San Sebastian, Spain, is a culinary paradise, famous for its pintxos culture, Michelin-starred restaurants, and vibrant food scene. However, navigating the city’s pintxos bars can be daunting, especially for first-time visitors.
That’s where Devour Tours’ San Sebastian Ultimate Pintxos & Wine Tour comes in.
I recently had the chance to take this highly-rated San Sebastian food tour, and it turned out to be the perfect way to experience the city’s famous culinary traditions, understand the history behind its pintxos culture, and, of course, indulge in the best pintxos in San Sebastian.
Here’s why this San Sebastian tapas tour is the best way to explore the Old Town’s food scene.
Search the lowest prices on flights to SpainWhy Take a San Sebastian Food Tour?
After an exhausting but incredible European EV road trip, I was excited to slow down and enjoy my fourth visit to San Sebastian, Spain. While I love exploring new places, the chaotic nature of pintxos bars—crowds, language barriers, and unfamiliar ordering customs—has always made me hesitant.
That’s why I decided to join Devour Tours’ Ultimate Pintxos & Wine Tour. This guided experience not only introduced me to the best pintxos in San Sebastian but also gave me the confidence to navigate the city’s food scene like a local.
San Sebastian Old Town Food Tour: What’s Included
This guided food tour takes you through San Sebastian’s Old Town, stopping at beloved local bars to experience the best of Basque cuisine. Choose between afternoon or evening tours, with prices starting at $138 USD per person. Here’s what you can expect:
- Expert local guide – Get insider tips to make the most of your trip.
- 8+ food tastings & 5 drinks – Enough for a full meal.
- Fresh seafood & local meats – Taste why San Sebastian is a top foodie destination.
- Authentic pintxos experience – Visit bars that locals have loved for generations.
- Try the original burnt Basque cheesecake – At the bar that invented it.
My San Sebastian Pintxos Tour Experience
Our evening began at a central location just outside of San Sebastian’s Old Town, where we met our guide, Mia, and a group of fellow food enthusiasts. Mia set the tone for the night, walking us through the San Sebastian tapas culture, how to order like a local, and what to expect during our culinary journey.
Before we even stepped into the first pintxos bar, we were treated to a fascinating history lesson about San Sebastian’s city walls. Despite this being my fourth visit to the city, I had never learned about these impressive fortifications.
The walls, originally constructed in the 16th century, played a crucial role in protecting the city from attacks. You can still see remnants at sites like Monte Urgull and near the San Telmo Museum. This unexpected history lesson gave me a newfound appreciation for the city beyond its food scene.
What is a Pintxos?
Our first stop was a classic San Sebastian tapas bar famous for its mussels. As someone who’s had incredible seafood in Canada—hello Prince Edward Island—I was skeptical. But these mussels? They were the best I’ve ever had!
Served two ways, White onions and tomato marinara sauce, these mussels were incredible and made even better by the fact that you could just throw your shells into a tiny trough under the bar.
But I’m getting ahead of myself. More on that below.
Before we dove into the food, Mia took the time to explain exactly what a pintxos (or pincho) is.
Unlike tapas, which are often served as small shared plates like these delicious mussels, pintxos are individual bite-sized portions, traditionally skewered with a toothpick onto a slice of bread.
The name “pintxos” actually comes from the Spanish word pincho, meaning “spike” or “skewer.” While tapas are more common in southern Spain and can be served as part of a sit-down meal, pintxos are deeply rooted in the Basque Country’s bar-hopping culture.
The idea is to order a small selection at each bar, enjoy a drink, and then move on to the next spot—a tradition known as txikiteo.
This introduction made me appreciate pintxos even more, as I realized it wasn’t just about the food but also the social experience of hopping from bar to bar, trying the specialties at each place.
What is Basque Cider?
I also tried Basque cider for the first time, which is poured from a height to aerate the drink and enhance its crispness. But before we took our first sip, Mia gave us a crash course in what makes Basque cider (sagardoa) unique.
Unlike the sweeter, more carbonated ciders found in other regions, Basque cider is naturally fermented, dry, and slightly tart, with a cloudy appearance due to the lack of filtration. It’s made using traditional methods that date back centuries, with records of cider production in the Basque Country as early as the Middle Ages.
Mia explained that cider was once a staple for Basque sailors, as it was rich in vitamin C and helped prevent scurvy on long voyages. Over time, cider houses (sagardotegiak) became an essential part of Basque culture, especially in the region’s farmsteads.
Traditionally, cider is poured straight from large barrels (kupelas) in these cider houses, and to replicate that experience in bars, it’s served from a bottle held high above the glass.
Mia demonstrated this technique, lifting the bottle high above her head and letting the thin stream of cider cascade into the glass below. This dramatic pour, called escanciado, aerates the cider, giving it a slight effervescence and softening its acidity.
Watching her do it so effortlessly, I assumed it would be easy—but when I tried, let’s just say I created more of a mess than a masterpiece.
Pintxos Bar Etiquette
Another fun fact? I noticed locals discarding mussel shells, toothpicks, and napkins onto the floor. Turns out, an indicator of a bar’s popularity is how messy it is!
