While San Sebastian’s Old Town is undeniably captivating, it can also get pretty crowded—which is why locals usually head into Centro instead for their pintxos crawls. On this pintxos tour, you’ll join your friendly foodie guide and become an honorary San Sebastian resident for the evening as you eat and drink your way across the neighborhood, experiencing a more authentic side of the Basque Country along the way. From classic pintxos to pleasant surprises most visitors will have never heard of, there’s no better part of San Sebastian to get fully immersed in what’s long been considered one of the best foodie cities in the world.
Your first pintxos bar is a relaxed neighborhood haunt, bustling with local office workers unwinding over evening drinks. Sink your teeth into the best Spanish omelet in San Sebastian and another contemporary bite, and wash it down with a zurito—a small beer that’s the perfect size to pair with pintxos.
From there, you’ll make your way to a cozy third-generation wine store, a rarity in this part of town. You’ll be welcomed by the friendly owner, who will usher your group into the private back room and pour tastings of their signature homemade blackthorn liqueur. As you enjoy your drink, your guide will share fascinating stories that will immerse you in San Sebastian’s captivating recent history and give you a better understanding of the local culture.
Next, you'll pop into one of the city's most legendary bars, renowned as the birthplace of the iconic gilda pintxo. Taste this historic bite alongside a selection of more delicious homemade pintxos, including their delectable pork chorizo. To drink, you’ll sip the Basque Country’s famously dry cider—and learn how to pour it the traditional way!
Take a moment to admire the stunning San Sebastian Cathedral as your guide leads you to your next stop, said to be the very first pintxos bar in the city. Meet the team of siblings behind the bar lovingly carrying on their grandmother’s culinary traditions and try a selection of a few favorites. Pair it with a glass of crisp txakoli wine for a quintessentially Basque experience. Your last stop is a local bar so beloved that it even inspired a famous Ibiza nightclub! Try their exquisite homemade vermouth paired with one last round of pintxos: delectable sardines on toast, a refreshing tomato salad made with locally sourced produce, and an unexpected snack paying homage to San Sebastian's maritime heritage.
Guide: English