In addition, if you stay with us at Zinema7 Hotel, you can live a unique and unforgettable experience. Each of our rooms is inspired by an actor or actress who at some point have visited the San Sebastian Festival, and has a decoration and atmosphere to pay tribute to the seventh art.

In this article, we are going to suggest some of the best things to do in San Sebastian during Easter, both inside and outside the city. We assure you that you won't get bored, and that you'll want to come back again, just like the Hollywood stars who have shone at the film festival, from Meryl Streep to Robert De Niro, through Penelope Cruz.

Let's get started!

What to do in San Sebastian: the must-see

San Sebastian is a city that captivates at first sight, for its natural beauty and architectural elegance. It has many places worth visiting, but if you have little time, we recommend that you do not miss the following:

1. La Concha Beach

It is the most famous and emblematic beach of San Sebastian, and one of the most beautiful in Europe. It has a crescent shape, and is bordered by a promenade full of palaces and gardens. It is the ideal place to sunbathe, swim, or practice water sports such as surfing or kayaking. In addition, from the end of Ondarreta you can access Mount Igueldo, where there is an amusement park with spectacular views of the bay and dating from 1912.

2. Old Town of Donostia

2. Old Part of Donostia
It is the historical and cultural heart of the city, and the place where most of the social life is concentrated. Here you can admire buildings such as the basilica of Santa Maria del Coro, the church of San Vicente, or the town hall. You can also stroll through its narrow streets, full of stores, bars, and restaurants, where you can taste the famous pintxos, small portions of food served on a slice of bread. Some of the most famous pintxos are the gilda, the tortilla de patata (Spanish omelette) of Nestor, the gamba a la gabardina of Paco Bueno or the mini completo of Bodega Donostiarra.

3. San Telmo Museum

The San Telmo Museum is the oldest and most important museum in San Sebastian, and is dedicated to Basque culture. It is housed in a former 16th century convent, to which a modern concrete and glass extension has been added. The museum has a permanent collection of more than 26,000 pieces, ranging from prehistoric times to the present day, including works of art, ethnographic objects, photographs, and documents. In addition, the museum organizes temporary exhibitions, workshops, conferences, and educational activities. In addition, the museum is currently hosting an exhibition dedicated to the San Sebastian photojournalist Isabel Azkarate, which explores the more artistic side of this author. The exhibition is entitled "Isabel Azkarate. Art and part" and can be visited until May 5, 2024.

4. Kursaal

It is the congress center and auditorium of the city, and one of its most emblematic buildings. It was designed by architect Rafael Moneo, and opened in 1999. It consists of two large glass cubes, which are illuminated in different colors at night, and symbolize two rocks stranded at the mouth of the Urumea River. The Kursaal is the main venue for the San Sebastian International Film Festival (Zinemaldia), held every year in September, which attracts numerous stars of the seventh art. It also hosts other cultural events, such as concerts, plays, or ballets.

Things to do outside of San Sebastian: day trips

If you have more time, and you want to get to know the surroundings of San Sebastian, we suggest you to take one of these day trips, which will allow you to discover other interesting and varied places in the province of Gipuzkoa:

1. Zarautz

It is a coastal town located about 20 kilometers from San Sebastian, and noted for its long sandy beach, considered one of the best places to surf in the Basque Country. In addition, Zarautz has a historic center with buildings such as the tower of Luzea, the palace of Narros, or the church of Santa Maria la Real. It also has a good gastronomic offer, based on fish and seafood, and a route of txakoli, the typical white wine of the area.

2. Hondarribia

It is a fishing village located on the border with France, about 25 kilometers from Donostia, and has a great charm and personality. Its old town is surrounded by a medieval wall, and houses buildings such as the castle of Charles V, the church of Santa Maria de la Asuncion, or the town hall. Its Marina district is the most lively and picturesque, with its colorful houses and flowered balconies, and its bars and restaurants, where you can taste the best fish pintxos. From Hondarribia you can take a boat across the bay to Hendaye, the French town on the other side. In short, a wonderful place.

3. San Juan de Gaztelugatxe

It is an islet located off the coast of Biscay, approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes by car from San Sebastian, and is connected to the mainland by a stone bridge with 241 steps. At the top of the islet is a hermitage dedicated to San Juan Bautista, which can be accessed after climbing the steps. According to tradition, you have to ring the bell of the hermitage three times and make a wish. The place has stunning views of the Cantabrian Sea, and has been the setting for several films and series, such as "The World Is Not Enough" or "Game of Thrones".

What to do with young children: a special plan

If you travel with young children, you will know that sometimes it is not easy to find activities that entertain and educate them at the same time. That's why we propose a special plan that they will surely love: visiting the Eureka Science Museum.

The Eureka Science Museum is a place where you can discover the fun side of science, through more than 169 experimental modules that will allow you to interact with physical, chemical, biological and mathematical phenomena. In addition, the museum has a room dedicated to animals, where you can see and touch different species, such as snakes, lizards, or fish. You can also enjoy a digital planetarium, where you can take 3D trips through the solar system, and a play area, where you can ride a roller coaster, an F1 car, or a spaceship.

The Eureka Science Museum is located in the Miramon Technology Park. It can be reached by car, bus, or bicycle. The museum hours vary depending on the season, so we recommend that you check before you go.

Visiting the Eureka Science Museum is a way to learn and have fun with the family, and to awaken curiosity and interest in the world around us. Undoubtedly, a plan that you can not miss if you travel to San Sebastian with children.

At Hotel Zinema7 you will find everything you need to make your stay with your children comfortable and fun. We offer you connected rooms, with capacity for up to five people, and equipped with crib, bed barrier, stool, bottle warmer set, and laundry service. In addition, you can enjoy our movie and book lending library, and our buffet breakfast. The Zinema7 is the ideal hotel for a family trip and a movie experience.

Come in, welcome to your hotel in San Sebastian.

Easter in San Sebastian: the best plans to enjoy with family or friends