Local Guides World
Top Museums in Donostia-San Sebastian, Spain
Top Rated Museums in Donostia-San Sebastian
Top Reviewed Museums in Donostia-San Sebastian
San Telmo Museum
Aquarium
Akuarioko sarrera zaharra/Antigua entrada al Aquarium
Urgulleko Historiaren Etxea
Aquarium
Donostiako Elizbarruti Museoa
San Telmo Museum
Santiago bateria
Reviews
One of the best place that I’ve visited. So peaceful, soothing and calming watching those beautiful creatures
I always visit here when I am in San Sebastian, even on my 3rd visit there are new aspects to enjoy. It's much more than an aquarium, a large portion of the building is dedicated to the fishing history of the town and full of amazing dioramas - it's my favourite part honestly! A great activity when the weather is poor, it takes about 3 hours to see it all.
I wanted to bring him, but I couldn't.
Free on Tuesdays I believe. Essential visit when going to basque country. Interesting exhibitions on both local arts and the history. Also the building itself is beautiful.
This museum showcases the history, endurance, tenacity of the ancient, free-spirited Basques.
Was lucky to be there on a Tuesday when it is free but would have happily paid for the experience. Great coverage of a wide range of issues and topics. If things are not in English, they offer a translation board you can bring around or I found it easy to use my translation app. The videos in English were especially well-done and were so informative.
Such a WELL DONE aquarium! The lady at the ticket counter was friendly and they have free cubbies for shopping bags and backpacks. They have models of ships, bones, shells, and so many cool animals!! The whole thing is laid out well and has lots of opportunities for being up close with the fish and sea creatures. I especially liked the auditorium where people can sit and watch the huge tank of fish (see if you can find the two eels) and the tunnel under the shark tank. I saw a bunch of new animals and had a blast! It was a great rainy day activity and I'm so glad I didn't miss it!
Wow... this Aquarium educates viewers on the importance and impact the ocean has on this northern part of Spain. The ocean provides the livelihood for many residents in Spain for centuries. It still does today, as well as the showing the many activities in the ocean even today. Breathtaking aquarium and sea life in sparkling tanks... fascinating to see the divers feed the fish... one of the best aquariums we have ever been to! We could spend days here and still not take it all in! The model ships are a true gem!
Невероятно красивый храм, как внутри, так и снаружи. Внутри посмотрели текущую арт экспозицию. Мы также попали на Воскресную Службу, а до неё прослушали впечатляющее песнопение, исполненное практически "ангельским голосом"! 🙏 Рекомендую всем и каждому посетить это потрясающее место!
We had high expectations when we decided to visit this museum in the beautiful city of San Sebastian. The visit was a huge disappointment. The museum has long corridors and a lot of space that is irrelevant to the museum. The people working in the museum were hiding rather than being helpful. And when they were found, they could not answer any question in any language except their own language. There are a few artifacts of interest on display. There is only one language used in the museum, and it is not English. So, this is a museum only for local people. It also needs to be better organized. For anyone visiting the gorgeous city of San Sebastian who does not speak, read, or understand the one language used in this museum, a visit is a total waste of time. It is the worst museum I have ever visited.
Nice museum for basque history worth going again esp when raining to go through more of the exhibits
Very informative and well managed marine time museum and aquarium. Big tank is stunning. Can keep watching for hours
Brilliant experience for a family. Really education maritime museum with great history of San Sebastian followed by a great aquarium. The highlight for the kids was the underwater tunnel. Highly recommend.
This amazing museum of the Basque society located in Donostia-San Sebastián, addresses old and contemporary Basque culture, arts and history in a European, global context. It moved to its current location in 1932, Zuloaga plaza in the old town, at the foot of the hill Urgull. It occupies a former Dominican monastery complemented by a 21st-century extension.
A must-see for those who love history, art and want to deviate a little from the usual crowded streets of places of the city center...
A must-see for those who love history, art and want to deviate a little from the usual crowded streets of places of the city center...
Very interesting Museum with plenty of historic information. Great exhibitions. If you're an enthusiastic in history, I recommend using audio and download the mobile apps which are a great help. Also, recommend to spend 3 hrs there.
Absolutely worth the 6eur entrance fee!
The building has 3 levels to take you on a trip of the city's history, with some temporary exhibits waiting as well.
The whole tour could be comfortably completed in 2hours.
The building has 3 levels to take you on a trip of the city's history, with some temporary exhibits waiting as well.
The whole tour could be comfortably completed in 2hours.
Free entrance to the fort used as a small museum.
Nothing extraordinary, but worth entering if already at the mountain top.
Can be comfortably explored in 30mins.
Nothing extraordinary, but worth entering if already at the mountain top.
Can be comfortably explored in 30mins.
