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Taking food tours in San Sebastián is one of the best ways to discover Basque cuisine and the local culture.
Famous for its impressive architecture and beautiful beaches, San Sebastián, or Donostia, is also one of the top culinary cities in the world.
While in the Basque Country exploring the authentic food specialties, food tours in San Sebastian Spain helped us better understand the local food and traditions.
To help you plan your food experiences in one of the world’s culinary capitals, we’ve curated 10 of the best food tours in San Sebastian to take.
You’ll eat well In Donostia. And as they say in the Basque language “On Engin” or “enjoy your meal.”
Comparison Table of the Food Tours in San Sebastian
| San Sebastian Food Tours | Price ($USD) | Group Size | Start Time | Duration (hours) | Highlights / Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Ultimate Pintxos and Wine Tour | $144.48 | Max 8 | 6:00 pm and 6:30 pm | 3h | Best overall |
| Foodie Pintxo, Wine & Market tasting Tour | $146.08 | Max 9 | 12:00 pm and 6:30 pm | 3h | Market tastings |
| San Sebastian Pintxos Tour for Gourmets in the Old Town | $119.08 | Max 10 | 12:30 pm and 7:00 pm | 3h | Gourmet bites |
| San Sebastian Top Pintxos Private Tour | $183.96 | Private group tour | 7:00 pm | 2-3h | Private experience |
| History and flavors of San Sebastian with Lunch | $232.65 | Max 8 | 10:30 am and 5:30 pm | 4.5h | Half-day tour |
| Discover The Artisan Producers Of The Mountain | $336.53 | Max 8 | 8:00 am | 10h | Local experience |
| I travel for Food Tour in San Sebastian | $150.41 | Max 8 | 6:30 pm | 3h | Bites and sightseeing |
| Evening Pintxo Tour with Wine | $151.49 | Max 10 | 6:30 pm | 3h | Bustling bars experience |
| Chef-Led Walking Pintxo Tour of San Sebastián | $269.44 | Max 10 | 6:00 pm | 4-5h | Chef insights |
| Pintxos in San Sebastian Private Gastronomic & Cultural Adventure | $194.78 | Private group tour | 1:00 pm and 7:00 pm | 3h | Personalized experience |
AUTHENTIC FOOD QUEST TIP: Beyond food tours, learning to make Basque cuisine in a cooking class is a great way to dive into the traditional dishes and recipes. While in San Sebastian, we took this authentic Basque cooking class and learned to make four delicious traditional dishes. Get more from your San Sebastian gastronomic visit when you add a cooking class to a pintxos tour experience.
Top 10 Food Tours in San Sebastian
1. San Sebastian – The Ultimate Pintxos and Wine Tour
Our favorite and one of the most comprehensive food tours you can take in San Sebastian is this ultimate pintxos and wine tour.
With a local guide, this 3-hour pintxos culinary adventure takes you to the best bars in the Old Town for traditional and modern pintxos tastings.
You will visit six pintxo bars frequented by locals, indulging your taste buds with more than eight food tastings and five traditional drinks.
The pintxos tastings are quite diverse and feature specialties like anchovies, beef, Spanish ham, fresh seafood, and more.
Your pintxos also known as Basque tapas are accompanied by wine tastings, including local wines, cider, and more.
More than a food tour, you’ll also dive into the intriguing history of San Sebastian. You’ll visit some of the most important landmarks as you navigate your way to the best places for pintxos.
The three hours fly by quickly, and you’ll leave quite satisfied after the copious tastings.
The best food tours effortlessly combine local insights with authentic food and wine tastings. This ultimate pintxos food and wine walking tour is one of our highly recommended tours to take in San Sebastián.
Cost: $144.48 per person
Time and Length of Tour: Approximately 3 hours. Tour starts at 6:00 pm and 6:30 pm
Group Style: Small group tour of a maximum of 8 people
READ MORE: Pintxos Paradise: The Most Epic San Sebastian Pintxos Tour To Take
2. San Sebastian Foodie Pintxo, Wine & Market Tasting Tour
Combine a pintxos tasting with a local market visit on this evening tour in San Sebastian.
