10 Must-Do Plans for Students in Donostia / San Sebastián

Being a student in San Sebastián is a unique experience. In addition to being an ideal place to study, San Sebastián is a city that combines the sea, culture, nature, gastronomy, and a youthful atmosphere perfect for those spending their university years here.

If you’ve just settled into your university residence, or even if this isn’t your first year, there are plenty of plans for students that will allow you to enjoy Donostia in different ways.

Here are 10 activities you can do at any time of the year in Donostia / San Sebastián, many of them free or low cost, to make the most of your free time and discover (or rediscover) some of the city’s most authentic corners.

1. Visit the Peine del Viento and ascent to Mount Igeldo by funicular

If there’s a viewpoint that offers the most iconic postcard view of Donostia, it’s Monte Igeldo. Located at one end of Ondarreta Beach, it overlooks the bay with its recognizable castle-like tower and the charming vintage amusement park, which we recommend reaching via the funicular. The views from up there are breathtaking.

Very close to the funicular entrance is the Peine del Viento, Eduardo Chillida’s famous work that blends art and nature. Always with caution, visiting this spot on stormy-sea days is quite an experience.

→ The Peine del Viento is a 15-minute walk from Olarain.

2. Surf at Zurriola beach and enjoy the sunset at Sagües

On the opposite side of the city lies Zurriola beach, the favorite of surf lovers. There you can enjoy the sport on your own, take lessons, or rent a board.

Overlooking the beach, the Sagües wall is a lively meeting point for young people: students chatting, music, skaters, and people enjoying the sunset.

If you feel like walking, be sure to cross from the city center to Gros via one of the bridges over the Urumea river. It’s quite an experience.

→ If surfing is your thing, Olarain provides a safe storage area for surfboards.

3. A walk through Mount Urgull and the Old Town

Mount Urgull is one of those places where the city seems to stand still. Its tree-lined paths, the remains of old fortifications, and the viewpoints overlooking the sea make the climb worth every step.

Looking out from one of its viewpoints at the Cantabrian Sea can be a perfect plan to clear your mind and disconnect from studying.

Upon descending, you will be greeted by… Old Town – Parte Vieja, full of corners and narrow streets with history, squares with atmosphere and establishments where you can taste the local gastronomy or the sweetest and most famous desserts.

4. Pintxos route and its younger alternative: the pintxo-pote

Pintxos are part of Donostia’s culture, and going on a pintxos route with friends is almost a must for any student living here.

But if you’re looking for a more affordable plan, the pintxo-pote is the perfect alternative and a very Donostia tradition: a pintxo and a drink at a reduced price on certain days and in certain neighborhoods. It’s a fantastic way to socialize, discover new places, and find creative pintxos without spending too much.

Some of the neighborhoods where you can enjoy pintxo-pote include Gros, Amara, and El Antiguo, the latter perfect for students, as it is located next to the university campus.

→ Olarain is located in El Antiguo, a place with a lot of personality and great places for eating, dining or going out for pintxos.

5. Art, culture and cinema: student-discount plans

Donostia es una ciudad profundamente cultural. Si te interesa el arte contemporáneo, el cine en versión original o las propuestas creativas, encontrarás una gran variedad de espacios culturales con actividades pensadas para el público joven y universitario.

Centros culturales y propuestas alternativas

Donostia is a deeply cultural city. If you’re into contemporary art, original version films or creative proposals, you’ll find a wide variety of cultural spaces with activities designed for young and university audiences.

Cultural centers and alternative proposals

If you’re looking for alternative plans, the city offers dynamic cultural centers such as Tabakalera, an old tobacco factory turned into a space dedicated to contemporary art, film, creativity, and innovation. Here you can:

• Visit temporary exhibitions (many of them free).
• Explore Ubik, its creative library, with open study areas and a youthful atmosphere.
• Attend independent film cycles, talks, or cultural events.

Additionally, the city’s Casas de Cultura offer neighborhood-based activities with a varied program that includes:

• Small-format theater and shows.
• Independent cinema and films in original version.
• Creative workshops and thematic cycles.

These spaces are ideal for international students and for those seeking different cultural proposals.

→ El Antiguo neighborhood has the Lugaritz Kultur Etxea, the closest cultural center to Olarain.

University discounts and major festivals

Every week there’s something new in the city, from major events to local happenings.

You can enjoy theater in the emblematic Victoria Eugenia, attend concerts or major events at the Kursaal or visit the San Telmo Museum, which offers free entry to those under 25 and features both permanent and rotating exhibitions of great interest.

One of the great advantages for students is that many of these spaces (theaters, auditoriums and museums) offer reduced or free tickets for university students, an excellent opportunity to enjoy cultural leisure without spending too much.

In addition, San Sebastián is famous for its world-renowned festivals. Among the must-see events:

• San Sebastian International Film Festival – Zinemaldia (September)
• Jazzaldia (July): Spain’s oldest Jazz Festival, with open-air concerts and a youthful vibe
• Fantastic and Horror Film Week (October/November)
  

These festivals offer parallel activities, screenings and student-friendly ticket prices, making culture a central part of university life in San Sebastián.