Nice aquarium. It’s also a ship/fishing/whaling museum. Big enough that it never gave me the feeling it was busy. (Mid summer vacation). Entree fees are good for what you get. Near the old town of San Sebastián and surrounded by good restaurants.
At first, it can appear a tiny bit boring, because youre expecting to see fish, and there are tons of boats and ships, but after that, there is a LOT of interesting old things, makets, and when it comes to the aquarium itself - it's crazy beautiful and fascinating. The fish is soooo pretty, different, and interesting. Not only fish! The seahorses, jellyfishes, sharks, and a lot more. Definetly 5 stars.
Wonderful views and the visit of the museum is free and gives an interesting overview of the city’s history with explanations in many languages ( Spanish, English, French)
A must do. A fabulous experience. Lots of things beyond the aquarium. Really interesting maritime history of the area and stunning miniature dioramas. Main tank with sharks is outstanding. Gift shop is disappointing. Poor quality fridge magnets, very few things with aquarium name on it and no guide book. 14 Euro for adults...absolutely worth it.
If you're in San Sebastian and curious about Basque history and culture then this museum is a must visit. Beautiful integration of period sandstone public building and rock faced modern extension. Cafe on site, but didn't get to sample, this time...
Pequeño pero interesante. Contiene piezas muy variadas: esculturas, pinturas, ornamentos religiosos. Vale la pena acercarse y también aprovechar para ver la preciosa basílica de Santa María del Coro. Un edificio impresionante y lleno de obras de arte.
TRE belles œuvres d'art religieux.
A really fun aquarium to visit for both locals and tourists. There is a very range of sealife including sharks, colourful fish, seahorses and even strange looking fish. The aquarium is well designed so that visitors see a lot throughout the experience. The aquarium also offers a sneak peak into the naval history of the area with cool 3rd figures of ships and accompanying historical narratives with interesting facts. A very entertaining visit and it's also English friendly.
Very interesting and accessible presentation of Basque history and culture. The building itself is remarkable. Staff are friendly and helpful.
We visited the aquarium on a day when the weather wasn't particularly good. What a fantastic and informative experience. Learnt a lot more of the history of Donostia-San Sebastian. Great displays and the marine life of display was amazing.
Great for all ages.
Great for all ages.
Fantastic hike, lots of stairs. I believe there is a path instead of stairs as well but unsure.
Fantastic views and a great breeze. Little relaxing bar up towards the top.
The hike and castle are free...great way to exercise off some pinxtcos!!!!
Fantastic views and a great breeze. Little relaxing bar up towards the top.
The hike and castle are free...great way to exercise off some pinxtcos!!!!
Amazing place to learn about the rich culture and amazing people of the Basque country! From the gorgeous church to the art exhibit 100% worth visiting. Also 26 and under are free!!!!
Bonito lugar donde poder observar el Varadero Náutico de Donostia, las casitas del puerto y la edificacion de la antigua entrada al Aquarium.
Very scenic. I world recommend and umbrella or train cost in case it starts raining. Not sure what dates the midterm is open. Closed for winter holidays.
Interesante y con muchos siglos de historia pero sabe a poco. Se paga por entrar en el museo (cuota mínima para pagar el préstamo bancario de renovación).
No pude entrar por ir fuera de hora pero quedé impresionado con la fachada.
Muy interesante la exposición temporal sobre la reconstrucción de Donostia tras el incendio de 1813.
Muy recomendable...
Muy recomendable...
Great views below and of the beach and harbor and islands.
It’s so pretty and such a nice walk up to see the view
El Museo no vale los 3€ que te cobran por entrar. La colección es muy escasa, y no son más que donaciones de algunas iglesias de otros pueblos del territorio.
Yo entré gratis por ser desempleado y la tipa que estaba en la entrada una seca, y yo diría que hasta un poco borde. Me pidió la pasta y cuando le dije que era desempleado me dejó pasar sin más, sin pedirme que lo demostrara ni nada. Cuando le dije para demostrarle mi condición de desempleado me soltó un: "pasa, que te creo". Con una desgana impresionante. Ah, eta ez zekien euskaraz. Gaztelania hutsez hitz egin behar izan nuen berarekin.
Yo entré gratis por ser desempleado y la tipa que estaba en la entrada una seca, y yo diría que hasta un poco borde. Me pidió la pasta y cuando le dije que era desempleado me dejó pasar sin más, sin pedirme que lo demostrara ni nada. Cuando le dije para demostrarle mi condición de desempleado me soltó un: "pasa, que te creo". Con una desgana impresionante. Ah, eta ez zekien euskaraz. Gaztelania hutsez hitz egin behar izan nuen berarekin.
