Livability scores

• Walkability 18 / 20
• Rail Connectivity 11 / 15
• Public Transit 8 / 10
• Affordability 7 / 15
• Safety 9 / 10
• Air Quality 9 / 10
• Quality Of Life 10 / 10
• Food Culture 5 / 5
• Car Free Practicality 8 / 5

Food guide

San Sebastián (Donostia) is famed as a Basque culinary capital, combining high-end Michelin-starred dining with a deeply rooted **pintxo** bar culture. Fresh Atlantic seafood, grilled meats, and seasonal local produce define its food identity, enjoyed in lively bars during social **txikiteo** crawls.

Signature dishes

• PintxosBasque small bites served on bread or skewers, typically enjoyed with wine during bar crawls.
• GildaClassic pintxo of olives, pickled guindilla peppers, and anchovy on a skewer, emblematic of Basque bars.
• TxuletaLarge Basque T-bone steak, usually wood-grilled and shared, showcasing local beef.
• Bacalao al pil pilSalt cod cooked with garlic and olive oil into a creamy emulsion, classic along the Basque coast.
• Carrillera de terneraSlow-braised beef cheek, often served as a rich, tender pintxo or ración.
• Pulpo a la brasaGrilled octopus, often paired with roasted potatoes or purées, common in pintxo bars.
• La Viña CheesecakeBurnt Basque-style cheesecake made famous by La Viña in the Old Town.

Where to eat

• Ganbara pintxo bar / restaurantTraditional local favorite in the Old Town, known for excellent pintxos and seasonal produce.
• La Cuchara de San Telmo pintxo barTiny, always-busy spot renowned for creative meat and foie-gras pintxos.
• Casa Urola restaurantCombines traditional Basque flavors with modern plating in Parte Vieja.
• La Viña bar / restaurantOld Town institution globally famous for its burnt Basque cheesecake.
• Bar Txepetxa pintxo barSpecializes in anchovy pintxos with inventive toppings like spider crab cream.
• La Mejillonera barCrowded, casual spot known for patatas bravas and mussel dishes near the port.

Markets & food shopping

• Mercado de La Bretxa
• Mercado de San Martín
• Mercado de Gros