When studying in San Sebastián, you’ll discover a city renowned for its gourmet food, excellent surfing, and beautiful city beaches in Donostia.
Imagine learning Spanish in the culinary capital of Spain, a city nestled around a stunning shell-shaped bay where you can go for a surf in the morning and eat world-famous pintxos at night.
Welcome to San Sebastián, or Donostia as it’s known in the Basque language.
For international students, it offers a unique and sophisticated experience that combines a love for food, nature, and an elegant city lifestyle.
This guide will give you a real, practical look at what it’s like to live and learn in this beautiful northern city.
We’ll cover everything from the cost of living and the best neighborhoods for students, to the city’s incredible cultural offerings, helping you decide if you want to study in San Sebastián.
To see how San Sebastian compares with other top destinations, read our main guide: How to Choose a City in Spain for Your Spanish Language Study.
(Last Updated: February 2026)
Main Key Takeaways
- San Sebastian is globally renowned for its culinary scene, especially its pintxos (the Basque version of tapas), making it a paradise for anyone who considers themselves a ‘foodie.’
- San Sebastián is built around the stunning La Concha Bay and is a major destination for surfers, who usually frequent the popular Zurriola beach.
- As an elegant and popular resort town, San Sebastián is one of Spain’s more expensive cities, so it’s important to budget accordingly.
- Located in the heart of the Basque Country, the city offers a deep immersion into the region’s distinct culture and traditions.
- Surrounded by picturesque green landscapes and the stunning sights across the Atlantic Ocean, the city is ideal for students who love outdoor activities like hiking and water sports.
San Sebastian at a Glance: A Student’s Scorecard
| Feature | Description |
| Vibe | Elegant, foodie’s paradise, outdoorsy, beach-centric. |
| Best for | Students who love trying new culinary delights, the beach, surfing, and hiking. |
| Average Monthly Cost | Higher-end for Spain, usually in the range of €1000 – €2,000+ |
| Key Highlights | Mild and oceanic, with beautiful summers and more rainfall than the south. Mount Igeldo-Funicular Cristina Enea Park. |
Is San Sebastián a Good City for International Students?
Yes, San Sebastián is an excellent city for international students who are looking for a unique, high-quality experience that combines a sophisticated urban lifestyle with the stunning natural beauty of the region, plus a world-class food scene.
What makes San Sebastián a good place to study abroad?
San Sebastián is a great place to study abroad because it offers a very high quality of life.
The city is beautiful, clean, and safe, with a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere.
For students, it provides a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the distinct Basque culture, while also enjoying some of the best food and the most beautiful beaches in the world.
The experience of studying in San Sebastián is truly an unforgettable one.
What is the student life like in San Sebastián?
The student life in San Sebastián is active, outdoorsy, and social. The lifestyle revolves around the city’s beaches and its incredible pintxos culture.
Evenings are often spent hopping from bar to bar in the Parte Vieja (Old Town), sampling the delicious local cuisine.
During the day, students can be found surfing at Zurriola beach or walking along the famous La Concha promenade.
What is the Real Cost of Living in San Sebastián for International Students?
The cost of living in San Sebastián is on the higher end for Spain. Students should be prepared to allocate a larger portion of their budget to accommodation.
San Sebastián is one of Spain’s most desirable (and therefore expensive) cities.
While it offers an incredible lifestyle, the cost of renting a room typically ranges from €400 – €800+, and eating out is also higher than in many other Spanish cities.
However, with smart budgeting, it can still be a manageable destination for international students.
For a more in depth estimate on what your living expenses could look like, taking into account your lifestyle, check out our cost of living calculator.
For a full comparison with other cities, see our shared guide on the real cost of studying in Spain.
Where are the Best Places in San Sebastian for International Students to Live?
The best neighborhoods for students offer easy access to the beaches and the lively social scene of the Old Town.
- Parte Vieja (Old Town): The historic heart of the city and the epicenter of the pintxos scene. It’s lively, full of character, and right in the middle of the action.
