• Morning (Arrival & Old Town Exploration): Arrive at Bilbao Airport ✈️ Vuelos Baratos (Expedia) and take the Pesa bus directly to San Sebastian (approximately 1 hour 15 minutes, very affordable). Check into your budget-friendly accommodation; consider a hostel in the city center like Koisi Hostel. Drop off your bags and head straight to the 📍 Parte Vieja (Old Town). Get lost in the narrow streets and soak up the atmosphere.
• Lunch (Pintxos Pilgrimage): Embark on a pintxos crawl! Start at 📍 Bar Nestor for their famous tortilla (arrive early, it sells out quickly). Then, move on to 📍 Gandarias Jatetxea for classic pintxos and txakoli (a slightly sparkling Basque white wine). Remember, the key to a low-cost pintxos experience is to share plates and only order a drink at each bar.
• Afternoon (Beach Time & Monte Urgull): Head to 📍 Playa de la Concha, one of the most beautiful city beaches in the world. Enjoy the sun, swim in the Cantabrian Sea, or simply relax on the sand. Afterwards, hike up 📍 Monte Urgull for panoramic views of the city and the coastline. The hike is free and rewarding!
• Evening (More Pintxos & Cheap Drinks): Continue your pintxos adventures, exploring different bars in the Parte Vieja. For budget-friendly drinks, look for bars offering "zurito" (a small beer) or "kalimotxo" (red wine mixed with cola). 🏨 Reservar Hotel con Descuento (25% OFF)

• Morning (Surfing at Zurriola Beach): Get up early and head to 📍 Playa de la Zurriola, known for its surf breaks. Rent surfboards affordably at one of the surf schools along the beach and catch some waves (even if you're a beginner, it's a blast!). Alternatively, just enjoy watching the surfers and soaking up the cool vibes.
• Lunch (Picnic at Mount Igeldo): Grab some bread, cheese, and fruit from a local market (Mercado de la Bretxa is a good option) and pack a picnic. Take the funicular up 📍 Monte Igeldo for stunning views and enjoy your picnic lunch. Note that the funicular has a fee. Alternatively, you can hike up for free, though it's a steeper climb.
• Afternoon (Sculptures & Gros Neighborhood): Explore the "Peine del Viento" (Comb of the Wind) sculptures by Eduardo Chillida, located at the western end of Ondarreta Beach. It is a spectacular place to feel the power of the ocean. Afterwards, wander through the Gros neighborhood, known for its laid-back atmosphere, surf shops, and excellent pintxos bars.
• Evening (Budget-Friendly Dinner & Live Music): Find a budget-friendly restaurant offering "menu del dia" (daily menu), typically a three-course meal at a set price. The Gros neighborhood has many options. Afterwards, check out the local bars for live music – often free or with a small cover charge. 🚗 Alquiler de Coche (Mejor Precio)

• Morning (San Telmo Museoa (Basque Culture)): Immerse yourselves in Basque culture at the 📍 San Telmo Museoa, housed in a former Dominican monastery. Check for student discounts or free admission days to save money. Even if you don't go inside, the building itself is worth seeing.
• Lunch (Pintxos in the Gros District): Head back to the Gros district for lunch and sample pintxos at some of the local bars. This area often has less crowded and more affordable options than the Parte Vieja.
• Afternoon (Secret Beach & Cider House Visit - optional): Discover Ondarreta Beach's hidden gem. At low tide, walk along the beach towards the rocky headland and you might find a small, secluded cove. For a truly Basque experience, consider a trip to a traditional cider house (sagardotegia) outside of the city (requires transportation).
• Evening (Farewell Pintxos & Sunset View): Enjoy a final pintxos crawl, focusing on trying new and interesting combinations. Head to the harbor for sunset views, a perfect way to end your trip to San Sebastian. ✈️ Vuelos Baratos (Expedia)

• Transportation: San Sebastian is a very walkable city. Utilize public transportation (buses) for longer distances, and consider renting bikes for exploring further afield.
• Accommodation: Hostels and budget-friendly guesthouses offer the most affordable options. Book in advance, especially during peak season.
• Food & Drink: Pintxos can add up quickly. Pace yourself, share plates, and look for deals on drinks. Take advantage of "menu del dia" options for lunch.
• Safety: San Sebastian is a generally safe city. However, be aware of your belongings, especially in crowded areas.
• Learn some basic Basque phrases: While Spanish is widely spoken, knowing a few Basque phrases will be appreciated. "Kaixo" (hello), "Eskerrik asko" (thank you).
• Free Activities: Take advantage of free activities like hiking, exploring beaches, and visiting parks.
• Drinking Water: Tap water is safe to drink, so bring a reusable water bottle.

San Sebastian offers a unique blend of Basque culture, stunning scenery, and incredible food. By following this low-cost itinerary, you and your amigos can experience the best of this beautiful city without breaking the bank. Enjoy your pintxos and make lasting memories!