San Sebastián, the Basque coastal gem, is famously wet — not only from the persistent sirimiri drizzle but from its extraordinary density of bars. With one of the highest numbers of drinking spots per capita in Europe, the city rewards those who know where to go and when. For British holidaymakers accustomed to pub crawls, the Basque ritual of txikiteo — hopping between bars for small bites and drinks — offers a refined alternative.
At Enoteca Masketa, on the southeast edge of town, owner Carolina Schulze has turned a passion for sherry into a dedicated shrine. Up to 15 small-producer sherries are available by the glass, from pale manzanilla to nutty palo cortado. Each pour is paired with snacks sourced for provenance: anchovies from Mutriku, mussels from Pontevedra, and local Basque cheeses. For UK wine lovers, this is a rare chance to explore oxidative fortified wines in depth.
Dry Bar, located in the Marriott hotel on Paseo República Argentina, achieves a rare feat: it draws both hotel guests and locals. The cocktail menu, overseen by Javier de las Muelas, one of Spain's first mixologists, features classics alongside visually striking signatures that incorporate Basque cider and pickled peppers. The service is polished, and the atmosphere shifts from afternoon tea to lively evening drinks.
Ensō, on the site of the legendary Dickens bar, marks San Sebastián's modern cocktail evolution. Mixologist Santiago Naula retained the original polished wood bar but restocked the shelves with Japanese sakes, whiskies, and housemade cordials made from Idiazabal cheese, Basque cider, and txakoli wine. The menu offers six house specialities alongside classic cocktails, blending Basque and Japanese traditions in a way that feels both innovative and respectful.
For UK travellers planning a visit, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) currently advises checking travel insurance covers medical expenses and any planned activities. Direct flights from London to Bilbao or Biarritz — both about an hour's drive from San Sebastián — are available with airlines such as easyJet, Ryanair, and British Airways. Budget around €3–€6 per pintxo and €8–€15 per cocktail. No visa is required for stays up to 90 days, but ensure your passport is valid for the duration of your trip.