Our guide, Mia, explained that a floor littered with napkins isn’t a sign of poor hygiene but rather proof that the bar serves incredible pintxos.
The logic? If the place is busy enough that people are constantly eating and discarding their napkins, it’s a sure bet that the food is top-notch.
It seemed odd at first but I’m not gonna lie, it felt pretty satisfying to throw your trash on the ground.
Hearing this, I took the opportunity to ask Mia more about pintxos bar etiquette. On past visits, I had struggled with the chaos of crammed bars, not realizing that the bartenders are absolute pros—they tally everything for you, and you simply pay at the end. No need to stress about ordering in the madness!
Mia’s top tip? Watch for openings at the bar, and when you see a gap, use your elbows (politely, of course) to hold your spot.
Still, this was a tall order for this polite Canadian to pull off on his own, thus why I love taking tours like this.
Old Town History
In between food stops, Mia pointed out historical landmarks, including Plaza de la Constitución, once used for bullfighting. The numbered balconies around the square, now part of residential buildings, were originally seating areas for spectators.
Again, this was my fourth visit to San Sebastian and I was only cluing into this now?
A Variety of Pintxos in San Sebastian
Next, we visited a bar featuring where Mia also introduced us to the first-ever pintxo, a simple but flavorful combination of green pepper, anchovy, and olive, known as Gilda and it quickly became my favourite of all the Pintxos in San Sebastian.
At a more contemporary San Sebastian tapas bar, we sampled innovative pintxos made with the finest local ingredients. This stop was a reminder that pintxos aren’t just about tradition—San Sebastian’s chefs continue to push culinary boundaries.
Another highlight was a grilled sirloin steak pintxo, paired with a bold Navarra red wine. The perfectly cooked, tender meat was an unforgettable bite. This was a favorite stop and one that we returned to the following night.
For dessert, we indulged in Basque cheesecake at the bar that claims to have invented it. Creamy, caramelized, and slightly smoky, this dessert has changed the way I look at cheesecake forever.
As we wrapped up the night, I asked Mia for restaurant recommendations for our 24-hour stop in Bilbao. She not only provided fantastic suggestions but also took the time to ask about our food preferences and travel plans.
With her thoughtful guidance, we ended up at some incredible hidden gems that we wouldn’t have found otherwise, making our short stay even more memorable.
Why I Think This is the Best San Sebastian Food Tour
What truly set this tour apart was the seamless combination of education and indulgence. As we strolled through the charming streets of San Sebastian’s Old Town, our guide not only introduced us to iconic pintxos bars but also shared fascinating stories behind each dish and the region’s culinary traditions.
We learned how to properly order and eat pintxos like a local, ensuring we got the most out of the experience.
The thoughtful pairing of wines with each bite elevated the evening, making it more than just a food tour—it was a deep dive into Basque culture through its vibrant flavors and social dining customs.
And yes, there was a lot of wine, which certainly helped!
- Expert local guide who provided both historical insights and dining etiquette tips.
- Curated selection of the best pintxos in San Sebastian—from traditional to modern.
- Perfect mix of food, wine, and culture.
- Small group size for a more intimate experience.
About Devour San Sebastian Food Tours
Devour Tours is a renowned food tour company that connects travelers with local culture through food. Founded with a passion for showcasing authentic cuisine, their mission is to support small businesses and provide immersive culinary experiences.
They specialize in storytelling, blending historical insights with incredible gastronomy, making their tours more than just a meal—they are a gateway to understanding a city’s soul.
Their guides are knowledgeable, engaging, and dedicated to helping guests discover hidden gems that they might otherwise miss.
I was hosted by Devour Tours for this experience, but as always, all opinions and views expressed here are my own.
In addition to the Ultimate Pintxos & Wine Tour, Devour Tours offers other incredible experiences in San Sebastian:
- San Sebastian Cooking Class & Market Tour – Shop for fresh ingredients at La Bretxa Market and learn how to cook classic Basque dishes with a local chef.
- San Sebastian Local Neighbourhood Pintxos Tour – Great food in San Sebastian is not restricted to the Old Town. This tour gets you into local favourites and away from the tourist crowds.
- Daytime Pintxos & Wine Tour – Another way to beat the crowds in the Old Town is to enjoy a daytime food tour.
Plan Your Own San Sebastian Tapas Adventure
If you’re visiting San Sebastian, Spain, I can’t recommend Devour Tours’ Ultimate Pintxos & Wine Tour enough. It’s the easiest and most enjoyable way to explore the city’s food scene, whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning traveler like me.
Booking your own San Sebastian tapas tour through the links on this site helps me continue to share my experiences and create content. I truly appreciate your support!
📌 Book Your San Sebastian Pintxos Tour Here
Looking for a Place To Sleep off the Food Coma?
I stayed at the Hotel Silken Amara Plaza for my visit to San Sebastian, which was a great choice. Not only did it offer free EV charging, it was affordable and comfortable, and my room overlooked the fountain out front, making for a nice view.
The location along the river was ideal—a short walk to the Old Town, perfect for burning off some of the indulgences from the food tour. If you’re looking for a place to stay in San Sebastian, check out the map below to find the best hotels for your trip! 👇
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