This 3-hour pintxos, wine, and market tasting tour with a Basque guide helps you discover the culinary scene through the eyes of a local.
At the city’s main market, the Mercado de la Bretxa, you’ll taste local delicacies like olives, olive oil, local cheeses, Spanish ham, and more.
This tasting tour stops at four pintxos bars for delicious tastings enough for a full dinner. Each of the tapas is complemented by traditional local beverages including wines and Basque cider.
Visits to San Sebastian landmarks are also a part of the experience. You’ll visit iconic places like the Basilica, theater, and others.
One of the best parts of any food tour experience is the dessert. A surprising and indulgent local dessert will end your San Sebastian food tour experience.
If you are looking to add a local market visit to your experience, this is one of the best food tours in San Sebastian to take.
Cost: $146.08 per person
Time and Length of Tour: Approximately 3 hours. Tour starts at 12:00 pm and 6:30 pm
Group Style: Small group tour of a maximum of 9 people
3. San Sebastian Pintxos Tour for Gourmets in the Old Town
Food lovers will love this pintxos tour with a local guide in San Sebastián’s Old Town.
Designed for those looking for the best pintxos experience this guided 3-hour San Sebastian pintxos tour for gourmets is ideal.
Taking the guesswork out of the myriad of choices, your local guide will take you to five of the most famous pintxo bars while avoiding tourist traps.
You will enjoy seven different pintxo tastings, from appetizers to desserts.
The menu features a large array of specialties, like Basque chorizo, Gilda, grilled baby squid, grilled beef sirloin steak, and more.
The beverages on this tour are also broad, highlighting authentic Spanish wines, like Rioja, Txakolí, or cider.
You have the choice of a lunchtime family-friendly pintxos tour or an evening tour to experience San Sebastian’s nightlife.
Whichever option you select, you’ll have unforgettable gastronomic experiences on this food tour in San Sebastian.
Cost: $119.03 per person
Time and Length of Tour: Approximately 3 hours. Tour starts at 12:30 pm or 7:00 pm
Group Style: Small group tour of a maximum of 10 people
4. San Sebastian Top Pintxos Private Tour
Named a European Capital of Culture in 2016, the beautiful town of San Sebastian offers a rich Basque heritage and gastronomy worth exploring on a private tour.
This San Sebastian top pintxos private tour takes you on a 2 to 3-hour Basque tapas tour through San Sebastian’s Old Town.
On this private tour, you will eat up to five different pintxos paired with a Spanish wine tasting, beers, or soft drinks.
You will learn about the history of the city from your private guide as you hop from one pintxos bar to the other.
Stops for picturesque views of the Old Town and La Concha, one of the best urban beaches in the world are also included.
With the undivided attention of your local guide, it will feel like a food tour in San Sebastian with a friend.
Learn more about Basque cuisine and San Sebastian on this top pintxos private food and walking tour.
Cost: $183.96 per person
Time and Length of Tour: Approximately 2-3 hours. Tour starts at 7:00 pm
Group Style: Private group tour
5. History and Flavors of San Sebastian With Lunch
Having a knowledgeable guide while exploring the San Sebastián food scene is the best way to savor an authentic experience.
This history and flavors of San Sebastian with lunch tour is a 4.5-hour culinary journey exploring the best pintxos and Basque cuisine.
Going off the beaten path, you will stop at the best locally frequented eateries in San Sebastian.
You will also visit and learn about the Old Town’s famous attractions from your enthusiastic guide.
Each pintxos bar will greet you with its most unique specialties which you’ll savor along with wine tastings.
Expect to taste a wide variety of pintxos, ranging from seafood to meat flavors, vegetables, and egg-based delightful bites.
Learning about Basque culture extends into the traditional beverages you’ll taste. You’ll learn about the rich heritage of Basque Cider as well as local sparkling wines and famous red wines.
This food tour also has an evening option if you want to discover San Sebastián at sunset.
For the perfect blend of history and local gastronomy, this is one of the best food tours in San Sebastian to take.