6. Local events: Tamborrada, Santo Tomás, Aste Nagusia…

Living in Donostia also means immersing yourself in its traditions. Among the most popular celebrations:

• San Sebastián Day with the Tamborrada (January 20): the entire city fills with drums for 24 hours.
• Santo Tomás (December 21): a festive day with markets and traditional costumes, local gastronomy and a great atmosphere.
• Big Week / Semana Grande (August): concerts, fireworks and activities for all ages.
• Carnivals: parades, music and a youthful atmosphere in the streets.
• Caldereros (February): one of the most special celebrations of the San Sebastián winter. Carnival groups, traditional music, and parades fill the streets with color and sound.

And also, Euskal Jaiak, Regattas, August 31st… Participating in these festivities is ideal for meeting people, experiencing Basque tradition and feeling part of local life.

→ You can check all the events of the year on the Donostia Kultura website: https://www.donostiakultura.eus/es/fiestas/tablon

7. Parks and gardens for relaxation: Aiete, Cristina Enea and Miramar Palace

Donostia has many urban green areas perfect for relaxing, reading or taking a walk.

Cristina Enea. One of the city’s green lungs. Its tree-lined paths, bird-filled pond, and open spaces make it an ideal place to study outdoors.

Aiete Park. An elegant park with a small palace, ponds, and peaceful paths. Perfect for peaceful walks or finding a quiet corner after class.

Miramar Palace. With spectacular views of the bay, it’s one of the most photogenic spots in Donostia. Sitting on its grass to read or chat is a very common student pastime. Take the chance to peek at the Pico del Loro viewpoint.

Other parks recommended for students:

• Ulía Nursery Park
• Ametzagaina Park
• Plaza Gipuzkoa
• Alderdi Eder Gardens
• Memory Garden
  

→ You can find them all on the Donostia/San Sebastián city council website: https://www.donostia.eus/ataria/es/web/sare-berdea/parques

8. Cafés, libraries and other welcoming spaces

When the colder months arrive, cafés, libraries, and public spaces become the perfect refuge for students. In Donostia you’ll find many public spaces to focus or unwind:

Quiet cafés with large tables for studying, public libraries with silent rooms, cultural spaces with cozy corners for reading or working…

These are some of the recommended places:

• Tabakalera: open study areas, creative library and youthful atmosphere.
• Central Library: silent rooms and spacious areas for group work.
• Houses of Culture (Antiguo, Gros, Egia, Amara…): neighborhood libraries, workshops and activities.
• Municipal study rooms, perfect for exam periods.

9. Walk along La Concha Bay, the Port and the Paseo Nuevo

A different plan for a relaxing day or to disconnect from university routine.

The Bay of La Concha is one of San Sebastián’s great symbols, and exploring it from end to end is a plan that never fails. You can start at the Kursaal bridge, continue along the Paseo Nuevo, where waves crashing against the rocks create a breathtaking natural spectacle, and end at the port.

It’s an easy, free walk, perfect for enjoying the sea any time of year. At the end of the Paseo Nuevo, upon reaching the port, you’ll find the Donostia Aquarium. It’s an amazing experience, even for those who live here. Its glass tunnel, surrounded by sharks and tropical fish, is one of the most photographed spots in the city.

At the other end of the port of San Sebastián, the Náutico offers a place to sit and chat, eat an ice cream, or simply gaze at the sea. And from there, the Paseo de la Concha begins with its iconic railing, which connects the Old Town with the El Antiguo neighborhood, bordering the beach.

10. Day trips to Zarautz, Hondarribia or Getaria

One of the most popular activities for San Sebastián students is exploring the surrounding area.

By train Topo or bus you can reach charming coastal towns in less than an hour and for just a few euros, perfect for strolling, having fun and disconnecting:

Zarautz, with its beautiful beach and surfer vibe, Getaria, with its fishing tradition, iconic mouse-shaped hill, and great gastronomy; Hondarribia, with one of the most beautiful old towns in the Basque Country, is one of those perfect getaways for a Saturday to expand your experience of university life.

If you are an international student…

San Sebastián is also very welcoming for those arriving from abroad. If you’re an international student in San Sebastián, these plans will help you practice the language, discover Basque culture, and make new friends.

Joining international student groups in Donostia or participating in local university events will allow you to integrate faster and live an authentic exchange experience.

→ Olarain welcomes a large number of international students, fostering a multicultural environment and helping your integration.

Coming to study in Donostia / San Sebastián? Get to know us

If you’d like to get to know us, we’d love to welcome you and show you everything Olarain has to offer. Feel free to ask us any questions or book your visit by emailing tutoria@olarain.com or calling +34 943 00 33 00.

At Olarain, we create a home where everyone feels cared for and valued. We look forward to meeting you!