: Beyond Pintxos Tour

Eating San Sebastian: Beyond Pintxos Tour

Leave (Michelin) starry-eyed by real Basque culture
Thousands of 5 star reviews
Featured on National Geographic, Rick Steves, Lonely Planet, Fodors, Virgin

Tx's mark the spot for Spain's best food

Ages

4+

Duration

3 hours

Departs

Daily 11:00 am, 5:15 pm

Highlights

From foie gras mushrooms to zurito beer at Casa Senra, you’ll see why locals say bigger isn’t always better 😉

Follow our curated route through the city, admiring iconic historic structures that stand as relics of the “belle époque,” the boom that put San Sebastián on the map over a century ago.

Experience authentic txotx at Sidrería Beharri—where cider pours straight from the barrel! 🚰

Visit a local couple’s chic beer and wine shop, before taking part in a make-your-own-Gilda workshop: the pintxo that started it all.

End sweetly at Pastelería Otaegui, San Sebastian’s oldest bakery, tasting the original pantxineta recipe that locals have guarded jealously for over a century 🥮

Tour Description

San Sebastian’s reputation as the best food city in the world is deserved. On this walking food & wine tour, we’ll show you why.

In three hours, you’ll experience true Basque cuisine across two iconic neighborhoods: trendy Gros and the historic Old Town, where pintxos culture was born. Your local guide will introduce you to family-owned bars and world-renowned dining spots alike, each offering flavors that tell the story of Basque culinary heritage.

From perfectly paired Mosto spritz to the sweet finale of traditional pantxineta, every bite connects you to centuries of tradition. You’ll discover the sagardotegi (cider house) experience, master the art of txikiteo, and understand how locals perfected these flavors long before the world took notice.

Dietary Information

Vegetarian-friendly tours but vegan, gluten-free, or kosher options may be limited. Please share dietary restrictions upon booking for best accommodation. Note that tastings outside those catered for your needs are at your own risk. The company assumes no responsibility for any food allergies or intolerances. Guests with severe or life-threatening allergies cannot participate in this activity for their safety.

Why Eat with Us?

Expert Local Guides: Fun, knowledgeable, and English-fluent San Sebastián locals.

Milan’s Hidden Gems: Enjoy exclusive access to local favorites where you’re treated like family.

Culinary Diversity: Taste a variety of delicious dishes, and hear the stories behind the food.

Cultural Immersion: See San Sebastián through the eyes of a local.

Established Expertise: Europe’s best food tours, top-rated since 2011.

Tripadvisor Awards
"I enjoyed every minute with our native San Sebastián guide Alaia! She introduced us to delicious dishes and drinks in wonderful venues that I would not have discovered on my own. Eating Europe is the best – don’t think twice, just book it and enjoy! "
— jennylS93LL | Tripadvisor
  • Adult (From 18) From €105

  • Adolescent (13-17) From €95

  • Child (4-12) From €84

Book Now

❤️ This experience gives back.

With every booking, we donate a fresh meal via
World Central Kitchen.

Free cancellation

24 hours in advance for a full refund

Lowest Price Guarantee

Book now and save 15% off additional tours across Europe!

9 countries, 20 cities, 50+ food tours. Book now and receive a special loyalty code to save even more on future adventures.

The Flavors You'll Taste


  • Grilled mushrooms with foie gras, aioli & crusty bread
  • Queso del País (creamy local cheese and quince paste)
  • Your choice of pintxo
  • Txuleta (grilled steak)
  • Gilda pintxo
  • Padrón peppers
  • Pantxineta (puff pastry with cream & toasted almonds)
  • Zurito (local draft beer)
  • Red wine, Tinto de Verano or Kalimotxo
  • Mosto Spritz
  • Cider
  • Water

Please note that the items above are a selection of the delicious foods we often feature. Offerings may vary by day or season, but you're sure to enjoy a delightful array of local flavors!

Meeting Point

De Biteri Plaza

Donostia-San Sebastian, Gipuzkoa, Spain

Your guide will be waiting for you in front of the church, wearing our purple Eating Europe bag!

