The 10 best free attractions in Donostia - San Sebastian

Better than expected with some great displays and some a bit baffling. A big variety and an important insight into the history of the Basque people and culture. Perfect for a rainy day. Wish we'd booked a tour in English to get more out of the experience. It was free the day we visited. We would have not visited for €10 each as there was not enough information for non Spanish speakers. It is tiring to translate.

Such a cool museum! It was a great way to learn about Basque culture, and I was impressed to find a large collections of art as well as many informative exhibits about Basque history. The building itself is incredible! Plus they had an awesome temporary exhibit about flora and textiles.

Very interesting museum, was glad to learn more about the history of the Basque Country in the context of the Spanish Civil War. The old church is outstanding! However I think the history had a clear left wing bias in terms of cultural/political changes in more modern times, and should be more neutral.

San Telmo is like stepping into a living storybook of Basque culture! The moment you walk through that stunning 16th-century convent, you’re hit with this incredible blend of ancient vibes and modern flair. Those massive Sert murals in the old church? Jaw-dropping. I spent hours soaking in the history, from prehistoric artifacts to sleek modern designs, and still felt like I barely scratched the surface. A quirky tidbit: the museum’s new wing is covered in 3,500 recycled aluminum sheets with moss growing through them, blending right into Monte Urgull like it’s part of the mountain! Tickets are €6, but go on a Tuesday for free entry just get there early to avoid the crowd. Bring a phone for the audio guide; not everything’s in English, and it really brings the exhibits to life. Don’t skip the Zazpi café for a quick pintxo break it’s a gem

A good introduction into the history of the Basque country. The museum is a good balance between history, culture and art. The chapel is a "must see" in the city. A good value for money alternative in the city, particularly for families, since people under 25yrs enter free.

We went on a Tuesday, the locals recommended us since it is free on Tuesdays. It was amazing, even if we had to pay, it would have been so worth it! They have a lot of information, you travel through time from the beginning till modern days, there are a lot of videos and mini films for each station, a lot of interactive stations as well. Not the typical boring museum, it is filled with stories, truly exciting! I would recommend it to anyone staying at Donostia! Must-visit place!

Really interesting museum, both the building and the exhibitions. Not very crowded which gives you plenty of time to check the exhibits.

Outstanding exhibitions and engaging public programs — all with free admission! For the best experience, plan your visit later in the day. Don’t miss the terrace for stunning views of Donostia. 🔴 Note: Exhibitions are closed from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

Interesting place. What I love more was the free toddlers corner. Combined with a walk in the nearby park. Was great

Nice place to walk around, interesting exhibitions, nice terrace view. Wasn’t overcrowded.

Fantastic cultural center with great exhibitions right next to the train station. And it’s completely free! When I came they had several different events including a science exhibition

This was the coolest places I,ve been to in a long time! The media lab felt like a utopia. Great food in the restaurant as well. I would definitely recommend - the entrance is free :)

Really lovely cultural center with a fantastic library, coworking space, and more. Great spot on the weekends for family programming. The coffee shop and café on the first floor are terrific, too.

Amazing multidisciplinary cultural space (former tabacco factory), all the exhibitions are for free, great view from the terrace on the 5th floor. Nice music playing both at the restaurant- bar on the 5th floor and at the restaurant- bar at the ground floor. Saw an exhibition dedicated to Emma Kunz. Must visit!

Beautiful place for various viewpoints. A must visit place if you are visiting San Sebastian. Please do go for the rollercoaster and water ride to enjoy them along with the mesmerizing views.

Due to the amusement parks located here one might easily get the impression that a trip here would only be worthwhile for families. But that couldn't be further from the truth: the breathtaking panoramic view of the bay and beaches of San Sebastian is almost unique in Europe. When it's very hot the mountain railway takes you to the top in no time and waiting times are kept to a minimum. At the top there is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a short boat trip on artificial water channels. Experiencing the city from a bird's eye view is simply a must for every visitor.

Absolutely stunning place to spend a few hours in San Sebastian. The view really gives context to the whole beautiful area, I don’t know how you could take a bad shot. You take the funicular up to this spot. All the games and attractions were closed when we were there, but the restaurant had a limited menu and there was an ice cream snack shop open as well. You don’t need more than an hour or so if the attractions aren’t open unless you want to spend a few hours at the café gazing out.

Fantastic views. Took the funicular up and down. We visited out of season, end of September so no waiting. High season I’d expect a lot more people, especially small children going for the amusement park which was closed during our visit.

Definitely worth the climb to the top of the tower we took the funicular railway to the amusement park and then paid the €3 to go to the top of the tower. The views are spectacular.

Excellent views over San Sebastian and lovely area to stroll around and enjoy the various attractions in a quaint amusement park. Plenty of seating around to also rest on a warm day. €4 to travel up to it on the 100 year old funicular.