Cost: $232.65 per person
Time and Length of Tour: Approximately 4.5 hours. Tour starts at 10:30 am and 5:30 pm
Group Style: Small group tour of a maximum of 8 people
6. Discover the Artisan Producers of the Mountain
Go beyond San Sebastian’s Old Town and discover the rural life outside of the city.
This full-day tour takes you to discover the artisan producers of the mountains right in the heart of Basque Country.
With transportation provided, you’ll spend about 10 hours on a guided tour visiting a variety of traditional artisans.
You will visit two farmhouses and artisan producers of cheese, wine, and fruits where you’ll enjoy a variety of tastings.
This gastronomy experience also includes a cooking class experience. At a gastronomic society, you will make an amazing traditional meal consisting of starters, a main course, and a dessert.
Learn the secrets of Basque cuisine with this one-of-a-kind gastronomic experience that starts with the local producers and ends with a cooking class.
Cost: $336.53 per person
Time and Length of Tour: Approximately 10 hours. Tour starts at 8:00 am
Group Style: Small group tour of a maximum of 8 people
7. I Travel for Food Tour in San Sebastian
Savor the gastronomic scene that has made San Sebastian world-famous while visiting iconic landmarks.
This 3-hour food tour in San Sebastian with a local guide takes you to the hidden gems for the best pintxos experiences.
Avoiding popular tourist spots, you’ll visit the best bars in two different neighborhoods and enjoy tastings at five different spots.
In addition to the exquisite bite-sized snacks and local drinks, this tour also dives into San Sebastian’s history and culture.
Your knowledgeable guide will also share the best highly recommended places to visit on your own including tips about the do’s and don’ts for your trip.
This fun experience is a great way to learn about San Sebastián’s history and taste delicious pintxos while in Spain.
Cost: $150.41 per person
Time and Length of Tour: Approximately 3 hours. Tour starts at 6:30 pm
Group Style: Small group tour of a maximum of 8 people
8. San Sebastian Evening Pintxo Tour – Mimo Bite the Experience
Bite into San Sebastian on a gastronomic tour of the Parte Vieja or Old Town.
This 3-hour evening pintxo tour takes you to six pintxos bars for exquisite pintxos paired with local wines.
At each pintxos bar you’ll savor one or two pintxo samples paired with red or white wine tastings or delicious local cider.
As you make your way from bar to bar, you’ll also learn about Basque food and the local culture.
Depending on your schedule, there is also a pintxos lunch tour option available. It’s also three hours in length with enough tastings for a full lunch.
This pintxos tour in San Sebastian offers a fun way to bite into the amazing local culinary culture.
Cost: $151.49 per person
Time and Length of Tour: Approximately 3 hours. Tour starts at 6:30 pm
Group Style: Small group tour of a maximum of 10 people
9. Chef-Led Walking Pintxos Tour of San Sebastián
One great way to discover San Sebastián’s best food spots is to have a professional chef guide you.
This chef-led walking pintxo tour of San Sebastián guarantees a high-quality food experience with the best tastes of the city.
For between 4 to 5 hours, you will eat your way through the narrow and charming streets of San Sebastián’s Old Town.
You will stop at five pintxo bars, where you will sample from a large selection of Basque tapas, Spanish wine, and other local beverages.
In your intimate small group, you’ll learn the secrets of Basque gastronomy from your professional chef guide.
You’ll also get professional insights and advice based on your dietary preferences to help you enjoy a wonderful culinary experience for the rest of your trip.
One unique feature about this tour is that you will receive by email a few classic Basque recipes.
This way, you can recreate some of your Spanish and Basque dishes at home.
This one-of-a-kind chef-led pintxos tour is highly recommended for those looking for expert knowledge about Basque cooking and cuisine.
Cost: $269.44 per person
Time and Length of Tour: Approximately 4-5 hours. Tour starts at 6:00 pm
Group Style: Small group tour of a maximum of 10 people
READ MORE: San Sebastian Food Guide: 12 Must-Try Basque Dishes And Culinary Experiences
10. Pintxos in San Sebastian Private Gastronomic & Cultural Adventure
Going on private food tours in San Sebastian ensures a personalized experience that matches your tastes and preferences.
