The 10 Best Bars In San Sebastian

San Sebastian is best known for its outstanding restaurants, but the bar scene is in no way inferior. The coastal town boasts a vibrant night life, and people crowd into the small bars and nightclubs to enjoy the entertainment and a cool drink. Take a look at our list of the top 10 bars in San Sebastian, or as locals call it, Donostia.

1. Altxerri Bar

Bar, Pub, Pub Grub

The renowned bar is located in the old city on 2 Calle Regente and is a must for music and jazz lovers. A number of exceptional artists have passed through its doors. Altxerri also functions as a gallery on the ground floor and customers have to climb down a narrow staircase to the stony vault. The atmosphere is suitable for a few drinks and a chat as well as for music enthusiasts who wish to completely immerse themselves in the rhythmic tunes. Altxerri is one of the best places for live music in the city and one of the most authentic Donosti atmospheres.

2. Ondara 16 Bis

Bar, Spanish

Ondara 16 Bis invites the visitor to tuck into some tasty pintxos on the upper level and then proceed down to the dance floor in the basement. The vibrant bar is located close to beach and its bustling crowd and quality tunes have increasingly made it a popular spot. The vibe is relaxed yet animated and the style of music varies. Additionally it hosts a number of events from jam sessions to concerts and poetry readings. Ondara is considered one of the hippest places in the city and will quickly win you over with its buzzing atmosphere.

3. Be Bop

Bar, Spanish

Be Bop has been a long time favorite among the Donosti crowd and continues to provide a buzzing atmosphere. It is situated at the River Urumea in the old town. The music is focused on jazz and blues, but will suit different tastes and the drink prices are more than reasonable. With its laid-back, yet animated vibes, Be Bop is the perfect start for a big night out or a few relaxed drinks. As it is open until the early morning hours, the bar is extremely popular once other venues have closed down. Be Bop is a true crowd pleaser and its unpretentious setting open it up to a mixed crowd.

4. Le Bukowski

Bar, Nightclub, Pub Grub

This dynamic venue is the place to hang out in San Sebastian and a landmark of Donostian nightlife. Le Bukowski has been around for over 20 years and offers an incredibly diverse program from electro to soul and pop. Additionally it features a variety of gigs and plays, offering entertainment for almost every taste. The bar is located outside of the old city in the Barrio Egia and its cheap drinks and long opening hours (until 5 am) make it particularly appealing to the city’s young crowd. Le Bukowski makes for some fantastic entertainment for everyone.

5. Akerbeltz

Bar, Pub, Pub Grub

Akerbeltz is situated just on the port and you can take drinks outside take in the breathtaking views over the ocean. It is extremely popular among locals and one of the best gay-friendly bars in the city. The quirky interior and the music is dominated by rocky vibes or electronic beats. The laid back atmosphere and diverse crowd create a an eclectic atmosphere. Akerbeltz is a fun night out on the town.

Eiger Edaritegia

The Eiger Edaritegia is one of the busiest places in the city at the weekend and offers a down to earth atmosphere and crowd. The playlist consists primarily of rock and will win over any guitar enthusiast. The bar itself is unpretentious and caters to a more relaxed audience. Drinks are reasonably priced and the selection of beverages leaves nothing to be desired. Eiger has made a name for itself in San Sebastian’s varied nightlife and with its low-key vibes and smashing guitar sounds.

6. Etxe Kalte

Bar, Pub Grub

Etxe Kalte is considered one of the best clubs and bars in the city and is open past 5am for those wanting to party until the break of dawn, but is also the ideal spot for a few relaxed drinks. The upstairs level serves as the bar space and visitors can head to the downstairs dance floor if they are feeling energetic. The music ranges from jazz and funk to dance and the number of bands playing at the Exte Kalte are a particular highlight. Exte Kalte is one of the best places to experience the Donostian vibes with a laid back crowd of locals.

7. Leize Gorria

Bar, Spanish

Watch the sunrise after a long night in San Sebastian

Leize Gorria is one of the best places to experience authentic music and artists in a thrilling atmosphere. Bands fill the dark stage during the weekend and Monday and Thursday are reserved for jam sessions in which anyone can pick up an instrument and join the fun. The bar consists of two floors with the dimly lit underground level setting the stage for the artists. Whether you stop by for a refreshing drink or dynamic night full of live music, Leize Gorria is an all-round entertainer.

8. Mendaur

Bar, Gastropub, Contemporary

Mendaur is a lively bar in the old part of the city and a popular spot for a young crowd. The range of drinks comes at incredibly reasonable prices and the bartenders are exceptionally friendly. The music focuses mainly on the contemporary charts. The interior shows dark tones with blue light accents, creating a dynamic atmosphere. Mendaur’s popularity and its great vibes are only one of many reasons why it is worth a visit.

9. Bar Txurrut

Bar, Pub, Pub Grub

Nightlife continues on the beach in San Sebastian

The bar is centrally located on the great Plaza De La Constitució, which is filled with a bustling crowdat the weekends. Bar Txurrut is not only an ideal place for evening drinks, but also the perfect spot for people watching and a refreshing cocktail or glass of wine during the day. Speaking of cocktails, Txurrut offers some of the best in the city. Bar Txurrut is truly a place for everyone and the great drinks and scenic atmosphere make it one of the best hang outs in the city.

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