- Centro (Central District): An elegant and central neighborhood with great shopping, located right next to the famous La Concha beach.
- Gros: Located across the river, this neighborhood has a cool, younger, and more relaxed surfer vibe. It’s right next to the beach, Playa de la Zurriola, and is full of trendy cafes and bars.
For some extra assistance in finding the best place to stay for you, check out our Accommodation portal, which the Go! Go! España team has curated to make your search as smooth as possible.
Finding high-quality student accommodation in San Sebastian can be competitive.
For tips on how to secure the best spots, read our comprehensive guide to finding student accommodation in Spain.
Schools in San Sebastian for International Students
San Sebastián is an incredible destination for students who want to combine high-quality language learning with unique cultural and lifestyle experiences like cooking or surfing.
Top-Rated Spanish Language Schools in San Sebastian
Known for its sophisticated atmosphere, San Sebastián is a fantastic place to immerse yourself in both the Spanish language and Basque culture.
Go! Go! España is proud to partner with a leading Spanish language school in the city that offers unique, activity-based programs.
For more details and to apply, explore our partner Spanish Language Schools in San Sebastián.
What are the Best Things to Do in San Sebastián (On a Student Budget)?
- Experience the Ultimate Food Tour: The number one thing to do is go on a pintxos crawl through the Parte Vieja.
- Relax on the Famous Beaches: Spend an afternoon on the iconic, shell-shaped Playa de la Concha, or watch the surfers at Playa de la Zurriola.
- Hike for Breathtaking Views: Take the historic funicular railway up Monte Igueldo for the classic postcard photo of the bay, or hike up Monte Ulia or Monte Urgull for more stunning perspectives.
- Explore the City’s Culture: Visit the San Telmo Museo to learn about Basque history, and check out the modern Kursaal building, home of the famous San Sebastián International Film Festival.
What are the Best Weekend Getaways from San Sebastián?
San Sebastián’s location on the Basque coast makes it a perfect base for exploring charming fishing villages and even crossing the border into France.
- Hondarribia & Getaria: Visit these charming and colorful Basque fishing villages, known for their historic streets and excellent seafood restaurants.
- Zumaia: A must-visit for the spectacular Flysch rock formations on Itzurun Beach, a famous filming location for Game of Thrones.
- The French Basque Country: The border is so close that it’s easy to take a day trip to the chic French coastal towns of Biarritz and Saint-Jean-de-Luz.
FAQ About Living and Studying in San Sebastian
1. Do I need to speak Basque (Euskera) to live in San Sebastián?
No. While Euskera is the co-official language and you will see it on all the signs, everyone in San Sebastián speaks Spanish (Castilian) fluently. Spanish is the primary language of daily life and used in all our Spanish language courses in San Sebastian
2. Is San Sebastián a good city for a student on a tight budget?
It can be challenging. While it’s an amazing city, it is one of the more expensive in Spain. Students on a very tight budget might find cities in Andalusia or Castilla y León more affordable.
3. What is the difference between pintxos and tapas?
Pintxos are the Basque version of tapas. They are typically more elaborate, single-portion snacks, often served on a small slice of bread with a toothpick (pincho) through them to hold them together.
4. Is it a good city for surfing?
Yes, absolutely. Zurriola beach is one of the most famous city surf spots in Spain, with consistent waves that are great for both beginners and more experienced surfers.
5. Is San Sebastián well-connected?
Yes, it has good bus and train connections to other major cities in the Basque Country and the rest of Spain. It is also very close to the French border.
Conclusion: Is San Sebastián Your Perfect Match?
The experience of studying in San Sebastián offers an incredible and unforgettable journey for students who value gastronomy, nature, and a sophisticated city lifestyle.
It is a city that will captivate you with its beauty, its world-class food, and its elegant Basque charm.
For any international student seeking a high-quality education in one of Europe’s most beautiful coastal cities, San Sebastián is an exceptional choice.
Ready to taste the best pintxos in Spain?
Explore our partner Spanish language school in San Sebastián and get free application support!
Or compare San Sebastián with other cities in our main Best Cities Guide.