This pintxos in San Sebastian private gastronomic and cultural adventure takes you on a fascinating pintxos and Basque culture experience.
On this 3-hour journey with transportation, you’ll learn the secrets of this culinary icon of the Basque Country.
Your knowledgeable guide will take you to the best places in town, from famous attractions to the hottest eateries.
This tour’s tasting itinerary covers five pintxos and five traditional drink tastings.
Everything happens in the traditional “Txikiteo” way. This refers to the local custom of going from bar to bar, eating pintxos, and drinking light alcoholic drinks.
Everything is done while standing up, encouraging people to socialize and make new friends.
You’ll leave with a new friend in San Sebastian or Donostia and a richer understanding of the Basque heritage and cuisine.
Cost: $194.78 per person
Time and Length of Tour: Approximately 3 hours. Tour starts at 1:00 pm and 7:00 pm
Group Style: Private group tour
READ RELATED: If your travels take you to Costa Brava, consider taking a food tour. See our review of The Ultimate Girona Food Tour To Indulge in The City’s Finest Gastronomy
What to Consider When Choosing a Food Tour in San Sebastian Spain
Even though food tours in San Sebastián Spain may appear similar, the experiences offered are all different.
As you plan your San Sebastián gastronomic adventure, here are a few things to consider.
AUTHENTIC FOOD QUEST TIP: Make your culinary travels worry-free! With the right travel insurance, you’ll enjoy a delicious experience. From medical emergencies, flight cancelations, car rental protection, or tour cancelations, a good travel insurance has got you covered. Check out our travel insurance review for food lovers to get started.
What Kind of Food Tour Experience Do You Want
Before booking your San Sebastián food tours, think about your preferences and expectations.
Do you enjoy the company of other food lovers, or would you prefer a private tour experience instead?
What time of day suits your schedule best? Some food tours in San Sebastian take place during lunch while others take place in the evenings.
Do you want to go beyond San Sebastian’s Old Town? Some tours go to different neighborhoods and some outside the city and to the mountains. Do you have a preference?
With these considerations in mind, simply pick the best San Sebastian food tours for you.
What Is Your Budget for Your San Sebastian Food Tour
Another important aspect to consider is your budget for any of these food tours in San Sebastian.
The best food tours in San Sebastián range in price from $119.08 to $336.53 per person.
However, depending on the size of your group and dates, you may be able to negotiate discounted rates.
On a positive note, all these tours have a free cancellation policy up to 24 to 72 hours before the tour.
FAQs – Food Tours in San Sebastian
What Food Is San Sebastian Known For?
Pintxos or Basque tapas is the most popular food associated with San Sebastian.
How Many Michelin Star Restaurants Are There In San Sebastian?
San Sebastian has a total of 11 restaurants with Michelin Stars, Three restaurants hold the highest distinction, with three Michelin stars each.
What time should I eat in San Sebastian?
In San Sebastian and Spain in general, meals are served on the later side. Lunch is typically between 1:30 pm and 3:30 pm, and dinner is between 8:00 pm and 11:00 pm.
How walkable is San Sebastian?
San Sebastian is a walkable city with the main attractions within a 15-20 minute radius. Although the distances aren’t great, wear comfortable shoes as some areas are hilly and have cobblestones.
Have you taken food tours in San Sebastian before? Please let us know your experience in the comments below.
Savor the Adventure!
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Claire is co-founder of Authentic Food Quest and a lover of simple and exquisite cuisine. Since 2015, with her partner, Rosemary, she has been traveling the world as a digital nomad, creating content about local food experiences.
Her advice from visiting 45 countries and more than 240 food cities has been featured in Lonely Planet, Business Insider, Honest Cooking, Food Insider, and Huffington Post. She has also co-authored three books, including one in collaboration with Costa Brava Tourism.
An ex-mechanical engineer, Claire is responsible for SEO, keeping the website running, and the fun food & travel videos on YouTube.
When Claire is not eating, she can be found running or cycling. Find out more about Authentic Food Quest