A fantastic hike up to the Monte Igueldo viewpoint in San Sebastián! The trail was beautiful, and the views from the top were absolutely incredible. Highly recommend it!

Lovely park, not accessible for baby stroller or wheelchair everywhere but still one can enjoy. Very nice playground for babies

Fantastic park with variety of plants, trees and flowers. There are many birds, small lakes with ducks and swans. The atmosphere is relaxed and it's near the city.

Very nice little park just off the new center of San Sebastián close to the train station. The vegetation is very green, a clear indication that San Sebastián and the basque country get significantly more rain than the rest of Spain. The park is very well maintaines and clean. It is pleasant to walk along the alleys and as the park is situated on the slope so you can walk up and down the stairs as well. There are a few ponds full of aquatic birds.

Beautiful flowers and a lovely short, quiet walk to get away from the bustle of the city. Peacocks and ducks too!

The trees are beautiful giants! And the birds made it magical for my kid!

Great for a cozy stroll.

A really beautiful park with lots of special, wild animals!

KOLDO MITXELENA Kulturunea is the cultural center of the Gipuzkoa Provincial Council. Opened in 1993. Managed by the General Directorate of Culture of the Department of Culture, Cooperation, Youth and Sports.

(Translated by Google) Although there is construction going on in the main building, the alternative service at Reyes Católicos works very well with super friendly staff. Although there are few books on view due to space, many others are in a warehouse in that same office or in some other location and can be ordered. (Original) Aunque están de obras en el edificio principal, el servicio alternativo de Reyes Católicos funciona muy bien con un personal super amable. Aunque por espacio haya pocos libros a la vista, otros muchos están en un almacén de esa misma oficina o en alguna otra localización y se pueden encargar.

(Translated by Google) I'm giving it a 1 until the work is finished... who knows when that will be. 😳🤦🤦🤦 The building is very cool... let's see how it turns out. (Original) Pongo un 1 hasta que terminen las obras... ni se sabe cuando será. 😳🤦🤦🤦 El edificio es muy chulo... a ver como queda.

(Translated by Google) Great library. Currently a nice photographic exhibition of San Sebastián in the 19th century. (Original) Biblioteca genial. En la actualidad una bonita exposición fotográfica de San Sebastián en el siglo XIX.

(Translated by Google) They've been closed for too long, and they're also giving very little information about reopening. They're doing a terrible job, and they should know it. (Original) Ya es demasiado tiempo cerrado y además dan muy poca información sobre la reapertura. Lo están haciendo muy mal y que lo sepan.

(Translated by Google) Visit to the “Treaties of Peace” exhibition as part of San Sebastian 2016. Very beautiful exhibition dealing with peace through the centuries. No audio guide (but explanatory panels in French). Very informative. (Original) Visite de l'expo "Traités de Paix" dans le cadre de San Sebastian 2016. Très belle expo traitant de la paix à travers les siècles. Absence d'audio-guide (mais panneaux explicatifs en français). Très instructif.

(Translated by Google) What he promises is fulfilled. Good bookstore, good exhibition hall. It's not big but... good... (Original) Lo que promete se cumple. Buena librería, buena sala de exposiciones. No es grande pero ..buena..

Most irritating place I visited - Monte Igeldo. Fabulous view of San Sebastián, the bay and the coast - very beautiful. But all else? Why would you put a roller coaster, a carousel or boat rental for a 20sqm puddle in such a location? For kids, this terrible fun park might be 4/10 fun but every adult will just wonder how this weird and morbid place came about. Go for view, ignore the rest (or embrace it ironcally)

The Mistery River is a world class holiday experience, big highlight of our adventures in Donostia

(Translated by Google) An amusement park with wonderful viewing platforms over the city. The attractions are designed for children. The boat ride is the most worthwhile (Original) Парк аттракционов с прекрасными смотровыми площадками на город. Аттракционы рассчитаны для детей. Прогулка на лодочке - самый стоящий

(Translated by Google) Superb view of San Sébastien Bay! This amazing amusement park for small children. What can we say about this funicular in its original form? Go ahead ❤️ (Original) Superbe point de vue sur la baie de San Sébastien ! Étonnant ce parc d'attraction pour petits enfants. Que dire de ce funiculaire dans son jus. Allez y ❤️

