San Telmo Museum, San Sebastián

National GeographicSep 7

Basque tapas has been revered for decades and elevated to an artform in the tiny bars of this Spanish surf town.

Collections of art, photography, and archaeology.

12 things in this story

TxepetxaBarSignature pintxo is the montadito with anchovy.
San Telmo MuseumMuseumCollections of art, photography, and archaeology.
GanbaraRestaurantKnown for mini crab tartlets with soft crab meat.
La Concha BeachSightBeach promenade with palm trees and joggers.
Casa VallesRestaurantInvented the famous pintxo, the gilda.
Buen Pastor CathedralSightNeo-gothic cathedral with Spain's largest church organ.
San Martin MerkatuaMarketIndoor food market with stalls and bars.
Parte ViejaNeighborhoodOld Town with narrow streets and pintxos bars.
MuxumartinRestaurantServes contemporary pintxos amid rough-hewn brick walls.
Bar BergaraBarPioneered modern pintxos concept; serves champi con gamba.
Bar-restaurant La ViñaRestaurantMakes the best Basque burnt cheesecake.
GrosNeighborhood

Condé Nast TravelerSep 11, 2025

Our top tips for a long weekend in the Basque Country

24 things in this story

Borda BerriRestaurantOrder the "kebab," which is a melty pork rib
Bar SportBarOrder the txangurro, or crab
TxepetxaBarAll pintxos come with an anchovy
La ViñaRestaurantBirthplace of the burnt Basque cheesecake
La ConchaSightCrescent-shaped beach
City HallSightDonostiako Udalaren webgune ofiziala: tramiteak, udal zerbitzuak, herritarrentzako informazioa eta albisteak.
Monte UrgullTrailGreen space winding up to the summit
San Telmo MuseumMuseumJolastu, esploratu, aurkitu, ikertu, ikasi… Museoarekin ongi pasa!
Pukas Surf EskolaPlaceLocal surf school offering lessons
ZurriolaSightBest spot for surfing in the city
TabakaleraArts centreFormer tobacco factory turned cultural center
Parque de Alderdi EderNeighborhoodPlaza fronting the City Hall
Playa de la ZurriolaSightBeach known for its surf scene
Mercado San MartinTrailTwo floors of greengrocers and fishmongers
La PerlaPlaceSpa with circuit, saunas, and pools
Monte Igueldo Amusement ParkSightAmusement park with vintage attractions
DabadabaBarIntimate concert venue in an old warehouse
Santa Clara islandSight
Nautical ClubSight
Sagrado Corazón statueSight
Castillo de la MotaAttraction
Parque de Cristina EneaPark
Duchess of MandasPlace
FermínPlace

San Telmo Museum