What Makes Gros and the Old Town Special

The Old Town — Parte Vieja — is the heart of San Sebastián’s legendary food culture. Its narrow streets are packed with pintxos bars where counters overflow with edible works of art — gildas, croquetas, bacalao skewers, and creations that blur the line between bar snack and haute cuisine. The ritual is sacred: wander bar to bar, point at what catches your eye, pair it with txakolí, and repeat. In a city with more Michelin stars per square metre than almost anywhere, the Old Town proves the best eating often happens standing up.

Gros, across the Urumea river, is where locals go when the Old Town feels too crowded. Its wide streets and surf-town energy centre around La Zurriola beach, and its food scene has quietly become one of the most exciting in the Basque Country. Modern pintxos bars push creative boundaries, asadores grill txuleta over open coals, and casual seafood spots serve the catch straight from the bay. Gros doesn’t need the spotlight — it just keeps cooking brilliantly and lets the food speak for itself.

What people are saying

Why Eat with Us?

#1 food and drink experience in Europe - 14 years. 500,000 Clients. 25,000 Five-Star Reviews!

Every tour is meticulously curated to showcase the very best of San Sebastian's food scene.

Exclusive access to the most legit local spots, from the famous hole in the wall to the trendy new restaurants.

Premium tours with expert guides, outstanding food, and drinks always included

Dining with Purpose

We proudly support World Central Kitchen. Every tour you book helps provide meals to communities in crisis.

Book now and save 15% off additional tours across Europe!

9 countries, 20 cities, 50+ food tours. Book now and receive a special loyalty code to save even more on future adventures.

Private tours

Looking for a private food tour? Whether you’re visiting with a group or a local craving a unique day out, we’ve got you covered!

For more details or specific requests, reach out to [email protected] or call +1 917-909-6432.

Meet Your Local San Sebastian Tour Guides

Our San Sebastián food tours are led by people who grew up in the world's greatest food city and never take it for granted. Pintxos obsessives, txakolí pourers, asador regulars, and cooks who learned at their ama's side. They take you past the famous counters and into the bars, markets, and kitchens where donostiarras actually eat — because in a city this serious about food, the best discoveries are always the ones a local shows you.

Iri
Iri
I'm from Hondarribia, a beautiful coastal town just 20 km from San Sebastián, known for its colorful houses, charming old town, and deep sense of tradition.
My favorite typical dish: Croquetas
Climb Monte Urgull at sunset, the view is stunning and it’s usually quiet. The perfect way to see the city from above
Sam
Sam
I was born in Greece, now a proud San Sebastián local after more than 6 years of living here.
My favorite dish is Txuleta, cooked medium rare...no other way!
My tip: Rent a bike and head to Zurriola Beach, perfect for a morning surf session, then grab a coffee. Best way to start the day like a true Donostiarra!
Alaia
Alaia
Basque–Mexican, I was lucky to spend every summer living with my grandmother in Gros, and swimming at Zurriola beach. Her love of food inspired me to study culinary arts at La Escuela de Luis Irizar in the Old Town (2011)
My favorite bite is the Matrimonio pintxo: the perfect union of salty anchovies and tangy white pickled boquerones.
For the food-motivated like myself, I recommend a trip to the markets. Whether it’s La Bretxa or San Martín, you’ll find a beautiful bounty of local products and maybe even be inspired to gather a few things for a spontaneous picnic.

Frequently Asked Questions

General Tour Information

Is a food tour in San Sebastian worth it?

Yes—100%. Donostia rewards insiders. Pintxo culture is fast, delicious, and wonderfully ritualized, but it can be confusing if you don’t know when to order, what to point at, or why the wine is poured from shoulder height. With a local host, you’ll glide through Old Town and Gros, tasting chef-made signatures and seasonal classics, each paired with txakoli or cider, while learning the etiquette that locals swear by. No tourist traps, no plate piling, just the best bars at the best times. It’s dinner, a masterclass in Basque culture, and a city orientation in one—premium, effortless, and worth it on night one.

What food is San Sebastian famous for?

Pintxos (the Basque cousin of tapas), line-caught anchovies, Idiazabal cheese, Atlantic cod, txuleta (Basque steak), cider, and crisp, lightly sparkling txakoli. From humble bars to Michelin temples, the city punches way above its weight.

What’s included in the price of the food tour?