(Translated by Google) We were aggressively verbally attacked because we went around the barrier on our bikes. We followed a recommended bike tour that went over the mountain. We were not aware that a passenger toll of 2.50 euros was charged for a brief view, especially in fog. The employee at the toll kiosk attacked us like a wild fury: she insulted us in a choleric tone, used rude swear words, made obscene gestures and even went so far as to hit the door. We have never experienced such behavior! In addition, the entire area around the hotel exudes a dilapidated, dreary charm that is more off-putting and only aimed at commercialism. Our tip: Don't visit or take the train for the view. At least you're paying for a service. (Original) Wir wurden aggressiv verbal angegriffen, weil wir mit unseren Fahrrädern die Schranke umfahren hatten. Wir folgten einer empfohlenen Radtour, die über den Berg führte. Es war uns nicht bewusst, dass für einen kurzen Ausblick, noch dazu bei Nebel, eine Personenmaut von 2,50 Euro erhoben wird. Die Mitarbeiterin am Mautkiosk ging wie eine wilde Furie auf uns los: In einem cholerischen Ton beschimpfte sie uns, bediente sich grober Schimpfwörter, zeigte obzöne Gesten und ging so weit, mit der Tür zu schlagen. So ein Verhalten haben wir noch nie erlebt! Zudem strahlt die gesamte Anlage rund um das Hotel einen verkommenen, tristen Charme aus, der mehr abschreckt und nur auf Kommerz abzielt. Unser Tipp: Nicht besuchen oder für die Aussicht lieber die Bahn nehmen. Da zahlt man wenigstens für eine Dienstleistung.

(Translated by Google) They charge you €2.50 per person at the gate without informing you anywhere, and they don't provide a ticket or receipt, so it's a completely fraudulent business. Poor information, poor access, and total abuse. Obviously, you have to pay for the rides in the park, but €2.50 per person, including children, for entering a hill WITHOUT NOTICE, isn't charged anywhere decently. (Original) Te cobran 2,50 euros por persona en la puerta sin avisarte en ningún sitio, y no entregan tiquet ni factura, así que es un negocio totalmente fraudulento. Mala información, mal acceso y abuso total. En el parque lógicamente hay que pagar las atracciones, pero 2,50 euros por persona, incluyendo niños por pasar a un monte SIN AVISAR, no lo hacen en ningún sitio decente.

(Translated by Google) The only thing worth mentioning is the view. I never give bad reviews, but it's earned it. I accept the price for parking, but the price per person seems like a rip-off. Three ice creams for €20... paid bathrooms... and so on. It's ugly. (Original) Lo único que vale son lás vistas, nunca pongo malas reseñas pero se lo ha ganado, acepto el precio por el parking, pero lo de precio por persona me parece una estafa. 3 helados 20€...los baños de pago...y así todo. Ta feo

This former castle sits a top a hill with spectacular views of the beach. The gardens surrounding this building are lovely and open to the public. The castle itself is based on a tutor manner and is now an event space open for hire to conferences, weddings, and other events. There are interesting boxes placed near the castle with information on its history and the development of the space a delightful place to sit and watch the beach and ocean beneath.

Very beautiful!!! With a one in a lifetime view on the beach 🥰🥰🥰

This was one of my favorite places. The views, the gardens, benches to sit and breath the ocean air. A path down to the concha beach promenade for a delightful long walk along the beach all the way to old town. A must do!

Happened to enjoy all these views with a beautiful blue sky 😍😍😍 The environment is very relaxing! I wasn’t able to enter the palace because I didn’t check for the tickets. But I think it’s nice to look around from the outside too!

Beautiful view, definitely worth the visit!

An elegant English made old holiday house which dates back in the 1800's. Made for the Royals of that time. Nowadays a great spot to enjoy the view from the city and the breathtaking beaches. I have not visited it inside since it was booked for a special occasion. Although, the whole garden is completely free and available to visit.

Definitely worth a visit at least to check the view from the hill the Miramar Jauregia is located, garden is beautiful and it’s for free, the visit wasn’t allowed for the indoor part when I was there. Recommend it!

I visited this park on a Saturday morning. It was peaceful. There were other people there as well. There are buildings to see, a cafe, a playground, a waterfall, a palace, walking paths, a pond, and all the beautiful plants you would expect to see at a park. I enjoyed the walk and things to see.

Beautiful park with a crypt that can be visited. The cultural centre is also really beautiful.

Came across this park by accident really and spent a lovely afternoon there. Really beautiful landscaping with a relaxed atmosphere. Great place for kids to explore with a playground and a little cafe for the adults. Well worth a visit.

Delightful park to walk, even if it's high up a hill!

Very big and beautiful park. It has man old trees, some of which are more than 1000 years. It has a pond, a waterfall, nice benches and routes around the park. For people with kids, there is a playground and a bar.

Nice zone to walk. It has a large amount of green area and a small waterfall.

Quiet and very pleasant place. Nice for a walk. It also got a nice playground, though the kids will end up full of sand and dirt. Charmy park. I understand why Franco was coming here every summer.

Nature as I like it. Not great at the summit as very overcast, but a wonderful hike.

Few people great view.

Wonderful view, wonderful, walk through the forest, birds, igels 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Sounds, silence nature’s

Just stunning.

Panoramic view of gipuzcoa.

Always worth a visit

great place