Beach loving Americans visiting this beautiful city might find it too easy to stay below but gird yourself and make the climb, even if it is summer (take your time, pace yourself if out of shape and bring some cold water) and you will be well rewarded for the effort. There are not only amazing views but a lot of history in a small place. As a history buff I loved seeing the 16th century bronze cannons and bombardias and the beautifully reconstructed gun carriages. In fact, I was very curious about the casting marks on the largest bronze cannon (it has SPQP 1576 and a royal seal but doesn't appear to be of Spanish origin). And sure enough I did a search upon returning home. JOSÉ MARÍA LECLERCQ SÁIZ, a local archaeologist and amateur historian researched this particular cannon (http://comedurasdetarro.over-blog.es/article-un-ca-on-de-la-armada-invencible-en-san-sebastian-donostia-115015017.html). It was from one of the handful of ships that survived the Spanish Armada and had seen combat. The cannon itself had been cast in Genoa, Italy and had been guarding Palermo in Sicily when requisitioned by the Spaniards into their fleet. It turns out the SPQP stands for "Senatus Populus Que Palermitanus". Do check out the blog post above and translate it to English if you do not read Spanish, it is a fine mini-history lesson on the Armada itself and the Levantine (Italian) ship on which this cannon served.
When I was here in August 2016 there were several things being exhibited that interested me. Among them were model drawings of a nao (several of the ships in the 1559 de Luna fleet sent to settle Pensacola, Florida in the now United States that were sunk by a hurricane were of this type). Also fascinating was the diorama of the fortifications and their history as well as drawings of shipbuilding that went on in the city to prepare for the Armada. Uniforms and weapons of the soldiers that garrisoned this place over the centuries were also on display. If you happen to be American or English and have been in Spain for a while you will find it both poignant and perhaps refreshing to see English carved onto the grave markers of the "Ingles" killed in battle here during Napoleonic times just down the hill to the north.
When I was here in August 2016 there were several things being exhibited that interested me. Among them were model drawings of a nao (several of the ships in the 1559 de Luna fleet sent to settle Pensacola, Florida in the now United States that were sunk by a hurricane were of this type). Also fascinating was the diorama of the fortifications and their history as well as drawings of shipbuilding that went on in the city to prepare for the Armada. Uniforms and weapons of the soldiers that garrisoned this place over the centuries were also on display. If you happen to be American or English and have been in Spain for a while you will find it both poignant and perhaps refreshing to see English carved onto the grave markers of the "Ingles" killed in battle here during Napoleonic times just down the hill to the north.
Incredible views from the top, well worth the walk up, would definately recommend! Great activity on first arrival to san sebastian 🙌🏼
Amazing views a little tough on a bike 😂
Stunning view! Worth to climb
Nice place with beautiful view and bar on the top
A trip to San Seb ain't complete without seeing its beauty from a place that exudes defence of it all.
We loved walking around this entire area. Statue and museum are very good, but give yourself time to wanted the myriad of pathways. We found a number of monuments and markers that we would have otherwise missed. There is an amazing cemetery and monuments for English soldiers on the north side of the hill just off the paseo.
It takes 15-40 minutes to climb up to the top of this hill (Monte Urgull) from the old city depending on your route and fitness. We took 20 minutes at a slightly faster pace than average from San Telmo. Follow the path up to the fort and courtyard. The small historical museum is free to enter but has limited capacity so it operates a 'one in, one out' policy to let people in. They will ask for your nationality and then let you wander. Unfortunately the exhibits are captioned in Spanish and Basque only but look at the history of the town. The highlight is to go up the stairs in the museum which lets you go to the highest point of the hill - the foot of the statue of Christ, from where you have great views of the old town and the two beaches.
Situado en la Basílica de Santa María del Coro, es una de las obras arquitectónicas más visitadas de Donostia. El templo que conocemos actualmente data de 1750 y se construyó sobre una antigua iglesia románica y por ello, está considerada como la iglesia más antigua de la ciudad. De estilo barroco, tiene elementos góticos, churriguerescos y neoclásicos y posee un bello pórtico plateresco. El edificio es de planta rectangular, con ábside semicircular y otras dependencias secundarias. La nave central, de gran altura, está cubierta con bóvedas de crucería y el coro se sitúa al final de la misma. En el altar mayor, se venera la imagen de la Virgen del Coro, patrona de la ciudad. El santo Sebastián también está presente tanto en un lienzo del altar mayor como en una escultura de la fachada. El tradicional acto de la Salve, que tiene lugar cada 14 de agosto (víspera de la festividad de la Virgen) en la basílica, congrega a numerosos fieles, que tienen la posibilidad de escuchar in situ al Orfeón Donostiarra, una de las más prestigiosas corales de Europa.
En la actualidad, se ha convertido en un atractivo turístico por el que cobran entrada a los turistas fuera de horario de misa.
En la actualidad, se ha convertido en un atractivo turístico por el que cobran entrada a los turistas fuera de horario de misa.
Interesting historical museum, lots of details about the city inside. It's free! And you can access the upper balcony which features an impressive view.