Things to do in San Sebastián

Tuesdays and Mondays change the plan

The calendar matters more than reservations here. On Tuesdays, San Telmo is free for everyone and the sharks are fed at the Aquarium at 12:00, but Chillida Leku closes on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. On Mondays San Telmo stays shut, and from October to March so does the Aquarium, except on long weekends.

Worth paying for, or not

Take the sightseeing bus only if you're short of time or it's raining: the centre is easy on foot. Food and cider-house tours cost more than going alone, because you're paying for the explanation. For Real Sociedad, there are match tickets at Anoeta.

One day or two

One day: the Parte Vieja (old town) and the promenade in the morning, a museum or the Aquarium next, and Monte Igueldo at sunset. The park's rides don't open every day, so check if you're bringing children.

Two days: Chillida Leku in the morning, with a bus every half hour from the centre, or a trip to Getaria or Biarritz. If you're planning a day in Bilbao that takes in Gaztelugatxe, remember it needs a free ticket on controlled-access days.

If Bilbao is on your trip too, split it this way: Guggenheim there, Chillida here. A recent Bilbao Fine Arts Museum ticket gets you 20% off at Chillida Leku.