All food and drinks, as well as your professional local guide are included in the price you pay for the tour. No hidden charges or upsells here.

How long are the tours?

Our San Sebastian tours range in length from 3 to 3.5 hours.

What neighborhoods or areas do the tours cover?

Each tour’s area can be found listed as its “location”, for example, Gros and Old Town!

What is the group size?

Our tours have maximum capacity of 12 guests. This ensures that our small groups are able to move unobtrusively through the neighborhoods we explore, respecting our surroundings and the locals that live in San Sebastian.

I’m traveling alone. Do you offer single tickets?

We love welcoming solo travelers! All of our tours are open to individual guests.

Food and Drink

What kind of food will we taste?

You will savor a variety of Basque and Spanish delicacies, discovering San Sebastián’s world-renowned gastronomic scene and pintxos culture. Offerings may vary by day or season, but you’re sure to enjoy a delightful array of local flavors!

Are drinks included?

Yes. All tours include drinks, and they’re always included in the price you pay.

Do the tours accommodate vegetarian or gluten-free diets?

Vegetarian-Friendly Tours but vegan, gluten-free, or kosher options may be limited. Please share dietary restrictions upon booking for best accommodation. Note that tastings outside those catered for your needs are at your own risk. The company assumes no responsibility for any food allergies or intolerances. Guests with severe or life-threatening allergies cannot participate in this activity for their safety.

For full details, guests should always refer to the specific tour page, as limitations may vary.

Are portions enough for a meal?

Yes. On each of our San Sebastian tours, you are guaranteed to eat at least the equivalent of a full meal.

Can I buy food or souvenirs at the stops?

Of course! If you would like to purchase something at one of the stops we make, you are welcome to do so yourself, or if you need assistance, you can ask your helpful guide.

Booking and Payment

How do I book?

Visit eatingeurope.com and click on the orange “Book Now” button: it’s simple as that! You will be able to choose your tour, date, time and number of guests before booking.

What forms of payment are accepted?

We accept major debit & credit card payments, iDEAL and Bancontact.

Are there discounts for children, students, or groups?

We offer discounts on tickets for adolescents and children, but unfortunately do not offer discounts on group bookings.

What is Eating Europe’s cancellation policy?

Small group tours can be cancelled and refunded up to 24 hours before tour departure. Private tours can be cancelled and fully refunded up to 7 days before tour departure. For full details, please see our cancelation policy page.

Accessibility & Safety

Are private tours suitable for all ages, including children or seniors?

We are committed to providing a great experience for all of our guests, so if you require a private tour to be suitable for children or seniors, please get in touch and we can create a bespoke experience for you.

Are the tours wheelchair/stroller accessible?

Please note that some of our tours involve areas with limited accessibility and are not wheelchair/stroller accessible. For assistance and alternative option, please contact us. We’re dedicated to providing a great experience for all our guests!

What should I wear?

There is no dress code on our tours, however it’s recommended to wear a good pair of shoes (these are walking tours, after all!) and be prepared for the elements, even though most of our stops are indoors.

Are tourists welcome in San Sebastian?

Yes. Donostiarras love their city and they’re proud to share it—especially over a good pintxo and a glass of txakoli. Join the early-evening paseo along La Concha, be respectful in bars (no shouting, no table hogging), and you’ll feel like part of the nightly ritual in no time.

Tour Experience & Expectations

Will the guide speak my language?

Our guides are all fluent in English, and of course speak Spanish and Basque as well. For requests for tours in other languages, please contact us.

Can I take photos during the tour?

Yes! You are welcome to take photos and videos of the food and scenery throughout your tour. If you would explicitly like to get photos of fellow guests or your guide, we kindly ask that you get their permission first.

Do I need to tip the guide?

Tips for our lovely guides are not required, but they are appreciated!

Will we visit the same places as other tours?

No. While some tours may have one or two stops which other groups visit (can’t help it if they’re popular!), Eating Europe are proud that the majority of stops on every San Sebastian tour are restaurants and vendors who work exclusively with us.

Do you offer private or custom tours?

We do! Please see the “Book a Private Tour” option or contact us, and we can arrange a private or custom San Sebastian tour to suit your specific needs.

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